The Lasermax is an excellent tool if used correctly.   Although in the right situations the internal Lasermax can be an excellent tactical tool , we feel it is much better suited as a training tool.     

"The Only NATO Approved Laser Sight for Handguns. Law enforcement departments and military organizations around the world, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), specify LaserMax for their personnel. Highly Visible, Highly Intimidating. Once you place that intimidating red dot, pulling the trigger may never even be necessary. If you must fire, the LaserMax improves aiming speed and increases accuracy, especially in high-stress situations."

 "Highly Visible, Highly Intimidating. Once you place that intimidating red dot on target, pulling the trigger may never even be necessary. " 

    This statement was taken from one of many websites attempting to sell the Lasermax products.  Most competent firearms instructors, both civilian and Law Enforcement agree that a firearm in any form is not meant as a tool of intimidation.   For Law Enforcement applications we would agree that imposing the pulsating red beam of the Lasermax on the actor may at times stop the aggressor in their tracks.  In fact, we have personal experiences in this matter.   Among  "experts" in the firearms training field, we can rarely find one who recommends the use of a firearm and/or laser for intimidation. It is generally agreed that the only time your firearm will come into action is if you plan to use it.  Further it is generally thought that if you do not have legal right to take the actors life you do not have the right to place the firearm into action. Attempting to use the Laser for intimidation could possibly put you on the wrong side of a criminal or civil action.  Example:  An actor (bad guy) attempts to rob you with a knife, rather than complying who bring our firearm into the equation. You have enough time to turn on the laser and place the dot on the actor. In this case the actor is intimidated and runs away. You go home safe, which in the end is most important.  A couple days later you are arrested for brandishing a firearm. The bad guy had the audacity to file a complaint against you because you pointed  a handgun at him for no reason at all.  Sound a little far fetched, sure!  However we have testified in the very same case. The defender was ultimately found not guilty of all charges, however that was at the expense of over $30,000 in legal fees.                                                                                     

Is a Laser a practical self defense too? You must decide for yourself.  To increase your chances of surviving a self-defense confrontation it requires proper training and quality practice.  When it comes time to defend yourself, subconscious and reflexes take over. You will use your handgun to defend yourself just like you have practiced.  So if you do not always turn on the laser as you bring it up to the target and use it most times that you practice. Then you will not use the laser in the self-defense situation.  If you do use your laser every time you practice your eyes will automatically look for the laser indexing on the target.  is this a good thing?  Perhaps if the battery is good and the laser still functions. If not, you now have a perceptible delay in defending yourself while you acquire the front sight and shoot.  The use of a laser goes directly against all self-defense tactical firearms training:                                                         FRONT SIGHT FOCUS.

Last update 08-10-2010