Free for All Friday: 2-28-2014
This is the first of a (hopefully) weekly feature where we answer reader questions. We’re calling it “Free for All Friday” and we do mean free for all. Ask us anything! It can be about technique, opinions, favorite color, curiosity in general, science or whatever. As this is only the first week, we only have one question but it’s a really good one!
Chris H. from our Facebook page asks: “Should a new buyer look into a laser or laser grip for their first time gun purchase? Pros and cons?”
As far as I’m concerned, if the gun has a laser available for it and you’re willing to spend the extra money (an additional $200 on average), by all means go for it. For new shooters, it’s a great way to verify site picture as well as get feedback on how smooth your trigger pull is during dry fire practice (basically, try to reduce the jiggle of the laser while you pull the trigger). It can also be a great way to compensate for a lack of skill if push comes to shove and you find yourself in a defensive situation before you really get the full hang of shooting the gun. Remember, a criminal isn’t going to say “oh, you’re not comfortable with it yet? I’ll just come back later then.” A laser is also great if you’re trying to learn point shooting, which is shooting without using the sights. After a while, you’ll be able to hit the target without the sights of even the laser! Granted, it won’t be as accurate as with sights but still, it’s a good technique to be familiar with.
On the downside, it can be VERY easy for the laser to become a crutch that actually holds back your progress. It’s like when learning to ride a bike for the first time: at some point, the training wheels will need to come off. When practicing with the gun, spend a great deal of time with the laser off so that you don’t come to depend on it. Also, with a brand new shooter, the added step of turning a laser on needs to become part of your practice routine. The time when you truly need your gun is the absolute last time you want to be fumbling with your gun.
Some lasers are set up so that they come on the moment you grip the pistol. I tend to prefer those to the ones that clamp on to the trigger guard or snap onto the rails. At least with the grip based lasers, it reduces that fumbling that concerns me so.
Hope that helps, Chris and thanks for the question!
So do you have a question burning in your mind? We’re going to start doing this every week so send them in! It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it’s arguably gun related we want to hear it! Head over to our Facebook or Twitter or Contact Page and send them in. See you next Friday!
Image courtesy of LaserLyte
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