Lasers?

[switch]

In another group, some instructors were saying students could not use lasers. I asked if they really meant that DPS was not allowing instructor candidates to use lasers on the DPS range? I don't recall the old regime caring, one way or the other. If we are not supposed to let students us lasers, they need to tell us. I don't recall any such discussion in 8 renewal classes I've taken.

[sjfcontrol]

In another group, some instructors were saying students could not use lasers. I asked if they really meant that DPS was not allowing instructor candidates to use lasers on the DPS range? I don't recall the old regime caring, one way or the other. If we are not supposed to let students us lasers, they need to tell us. I don't recall any such discussion in 8 renewal classes I've taken.

Texas admin code chapter 6 Subchapter G available here.
http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/rea ... &pt=1&ch=6" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Rule 6.73. An instructor applicant must bring the following required equipment to firearm proficiency training: one non semi-automatic handgun; one semi-automatic handgun; ammunition; ear protection (over-the-ear) and eye protection; other appropriate protective clothing; and other equipment as determined by the department. Handguns must be at least .32 caliber. No optical enhancers will be allowed for instructor applicants or for applicants of concealed handgun licenses.

[VMI77]

In another group, some instructors were saying students could not use lasers. I asked if they really meant that DPS was not allowing instructor candidates to use lasers on the DPS range? I don't recall the old regime caring, one way or the other. If we are not supposed to let students us lasers, they need to tell us. I don't recall any such discussion in 8 renewal classes I've taken.

I got my CHL over five years ago and when we shot I had to turn off my laser.

[Keith B]

In another group, some instructors were saying students could not use lasers. I asked if they really meant that DPS was not allowing instructor candidates to use lasers on the DPS range? I don't recall the old regime caring, one way or the other. If we are not supposed to let students us lasers, they need to tell us. I don't recall any such discussion in 8 renewal classes I've taken.

It was stated in my initial class and renewal class. They never have been allowed and as sjfcontrol stated it's in the rules.

[sjfcontrol]

In another group, some instructors were saying students could not use lasers. I asked if they really meant that DPS was not allowing instructor candidates to use lasers on the DPS range? I don't recall the old regime caring, one way or the other. If we are not supposed to let students us lasers, they need to tell us. I don't recall any such discussion in 8 renewal classes I've taken.

It was stated in my initial class and renewal class. They never have been allowed and as sjfcontrol stated it's in the rules.

Makes me wonder why my eyeglasses are not considered "Optical Enhancers"...
HOWEVER -- YOU DO NOT WANT ME SHOOTING WITHOUT THEM!!!

[cb1000rider]

Yea, that's vague. Your glasses are much more of an optical enhancer than a laser is. I'd take that to mean anything that magnifies, but I assume the conservative approach is open sights or nothing...

[RKlenka]

Open sights.

I do wonder though now with lasers and RMR red dots becoming more affordable and common if this will some day change. I think it might bring in more ladies.

[Crossfire]

Open sights.

I do wonder though now with lasers and RMR red dots becoming more affordable and common if this will some day change. I think it might bring in more ladies.

Why? Because women don't see as well?

[Keith B]

Open sights.

I do wonder though now with lasers and RMR red dots becoming more affordable and common if this will some day change. I think it might bring in more ladies.

Why? Because women don't see as well?

Uh oh!

[skeathley]

On a related point, some lasers (Crimson Trace add-ons) are operated when you grip the pistol, so it is almost impossible to operate the gun properly without activating the laser. I tell my students (a few days before class) that if they have a laser like that, to put a piece of duct tape over the lens. They shouldn't have to take the laser off for the test. We're outdoors, so they wouldn't be able to see it, anyway.

[VMI77]

On a related point, some lasers (Crimson Trace add-ons) are operated when you grip the pistol, so it is almost impossible to operate the gun properly without activating the laser. I tell my students (a few days before class) that if they have a laser like that, to put a piece of duct tape over the lens. They shouldn't have to take the laser off for the test. We're outdoors, so they wouldn't be able to see it, anyway.

All my CT lasers have a switch at the bottom of the grip that turns the laser off.

[RKlenka]

Open sights.

I do wonder though now with lasers and RMR red dots becoming more affordable and common if this will some day change. I think it might bring in more ladies.

Why? Because women don't see as well?

I'm probably going to dig myself a grave here and open a can of worms on myself. But I have had women (who usually the ones who are only there because of their husband/boyfriends) who just break down on the range out of pure nervousness. Shaky hands, tears, the whole works. I have had women friends tell me that they wont take the class because of how scared they are of the shooting portion. One who would only take the course if they had the shooting portion one on one at a later time. I have held private or very small group classes due to peoples nervousness about the test. I have had a older guy when the target got passed a certain distance that the sights just became a blob to him who only passed due to his hits on the 3 and 7 yards lines. Its always carry some tape with me when I teach because of the amount of lasers i cover. Some of the ladies in my family refuse to shoot anything if it doesn't have a red dot on it. This is all anecdotal of course but I do wonder if a red dot and/or laser usage would help out a lot of people.

[VMI77]

Open sights.

I do wonder though now with lasers and RMR red dots becoming more affordable and common if this will some day change. I think it might bring in more ladies.

Why? Because women don't see as well?

I'm probably going to dig myself a grave here and open a can of worms on myself. But I have had women (who usually the ones who are only there because of their husband/boyfriends) who just break down on the range out of pure nervousness. Shaky hands, tears, the whole works. I have had women friends tell me that they wont take the class because of how scared they are of the shooting portion. One who would only take the course if they had the shooting portion one on one at a later time. I have held private or very small group classes due to peoples nervousness about the test. I have had a older guy when the target got passed a certain distance that the sights just became a blob to him who only passed due to his hits on the 3 and 7 yards lines. Its always carry some tape with me when I teach because of the amount of lasers i cover. Some of the ladies in my family refuse to shoot anything if it doesn't have a red dot on it. This is all anecdotal of course but I do wonder if a red dot and/or laser usage would help out a lot of people.

Lasers would help under some circumstances. However, there are lots of potential problems with depending on a laser. An obvious one is a dead battery. Another is that in bright daylight you typically can't see the laser on the target. Another is that depending on target color even in less than bright daylight it can be difficult to see the laser on the target. One very valuable use of a laser is in dry fire practice. OTOH, since most self-defense shootings happen within less than 20 feet or so, as long as the battery is working, it may work well for most people most of the time.

[MechAg94]

One option is to activate the laser each morning when you holster the gun. Not full proof, but no worse than wondering if you gun wil function.

IMO, the utility of a laser in a stressful situation ought to be huge. In the little bit of practice I have done with my crimson trace, it sped up target acquisition and follow up shots quite a bit. I guess the main thing is to be consistent in your grip and stance with and without a laser so the loss of the laser doesn't mess you up.

[VMI77]

One option is to activate the laser each morning when you holster the gun. Not full proof, but no worse than wondering if you gun wil function.

IMO, the utility of a laser in a stressful situation ought to be huge. In the little bit of practice I have done with my crimson trace, it sped up target acquisition and follow up shots quite a bit. I guess the main thing is to be consistent in your grip and stance with and without a laser so the loss of the laser doesn't mess you up.

I have one on every handgun I own that CT makes one for (the grip type....not interested in the under the barrel type except for on the LCR). You're right....every time I pick one up with a CT grip I activate the laser. And the batteries do last a long time. I think I've only replaced one battery so far in several years. One of the best advantages of the laser is that you can shoot from just about any position without having to bring the gun into the normal sighting position. In a home defense situation where you have cover and can see around it you can shoot with minimum exposure.