In the wake of any unusual or horrific crime, the media, including Fox, enlist their law enforcement experts, usually people who once worked as detectives or police administrators, to enlighten us. Sometimes they merely belabor the painfully obvious. Sometimes, their insights cross over into the stunningly dimwitted. Such was the case with CNN’s “chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst” following the Bondi Beach and Brown University attacks:

Graphic: Social Media Post

God save us from “experts.”

Miller implies that laser sights on pistols are rare and are “used mostly by professionals, tactical people, military people.” He also tells us they are “fairly sophisticated.” He apparently doesn’t get out much.

Graphic: Glock 17. Author.

Lasers, like the Crimson Trace laser/flashlight module on this Glock 17 have been around for decades, and they ‘ve always mounted on handguns, shotguns and rifles. The military does use them, but mainly with special operations units, and those are primarily infrared lasers used with night vision devices. Absent particles in the air like dust or fog, one doesn’t see a “beam” ala Star Wars or Star Trek, only the dot. Infrared light isn’t visible to the unaided eye at all. Without electronic enhancement the dot isn’t visible.

The lasers available to the general public have benefited greatly from miniaturization and from the addition of under-frame rails in handguns and Picatinny and M-Lok fittings on rifles and shotguns. Properly designed lasers like those made by Crimson Trace are rugged, reliable and reasonably inexpensive, though as with any product you get with you pay for. Cheaper units may be found, but they commonly don’t hold zero, don’t last and aren’t reliable.

Contemporary lasers are limited in power to 5 milliwatts and come in two “colors:” red and green.  Manufacturers claim green dots are easier to see in bright light, like sunlight, and at greater distances then red dots, but that largely depends on the color of the surface on which the laser dot rests. In sunlight, laser dots are clearly visible to only about 15 yards but are visible at much greater distances in low light or indoors. A laser unit selling for $200 in red will usually go for $300 in green.

Miller is right about where bullets will strike with a laser, but only if it has been properly zeroed. If they are properly zeroed, they work very well, but again, useful range will change depending on lighting conditions. A washed-out laser dot one must strain to see is of little use and one is better off using “iron,” electronic (red dot) or optical sights.

But, within their useful limits, lasers can make target acquisition fast and accurate. One obvious use for lasers is with high sightline weapons like AR-15s. At close range, say 15-20 yards—one must aim 3.5” to 4” higher than the desired impact point. If you’re the kind of shooter who practices so often that kind of adjustment is second nature, it’s not an issue, but if you’re like most shooters, you’re likely to forget, particularly under stress. A laser zeroed for 15 yards eliminates that issue.

Police officers buying an under-barrel flashlight for their handguns will often spend a bit more to incorporate a laser in a package essentially the same size.

Lasers are also great practice aids for trigger control. Any unnecessary movement of the barrel due to poor trigger technique is instantly visible.

Contemporary lasers can last for a great many hours because they’re usually only illuminated a few seconds at a time to avoid giving away one’s presence or position. I change my laser batteries once a year just to be on the safe side and surely have a great many hours in reserve. But what if the battery dies when you need it? Simply revert to iron sights. If you’re on target with the laser—you’re using proper stance and grip--they’ll be right there anyway.

Lasers may also be useful for shooters with a lot of miles on their eyes. Their brilliant dots may be easier to see than increasingly blurry iron sights.

Particularly with handguns, lasers do present one primary issue: they tend to make holsters harder to find. The major holster makers often have models that deal with that issue, and there are many custom makers who can accommodate any laser module.

Perhaps Miller isn’t as uninformed as his CNN appearance would suggest. Perhaps they left quite a bit in the editing computer. What is certain is handgun lasers are ubiquitous and useful accessories, and one need not be professional, tactical or military to buy or appreciate them.

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Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.