Laser sights are not mandatory upgrades for handguns, but they can make it easier to aim in low-light conditions.
And they work great on all types of firearms, from handguns to rifles.
Author Duane A. Daiker talks about what he thinks the best handgun application for laser sights is in his article “Crimson Trace LG-405 Lasergrips” on USConcealedcarry.com:
“Laser sights have become increasingly popular as serious carry gear and the snub-nose revolver is one of the very best platforms for using a laser. Snubbies have minimal sights and a short sight radius and they are mostly for short distance defensive work, all of which makes a laser sight very advantageous.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)
Most gun shops should also have a few handguns with laser sights already mounted, so you can point and aim to see what having a laser is really like.
Laser sights all have different types of activation switches. On a handgun used for self-defense, it’s a good idea to have the switch be as automatic as possible.
Any design with a manual on/off switch is less reliable due to the fact that you have to not only remember to turn it on, but you also have to have the time to flip the switch. In any life-threatening situation, you’ll have enough to think about without the added worry of turning your electronic laser sight on.
The good news is that even the higher-end laser sights are within the reach of most buyers and won’t end up costing an arm and a leg. Like most other electronics such as digital cameras or cell phones, these devices have only gotten cheaper over the years.
A laser sight should be considered an enhancement to a firearm, not a prerequisite for firing accurately. Keeping this in mind, it’s OK to experiment with different types of laser sights so that you can see what works the best for you. And of course, no matter what you end up buying, remember to keep the lens clean and the unit itself dry to ensure years of trouble-free use.