Pros and Cons of Laser Sights Featuring TRUGLO
Last updated: May 25, 2026 · Originally published: September 1, 2020
Ah the laser sight, iconized by Hollywood and pop culture alike as the say-all, end-all of shot placement. “Just put the dot where you want the bullet” is how they are often sold, but is that entirely true? I mean if lasers were the only aiming device needed surely they would have become stock features by now, you know like iron sights. Don’t get me wrong, many, MANY situations demand the guidance of an unbending beam of light but it’s important to be able to identify them so you can be sure that you are training correctly. So let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of lasers as we examine two very prominent models – the TRUGLO SightLine and MicroTac.
So let’s get the bad out of the way first. For starters, make sure that your existing holster will accommodate a laser or be sure to have a replacement on hand. Given the inexpensive nature of holsters these days this one is almost a non-starter, but it’s important to mention. If you are already carrying some sort of weird or obsolete platform this is speaking loudly to you. The Micro Tac is a good fit for this situation, as it is superbly streamlined and might not even interfere with some soft or universal holsters. Once we’ve figured out how to carry it, next comes learning how to use it. For starters, it’s not “point and click”. You MUST still apply proper fundamentals and snap a shot off the same way you would if you were using any other sight. Also before you can fire that shot laser sights must be powered on in most cases, so be sure that this can happen easily and instinctually with a natural grip. The same way that you can reach your magazine release without breaking your grip you need to ensure that you can do the same with your laser. The SightLine is good for this because it comes with a mounting plate that lets you put it wherever you need to hit it,
regardless of where your Picatinny rail is. After we realize how to shoot with a laser we are going to need to zero it, and being that it is so far from the bore that zero is going to be very sensitive to distance. This brings me to my last point; they are typically slower than iron sights or even point shooting. For that reason, it’s best to zero them for bad breath distances, as the further you are from the target the harder it is to find the dot and put it on what you want to hit.
No, onto why you should get a laser- in a word, realism. Shooting at a range is not like shooting in real life. Very seldom are you going to be square to your target with your arms perfectly extended. In fact, there is a good chance that you will already be involved in a struggle and this is the best selling point for a laser, awkward shooting positions. Laser sights shine (sorry) in situations where you can’t get a proper presentation or sight picture, also they are invaluable when you can’t get your head in line with the gun and are forced to fire from the hip or in some sort of twisted position from the ground. Lasers are also one of the best options for low-light scenarios, as they are the most visible sight option and even give off a bit of ambient light, slightly illuminating the scene. Lastly, lasers are great for training. It’s hard to convince a new shooter that they are flinching, of that their natural arc of movement is not as detrimental as they might think. However, having a constant indicator of their unspoiled point of impact is often enough to illustrate your point.
Final thought? Well, being that the cost is low and the weight addition is negligible, in many ways it doesn’t make sense NOT to add a laser to your carry gun. Know that it means that your holster might need to be replaced or amended but that’s a small price to pay for the added security. Should shooting with a laser be the only way you practice on the range? Hell no, that would be foolish. Having a laser should only be a backup plan, it shouldn’t ever be the only way that you can aim your weapon. So in closing, there’s no replacement for a good sight picture but it’s good to have a laser just in case the scenario calls for it. It’s like they say in the Boy Scouts…”Keep two in case shit gets messy.” (I may have misquoted that)
For the simplest, brightest laser solutions visit TRUGLO.com
This was a great short piece that many new shooters never think of. I’ve tried to explain these same topics to new shooters, especially women. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. Keep up the great work.
Maybe a series of articles aimed at new GUN owners. So they can read your series and put it to use at the range or going to their favorite GUN shop shopping for new accessories .
Make them feel more comfortable in their new skin.
All I can say is get used to using Iron Sights first, because lasers only have two choices of operation in my opinion, 1). Works “half-assed” when it works. 2). Fails when you’re over dependent on it working and unprepared for it to fail. I have been using Iron Sights for 50 years, and I can’t justify changing now, I’ll keep the Iron Sights.
I have taken the light laser combo off of my carry guns. Lasers are extremely limited in usage and not very practical. I can point shoot at the short distance that laser’s are effective.
Here are some other points: Just having the green or red dot illuminating on an intruder might be enough to scare them away. The bad point is they can see where that dot is coming from.
Great article. I learned all these points by trial and error. Finding an OWB holster was the most difficult aspect, and mine is a fairly popular handgun. Remora cuts an IWB sticky style holster with a laser option for most any handgun. Oddly, a cheapie Uncle Mike’s also fits well. I have a 9 mm pistol with laser zeroed to 10 yards, coinciding with the iron sights. I also have a 9 mm PCC with laser and iron sights set to 25 yards. Basically co-witness of laser and irons at the zero distance. Both lasers are located so that the switch sits right under the index finger. It’s easy to hold the PCC at an odd angle, out past my shoulder, place the laser dot on the target, and hit it easily at 25 yards. Not as accurate as an aimed shot, but adequate for the purpose if needed. Obviously need to check the batteries now and again to be sure they work. Overall good additions to the weapons whose main purpose is home defense if things should ever go bump in the night.
Good, comprehensive article that was not overly wordy.
I would like to add a bit on a laser sight providing ambient illumination: A laser light combo often has the option to use the flashlight and the laser at the same time. Many green ones can still be clearly seen in the light from the flashlight; best of both worlds, fantastic for home defense.
Personally, that’s the only time I have a laser/light attached to my carry piece- when I’m at home, at night. Otherwise, it’s iron sights for me.
I use a Viridian type laser on all my weapons (Glk, S&W, Sig and CZ) and have never had any difficulties in the operation of same (which automatically is instant on, as soon as you draw your weapon from the holster) I have also never had any difficulties in finding a holster that fits the laser system either. I also have the Viridian Laser/Light Combo system on both my AR and Benelli M4. Never had a problem on either one. I do agree with one of the comments that you should always learn how to use the iron sights first, and get that down perfect. Then you can get a laser system that will compliment your choice of weapon’s original target sight system.