It was quite a long time ago when lasers are considered exotic devices. They are unique only to Hollywood movies back in the day. However, laser technology has come a very long way since the 1980s. In present day, it is pretty standard to find guys at your local shooting range practicing either with a mounted laser or with small laser/light combos on their handguns.
Although firearm laser attachments are not flawless and suffer from some design issues, there are ways around it. In the planet of home-defence and concealed carry, laser sights have become progressively popular.
Statistics claim the most noteworthy number of robberies and burglaries take place at night. Because of that, those are the main reasons why the laser and weapon light will be the first obvious accessory to get for yourselves.
In this mini review article, we will try to explain what to look for in a laser sight for your Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. At the same time, we will recommend several top picks for the best lasers for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield.
Are All M&P Shield Laser The Same?
Despite the fact that lasers have been around for many years, there are still a whole lot of misunderstandings about laser types and classifications. There are 3 main kinds and types of laser installations for your Smith & Wesson M&P handgun:
- The laser sight can be mounted to or in front of the trigger guard.
- It can replace or mount on to the backstrap.
- Or the latest design is the guide rod laser.
With so many different laser products that are available for most firearms, the most critical laser feature that people should be considering is its visibility products.
In summary, the traditional red lasers function in the visible spectrum in wavelengths ranging anywhere from 620 nanometers to 750 nanometers. However, on the other hand the green light is close to the center of the visible light spectrum at approximately 532 Nanometers.
Therefore, our eye is better able to identify colors within the green spectrum, making the green laser more noticeable in broad daylight than red. In more practical and workable terms, it means that a red laser may only be noticeable up to 25 yards or 30 yards away. It makes them more suitable for indoor use or outside use from sun down to daylight.
On the other hand, the newly developed green laser sight family can be used to engage outdoor targets at a much better distance, as well under a wide variety of lighting conditions.
Since Smith & Wesson M&P green lasers are more noticeable in daylight than red, they are ideal and recommended for target shooters. For instance, in the daytime, a green laser can be seen at 100 yards or more. For obvious reasons, since there is no free dinner, the qualities of green lasers originated with a higher price, more subtle construction, and more narrow effective temperature range than red lasers.
From some manufacturer’s manuals, a red laser is typically operational between 15 degrees and 120 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 9.4-49°C), while a green laser is workable between 40 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 4.5-38°C).
Pros and Cons of Using a Laser Light For M&P Shield
Besides having many benefits, the lasers also have some feebleness and limitations. It is good to identify them, especially if you plan on pursuing a Smith & Wesson M&P laser sight on your M&P Shield.
Also, consider when and where you’ll be using your self-defence Smith & Wesson M&P Shield gun.
Advantages
For use during the day time, a red light will be less effective than the green one. However, during late nights or darkened areas, your Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, whether it is equipped with a red or green laser, will provide a better benefit.
A very important benefit of the laser is that the untrained, newer, and inexperienced people can easily point and conveniently shoot a laser-equipped M&P Shield.
Other than that, the laser sight on your M&P Shield is beneficial for people with poor crimson trace vision.
The laser allows for easier target acquisition from awkward shooting positions or from behind cover. Arguably, the laser ray may have a psychosomatic effect on bad guys.
Disadvantages
Laser sights give away your location in the same way the light from a flashlight does.
Lasers need power supplies and the possibility of failing batteries
What Makes The Best M&P Shield Laser?
The Smith & Wesson’s M&P Shield is one of the most predominant lasers carry pistols and its compact dimensions warrant only small, vigorously designed attachments. Therefore our recommendations encompasses only trigger guard laser sights as the most well-matched solution for a Shield.
This technological advancement provides even smaller and more compact integrated light and laser solutions for better-quality illumination and targeting in all lighting conditions.
For a daily carry gun, simplicity is must. Therefore, we are presenting several easy laser beam activation systems that involve the laser instantaneously when the handgun is held in a normal firing grip.
Since the S&W MP Shield is a frivolous, modern firearm, another highpoint of laser sights is their weight and materials. All of the lasers in this guide are engineered from durable, synthetic materials and add almost little to no weight or bulk to the already light and compact M&P Shield.
Last but not least, easy installation of an M&P Shield Laser is expected, so you can mount the laser unit without perpetual alterations or the help of a qualified gunsmith.
