People sometimes use laser sights on their weapons. A laser sight is a small device that emits a thin, visible red or green light beam (the light itself is invisible to the naked eye). Laser sights are attached to firearms for either practical or tactical reasons. These beams enable shooters to see where bullets will hit before they fire them.
Before we look at the pros and cons of using laser sights, let us examine how they work.
A laser sight works by attaching a small device that emits a thin beam to your firearm. Lasers come in several different colours such as red or green, and some models even have more than one colour available for use. Scopes, flashlights and even certain types of sights can be altered to emit a laser beam rather than a light from the muzzle so anyone with these additions can use them for this purpose.
Laser sights have been used for years in police work besides other government agencies such as military or special forces. Laser sights are useful in several ways making them a popular choice for many people who want to use a firearm.
Pros of Using Laser Sights
The following are the 5 key benefits of using laser sights on firearms:
• A laser sight improves accuracy by helping the shooter obtain a clearer view of the target.
• Using laser sights is an effective way of judging distance or bullet drop. You can see exactly where your bullets will hit.
• Laser sights have been known to be very effective when used in low-light or dim conditions because the beams are much easier to see than bullets themselves.
• Another benefit of laser sights is that they have a very fast reaction time.
• Laser sights are not only useful outdoors but indoors as well because of their ability to make quick adjustments and pinpoint accuracy that normal eyes cannot achieve.
Laser sights are not all perfect though. There are some disadvantages of using them that people must be aware of before they make a decision on whether to purchase one or not. Let us look at some of the disadvantages of using laser sights on firearms.
Cons of Using Laser Sights
• Cost – Laser sights cost more than iron sights.
• Batteries might need replacement often. Battery life should be one the key things you look out for when choosing your sight.
• Accuracy – Laser sights are not very useful in extremely windy conditions.
• Dexterity – Laser sights can be cumbersome to switch on and off quickly.
Outro
As you see, there is no clear cut answer to whether laser sights are worth it or not.
But, I sincerely hope that it will help shooting enthusiasts decide whether laser sights are a worthy investment for them or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it beneficial to have laser sights on guns?
Yes, it absolutely can be advantageous to equip a firearm with a laser sight. These tools increase the flexibility and utility of the firearm by allowing more precision in varying light conditions, eliminating the necessity to line up the sights with your eye for accuracy at certain distances. Whether you choose a red or green variant, both have proven to be invaluable additions to a firearm. Having spent countless hours at the range myself and working with a variety of shooters, I’ve seen firsthand how a laser sight can help build confidence and accuracy in many situations.
What are the potential downsides to laser guns?
Laser weapon systems are not without their drawbacks, despite their impressive precision, rapid response, and cost-effective operation. These systems can be substantially influenced by environmental factors, and they demand considerable power resources to function effectively. Furthermore, countermeasures may be developed over time that can neutralize or diminish the effectiveness of laser weaponry. From my experience in the field, it’s apparent that while these systems hold tremendous promise, there is still much work to be done to mitigate their limitations and vulnerabilities.
Are lasers on handguns advisable?
I generally counsel new shooters against relying too heavily on lasers, particularly when they’re in the learning process or practicing on a static range. From my many years of coaching and teaching firearms safety and proficiency, I’ve noticed that new shooters tend to become overly focused on the laser, losing track of the numerous other elements involved in accurately shooting a handgun. While lasers can definitely be an asset under certain circumstances, it is essential that new shooters learn to shoot effectively without them first.
What is the effective range of laser sights?
While the visibility of red lasers tends to be limited to about 25 – 30 yards in daylight, green lasers are much more noticeable, with visibility extending up to 100 yards. Green lasers’ enhanced visibility is due to their position closer to the center of the visible light spectrum. As a long-time firearms instructor, I’ve had numerous opportunities to observe and compare the performance of red and green lasers under a variety of conditions, and I can attest to the striking difference in visibility during daylight hours.