when your eyes are bad?

Deja vu · February 10, 2015, 03:13 PM

Last night there was an odd noise in the house that lucky it turned out to only be a stray cat on the window.

Any way I woke up and reached for my glasses. I realised that I must of knocked them off the night stand as I slept. With out my glasses the sights on the gun are near impossable to see. I am considering getting a laser to make it easier should the need ever arise. Is this a good idea?

The gun is kept in a bed side holster.

TailGator · February 10, 2015, 03:44 PM

Is your vision problem going to let you see the laser dot?

chris in va · February 10, 2015, 04:09 PM

Very dangerous situation. More than once a spouse has accidentally shot a loved one because they couldnt identify the shape in the hallway.

I would consider a good weapon light first. Its been proven that most defensive shootings never involve lining up the sights.

Deja vu · February 10, 2015, 05:28 PM

The dot is not an issue. I can see long distance its up close that is hard to see.

zach_ · February 10, 2015, 05:43 PM

You need to see what you are shooting at. That blade runner guy accidentally shot his wife 10 times, or something like that. Don't need that in your life.

Deja vu · February 10, 2015, 06:10 PM

I can see any thing 4-5 feet or more away. Its things like the sights that are hard.

WW2 · February 10, 2015, 06:44 PM

I like my Crimson Trace grips. They turn on the laser when you take a grip on the gun. If you do not want the laser seen you can use your trigger finger to cover the laser, or loosen your grip until you want to sight in. If you don't want the laser at all there is a switch on the bottom of the grip to turn it off.

When sighting it in at the local indoor range I felt like I was cheating! The was a solid red line from my gun to the target! Easy to hit even at 25 yards.

Snyper · February 10, 2015, 06:57 PM

I like Tritium "night sights" better than lasers, since they don't depend on batteries, and don't give away your position

Auto5 · February 10, 2015, 08:55 PM

+1 on the Crimson Trace grips. I'm in the same boat vision wise. No need to worry about the sights, just put the dot on the target. The laser only comes on when you squeeze the pressure switch, so the dot isn't bouncing around the room or giving away your position

Blue Duck · February 10, 2015, 09:12 PM

I might suggest you practice point shooting more, without your glasses. At inside your home ranges, and at night, point shooting should be adequate, you don't necessarily need to see your sights at short range if you are good at point shooting.

But, maybe a Laser would help.

Reader850 · February 11, 2015, 12:38 AM

+2 on the Crimson Trace grips. I need reading glasses to see up close, much like the OP. That isn't a problem using the laser. I'm undecided about adding a gun rail light vs. using a flashlight. I always have a flashlight handy.

TailGator · February 11, 2015, 10:04 AM

Night sights don't solve this problem - they will be just as out of focus as regular sights since the OP is far-sighted.

This sounds like a problem for which a laser may be a valid solution. Just keep in mind that the laser is one more item to maintain (i.e., keep the batteries fresh).

TimSr · February 11, 2015, 03:57 PM

I am a 53 year old who is in the same boat, except I can't see well near or far. I share the OP's problem of not being able to see the sights in dim light. Most people who start losing sight with age, tend to lose their ability to see color in low light. With everything viewed in shades of gray, you lose your ability to see anything well without total black or total white contrast. Even hunter orange appears as a shade of gray in dim light. The orange insert on my front sight is useless to me in dim light. When a person's sight declines with age, they first notice as it becomes difficult to see driving at night, while daytime driving is not a problem. I'd go out on opening day of deer seaon, and wait until legal shooting hours, and realized that I still could not see my sights until a half hour later.

A laser would certainly help with aim, as most of us can still see the silouette of target just fine. I've also found those big 3 white dot sights where you line up the white dots (one on the front sight between the two on the rear) are fairly visible to me in dim light.

The most practical solution for me though, was to practice after dark, without being able to use the sights. I can't imagine being in many defense situations where I would have the time to carefully sight, and squeeze the trigger. In typical distances within most homes, I would think learning to point and shoot would be far more effective. I am confident I could shoot across my largest room, and hit center mass without using sights.

Snyper · February 12, 2015, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Night sights don't solve this problem - they will be just as out of focus as regular sights since the OP is far-sighted.

Out of focus doesn't matter so much at close range
They are still more visible in low light

Quote:

With out my glasses the sights on the gun are near impossable to see.

Deaf Smith · February 13, 2015, 08:52 AM

Or you can use the John Wayne method... sawed off double barreled 12 gauge..

Just a thought.

Deaf

skoro · February 13, 2015, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deja Vu

I am considering getting a laser to make it easier should the need ever arise. Is this a good idea?

I'm VERY pleased with the Crimson Trace laser on my 38. It's espceially effective in poor lighting.