Review of the Best Laser For M&P Shields
The following list recommends some of the best laser sights and the features and benefits of each suggestion.
1. LaserMax S&W Shield Centerfire Laser Sight
The LaserMax Centerfire Laser is highly companionable S&W M&P Shield accessory designed in a polymer configuration that will complement the style and contour of your M&P pistol flawlessly. While the CF-SHIELD laser sight brags the same textured grip pattern on the M&P Shield, it stands to the frame without changing out parts or shifting your firearm.
The LaserMax CF laser sight comes in 2 pieces, which fit over the Shield trigger guard, snap firmly into place, and are held together by 2 screws. Mounted on to the trigger guard, the unit is very durable, with no movement, weighing in at approximately 3.2 ounces. The CF-SHIELD sits just under the bore for pinpoint accuracy and precision. You are able to user-adjust it for windage and elevation.
The red laser comes with a 5mW of power output, which delivers a maximum range of 300 yards. However though the common range for a constant, red beam is less than 20 yards. Utilizing a humble pressure of the trigger finger on an ambidextrous on/off button, this laser ventures out with a bright red aiming point downrange. The side-activated button may require some practice, so to easily switch your laser on and off.
This Class IIIA laser product functions in 650 nm wavelengths and uses a one-lithium CR 1/3N battery to power it. There is a feedback that the laser really drains the battery, and the lithium battery is leaning on the more expensive end.
Since the LaserMax is a popular brand name in the industry of compact pistols, their laser sights are the perfect accompaniment to Smith & Wesson’s easily concealed M&P Shield. The LaserMax CenterFire laser sight is obtainable at a decently low price compared to some of their competitors, while the bright red laser positions in the Shield well and looks seamless.
2. TLR-6 Subcompact Gun Mounted Light with Red Laser
The Streamlight 69273 model is a subcompact pistol amalgamation of both a laser and a flashlight, especially designed to attach to the trigger guard of Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9 and 40.
The compact, lightweight polymer housing comes with a series of gun-mounted C4 tactical light, which delivers 100-Lumens and an 89-meter beam distance allowing for much more convenient identification of potential threats before taking further action. Along with a C4 LED illuminator, the impact-resistant body takes on an integrated 640-660nm, a 5mW peak color aiming laser that is quite bright and very sharp, even at 25 yards out for such lasers.
You can run the entire flashlight and laser combo using left and right-hand switches for ambidextrous lasers function. Furthermore, using this light/laser grouping on subcompact M&P Shield handguns will let you access to three different modes, either light, laser, or dual mode, making this versatile weapon light an idyllic choice for identifying potential threats. The light uses two 3-volt CR1/3N lithium coin batteries with a 10-minute auto shut-off and offers one hour of controlled runtime in dual light/laser mode.
On top of that, the windage and elevation adjustment screws come mounted in brass bushing that is meant for long life. The ultra-compact Streamlight TLR-6 combination enhances barely an ounce of additional weight to your small M&P Shield.
On the other hand, this Streamlight accessory configuration has a few down sides, such as the necessity of buying a specific holster for the laser-equipped M&P Shield. Some users were also not so happy of the insufficiency of the C4 flashlight, although it should still be sufficient enough to stun an intruder.
The Streamlight TLR-6 kit is an entirely new lighting category featuring both an LED illuminator and a laser. For any owners of weapon as small as the Smith and Wesson M&P Shield, this may be the best answer to combine laser and light in the same setup.
3. Crimson Trace LG-489 Laserguard Red Laser Sight
Another leading organisation in laser sighting systems is the Crimson Trace, known for their lasers that substitute the backstrap on a handgun. Their new Laserguard series is engineered to fit onto the Shield`s trigger guard and add little, if any, weight to the firearm.
The Crimson Trace LG-489 Laserguard bases a 5mW peak, 620-670nm laser sight on top of the frame of the Shield over the trigger guard without any gunsmithing or permanent gun changing, anchoring easily with a 2-screw system.
The CT Laserguard laser sight arrives with the activation switch located right on the grip’s front strap. Since there are no switches or buttons to push, the Crimson Trace “Instinctive Activation” triggers the laser instantly upon getting the handgun with a small activation switch that falls securely and naturally under your middle finger.
