When does a laser aiming device make sense?

[G36Packer]

I've read several of the debates for and against laser sights. In theory I agree that they are not a replacement for sights and should not be used as a crutch for lack of practice. I do believe there is a time when one should consider laser and I think that time, for me, is now.

When I took the test to renew my CHL I really struggled with what I thought was the lighting conditions at the range. I literally could not use my sights. I could not see them. Once I realized this I mentally compensated, relaxed and still shot 247 out of 250. I had never had this problem at my range and assumed it was the lighting.

Later I had a similar situation shooting an armadillo at night. Then last night I stumbled on what I think is the real problem. I wear either MultiFocal contacts, bifocals or single vision glasses. The only time I can focus on the sights with my dominant eye is without corrective lenses. My non-dominant eye has no problem aligning the sights with corrective lenses.

Because I am required to wear corrective lenses to drive I need an option that will allow me to engage a target when wearing them. At -1 and -.75 I don't think my eyes are bad enough for surgery. Shooting right handed with my left eye or shooting left handed would take a considerable time to become natural.

I think this would be a reasonable reason to invest in a laser aiming device. Any other thoughts? I plan on talking to my eye doctor as well.

[RayB]

I think you have considered your options carefully, and with all criterion set forth, a laser makes perfect sense.

Real-world targeting: In my humble opinion, you should practice using your uncorrected binocular vision, placing your shots where the dot appears. Try this a few times and you'll see what I mean--all hand movements become evident.

The laser does not involve a triangulation of three points in space-time, like the sights do; it's simpler. But it's not a no-brainer either... It is a dead-reckoning point and shoot procedure, that requires a bit of practice.

--Ray

[B_Easy]

Originally posted by RayB
I think you have considered your options carefully, and with all criterion set forth, a laser makes perfect sense.

Real-world targeting: In my humble opinion, you should practice using your uncorrected binocular vision, placing your shots where the dot appears. Try this a few times and you'll see what I mean--all hand movements become evident.

The laser does not involve a triangulation of three points in space-time, like the sights do; it's simpler. But it's not a no-brainer either... It is a dead-reckoning point and shoot procedure, that requires a bit of practice.

--Ray

Depending on where you have it mounted, your windage and/or elevation will change drastically with range, too, so that's another thing to consider.

[G36Packer]

RayB, by uncorrected binocular vision do you mean both eyes with no glasses? I had difficulty shooting with both eyes open with iron sites but found I automatically use both eyes when pointing a laser pen. I hope that will translate into naturally using both eyes with a pointing device. I guess muscle memory could still close the left eye.

B_Easy, I noticed the parallax issue when looking at a 1911 with a triggerguard mounted laser. At 25 feet the dot was on top of the sights. At 15 feet the sights covered the dot.

What is the recommended alignment for concealed carry? Maybe the dot at POA-POI at 50 feet knowing that it will always be within two inches at closer range?

I am looking at LAW-17 for my G36 and Arma-Laser for my P-3AT. Both come on automatically unlike LaserMax. Crimson Trace has no plans to offer LaserGrips for either of them.

Thanks for your insight,
G36Packer

[RayB]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by G36Packer
[B]RayB, by uncorrected binocular vision do you mean both eyes with no glasses? I had difficulty shooting with both eyes open with iron sites but found I automatically use both eyes when pointing a laser pen. I hope that will translate into naturally using both eyes with a pointing device...


Yes, both eyes open, no glasses, because in a fast-breaking situation you will want all your peripheral vision on line--and you may or may not have your glasses.

Same with me... I'm a two eyed laser shooter and a one eyed fixed sight shooter. At my age, it's the best I can do! ;g

I've used laser pointers for astronomy and sales presentations, and it's always been a point & shoot, binocular procedure.

My only experience with gun-mounted lasers is the LaserMax, which has no collimation issues, as it's factory-aligned, and parallels the gun barrel. In my G-21, rounds appear just above the dot at mid range.

I really like the G-36, and would strongly consider this gun with a magazine grip extender, and LaserMax as accessories.

--Ray

[WIG19]

Originally posted by G36Packer
Any other thoughts? I plan on talking to my eye doctor as well.
Just my $.02 but I think that's an excellent idea first. FWIW, as I've aged my dominant eye has actually appeared to change, discovered while wing-shooting. I do all my shooting, except thru optics when on a bench with both eyes open.

The photo is courtesy of Butch who, while not having the shifting dominant eye problem I do, took the problem to his doctor and came up with this setup for his glasses. He's a master-class shooter and police officer as well and, thus far, tells me he hasn't noticed any difficulty in using this type of Rx on daily basis. (And I do bug him about "how's it workin' out?") Just food for thought, but after the first of the year I'm going to take the time beyond a normal visit to work with the doc to iron some of this stuff out. Best of luck.
;?
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/WIG19/Glock%20Tech/Butch_ShootingGlasses.jpg

[G36Packer]

WIG19,

You know I've known about pilot glasses for years. Some have distance in the middle and reading top and bottom. It never occurred to me to do that for just the dominant eye.

That idea is worth more than $.02!

Thanks,
G36Packer

[WIG19]

Originally posted by G36Packer
It never occurred to me to do that for just the dominant eye.

That idea is worth more than $.02!

Thanks,
G36Packer
Don't thank me; it didn't occur to me either until I talked to Butch about it, and if I have to hogtie him, my optometrist is going to take the time next visit (probably in Feb) and we're going to work this thru. But the idea made too much sense not to try, so he did it and it seems to be working.

Make sure you're using both to shoot, and you're positive which one is dominant.
:)
(I hope you don't ever have to go through the process of dominant eye change, because it kicked my butt - while my brother-in-law was smoking all the pheasants - until I found out what was going on.)
^2