Ruger .38 LCR

[Sam]

Planning on getting my Ruger .38 LCR with laser next month.

Can't wait.

Still waiting on my carry permit in Virginia.

And yes, I am board out of my mind and that is why I answered every topic to have all crawfish down the row.

I hate snow.

[68camaro]

Sam, congrats on decision to carry. Our Attorney General has just voided VA's reciprocal carry agreements with many states so they are scheduled to do like wise. I think the legislature may fight this but probably losing battle because our Governor is anti-2nd amend. To fight this I am looking to take a local Utah Non-Resident Carry Permit which is valid in most southern states, except for Florida and NC, I think.

Since our AG announced his decision I have seen a lot more classes for the Utah permit so people are quickly taking matters into their own hands.

 

 

 

[IndyGlockMan]

I have the Utah permit which allows me to carry in Ohio.

With Indiana & Utah's combined reciprocity, I'm good to carry in 38 states I think...  have to go back and check...

 

Not a fan of lasers.  They are not a substitute for skill and are just a gimmick IMHO.

If you shine the laser at a bad guy to try and spook him off, that's considered brandishing and could cause you legal issues.  Might as well shoot if you already have the gun out and pointed at him.

 

[nick76]

On 1/23/2016 at 1:33 PM, IndyGlockMan said:

Not a fan of lasers.  They are not a substitute for skill and are just a gimmick IMHO.

If you shine the laser at a bad guy to try and spook him off, that's considered brandishing and could cause you legal issues.  Might as well shoot if you already have the gun out and pointed at him.

While I completely understand that it is your opinion, don't be so quick to dismiss the use of a laser on a handgun.  It is merely a tool used to easily get on target while being able to defend yourself and stop the immediate threat.  Regardless of practice time, the actual response to a situation in which you may need to use your handgun is not one that can be easily replicated for the average shooter.  Each situation is unique and therefore any item that can help in an environment which is fueled by fear and adrenaline could be the difference between life and death. 

As an example, my B-I-L was run off the road and attacked by 3 guys.  As he was punched he fell to the ground and was able to remove his firearm and draw it.  It was 10pm at night and pitch black out.  He verbally warned them that he had a gun and would use it to defend himself.  One of the guys began to approach him and declared that he didn't have a gun and he was going to get his tail kicked.  My BIL hit the button on his laser and lit the guys chest up.  All three guys fled the scene and a witness was able to get a plate number to give to the police.  All three were then arrested and charged.  That laser saved my BIL's life and the life of what turned out to be a 17 year old kid who was looking for some easy cash.  The purpose of a concealed carry handgun isn't to shoot someone, but to give you the option of defending yourself if fleeing isn't an option.  If the laser is enough of a warning that causes the perpetrator to flee and nobody is done great bodily harm then I would consider that a success. 

[IndyGlockMan]

That's a very fortunate outcome for your BIL but it is easily an exception to the rule. 

Incidents like this are not the norm and does not validate the use of lasers and brandishing your gun to scare somebody off, IMHO.

If the teen had been armed and saw the laser, he could have shot first and killed you BIL.  Using a laser before shooting can cause a fatal hesitation that will give the bad guy time to respond. 

It's not wise to show your cards before betting, but in this case it worked out for your BIL.