The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Night Sights & Low Light--An Experiment

BillCA · January 30, 2009, 08:35 AM

Drat...

I meant to thank JohnKSa and Double-Naught for their work in running these tests. If you pardon the pun, the results were illuminating.

Another couple of tests that I'm sure would be of further interest would be using a laser-sighted handgun to see if it aids the acquisition of the target. I'd suggest using black t-shirts over each target to minimize contrast against the sights (and because so many thugs tend to wear dark clothing).

My interest would be on whether the laser allows the shooter to "find" the target easily and how much distraction ambient smoke in the air causes. An observer off to the side might note how much the laser pinpoints the shooter too.

This could be a good test for snubby wheelguns too. Ideally a fixed sight gun, a "Night Guard" model with the Cylinder & Slide sights and a laser-equipped unit. I'd suggest ammo be at least .38+P to determine the effects of muzzle flash on acquiring the different sight types as well.

January 30, 2009, 08:35 AM	#31
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,117	Drat... I meant to thank JohnKSa and Double-Naught for their work in running these tests. If you pardon the pun, the results were illuminating. Another couple of tests that I'm sure would be of further interest would be using a laser-sighted handgun to see if it aids the acquisition of the target. I'd suggest using black t-shirts over each target to minimize contrast against the sights (and because so many thugs tend to wear dark clothing). My interest would be on whether the laser allows the shooter to "find" the target easily and how much distraction ambient smoke in the air causes. An observer off to the side might note how much the laser pinpoints the shooter too. This could be a good test for snubby wheelguns too. Ideally a fixed sight gun, a "Night Guard" model with the Cylinder & Slide sights and a laser-equipped unit. I'd suggest ammo be at least .38+P to determine the effects of muzzle flash on acquiring the different sight types as well. __________________ BillCA in CA (Unfortunately)