Doc TH · February 14, 2015, 09:37 PM

You might consider laser corneal surgery. If you are a candidate, it has the possibility of restoring nearly normal vision. The drawback is that as one ages, the ability of the eye to accommodate ("switch" from distance to near vision) diminishes, since it is dependent on changes in the thickness of the lens which becomes inflexible. That's why the majority of people have to use reading glasses as they age. You can "sculpt" the cornea to adjust to glasses-free near or far vision, but not both.

campingnights · February 16, 2015, 10:57 AM

I have the same problem my friend. Daytime sights are OK, nightime not so much. I have Crimson Trace on my Beretta and I had one on my little Taurus 5 shot. I highly recommend them. The dot lets you know about where the bullet will hit and even better it serves as a last warning to an intruder. Most everyone knows what that little red dot means and serves last notice to "get outta Dodge". I always figure, better if they leave than dealing with the repercussions from shooting someone.

Opticsplanet might be a good place to start price checking.

JeffK · February 16, 2015, 11:21 AM

This is exactly why I have a streamlight TLR4 on the HK45 in my dresser drawer. Thumb the switch up and I have a bright light and a laser spot, if I need them.

T. O'Heir · February 16, 2015, 01:46 PM

"...Without my glasses the sights on the gun are near impossible to see..." If you can't see, you can't shoot well, period. A laser sight's dot won't change that. Turn the friggin' lights on.

Snyper · February 16, 2015, 02:56 PM

Quote:

The dot lets you know about where the bullet will hit and even better it serves as a last warning to an intruder.

If you've put the laser on target, the time for "warnings" has long passed.

They likely won't see the laser dot on themselves

All they will see is a bright light where YOU are

campingnights · February 16, 2015, 04:44 PM

I don't live in a war zone, nor do I live for the moment when I can plug someone legally. They WILL see the dot and if they decide to leave it's all good to me.

Grant D · February 16, 2015, 05:44 PM

I'm 65 and have the same problem. I can see the target, but not the sights.
The crimson trace on my Kimber works real well for me. I say get one.

donglock26 · February 16, 2015, 10:21 PM

Can you see a large sight like a Big Dot front sight or even a stock Glock
front sight? Can you see a Glock rear sight?

Also, I notice that I can see the G-26 front sight better than a G-17
front sight because it is closer to my eyes. I would look at the Big Dots
on a G-26.

mrdaputer · March 14, 2015, 06:05 AM

I have a laser which I practice with for those moments you can't use your sights for what ever reason. I also have a good set of night sights.That is not your problem tho. With that being said I suggest you figure out a way that you won't knock your glasses off your night stand. If you depend on your laser and for whatever reason it doesn't turn on then it does no good.

February 10, 2015, 03:13 PM	#1
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	when your eyes are bad? Last night there was an odd noise in the house that lucky it turned out to only be a stray cat on the window. Any way I woke up and reached for my glasses. I realised that I must of knocked them off the night stand as I slept. With out my glasses the sights on the gun are near impossable to see. I am considering getting a laser to make it easier should the need ever arise. Is this a good idea? The gun is kept in a bed side holster. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

February 10, 2015, 05:28 PM	#4
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	The dot is not an issue. I can see long distance its up close that is hard to see. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

February 10, 2015, 05:43 PM	#5
zach_ Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2014 Location: DFW north Posts: 377	You need to see what you are shooting at. That blade runner guy accidentally shot his wife 10 times, or something like that. Don't need that in your life. __________________ Z

February 10, 2015, 06:10 PM	#6
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	I can see any thing 4-5 feet or more away. Its things like the sights that are hard. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

February 10, 2015, 06:57 PM	#8
Snyper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2013 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 3,047	I like Tritium "night sights" better than lasers, since they don't depend on batteries, and don't give away your position __________________ One shot, one kill

February 10, 2015, 03:44 PM	#2
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	Is your vision problem going to let you see the laser dot?

February 10, 2015, 04:09 PM	#3
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 13,806	Very dangerous situation. More than once a spouse has accidentally shot a loved one because they couldnt identify the shape in the hallway. I would consider a good weapon light first. Its been proven that most defensive shootings never involve lining up the sights.

February 10, 2015, 08:55 PM	#9
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	+1 on the Crimson Trace grips. I'm in the same boat vision wise. No need to worry about the sights, just put the dot on the target. The laser only comes on when you squeeze the pressure switch, so the dot isn't bouncing around the room or giving away your position __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

February 10, 2015, 09:12 PM	#10
Blue Duck Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2006 Posts: 402	I might suggest you practice point shooting more, without your glasses. At inside your home ranges, and at night, point shooting should be adequate, you don't necessarily need to see your sights at short range if you are good at point shooting. But, maybe a Laser would help.

February 11, 2015, 12:38 AM	#11
Reader850 Member Join Date: July 6, 2011 Posts: 47	+2 on the Crimson Trace grips. I need reading glasses to see up close, much like the OP. That isn't a problem using the laser. I'm undecided about adding a gun rail light vs. using a flashlight. I always have a flashlight handy.

