Sights on target and squeeze, that’s the simple way to explain shooting right?
Well, it’s a bit more complicated when you think about iron sights and lasers, like on this Smith and Wesson M&P M2.0 Shield with integrated Crimson Trace Laser. You need to learn how to use both the irons and the laser to make the best of both worlds.
This M&P Shield M2.0 comes with three dot white sights. For a fast, or coarse sight picture, you can simply line up the three dots, with the front sight settling between the rear dots, all of the dots in a row, and you can break your shot.
For smaller targets, or more precise shots, that’s when you really going to need to pay attention to detail. You will want to line up the corners of the sights so the corners of the front sight are going to line up with the corners of the rear sight, all in a line. After that you’ll want to pay attention to the bars of light on either side of the front sight, so that they are equal, in order to make a precise shot.
One of the best ways to make sure your sights are hitting where you want them to, is by benching your firearm. Using a sand bag and a table like this will help you make sure your sights are on target. It’s also going to help you eliminate any trigger control errors and anticipating the shot.
One of the most significant advantages to using a laser is that they are faster. You no longer have to line up the sights, whether you are using that coarse sight picture, or a more precise precision sight picture. The beauty of it is you simply superimpose the laser on the target and squeeze the trigger.
This is also an advantage in self-defense situations where you are focusing on your target. If you are using your irons your accuracy could falter.
It is also very important to check the zero on your laser. You will want to start with making a sight picture with your irons, transition to your laser, make any adjustments as you need to.
But most importantly you want to be sure that you can use both your irons and your laser to hit your target no matter the conditions.
Lasers come in both red and green options. Red is for low or no light and green works in both low and no light conditions, as well as day light conditions like today.
If you purchase a firearm like this one with a laser built in you have a great option for any condition, but you also want to make sure that you practice with your iron sights so that you are proficient with both should you not be able to use your laser for some reason. Take them both to the range and practice. And be safe and have fun.
