I promise you, there would be officers getting in a gun fight and pause to turn the laser on first because that's how they have practiced with the laser. Batteries can go dead as well. I don't believe they would be to practical in clearing houses or structures. It would be dictating your location to crooks that are hiding.
No cops are going to be wasting time trying to turn their laser on.
The activation switch (on/off)does not turn on the laser. It simply enables the pressure switches on the grip to activate the laser when pressure is applied. The laser is still OFF when the grip isn't activating it.
The laser is highly effective in light so dim the regular sights can't be seen, but when it isn't dark enough to see tritium sights. It works great in- doors, in stairwells, and parking garages 24/7. They're worthless in direct sunlight, but may be useful on cloudy days.
My J-frames, with their little hard to see sights, also are equipped with CT Lasergrips.
When practicing, I've had no trouble getting on target with either the regular sights, when they're visible, or the laser when they aren't. No problems like "Jeez, which one do I use?".
Just leave the laser switch in the ON position and things will take care of themselves--albeit with a little practice.
I'm talking about the CT Lasergrip. Not something like the Streamlite that attaches to the rail, and is a different system that includes light and laser combos and different switch arrangement. These too are easy to operate, but require a little more training.
The laser does not give your position away, since it needn't be activated until you're in the process of bringing the gun to bear on the target. At the last split second.
On the other hand, activating the dot, a little early by choice, and placing in Bubba's eye might convey the message that he's picked the wrong victim and preclude the need for further hostilities.
Just a thought--not an established tactic.
NOTE: The concept isn't perfect: There have been incidents, involving SWAT, where several laser equipped officers entered a building and confronted a suspect whose torso was covered with so many dots the officers didn't know which one was theirs.
I suspect they've worked that out by now.
Not trying to be critical of others opinions about laser sights, but it's really interesting the concepts offered by those who've never used them.