Lasermax + Light vs. Streamlight TLR2 - Accuracy of Laser [Archive] - Glock Talk

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niceguymr
08-22-2006, 23:06
I'm considering purchasing a light to be mounted under my G21 and am also considering a laser.

I realize that for a laser to have a wider range of distance for accuracy, it must be mounted as close to the barrel as possible. In other words (or in theory), a laser mounted say... directly below the barrel (as in the Lasermax guiderod laser) would provide greater accuracy at a larger range of distance than say... a laser mounted below the light (as in the Stremlight TLR2) with the laser being approximately 2" below the barrel. With that configuration, you'd have to pick a specific distance to 'zero' it in on, and any distance closer or further would result in an overshot or undershot of the actual laser dot on the target.

I hear a lot of negative things about the Lasermax guiderod sight, and the fact that it requires you to replace stock Glock parts has me apprehensive about installing one. I really like the concept of it being so close to the barrel, with regards to my accuracy comparison above.

I'm leaning towards buying a Streamlight TLR2, however, the 2" distance from the bore of the barrel to the beam of the laser concerns me. Do I just aim the laser straight out and calculate that all my shots are going to hit roughly 2" above the laser dot placement, or do calibrate the laser to be dead on at say... 20 feet away with the caviat of diminishing accuracy at closer or farther distances?

Ideally, you would want the target it exactly where the laser hits, and it seems like you're limited with something like a TLR2 in that respect. On the otherhand, I belive you compromise the integrity of the gun by installing a laser where actual gun parts should be, not to mention the quatlity of that laser isn't supposed to be as good as the other options available.

Any input from people who've experimented with this dilema would be greatly appreciated.

ETA: WRT Crimson Trace Laser Grips. I have heard wonderful things about the new lasergrips for Glocks. Again though, I would like to itterate the actual laser beam WRT the barrel of the gun. Although the Laser sits very close to the same lign of sight as the bore of the barrel, the laser is down and to the right of the barrel. This makes it even more difficult to calibrate the laser at a wide range of distances because now you have to worry about being off target on both the vertical AND horizontal axises.

81jasonG23
08-22-2006, 23:42
I wouldn't lose that much sleep over it. Also consider if the need be, the ability to carry it in a holster with the light/laser on the bottom of it? Sounds like a bulky mess to try to pull out in a panic situation. I would go with the lasermax or the grip laser. For less worry with adjustments go with the internal. It is a very easy swap and if you keep your factory Glock guide rod you'll have a back up. IMHO....there is my 2cents worth...good luck

RayB
08-22-2006, 23:42
I bought my new G21 last October, with OEM night sights. I immediately picked up a SureFire X200 (see attached), and two weeks later, ordered a LaserMax for the gun.

Several thousand rounds later, I am well pleased with all products, and the way they work together.

But that's me...

It's not like you'll be sniping with this rig. Get the TLR-2, or Crimson Trace grips, if you like them, and set the interstices of the beam and the round's trajectory to 30-feet or less.

The two axis thing is no biggie; it's largely instinctive--like setting a red dot reflex sight, i.e., POA/POI.

--Ray

niceguymr
08-22-2006, 23:48
Originally posted by 81jasonG23
I wouldn't lose that much sleep over it. Also consider if the need be, the ability to carry it in a holster with the light/laser on the bottom of it? Sounds like a bulky mess to try to pull out in a panic situation. I would go with the lasermax or the grip laser. For less worry with adjustments go with the internal. It is a very easy swap and if you keep your factory Glock guide rod you'll have a back up. IMHO....there is my 2cents worth...good luck

Thanks for your reply.

Since I won't be carrying this (it will mostly be a home defense pistol), having the light on the bottom rail wont be a problem.

My main concern is maitaining 'zero' at a wide range of distances with the different types of lasers available. That being the case, the Lasermax 'seems' to be the best choise for that concern, however, I'd prefer to leave the glock internal parts stock. My other concern is HOW MUCH ACCURACY IS COMPROMISED WITH A LASER ON A TLR2? Is it worth even getting, or is it just a gimmick?

niceguymr
08-22-2006, 23:50
Originally posted by RayB
I bought my new G21 last October, with OEM night sights. I immediately picked up a SureFire X200 (see attached), and two weeks later, ordered a LaserMax for the gun.

Several thousand rounds later, I am well pleased with all products, and the way they work together.

But that's me...

It's not like you'll be sniping with this rig. Get the TLR-2, or Crimson Trace grips, if you like them, and set the interstices of the beam and the round's trajectory to 30-feet or less.

The two axis thing is no biggie; it's largely instinctive--like setting a red dot reflex sight, i.e., POA/POI.

--Ray

Thanks for the reply, and NICE SETUP!!!

That may be the route I go. Light under rail. And either the CT Laser Grip or the Lasermax. I just wanted to hear from people who've used something like the TLR2 or M6X and whether or not they've experience accuracy issues with the laser component?

BIGpig
08-23-2006, 13:00
I dont have any exp. with the streamlight but I can tell you the Lasermax I had in my glock was NOT accurate at all. The people at lasermax were not any help either when I called them. I also developed problems with the type of ammo the gun would shoot. Mine was in a G19 and after I put it in, the pistol would not shoot 115grain ammo without FTEs. When I took it out and put stock parts back in it did fine.

However, with the ranges you will be dealing with inside of a house I would not concern myself much with if the laser is 2 inches below the barrel or directly below it. Myself I would just get the light for a home defense gun because if anything would happen you are not going to have time to turn on half a dozen things.

I was going to use my G19 with lasermax for a dept. that I used to work for as a psych. tool for the not exactly a shoot situation but will scare them situation (hopefully). Like I said though didn't work well I would get the flashlight, and a set of night sights on the gun. Just my opinion and experience though. Something to think about hope it helps.

FireGuy
08-23-2006, 13:19
I have a G19 with a Lasermax. The first time I installed it, I didn't get it "just right" - the laser was off by several inches at 10 yrds. The retainer for the spring wasn't set correctly. It took about five seconds to fix. Since then - no problems. The laser is within an inch of POA at normal defensive distances.

I've had none of the problems that BIGpig noted - but as we all know, each weapon may look the same on the outside but they all have different preferences during operation. I've ran everthing from ultracheap 115 white box (my normal practive ammo) to super duper several bucks a round defensive stuff through it.

I used the same setup with an identically setup G-19 overseas. and ran military issue and some really strange foreign made ammo that we had come across with no problems. It's best to test - and BIGpig did it right. Find what works for YOUR set up. That said, several of the folks that have tried my G19 tended to limp wrist it while using the laser. It wasn't their normal habit - just something to do with a change in focus from using sights to looking down range to the laser spot. Like BIGpig, they got the expected stove pipe. Better to use what works for you and live than use a setup that leads to problems.

A laser type sight is a great training aid. It shows you (and everyone else) how bad you jitter around while aiming. It's helped me learn better presentation and trigger control. It's also great for helping others learn proper sight alignment.

My original intent was to use the laser as the primary method of assuring quick hits at times when stress has resulted in tunnel vision and all the other stress induced handicaps noted in such a situation. It works for that. I have Trijicons but the laser is faster FOR ME, and it does light up more than just the POA so I can see who/what my threat is. As I don't have family living with me, I'd rather surprise the perceived threat with the red light than blow out my night vision with a white one.

As for the psychological impact of the laser on the actions of the target, I've not tested that and hope to not have to...

amd4me
08-25-2006, 01:08
Here is what I am not getting, once the laser is "dialed in" wouldnt that mean that no matter how far the target is, the bullet will always be 2 inches high?