The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Good vs. bad of installing a laser sight on pistol?

Bacchus · December 10, 2001, 10:38 AM

I have always been taught that a gun is only pointed at something its operator is willing to destroy.

People sometimes think that using a red dot will deter someone from harming you--as if looking down the barrel of the gun is any different! If the BG is going to give up as soon as he/she/it sees the dot, he/she/it will give up upon seeing you draw a weapon.

I'd like to see some data supporting the idea that illuminating a target with a red dot leads a person to give up. I don't think it exists.

This issue is closely related to using weapon-mounted lights.

December 10, 2001, 10:38 AM	#6
Bacchus Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2001 Posts: 259	I have always been taught that a gun is only pointed at something its operator is willing to destroy. People sometimes think that using a red dot will deter someone from harming you--as if looking down the barrel of the gun is any different! If the BG is going to give up as soon as he/she/it sees the dot, he/she/it will give up upon seeing you draw a weapon. I'd like to see some data supporting the idea that illuminating a target with a red dot leads a person to give up. I don't think it exists. This issue is closely related to using weapon-mounted lights.