Green Lasers

[Moby]

I searched the forums and didn't see an answer so I throw this post out.

I'm a fair shot, I've been shooting for years, former Coast Guard LEO etc.
I've never used a laser and really do not think I will with my CCW.

However for my Home Defense Shotgun I am considering one.
Why? I'm unsure if it's the toy box syndrome or the thought that perhaps I may
not have to shoot if a BG sees a laser beam. That does mean I wouldn't shoot because
I had a laser....but it might save some young stupid kids life. It may not depending on the situation.

But the question is...can you really SEE the laser beam or just the dot?
Forgive me if the question seems stupid. I just don't know.

[Keith B]

I searched the forums and didn't see an answer so I throw this post out.

I'm a fair shot, I've been shooting for years, former Coast Guard LEO etc.
I've never used a laser and really do not think I will with my CCW.

However for my Home Defense Shotgun I am considering one.
Why? I'm unsure if it's the toy box syndrome or the thought that perhaps I may
not have to shoot if a BG sees a laser beam. That does mean I wouldn't shoot because
I had a laser....but it might save some young stupid kids life. It may not depending on the situation.

But the question is...can you really SEE the laser beam or just the dot?
Forgive me if the question seems stupid. I just don't know.

It depends on the intensity of the laser and what is in the air between you and the target. If there is enough particulate matter in the air (like haze, smoke or fog) then you will see them. Some colors also lend themselves to being seen better than others. Green will be easier to see than red.

[jimlongley]

And unless you are pointing it at the miscreant close enough to their angle of view, the laser remains pretty much invisible. The movies showing BGs crossing their eyes to look at the laser steadily focused on their foreheads or chests. First of all, if the laser is pointed at you in the head area, you will see a bright dot at the gun and it will be pretty hard to find where the dot is on you, and second, loo,k straight ahead and see just how much of your own chest you see, unless the dot is really bright you are not going to notice it unless it is pointed out, and if the beam of the laser is narrowly collimated, shined at your chest, you will probably not see the source at all.

Looks real interesting in the movies, but that is not real life.

[ajwakeboarder]

The high intensity green lasers are fairly visible at night. In some cases you can see the beam for miles.

[jmra]

I'll have to play with my green laser in the house tonight and let you know how it goes. Time for a family "intruder drill" anyway.

[rotor]

Look up Tyndall effect. This is what make the light visible when not straight on. I prefer a tactical light on my Glock 45 and it has a strobe feature which can be very disorienting when aimed at someone. The problem with a laser is that it doesn't illuminate the target, only shows where the bullet will hit. I want to know what I am shooting at. They make combo tactical light-lasers too. I have a Streamlight and those things are amazing and blinding. Strobe that at someone and I think that will have more effect than a laser and you can make sure that it really is a BG and not your daughter's boyfriend.

[jmra]

you can make sure that it really is a BG and not your daughter's boyfriend.

There's a difference?

[ajwakeboarder]

you can make sure that it really is a BG and not your daughter's boyfriend.

There's a difference?

I'm not a dad, but if i have a daughter i will probably always consider her boyfriend a BG

[Moby]

I think the tack light is a better idea.

Thanks fella's

[CWOOD]

The Tactical light probably should be the first addition on a home defense shotgun. For home defense situations, target identification is even more critical.

Get a high lumen count (125-200) LED light. Even without rails, they can be easily attached to the shotgun.

I recommend an LED because they stand up much better to shock (recoil) than the relatively fragile Xenon bulbs found on many tactical lights and have an enormous advantage in battery life.

If you get one with a beam that can be focused or one that has a narrow beam or a distinct 'hot spot' that can serve as your aiming device also, if you practice and get familiar with the weapon light/system.

Some come with remote activation momentary pressure switches which can be mounted on the fore stock if you want/need that feature.

[Iunnrais]

I had one on my rifle the last time I was out after hogs. Could definitely see the beam going out across the field. Have since swapped out to a scope with an illuminated reticule.

[gigag04]

I'd put a T-1 micro on a HD shotgun before I put a laser.

[Silent Professional]

Laser won't help you I.D. the potential threat. Neither will those sexy, glow in the dark night sights. Only a white light flashlight or weapon mounted light will do that. Unless you like shooting things that you have not positively I.D.'ed.

[carlson1]

Moby this is a little pricey, but I have been using the Surefire for at least 10 years on my 870. Works terrific and not at all hard to install.

[ChillMickelson]

If you are talking about a green laser designator, the yes, those will help identify prey. I've got one on my AR15, and it's a great alternative (MUCH less expensive) than night vision. I use it on night hog hunts.