My alternative to red dots - what else do you use?

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Saw Racer88’s post on his favorite red dots. Up until building a G19 with an RMR cut, I never considered a red dot on a pistol. I have red dots on multiple ARs, and I stick with the less expensive ones like Crimson Trace and Primary Arms.

Instead of red dots to compensate for eyes going to crap, I have been using Crimson Trace lasers or laser/light combos for quite some time. I have them integral to grips on the 92/96SFs and 1911s, special trigger wrap around attachment on EC9/LC9s (my go anywhere EDC), and on the rail of SW SD40VE/SD9VEs.

So for my first 2 builds I used a CMR-205 red laser/light combo on the G19 and a CMR-201 red laser on the G26. The G19 has a ARJunkies slide and the G26 has a Durkin Tactical slide. I put TruGlow night sights on both and they seem to work fine. Of course these are not as effective in bright light situations. Until recently, I didn’t know anything about red dots for a pistol and even thought all had same mounting pattern. Ordered the crimson trace CTS-1550 for a G17 Arm or Ally Bottomland Camo slide thinking that would work - nope. Thank goodness for free returns thru Amazon.

So are any of you all using lasers and what?

239698EE-5E66-4301-BA07-188C177F691C.jpeg
 
Olight BALDOR Mini.
Combination light/laser.
Available with either green or red laser.
Light only, laser only, or both is selectable.
Light is 600 lumens.
Will fit the PF9SS.

1647422476910.jpeg
 
That's another way of adjusting for changing vision. I've had lasers before, and then I didn't (removed them). But, that was when my vision was good. I have some thoughts on lasers, but I've got to get ready for work! Like everything (including red dots), they have their pros and cons. In the end, it's what works for you!
 
No need for sights, optics or any of those targeting assistance if you practice practice practice. You to could quick kill, like this guy or others with sightless glocks...

 
gandrfab said:
No need for sights, optics or any of those targeting assistance if you practice practice practice. You to could quick kill, like this guy or others with sightless glocks...

Click to expand...


Amazing. I've taken some "Threat-Focused" / point-shooting / instinctive shooting training. And, it's amazing when you realize you can make head shots from the hip. At most self-defense distances, I would not be using sights at all.
 
I don’t own cats or fear of them attacking, so I don’t use lasers on my weapon systems. [emoji14]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
PF940SC With Baldr Mini GreenDot. It's my first laser/light and i'm pretty happy with it. Yes I'd buy it again, and the missus wants one, so.... hehe

SC TiN.jpg
 
no4mk1t said:
Did you change out the cross screw for the other one that fits your rail slot size?
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I did have to swap the rectangular adapter or "dog" that's included, yes. The preinstalled one fits Glock and it's a bit too narrow to fit snugly in the rail, although when you close the lever, it does clamp down.
 
Cool.
I have the same light.
You can move it back a bit so it doesn't protrude past the slide, unless that's where you want it for button reach.
 
no4mk1t said:
Cool.
I have the same light.
You can move it back a bit so it doesn't protrude past the slide, unless that's where you want it for button reach.
Click to expand...
mine is slammed all the way back to the TG on the SC you see in the pic; thus there is a bit of peep past the muzzle. With my G19 there is more real estate to play with and still keep it flush to, or behind the muzzle.
 
I find that using laser to zero red dot on pistol very useful and save ammo.

Select distance
Fire few rounds
Aligned laser to middle of group
Walk your red dot to the laser
Confirm zero
 
One Ping Only said:
mine is slammed all the way back to the TG on the SC you see in the pic; thus there is a bit of peep past the muzzle. With my G19 there is more real estate to play with and still keep it flush to, or behind the muzzle.
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Same pistol, same light.
My mount is one notch to the rear from yours.
1651972809787.jpeg
 
no4mk1t said:
Same pistol, same light.
My mount is one notch to the rear from yours.
View attachment 2712
Click to expand...
Sorry no, mine is the SUBCOMPACT PF940SC (G26) in that picture with the TiN barrel. Believe me.
I do have had a PF940C (G19) that allows me to slide the Olight back further like yours But not on the SC. Look closely at the body of my Olight Baldr MINI It's right up against the trigger guard, yet the light protrudes past the muzzle about .6" past the (correction) FRAME, but is almost flush with the muzzle of the barrel...and only sits out a wee tad farther.
 
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Do you guys have any comments on this Holosun laser?

Seems that it would fit the SCT 17 frames since they have a Picatinny 13 rail.
 
marsbase said:
Do you guys have any comments on this Holosun laser?

Seems that it would fit the SCT 17 frames since they have a Picatinny 13 rail.
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No experience with the Holosun laser. But I've had others (Lasermax, Crimson Trace). I'm not a fan of lasers as aiming devices, generally. They are much slower than other methods, IMO.

But if Holosun's "dot" sight quality is any indication, I would expect their laser to be of good quality construction.
 
I have a Lasermax recoil spring guide rod laser in an XD40 that I have had for a decade and a half. It was cool tech back then, but it's kind of cheesy . Also have a green laser built into an AR gas block front sight on a gun I have not shot in years.
 
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MikedaddyH said:
I have a Lasermax recoil spring guide rod laser in an XD40 that I have had for a decade and a half. It was cool tech back then, but it's kind of cheesy .
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Had one of those in my Glock 19. It cost me something like $350 back in the day! It never worked right. The switch was temperamental. It would flicker on and off. I sent it back to Lasermax under warranty. They "fixed" it and sent it back. Same problem. So I removed it.

I've learned a lot about defensive shooting and marksmanship since then. I don't have much use for lasers as an aiming device now. They have a place in training devices (dry fire), however.
 
Racer88 said:
Had one of those in my Glock 19. It cost me something like $350 back in the day! It never worked right. The switch was temperamental. It would flicker on and off. I sent it back to Lasermax under warranty. They "fixed" it and sent it back. Same problem. So I removed it.

I've learned a lot about defensive shooting and marksmanship since then. I don't have much use for lasers as an aiming device now. They have a place in training devices (dry fire), however.
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The Laser Max I had was a little finicky as well. Worked OK , but battery issues made it a PITA. Would jamb into the RSA and the slide was a bitch to get off .
 

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