Laser or red dot

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  • Cbro

    Well-Known Member
    Rating - 100%
    4   0   0
    Mar 2, 2010
    67
    6
    New Iberia
    My wife carries an M&P 380 EZ and I want to give her a better option than iron sights. What's your opinion, laser, or red dot optic?
     

    hkump

    Well-Known Member
    Rating - 100%
    314   0   0
    Jan 6, 2013
    1,905
    83
    Covington, LA
    Red dot optic hands down because it holds zero. Lasers don't really hold zero and are always off. I've tried many and red dot optics are the way to go.
     

    Magdump

    Don’t troll me bro!
    Rating - 100%
    163   0   0
    Dec 31, 2013
    9,396
    113
    Hammond, Louisiana
    For carry, many people go with a red dot. Many manufacturers have gone to cut slides for fitting some of the mini RMR’s and it’s a pretty solid set up, if you can get past the extra appendage sticking out the top. For someone new to this, finding the sight picture and hitting the target is very intuitive, much like a laser.
    Pros over a laser:
    Most important would be that it’s discrete. A green or red laser light can give away your position.
    A RMR gives the shooter the stealth advantage.
    Battery life for sure. Reliability? Maybe.
    Cons:
    For me it’s snag potential. And that’s a deal breaker. Also reliability. What do you do if the sight doesn’t work? I could list a dozen or more real scenarios where the sight could get damaged or may not light. Then what? Sighting through a little window with no reference unless you can manage to see a sight picture through the optic with your irons and that’s another if. I have a couple of pistols with this set up but don’t carry one like that.
    Why? Mostly snag potential, but also because even though many people will tell you that it makes enough difference to have precise aiming ability and you’ll have quicker shots on target I don’t agree. Why? I’ll tell you.
    Anything that has the potential to slow my draw is out. If there is enough distance between me and a shooter/attacker that my target acquisition is anything less than effective, I’m likely not going to be shooting anyway, but headed for the hills. I think that’s an important option that too many armchair heroes pretend is a last resort or not even an option. Getting me and my family to safety is number one and having a firearm is one of the tools I will use to accomplish that. Why do you carry in public? What’s your number one reason? To seek out and destroy the bad guy? Or to keep yourself and your family safe? If I have to shoot it’s likely going to be from a very short distance in a very short time. Training for this scenario involves less extension of the weapon and more retention minded shooting and that’s how I train. That dot won’t help me there. If I need to take a controlled shot at range and it has to be accurate, I’m capable with irons because I shoot a lot. I don’t want to have to depend on an electronic sight to accomplish something I should be able to do with standard sights.
    I have carried pistols with a green laser. Either op rod set, laser grips or the type that fit the specific pistol on the trigger guard. They’re a nice option but I don’t rely on them. They absolutely do hold zero for me, are instant on with the draw and if they don’t light I’m already on the sights anyway. I also have the option to keep it off. If there’s a long shot requirement, I’ll likely have that extra second to activate it if I need to.
    I’ve been dogged by a few people for being opposed to a red dot on a carry pistol but it’s my personal choice. I’m more comfortable with a plain Jane, stream lined pistol with combat sights. No target sights, no appendages, no snags. Personal choices are everything in your daily self defense plan. What works for you.
     

    JB-Glock21

    Old School
    Rating - 100%
    17   0   0
    Nov 16, 2009
    855
    28
    Denham Springs
    Have and shoot the M&P 380 EZ. For its intended purpose (EDC) the stock iron sight is quite good. Could replace with one of the light pipe varieties

    Have RD on other arms, work well for target shooting. But you have to turn it on. (Could be challenging in a critical defense situation)

    Practice with the iron sight will prove to be the best option for up close (5-7 yards) and personal defense.
     