February 11, 2015, 10:04 AM	#12
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	Night sights don't solve this problem - they will be just as out of focus as regular sights since the OP is far-sighted. This sounds like a problem for which a laser may be a valid solution. Just keep in mind that the laser is one more item to maintain (i.e., keep the batteries fresh).

February 11, 2015, 03:57 PM	#13
TimSr Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: Rittman, Ohio Posts: 2,074	I am a 53 year old who is in the same boat, except I can't see well near or far. I share the OP's problem of not being able to see the sights in dim light. Most people who start losing sight with age, tend to lose their ability to see color in low light. With everything viewed in shades of gray, you lose your ability to see anything well without total black or total white contrast. Even hunter orange appears as a shade of gray in dim light. The orange insert on my front sight is useless to me in dim light. When a person's sight declines with age, they first notice as it becomes difficult to see driving at night, while daytime driving is not a problem. I'd go out on opening day of deer seaon, and wait until legal shooting hours, and realized that I still could not see my sights until a half hour later. A laser would certainly help with aim, as most of us can still see the silouette of target just fine. I've also found those big 3 white dot sights where you line up the white dots (one on the front sight between the two on the rear) are fairly visible to me in dim light. The most practical solution for me though, was to practice after dark, without being able to use the sights. I can't imagine being in many defense situations where I would have the time to carefully sight, and squeeze the trigger. In typical distances within most homes, I would think learning to point and shoot would be far more effective. I am confident I could shoot across my largest room, and hit center mass without using sights.

February 13, 2015, 08:52 AM	#15
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	Or you can use the John Wayne method... sawed off double barreled 12 gauge.. Just a thought. Deaf __________________ “To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides

February 14, 2015, 09:37 PM	#17
Doc TH Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2005 Posts: 633	You might consider laser corneal surgery. If you are a candidate, it has the possibility of restoring nearly normal vision. The drawback is that as one ages, the ability of the eye to accommodate ("switch" from distance to near vision) diminishes, since it is dependent on changes in the thickness of the lens which becomes inflexible. That's why the majority of people have to use reading glasses as they age. You can "sculpt" the cornea to adjust to glasses-free near or far vision, but not both.

February 16, 2015, 10:57 AM	#18
campingnights Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2014 Location: Frozen North Posts: 272	I have the same problem my friend. Daytime sights are OK, nightime not so much. I have Crimson Trace on my Beretta and I had one on my little Taurus 5 shot. I highly recommend them. The dot lets you know about where the bullet will hit and even better it serves as a last warning to an intruder. Most everyone knows what that little red dot means and serves last notice to "get outta Dodge". I always figure, better if they leave than dealing with the repercussions from shooting someone. Opticsplanet might be a good place to start price checking. __________________ Cry HAVOC! and let loose the chihuahuas of war. My wife told me that I can't have too many guns, I agreed and told her I can never have too many guns...and then the trouble began

February 16, 2015, 11:21 AM	#19
JeffK Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2014 Posts: 206	This is exactly why I have a streamlight TLR4 on the HK45 in my dresser drawer. Thumb the switch up and I have a bright light and a laser spot, if I need them.

February 16, 2015, 01:46 PM	#20
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...Without my glasses the sights on the gun are near impossible to see..." If you can't see, you can't shoot well, period. A laser sight's dot won't change that. Turn the friggin' lights on. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

February 16, 2015, 04:44 PM	#22
campingnights Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2014 Location: Frozen North Posts: 272	I don't live in a war zone, nor do I live for the moment when I can plug someone legally. They WILL see the dot and if they decide to leave it's all good to me. __________________ Cry HAVOC! and let loose the chihuahuas of war. My wife told me that I can't have too many guns, I agreed and told her I can never have too many guns...and then the trouble began

February 16, 2015, 05:44 PM	#23
Grant D Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2011 Location: Brazos County, Texas Posts: 1,038	I'm 65 and have the same problem. I can see the target, but not the sights. The crimson trace on my Kimber works real well for me. I say get one.

February 16, 2015, 10:21 PM	#24
donglock26 Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 2001 Posts: 186	Can you see a large sight like a Big Dot front sight or even a stock Glock front sight? Can you see a Glock rear sight? Also, I notice that I can see the G-26 front sight better than a G-17 front sight because it is closer to my eyes. I would look at the Big Dots on a G-26.

March 14, 2015, 06:05 AM	#25
mrdaputer Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2013 Posts: 493	I have a laser which I practice with for those moments you can't use your sights for what ever reason. I also have a good set of night sights.That is not your problem tho. With that being said I suggest you figure out a way that you won't knock your glasses off your night stand. If you depend on your laser and for whatever reason it doesn't turn on then it does no good.