Legality of laser sights

[lzflashback]

Greetings, I was told that laser sights mounted on a handgun or rifle are illegal in Virginia. It's not illiegal to own the sights (that's why you can buy them), just illegal to mount or use them. Can anyone confirm or deny? Thanks much. Bill

[KaosDad]

Not that I know of. What is your source for this?

[DWinter]

This is the first I've ever heard of this also. I too am interested in your source. I would have to say that were this the case, there would be warnings of the legality at every purchase point.

[Dragonfly]

Then I guess I'll be going to jail for USING a laser "Green Even". Or do you have it confused with the use of spot lights for hunting

[grumpyMSG]

There is a section in the Code of Virginia, 18.2-57.01 that states:

If any person, knowing or having reason to know another person is a law-enforcement officer as defined in � 18.2-57, a probation or parole officer appointed pursuant to � 53.1-143, a correctional officer as defined in � 53.1-1, or a person employed by the Department of Corrections directly involved in the care, treatment or supervision of inmates in the custody of the Department engaged in the performance of his public duties as such, intentionally projects at such other person a beam or a point of light from a laser, a laser gun sight, or any device that simulates a laser, shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

It doesn't make it illegal in most cases, only if it involves a LEO/CO in the conduct of their duties.

[lzflashback]

I got the word from an ex-state trooper. Of course the laws could have changed. I would think that a handgun with laser attached would be of great importance to home security. May not be enough time to take good aim --- just dot him and fire.

[VAGentlemen]

IANAL...but I have never heard that it was illegal. As a matter of fact, I recently did a refresher course for my CCW permit a few weeks ago, and the instructor, who is also affiliated with the NRA and is a certified instructor in VA and UT, stated that he would always have a laser on his pistol, and would not carry one without it, and recommended that I add one to my EMP.

[zephyp]

I think the big deal with lasers right now is airplanes. Some shenanigans with yahoos painting planes with them and interfering with pilot sight...not illegal for HG or LG AFAIK...you gotta remember that the LEOs are not familiar with all the laws regarding weapons or otherwise. You need to be though...

[SgtBill]

I have laser sights on several of my weapons and I am totally legal retired LEO or not.
Bill

[GS78]

I think its illegal to target a person with a laser for entertainment, as in the keychain types. Kids used to point them at people,drivers, etc..... Its not illegal to have one on a weapon.

[gunderwood]

I think its illegal to target a person with a laser for entertainment, as in the keychain types. Kids used to point them at people,drivers, etc..... Its not illegal to have one on a weapon.

If someone is using a weapon mounted laser for entertainment, they are breaking bigger laws. I don't think we need another special law here.

A lot of people love weapon mounted lasers, but I've never been a big fan. Great toys, but their usefulness for CC I'm not sure about. Certainly, lots of people disagree with me, so take it for what its worth.

[allingeneral]

A lot of people love weapon mounted lasers, but I've never been a big fan. Great toys, but their usefulness for CC I'm not sure about. Certainly, lots of people disagree with me, so take it for what its worth.

The lasers like Crimson Trace, which are integrated into the grips, are pretty nice. I wouldn't carry one concealed if it were rail mounted.

[GS78]

I wouldn't use one period. I was just adding that the illegal aspect would most likely be pointing it at occupied vehicles and such. I think anyone outside of covert ops , is just a yahoo.

[gunderwood]

The reason I don't like lasers are:

1. It takes the human eye approx. 1/3 a second to focus on something. That focus is fairly narrow. IRRC correctly, logarithmic from the focal point. While the laser is bright, you should be focusing on what your threat is doing vice where the green dot is...you just might missing something vital.

2. A lot of CC is instinct shooting. Lasers and sights don't really help. Sights help you learn mechanically how to point the pistol so you can instinctively shoot well. I don't know that lasers help or at least help enough to justify their cost.

3. IMHO, if you need sights/laser to hit the threat at night for CC, they are probably too far away to make an accurate assessment as to their intentions.

