Zen3001 wrote:is a laser sight really necessary for self defense?
I'm not sure if "necessary" is a good word. But it is hugely beneficial. I have one on my primary side-arm as well. (And I will be getting one for my backup sidearm when I can afford it.) The .300 AAC Blackout carbine that I just installed the laser on is largely set for medium range engagements, with a 1x-6x scope that is super accurate. If I'm inside of my friend's house and someone is breaking in, trying to get the proper eye relief on the scope at 1x could be a difference between life and death. Milliseconds count in a life/death situation.
Because of that, I have side irons for close quarters situations, but a laser is still MUCH faster/better than iron sights (and can be used in conjunction with the irons, or just use the laser without), because you don't have to line anything up with your eye correctly. If the laser is zeroed in, it's literally just "the bullet goes where the bright ass red dot is on the bad guy." Assuming you don't flinch mid-trigger pull or while the bullet is escaping the barrel, of course. It's so accurate, it feels like "cheating" at the gun range, as if you were using an aimbot. lol. But in a situation where me or someone I love may get hurt or die, the more effecient and fast/accurate, the better. When adrenaline is pumping and someone is trying to end you or somebody you love's life is very different from shooting at paper targets, and a laser sight helps push the results of the nightmare in favor of the good person, and not the criminal.
It's like asking if a 12 gauge shotgun is necessary for self defense, when often times a handgun could do the job. Especially since the most common home-defense shell, a 2 3/4" 00 Buckshot in 12 gauge, can cut a human being in half with a single trigger pull. A handgun can generally work in self-defense, but is less powerful, requires more aiming (you DO have to aim a shotgun almost as much as a rifle/handgun at close range, video games are hugely incorrect here), and the attacker is more likely to survive/retaliate with handgun wounds. Handguns are for when you have to conceal a small weapon in places you don't expect there to be a problem. That's why cops carry handguns at traffic stops. Long guns (shotguns/rifles/carbines) are ALWAYS superior to handguns, they just don't conceal easy. So at home, you want your shotgun or rifle instead. It would just be absurd to go to the mall with a shotgun. But notice that if cops KNOW there is someone armed, they bring their rifles and shotguns. It's just on regular patrol they have no need for it. I don't care if 00 Buckshot or a laser sight is "necessary" for home defense, I want EVERY POSSIBLE ADVANTAGE I can so that the people I love can continue breathing. I kind of went off on a tangent here, sorry. I need sleep. lol