    Bmash

    Well-Known Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Dec 23, 2013
    202
    28
    Zachary, LA
    First she needs to be good with iron sights, but that isn’t the question, so Red dot. Most versions stay on always. Batteries last over a year.
    you should have the ability to use iron sights through the red dot window in case it does fail. I have no issue with mine snagging on clothing, but I do clear the jacket or shirt first. I tried lasers and, at least for me, they weren’t easy to find and I don’t want to be looking for a laser vs at the target/threat.
    my setup is a 365xl with a shield RMSc. I can easily use the iron sights if needed. But you must build the fundamentals first. When you present the pistol it must be pointing correctly. You will be surprised that in stress (under a time limit drill eg) it takes a lot of practice to immediately find the dot, which is why the irons are a good backup.
     

    thperez1972

    ESSAYONS
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Rating - 100%
    10   0   0
    Dec 28, 2015
    5,712
    113
    Baton Rouge, LA
    My wife carries an M&P 380 EZ and I want to give her a better option than iron sights. What's your opinion, laser, or red dot optic?
    I'm not familiar with all the offering for the M&P 380 EZ but I can't find where they offer an optics ready slide. That means any red dot would need a mount that replaces the rear sights. Unless she's proficient enough for point shooting, I don't think I would suggest removing the iron sights. Is moving to an optics ready pistol that would allow for a red dot and iron sights an option?

    Given the shape of most red dots, there's little to no chance of them snagging on anything. Most of them are more angled than the back of the slide. So as long as the slide can clear, the red dot should clear.

    My suggestion, without regard for money, would be this. Go to the range a lot. Build muscle memory. Get her used to point shooting. As was mentioned before, a shtf situation at close range will make muscle memory more important than aiming with the iron sights, red dot, or laser. At least for the first few rounds. Once a good base has been established, add an optics ready pistol with a red dot and raised sights to the training. Once proficiency has been established, the red dot pistol can be the carry pistol.
     

    spanky

    Well-Known Member
    Gold Member
    Rating - 100%
    141   0   0
    Sep 12, 2006
    12,993
    48
    Gonzales, LA
    For carry, many people go with a red dot. Many manufacturers have gone to cut slides for fitting some of the mini RMR’s and it’s a pretty solid set up, if you can get past the extra appendage sticking out the top. For someone new to this, finding the sight picture and hitting the target is very intuitive, much like a laser.
    Pros over a laser:
    Most important would be that it’s discrete. A green or red laser light can give away your position.
    A RMR gives the shooter the stealth advantage.
    Battery life for sure. Reliability? Maybe.
    Cons:
    For me it’s snag potential. And that’s a deal breaker. Also reliability. What do you do if the sight doesn’t work? I could list a dozen or more real scenarios where the sight could get damaged or may not light. Then what? Sighting through a little window with no reference unless you can manage to see a sight picture through the optic with your irons and that’s another if. I have a couple of pistols with this set up but don’t carry one like that.
    Why? Mostly snag potential, but also because even though many people will tell you that it makes enough difference to have precise aiming ability and you’ll have quicker shots on target I don’t agree. Why? I’ll tell you.
    Anything that has the potential to slow my draw is out. If there is enough distance between me and a shooter/attacker that my target acquisition is anything less than effective, I’m likely not going to be shooting anyway, but headed for the hills. I think that’s an important option that too many armchair heroes pretend is a last resort or not even an option. Getting me and my family to safety is number one and having a firearm is one of the tools I will use to accomplish that. Why do you carry in public? What’s your number one reason? To seek out and destroy the bad guy? Or to keep yourself and your family safe? If I have to shoot it’s likely going to be from a very short distance in a very short time. Training for this scenario involves less extension of the weapon and more retention minded shooting and that’s how I train. That dot won’t help me there. If I need to take a controlled shot at range and it has to be accurate, I’m capable with irons because I shoot a lot. I don’t want to have to depend on an electronic sight to accomplish something I should be able to do with standard sights.
    I have carried pistols with a green laser. Either op rod set, laser grips or the type that fit the specific pistol on the trigger guard. They’re a nice option but I don’t rely on them. They absolutely do hold zero for me, are instant on with the draw and if they don’t light I’m already on the sights anyway. I also have the option to keep it off. If there’s a long shot requirement, I’ll likely have that extra second to activate it if I need to.
    I’ve been dogged by a few people for being opposed to a red dot on a carry pistol but it’s my personal choice. I’m more comfortable with a plain Jane, stream lined pistol with combat sights. No target sights, no appendages, no snags. Personal choices are everything in your daily self defense plan. What works for you.
    That's really a lot of words just to tell someone you have no idea what you're talking about.
     