This polymer-made trigger guard attachment arrives with a rubber overmold activation-pad, while the sight is scalloped to complement the Smith & Wesson’s M&P Shield’s fish scale slide grooves.
In addition to the LG-489 red laser, the Crimson Trace provides another Laserguard model with a green laser. It is especially designed to match the design of M&P Shield concealed carry pistol, marked as LG-489G. This 5mW green laser functions in 532 nm wavelengths.
While red lasers are a better answer and choice for nighttime shooting, many handgun owners prefer the green laser for daytime defense purposes, as they are far more visible in bright daylight. The LG-489G also fits snugly onto the Shield trigger guard and uses the patented Crimson Trace Instinctive Activation switch for instant on and off.
On top of having the same dimensions and 4 ounces weight as LG-489, the same single 1/3N lithium battery enables the green laser battery see purchase lights. However, as the LG-489G devours a little more power than a red laser, you are see battery lights that are less likely to have quite the same battery life (4 hours of battery life vs 2 hours for green light).
Both CT Laserguard laser sights are conveniently adjustable by the user for windage and elevation and are factory-sighted at approximately 50 yards. The Crimson Trace Laserguard LG-489 line-up flawlessly integrates red/green laser sights and lights your battery for Smith & Wesson’s M&P Shield 9mm and .40 full warranty firearms options S&W concealed carry pistols. Fully using the newest 5mW peak power laser technology, these sights are quickly gaining popularity in the laser target sight market offers free models currently.
4. Crimson Trace Lg-808 Red Laser Sight with Tactical Flashlight
The next Crimson Trace product that made our list is the LG-808 model from Laserguard Pro series. This standard (LL-808) Laserguard Pro arrives with a Class 3R red laser diode, projecting an optimum power battery purchase output of 5mW and 150 Lumen LED white light fire year.
The Crimson Trace single compact unit is manufactured explicitly for Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .45 ACP and is engineered to install seamlessly below the barrel of your semi-auto gun. Similar to the previous models, Laserguard Pro Combo features Crimson Trace’s ever popular selected side Instinctive Activation laser-sight engagement system located just under the trigger guard. The LL-808 mixes both a tactical weapon light with a one classic laser sight adjustable holster pistol user manufacturer. Furthermore, it also offers 4 operation features modes: one light only, laser only, laser and light, and flashing strobe light with regular laser activation holsters.
Laserguard Pro hardware installs conveniently in just a few short moments by the user. However, battery changing needs unscrewing and dismounting unit from the Shield. One CR2 lithium battery provides you with well over 4 working hours for the red laser. Chambered in a durable polymer body, the CT Laserguard Pro is factory sighted holsters at 50 feet and alters for windage and target elevation holsters installation offers provide required.
While this Crimson Trace lighting and targeting product comes with the compact housing, it does add some bulk to your entire weapon use. That way you can just keep it in mind if you plan to conceal carry grip use.
The LaserGuard Pro 808 is engineered to follow the contours of a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. Therefore, it boasts the scallop pattern that openly matches the slide texture of the M&P Shield grip.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that besides visible lasers with a steady beam, there are also existing lasers with a pulsing beam and IR lasers. Those lasers can be used with night vision goggles. The pulsating laser emits a highly visible light and entices the attention of both officers and bad guys. It is especially useful under stressful conditions or when putting up with people under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Anyway, laser sights are an irreplaceable addition but as with many things in our lives, we will have to make a compromise. Simple, durable, cheap red lasers may consume less power than green lasers. However, they have limited usability. On the other hand, green lasers appear to be brighter but are more expensive and sensitive to the outside conditions. The choice you make boils down to you and your personal preference and available budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you buy the best M&P laser?
Does searching and shopping for the best Smith & Wesson M&P 380 with laser gets stressful for you? Are doubts colluding over your head and confusing you? We know how the experience is; we have been through the entire journey of Smith & Wesson M&P 380 with laser research as we have now put forward an entire list of the best s Smith & Wesson M&P 380 with laser available in the market today (as of this writing).
Is MP Shield Laser accurate?
Yes, M&P Shield laser are very accurate and works well for self defense, long shooting range and in rapid cross fires. M&P Shield laser are great in recoil reduction due to its lightweight and low bore axis which would improve the accuracy of your shots and providing maximum level of comfort especially in extended period of shooting.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.