Great laser - but don't make it cause you to become a lazy shooter!!! - Crimson Trace Rail Master Universal Fit Green Laser Sight

This is an amazing laser! My review is a story about how my poor thought process almost cost me my life.

After being forced to use my firearm in a home shooting, I learned things I had never even considered before. Unless you're special forces or SWAT, please humor me by reading this review. It may save your life too. That's worth 10 minutes of your time, right?

Lasers are amazing pieces of technology, and this CT is no exception to that. The downside to this technology is relying on the laser during a fire-fight. I don't mean that it will fail (although it COULD) thankfully my trainers recognized I was falling into a dangerous trend and helped me correct the issue. It's also a major DISadvantage in a house fight. I've been involved in one defensive shooting and even though I clearly survived the horrific encounter, the two criminals that broke into my home told not only the police, medics and everyone in the courtroom during their trial that it was my laser's bright green beam that gave them the "advantage" during the gunfight. (Just read on to see why I both agree AND disagree with that statement.)

While they weren't lying (my extremely bright green laser did giveaway my position) it also proved effective as I fired 7 rounds that night. Four rounds hitting one criminal (two 5" south from center mass, 1 in L shoulder & 1 in L elbow. Two others were fired into the second intruder's L calf and L ankle. One round did miss, but it had been the last round I fired as the second intruder left his bleeding friend to save himself. I didn't have a clear shot at him as he ran with his leg so badly shot up! Adrenaline and crystal meth will do that for you.

What upset me so badly in court is when they said they had an "advantage" due to my bright green laser. The facts are: They were both shot, one four times (and critically mind you), the other twice in his leg (those shots made from under my bed in the dark using the laser to get a sight picture!) I couldn't have taken those shots without that laser!

If it's an advantage to know the person's house you're breaking into is protected by a firearm with a bright/accurate laser, then that's what we'll call it. BUT, if you're smart you should use every life experience as a training scenario.

Because of this incident I've changed the way I train myself in CQB and with my clients. This laser (or any laser for that matter) is certainly a deterrent, but it also telegraphs your position to whomever has invited themselves into your home. The sooner you accept this and plan how to use it to your advantage the faster the "fight" will be over with the outcome you prefer!

I'm sharing my story after such a long time because this product is something that (if trained with properly) will indeed put you at an advantage. The goal in any gun fight is not to fight fair and to end it as quickly as possible with you not getting shot!

I offer the following advice in regards to lasers: Train without the laser and then with it on. Use it to assist you when you're having difficulty using your traditional sights (hopefully you have night-sights). You'll be amazed at how many more options you have when firing at a person hiding under the other side of a bed. A well placed shot in the leg will force the fight out of most criminals.

ALSO: If you can train in groups with people you trust and have access to simunitions, do it. You'll learn more in one lesson as the "criminal" than years of training as the homeowner. After my first "session" I completely understood why those criminals I had to shoot told everyone that would listen that I was the idiot.

Lastly: Always identify your target! Ensure you're in a position of cover and concealment, and he/she is the only bad guy you're facing. Turn on your laser; while aiming at center mass ORDER them to the ground. Simply running from room to room with your laser on screaming you're going to kill them IS giving them an advantage. They can hear where you are, and see your laser. They are also criminals and you have no idea how crazy they are and what they're willing to do. An Army Ranger/SWAT team member once told me, "Your body will never go where your mind has never been." Just because you have a gun and can hit paper 15 or 40 yards away doesn't mean anything when faced with crazy that has no problem killing you.

If this scares you, it's not the laser that did it...it's your lack of training. Guns won't help you no matter what bells and whistles you spend your money on. Otherwise TRAIN often, and think about what you might have to do, otherwise your body WILL FREEZE when you need it to keep you alive!