    Magdump

    Don’t troll me bro!
    Rating - 100%
    163   0   0
    Dec 31, 2013
    9,396
    113
    Hammond, Louisiana
    You do a lot of talking.. Why don't we all go out one day to the range and see what's what between you two... I think Spanky has a handgun with a red dot.. Let's see how much it slows him down.

    Tactitools and blanket statements... Welcome to Bayoushooter.
    You guys are too much. Tell us about your shootout with the bad guy. I know who spanky is and I’m quite aware of his time at the range. I didn’t challenge anyone, I simply offered pros and cons and my opinion. Talking. It’s a thing on forums. Another thing on this forum is people making assumptions and getting butthurt because other people don’t drink the kool aid. I don’t care to have a red dot on a carry pistol and I stated why. That’s my opinion. You obviously don’t agree and that’s fine. Taking it personally shows your worth. If you think you can change my mind about a red dot on my carry gun and want to come talk to me about it I’m free all day today and tomorrow in Hammond.
     

    WhereIsIt?

    Well-Known Member
    Silver Member
    Rating - 100%
    25   0   0
    Sep 30, 2020
    837
    63
    Gretna, La
    You guys are too much. Tell us about your shootout with the bad guy. I know who spanky is and I’m quite aware of his time at the range. I didn’t challenge anyone, I simply offered pros and cons and my opinion. Talking. It’s a thing on forums. Another thing on this forum is people making assumptions and getting butthurt because other people don’t drink the kool aid. I don’t care to have a red dot on a carry pistol and I stated why. That’s my opinion. You obviously don’t agree and that’s fine. Taking it personally shows your worth. If you think you can change my mind about a red dot on my carry gun and want to come talk to me about it I’m free all day today and tomorrow in Hammond.
    No one is butt hurt and I don't brag about anything. From your post it shows you don't train with a red dot at all and it's probably better to not give an opinion if you don't know what you are talking about.

    It's not just this post. I've not been here long but one thing I do know is you don't know much at all. Constantly giving bad advice.

    Tactitools and blanket statements... Welcome to Bayoushooter.
     

    Magdump

    Don’t troll me bro!
    Rating - 100%
    163   0   0
    Dec 31, 2013
    9,396
    113
    Hammond, Louisiana
    No one is butt hurt and I don't brag about anything. From your post it shows you don't train with a red dot at all and it's probably better to not give an opinion if you don't know what you are talking about.

    It's not just this post. I've not been here long but one thing I do know is you don't know much at all. Constantly giving bad advice.

    Tactitools and blanket statements... Welcome to Bayoushooter.
    That’s your opinion. Seriously, if you have a problem with me, come unload all that baggage in person instead of whining about it on a forum.
    Maybe you can share with us where I gave the OP bad advice? Was it the part about trying to get away first if possible or the part where I mention personal preference and finding what works for you? What did I brag about again?
    Assumptions…
     
    Last edited:

    WhereIsIt?

    Well-Known Member
    Silver Member
    Rating - 100%
    25   0   0
    Sep 30, 2020
    837
    63
    Gretna, La
    That’s your opinion. Seriously, if you have a problem with me, come unload all that baggage in person instead of whining about it on a forum.
    Maybe you can share with us where I gave the OP bad advice? Was it the part about trying to get away first if possible or the part where I mention personal preference and finding what works for you?
    I don't have a problem with you at all. I just think you are full of ****.. That's all.. I mean you might a great person that just gives out bad advice. There are many like you on many other forums, guys who are dillusional that post on every single topic with bad info. The response is always the same "it's my opinion", "how about we meet up and talk about it", "I'm sorry your butt hurt" lmmfao....





    Tactitools and blanket statements... Welcome to Bayoushooter.
     

    WhereIsIt?

    Well-Known Member
    Silver Member
    Rating - 100%
    25   0   0
    Sep 30, 2020
    837
    63
    Gretna, La
    To keep you from taking a dump in this guy’s thread.
    No thread dump here.. Just letting him know you are giving out bad info. You didn't have to reply back to each of my responses.

    Tactitools and blanket statements... Welcome to Bayoushooter.
     
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