{"id":13549,"date":"2016-06-23T16:45:32","date_gmt":"2016-06-23T16:45:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/?p=13549"},"modified":"2016-06-23T16:45:32","modified_gmt":"2016-06-23T16:45:32","slug":"beginners-guide-to-handgun-laser-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-to-handgun-laser-options\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner’s Guide to Handgun Laser Options"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\"LL-21\"<\/a><\/p>\n

There are a variety of companies offering weapon-mounted lasers, typically in three categories that include grip lasers, guide rod lasers, and rail mount lasers. Depending on your weapon system and the way you intend to employ it, you may find one suites your needs better than others. Recently there has been the introduction of green lasers. In some instances they may be easier to see than red lasers but in my experience the color of your laser is about as important as the color of your underwear.<\/p>\n

Grip Lasers<\/h4>\n

Grip lasers are the least intrusive to the handgun and are available through Crimson Trace<\/a> for almost every modern pistol or revolver. Most are easy for the user to install and zero. They also make the execution of laser discipline simple because you can cover the laser beam with your trigger finger or just reduce your pressure on the handgun\u2019s activation switch (grip). Laser grips should not impact holster selection and their instinctive activation make them the, almost always, best choice.<\/p>\n

\"LL-22\"<\/a>
I prefer Crimson Trace laser grips for almost all applications because they do not interfere with holster selection and because of their instinctive activation.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guide Rod Lasers<\/h4>\n

These units replace the recoil guide rod in your handgun and on the plus side, add nothing to the external dimensions and little if anything at all to the weight of the pistol. For plastic framed handguns they are a non-intrusive option and do not increase the already bulkiness of the grip on some of these firearms. On the down side, if they break your pistol could be rendered inoperable and they are not conducive to instinctive tactical control if you need to exercise extreme laser discipline. Finally, they require a separate action on the part of the shooter to be activated. For me this is a deal breaker.<\/p>\n

\"LL-20\"<\/a>
Guide rod lasers are appealing but there have been instances where they come apart and disable the handgun. Not a good thing!<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rail Mounted Lasers<\/h4>\n

The biggest problem with rail-mounted lasers is they can make finding a holster to fit your handgun difficult. However, Crimson Trace<\/a> now has a Resource Guide for Holsters<\/a><\/strong> that are\u00a0compatible with their lasers and it includes more than 3000 options. Most rail lasers are easy to tactically control with your non-shooting hand and some even incorporate a high intensity weapon light. They\u2019re generally a good option for law enforcement tactical teams and on a handgun strictly used for home defense, where you might have time to ready the gun \u2013 turn the laser on \u2013 before contact. Crimson Trace LaserGuard lasers<\/a> are a\u00a0kind of hybrid rail-mount laser. They attach to the trigger guard and, like Crimson Trace\u00a0laser grips, offer the very desirable instinctive activation.<\/p>\n

\"LL-23\"<\/a>
Don’t be lured in by cheap rail mounted lasers like this one. Spend the money for the real deal or better yet, opt for a Crimson Trace LaserGuard.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Regardless of the handgun laser you might choose, consider taking the Laser Integrated 250 Pistol Course at Gunsite<\/a> to learn how and when to use it. If \u00a0you’re not convinced a handgun laser is a necessity as opposed to an accessory, contact Crimson Trace and ask for a \u00a0free copy of their Laser’s Edge DVD<\/a>. A free copy of this DVD is also provided with every copy of one of my books sold HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"The-Lasers-Edge-Header\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  There are a variety of companies offering weapon-mounted lasers, typically in three categories that include grip lasers, guide rod lasers, and rail mount lasers. Depending on your weapon system and the way you intend to employ it, you may find one suites your needs better than others. Recently there has been the introduction of green lasers. In some instances they may …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2509],"tags":[353,462,1559,2691,2149],"class_list":["post-13549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-defense","tag-crimson-trace","tag-handgun-lasers","tag-laser-grips","tag-laser-guard","tag-the-lasers-edge"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5hujZ-3wx","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12913,"url":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/zeroing-defensive-handgun-lasers\/","url_meta":{"origin":13549,"position":0},"title":"Zeroing Defensive Handgun Lasers","author":"gunwriter","date":"January 25, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"When it comes to adjusting a laser on a defensive handgun so that the point of aim (POA) coincides with the point of impact (POI) there are several things to consider. Most important is how to zero the laser so that it best compliments your ability to deal with a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DEFENSE"","block_context":{"text":"DEFENSE","link":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/category\/defense\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"You can even use a Crimson Trace laser grip as a laser training tool.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/05\/slt_0081-200x300.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13183,"url":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/proof-of-the-lasers-edge\/","url_meta":{"origin":13549,"position":1},"title":"Proof of the Laser’s Edge","author":"gunwriter","date":"April 6, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"In 2012 while\u00a0researching and working on my book, Handgun Training for Personal Protection, I worked with a local shooting club to put together a defensive handgun match. The stages for the match are those detailed in my book. But, I went a step further and for the Forty-Five Drill stage\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DEFENSE"","block_context":{"text":"DEFENSE","link":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/category\/defense\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"M-4","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/M-4.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/M-4.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/M-4.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/M-4.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13244,"url":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/laser-sights-the-early-days\/","url_meta":{"origin":13549,"position":2},"title":"Laser Sights – The Early Days","author":"gunwriter","date":"April 20, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"The first handgun mounted laser sight I saw was in the mid 1990's. I was running combat style pistol matches for my Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge. For most of the matches we hosted I tried to keep the scenarios realistic with a focus on the shooter having to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DEFENSE"","block_context":{"text":"DEFENSE","link":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/category\/defense\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"L-4","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/L-4.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/L-4.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/L-4.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/L-4.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13013,"url":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/lights-lasers-and-myths\/","url_meta":{"origin":13549,"position":3},"title":"Lights, Lasers, and Myths","author":"gunwriter","date":"February 25, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"There are a number of myths associated with laser sights and lights on defensive handguns. There are also some given facts. For example, you cannot shoot the bad guy if you cannot see your sights. And, you have no business shooting at a bad guy unless you know he is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DEFENSE"","block_context":{"text":"DEFENSE","link":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/category\/defense\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"CT-1","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/CT-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/CT-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/CT-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/CT-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8037,"url":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/train-accordingly\/","url_meta":{"origin":13549,"position":4},"title":"Train Accordingly","author":"gunwriter","date":"January 16, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Reliable lasers for defensive handguns have been around since 1994 when Crimson Trace introduced a laser modification for the Glock. In case you are mathematically challenged, that was 20 years ago. Over the span of those 20 years the laser has become, next to holsters, the most popular defensive handgun\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"250 Pistol Class\"","block_context":{"text":"250 Pistol Class","link":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/tag\/250-pistol-class\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"This laser modification to a Glock in 1994 by Crimson Trace marked the beginning of trustworthy handgun lasers.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/CT1-200x200.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":13102,"url":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/laser-sights-and-donald-trump\/","url_meta":{"origin":13549,"position":5},"title":"Laser Sights and Donald Trump","author":"gunwriter","date":"March 24, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"It occurred to me that laser sights on defensive handguns are looked at in much the same way as Donald Trump. Some folks are laser fans and some are adamantly against them. Donald can claim the same balance of support. Fortunately for gun owners looking to better prepare themselves for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "DEFENSE"","block_context":{"text":"DEFENSE","link":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/category\/defense\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"LAS-3","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/LAS-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/LAS-3.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/LAS-3.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/LAS-3.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13549","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13549"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13549\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13556,"href":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13549\/revisions\/13556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}