Tools. As an amateur woodworker you should see some of the tools in
my basement!! How many of them are necessary and how many are 'nice to
have?' Sure, I can cut a decent dado with a saw and chisel, but the one
cut with the router is more perfect and easier.
Like any other profession law enforcement requires that we keep an
assortment of tools essential for the performance of our job. Some are
absolutes like a handgun, body armor, handcuffs, flashlight, note pad
and pencil, etc. Other tools might be considered enhanced options or
accessories or nice to have: night sights, laser sights, lightweight
body bunkers, or weapon mounted lights to mention a few.
I've had an opportunity to use and evaluate the Laser Max Laser
Sight. As I mentioned earlier a laser sight is an option. It is not a
replacement for standard sights or good shooting technique. Try cutting
a dado with a router without electricity. You had better know the basics
of the skill and have an acceptable level of proficiency in that skill
if you want to get the job done.
Installation of the Laser Max sight was a simple drop-in process, at
least that's what I had heard. I heard right. Following the instructions
for my Glock 17 the slide lock dropped from the receiver and the slide
lock spring was easily removed. These were replaced with the Laser Max
slide lock/switch spring and slide lock/switch. The original recoil
spring and spring guide were stored away (I still can't find them).
Batteries were inserted into the sight. The recoil spring was slipped
over the Laser Max sight/recoil spring guide and the markings on the
battery cap and flattened end of the recoil spring were aligned.
The next step is simple but important. The sight must be installed in
the weapon so that the small 'keel' on the battery cap is perpendicular
to the horizontal plane of the slide. If this isn't done correctly fired
bullets may not impact exactly where the laser dot is placed. The weapon
is reassembled and ready for action.
The slide lock/switch is ambidextrous. When centered the switch is
'off'. Turn the sight on by pushing it either to the right or left. A
bright red pulsating dot is immediately visible. Put the dot where the
fired bullet is to impact.
I had never fired a handgun laser sight before. The first target I
fired was on an indoor fifty foot range and the results were impressive.
I focused on my sight picture and trigger press and fired a ten round
group. Nine of the ten rounds stayed in a group under 1 3/4 inches!! The
one flyer that I jerked widened the group to just under 3 inches.
The advantage of an indoor range is that the lighting can be
immediately controlled. The range lights were turned down so that the
silhouette target was barely visible. The ten round group measured 3 1/4
inches and stayed inside the 'kill zone' of the head.
Over the next few months I experimented with the sight in all types
of natural and artificial lighting situations and on all types and color
of targets. The sight was exceptional in all but bright sunlight and on
black colors.
This sight has a lot of potential in SWAT. Foremost is the
intimidation factor. Although my team hasn't had to use the sight on an
incident Laser Max gave me a number of real-life accounts where suspects
complied with commands immediately when they focused their attention on
the red pulsating dot on their body. I don't think anybody would
question the sighting ability that would be gained by the bunker man.
Any shot placement would be accurate and the gun hand would be in a
position that would prevent the weapon being grabbed by a suspect.
Limited penetration with this sight would provide unquestionable room
control.
There aren't many disadvantages to the use of this sight. The sight
can't be used on the Glock 17T, the training gun that fires the
Simunition 9mm round. Scenarios using the Simunition FX marking round
would provide some important training with the Laser Max sight. The
method of carry for the gun is a concern when the Laser Max sight is
installed. Most holsters will turn the sight off if it is accidentally
holstered with the switch on. I carry my weapon in a Bianchi Top Secret
fanny pack. The stuff in the pack and my movement have inadvertently
turned the sight on while it's secured in the pack. The result is a dead
battery pack. I put a piece of cardboard behind the stuff I carry and
that helped correct the problem.
I like the Laser Max over other laser sights. Because the Laser Max
is contained inside the weapon there is nothing to bang around or break
off. Special holsters aren't required to house the appendage of some
sights that mount on the trigger guard or receiver of the weapon. My
hands are large. When I index my trigger finger next to the slide of a
weapon with a grip mounted laser sight I usually cover the sight.
Batteries last quite awhile and cost under ten dollars. I'd suggest that
you purchase several battery packs when you first buy the sight. You'll
go through batteries showing your compatriots, experimenting, and
training with the sight.
I strongly recommend the purchase of this sight to any SWAT cop and
any peace officer that intends to stay in this profession for any length
of time. The Laser Max sight can be purchased through Mr. Tom Reiter of
LifeLink Technologies, Woodbury, MN, 612-735-9516.
