Laser Tactics From Crimson Trace Master Trainers

In addition to their exceptional capabilities as a tactical field tool, Lasergrips also offer many distinct advantages for professional weapons trainers.  Teaching handgun basics such as sight picture and trigger control can be done quickly and efficiently, allowing more time for crucial tactical strategies.

Every firearms instructor and student can benefit greatly from having a Crimson Trace laser sight available when they are teaching - both on their blue guns and their live ones. We have the responsibility to make our training time count. Crimson Trace Lasergrips maximize these opportunities. I wouldn’t teach a class without them.

The laser is a tool that allows an instructor to rapidly pinpoint shooting problems.

Diagnose and Correct Fundamental Errors — Accuracy problems are most likely the result of either sight alignment or trigger press issues. Here’s how to teach these fundamentals quickly and effectively with Lasergrips: 

Sight Alignment — While blocking the laser beam with your finger, have the student acquire what they believe to be an accurate sight picture. Now reveal the beam. If it is not centered on the target, have the student make the necessary corrections and repeat the exercise.

Trigger Press. With an unloaded gun (double check), have the student go through a dry-fire practice drill.  Lasergrips give the inexperienced shooter an instant feedback method without the added anxiety and distraction of live-fire. Continue the dry-fire practice until the dot remains steady throughout the trigger press cycle. Now transition to live-fire, first using the Lasergrips to aim and then using only traditional sights. 

Teaching Advanced Tactics — On the range, a laser-equipped pistol allows rapid and precise communication of: ready positions, presentation, movement across multiple targets and recoil control.
In a class involving rapid manipulation of the pistol, it is often difficult for the student to follow the movement of the gun. With Lasergrips, they can see and understand exactly what you’re doing. In situations that don’t call for live-fire, I use a Lasergrip-equipped blue gun to demonstrate shooting positions, cover techniques and movement. This provides complete safety while
still allowing the student to see exactly where the gun is pointed.

Range Safety — It is often difficult to catch a “muzzling” incident (where a shooter inadvertently points a weapon at themselves or another shooter) because they happen so quickly and are difficult to spot with certainty. With a Lasergrip-equipped firearm or blue gun there is no question. Skills like holstering, moving through buildings and team tactics can be taught more rapidly and in a safer environment.

Use of Cover — Again using a laser equipped blue gun, we can allow the student to move thru the training
environment while the instructor engages him with his laser blue gun. In very short order the student will see how to make adjustments to his use of cover in order to minimize exposure.

 

Tactical Lasers and White Light: Striking The Right Balance

Firearm-mounted lasers and white-lights have brought tremendous advantages to law enforcement and military professionals. However, combining these two products into a single unit creates situations that can lead to serious problems.

The first problem is having two systems dependent on the same controls and/or the same power source. Under this condition a failure of one device often results in the failure of both devices. Activation can also be difficult, especially under the stress of combat, and requires significant conditioning to use with any level of consistency.

The next problem is the significant alteration to the shape, size, dimensions and weight of the handgun itself. What may at first appear modern and functional can actually be cumbersome, causing the draw to be compromised. Holster style and mode of carry options become limited. The gun cannot be carried concealed.

We frequently are not justified in pointing our gun at everything we need to illuminate. A handheld white-light, such as SureFire, to navigate, locate, identify and engage — in conjunction with Lasergrips to aim — is a much better solution to most low light engagements. By separating the white-light from the gun, the operator is able to maintain proper muzzle direction when searching. Handheld light gives the user more ability to maintain proper light discipline. Separate systems also allow the operator to remove the white-light to carry concealed, or in standard duty-gear, while not giving up the advantages of their laser aiming system.

Firearm-mounted white-light has its place in areas such as: offensive SWAT and military operations, as well as home defense. But for the vast majority of situations, we must consider a permanently mounted laser sight mandatory even when a firearm-mounted white-light is deployed.