Thought to start this thread to get the discussion going about the pro’s / con’s between a laser vs a red dot on a concealed carry.
Being a new gun owner (Springfield Hellcat) I see the pros to both but as a concealed weapon for protection just not sure if one is better than the other. Add in the nightmare of holster selections, wanted to reach out to the community to get their thoughts.
Thanks in advance for the input and advice!!!
@FRMD215 Welcome again. 
You may want to change the title to Red Dot.
Click on the “magnifying glass” in the upper right corner and type in “red dot”.
I like red dots on some rifles and shotguns but not my pistols.
Lasers are for the most part a dead giveaway. 
Pun intended.
@FRMD215 I also like @BRUCE26 use Red dot on some rifles but not on pistols although my old eyes are starting to say I may need to soon. 
Welcome to the group
I have had Crimson Trace lasers on two revolvers for over ten years, and for the last three years I have had red dot sights (RDS) on two 9mm compacts. With that experience, I would always recommend the RDS over a laser. While both have the common advantage of target focus instead of front sight focus, the laser accentuates the small movement of the gun, sometimes causing a hesitation in firing as the shooter tries to calm the movement. I am much more accurate with the RDS than the laser. In addition, lighting conditions sometimes make the laser dot difficult to see at distance.
As for finding holsters for a Hellcat with RDS, every quality Kydex holster company I know of offers models cut for the RDS on the pistol.
“No” to lasers. My eyes are not simpatico to red dots but the green dot and circle optics are great.
Will do! Title changed!
I think laser or red dot is a personal preference.
It’s like discussing Pepsi Cola vs. Coca Cola… meaning as many options as written posts.
In my case:
Laser:
Red Dot:
I like Red Dots, have it on both hand guns and Rifles. The only real challenge for me is, the Red Dot on my AR gets a bit tough to use at past 100 yds.
I have used both. The laser I had to ‘look’ for and depending on the environment/lighting it took more time than a RDS that is right in front of my face each time I presented the pistols.
Sorry to be a party pooper, but good old fashioned iron sights. ‘Nuf said!
My experience with lasers is: (1) they can be hard to see in bright daylight or at distance; and, (2) they are only as good as their batteries and your discipline with changing those batteries (same for red dots, BTW). Red dots are easier for my old eyes to see and place on target, but (1) require some practice/discipline to consistently, rapidly deploy them; (2) they are harder to conceal being a big lump on the top of a handgun; and (3) the viewing screen also has to be kept clean. Red dots also don’t work on any of the revolvers I possess.
I was taught NPOA and no matter what is used you will hit your target. 
@FRMD215 Besides iron sight, red dot (green dot preferred) would be better than laser.
Welcome to the Fold FRMD !
You are right where you’re suppose to be Brother
Excellent first post.
Keep Training man, with experience you will answer your own concerns
Red/Green? Red Dot/Green Dot? is like Chili !
The more you slather it on your Burrito’s, Chimichanga’s and Enchilada’s
You will find your favorite! (or BOTH!)
I Love my M&P 2.0 w/ a Green Laser/Flash and XS Night Vision sights up top.
(As for the nightmare Holsters ‘Embrace the Suck’ Brother and pick a classy box for your ‘Whoopsie’ Purchases)
Every Gunner I know said ‘That won’t happen to me!’----Buzzer Sounds!
Holsters, Mag holders, Belts, IFAX’s, Plate Carriers, Glasses, Ear Protection etc are all capable of
ending up in that BOX! So choose wisely (and BIG!) and like Voting—OFTEN!
Good Luck.
WWG1WGA
I own pistol and rifle with both. For me i like the red dot better for both. The laser works good in a low light setting but out side on a sunny day not so good.
For folks new to the term, NPOA is Natural Point of Aim, which helps the shooter develop grip, presentation, and stance so your muscle memory (myelination) brings you to a repeatable position with the gun pointed (aimed) where you are looking.
For me it’s a combination of red dot, green dot, iron sights and scopes. I have one pistol with a laser that was factory (S&W bodyguard). I tried lasers for my G43 and S&W shield plus, and now those are in the “loose parts” ammo can probably forever.
As others have said red/green dots can br hard to impossible to see at further distances on rifles, but the range for pistols they work good. I find with my eyesight deteriorating more every couple years (diabetes) that the dots and scopes are my best fit. That said all my hard sights are high visibility fiber optic or Tritium.
Also, all of my dots are limited to two brands and have the battery tray on the side for easy replacement.
I haven’t used a laser so no perspective on them from me. I do have a few dots. My favorite by far is the Holosun SCS. The circle dot is easy for my old eyes, especially in green, even in bright sunlight. It doesn’t have replaceable batteries, it is solar charged. A couple hours of light powers it for over 20,000 hours which is about 2 years. It is always on, so no “shake awake” issues. And there are several versions such that mine didn’t even need an adapter plate for mounting it.
