For Laser Enthusiasts ONLY

[cwood3]

I don't want this thread to become a forum for Laser vs. Iron sights. So, I'm assuming that any responses will be from folks that do, indeed, like having laser sights on their pistols. I'm purchasing a new XDM. I'm not buying it so much for personal defense as I am for shooting pleasure/sport. My son (15 yr) and I both enjoy shooting benchrest. I have an indoor handgun range around the corner, so on weekends when I have him, we can go shoot very easily in the mornings, afternoons, or evenings (indoor air-conditioned....Houston, TX). Now, I know that their are very limited options for the new XDM's. I love the Crimson Trace grip sights, but right now they don't make 'em. I'm thinking the compact Universal LaserMax rail mount for the interim. My real question is, they make the red, and they make the green. No experience with green. How about you guys? Anybody try green, and if so, what are your thoughts?? Thanks.

CW

[drgonzo]

I've got a Viridian laser (green) for my XD40. It mounts on the rail and is activated by an ambidextrous switch on the side of the unit. I've also got CT laser grips (red) on my SW442.

The green laser is easier to see than the red, especially in daylight. With the Viridian unit, there is a choice of three 'pulse' modes (fast, medium, or slow blink) or continuous. Windage and elevation adjustment is with a small Allen wrench (slightly larger than the microscopic one used by CT). Comparing battery life Viridian vs. CT is an apples/oranges kind of situation as the CT uses the large 'button' type batteries while the Viridian uses a lithium photo battery. However, it seems like the green laser goes through batteries pretty quickly.

Using a laser has really helped me with grip stability. If you've never used one, the first time you do might be revealing in that you might not be Mr. Rock-solid-steady-grip that you imagine. I've also been able to overcome flinching. Of course I could have improved my shooting w/o the use of a laser but the immediate visual feedback makes the process quicker and less frustrating.

You've mentioned you don't plan on using the laser for tactical/defense purposes. My $0.02 on that is that I'd only use CT grips for a defense gun because the activation of a CT laser is a 'no-brainer'--grip the gun and it's on. Any other type of laser where a separate activation motion is unacceptable for a defense gun, IMO.

And I think iron sights are fine too.