4. Lasers encourage their use as a deterrent. While a laser may deter an attacker, if I am justified in drawing my gun, I'm not waiting to find out if they will stop because I have a laser. However, you read lots of posts about how laser can stop attackers. I don't like the precedent and I think it can be a crutch.

I do like lights like Surefire on home defence guns though. It can be very important to accurately ID your threat before firing. Self defence on the street is generally easier to ascertain the threat.

Edit: This line of thought is similar to the less-lethal's, the mere presence of them encourages their use and I'm not sure that is a good thing.

[ProShooter]

Just catching this thread after being up in Chantilly teaching all weekend.Interesting viewpoints presented...

Laser sights are not illegal to have on your handgun, only if you point them at a LEO as stated above.

With that said, I recommend to my students that they do not use laser sights on their defensive handguns. In fact, my feeling is that laser sights have absolutely no business on a defensive handgun. Lasers were invented for training, period.

Ask yourself this, if they are so good, why don't officers on the street use them? Too many negatives associated with a laser on a defensive handgun.

[gunderwood]

Just catching this thread after being up in Chantilly teaching all weekend.Interesting viewpoints presented...

Laser sights are not illegal to have on your handgun, only if you point them at a LEO as stated above.

With that said, I recommend to my students that they do not use laser sights on their defensive handguns. In fact, my feeling is that laser sights have absolutely no business on a defensive handgun. Lasers were invented for training, period.

Ask yourself this, if they are so good, why don't officers on the street use them? Too many negatives associated with a laser on a defensive handgun.

As you are much more experienced that I, would you expound on those negatives?

[zephyp]

I agree somewhat with Proshooter - for instinctive shooting you dont need a laser...just a quick reaction and -- well -- instinct...

[skywalker30]

ive heard of lasers being targeted on leo at events and that causes concern so they made a law againt that. lasers on guns are overrated,night sights and a good rail mounted light are more important in my opinion,.no police firearms are issued with a lasers however most come with night sights.

[ProShooter]

Just catching this thread after being up in Chantilly teaching all weekend.Interesting viewpoints presented...

Laser sights are not illegal to have on your handgun, only if you point them at a LEO as stated above.

With that said, I recommend to my students that they do not use laser sights on their defensive handguns. In fact, my feeling is that laser sights have absolutely no business on a defensive handgun. Lasers were invented for training, period.

Ask yourself this, if they are so good, why don't officers on the street use them? Too many negatives associated with a laser on a defensive handgun.

As you are much more experienced that I, would you expound on those negatives?

Sure!

1) Lasers run on batteries. Murphy's Law tells us all we need to know about battery operated devices not working at the worst possible time.

2) Laser sights give away your position, and tell your attacker that you are armed. If he is armed, he is much more likely to use his weapon and, with pinpoint accuracy. He just aims for the red laser light while you are blind in the dark as to his whereabouts.

3) Lasers are very difficult to see during the daytime (bright sunshine).

4) Laser light can be redirected, reflected and refracted. Not good qualites to have when you are talking about the sighting system on a defensive handgun.

[SgtBill]

I have Crimson Trace laser sight's on some of my handguns only because I like them. Do I need them NO, I am an instinct shooter that can hit a target of oppurtunity with just about anything that I can get a decent grip on. I have been in the position to use my weapon in a firefight and the sight's never came into play only instinct did. I am here and they ain't.

Pro Shooter's #2 in my mind is wrong. It would seem to me that you would have to go up against someone that is highly trained with night sight's and or is a instinct shooter that is highly trained. If this is the case then you are most likely on the nwrong side of the gunfight. I know that the opponent would not be shooting with a flashlight as this is also a learned skill and would give away their position.

P.S. My home defense weapon is a S & W Mod. 686 - 4" 357 Magnum with 125 grain Remington Hollow Points and a set of Crimson Trace Sight's that have a button on the front of the grip's that won't "turn on" unless I want them to. I would not search in the dark with the laser turned on I am better trained then that.
Bill