[HcadetK]

I dont want anyone saying that Its not something you need bla bla bla, Id just like some opinions on the best laser sights, Lasermax, Crimson trace, etc etc.

[armoredman]

Crimson Trace, works great for me on my CZ P01.

[hak]

I have a CTrace on my Glock 19. made the grip slightly larger (longer back to trigger depth now) but only slightly. i carry the G19 with it, and it's our HD gun. holster fit/compatability is key for carrying and the Crimson Trace doesn't factor here, since i'm right handed and it's laser-bulge is on the outside of gun when worn on right hip, like so:

http://www.crimsontrace.com/images/products/lg619.jpg

[basicblur]

Hard to define "best", as they both have their strengths/weaknesses?
You'll just have to do your homework and decide which features you like/dislike on 'em.

I've got a Lasermax on a SIG P229R and XDSC40-just got a Crimson Trace on my LCP.

[orionengnr]

Crimson Trace. On 1911s and S&W revolvers is is totally unobtrusive, absolutely reliable. Likewise the M-92 and the Ruger MkII.

As far as some other installations (Glock/XD); I don't really like the "wrap-around" but given the design of the pistol (grip integral with frame) it is unavoidable.

Overall (IMHO) the highest quality manufacturer of lasers.

[REX6859]

Crimson Trace all the way

[RDF]

I've seen one that replaces the rear sight on Glocks. I think it is made by LaserLyte.

[armoredman]

That is interesting, brand new, low battery life I think, but very innovative. CTGs do quite well, got three years out of the last batteries - including the toilet dunking.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/spltthenight2smaller.jpg

[jaydubya]

Orionengineer said: Crimson Trace. On 1911s and S&W revolvers is is totally unobtrusive, absolutely reliable

I quite agree. I have Crimson Trace grips on a Browning High Power and two S&W revolvers. They have no impact on wearability.

Cordially, Jack

[ByAnyMeans]

I only have a laser on my P3AT but it is a Crimson Trace and works very well. It's light and has been reliable.

[daveit]

CT grips on my XD9sc....I think it improved grip feel too...felt too skinny to me before that.

[winterset]

CT, has been flawless for me.

SIG P220 Carry (.45acp):D

SIG P239 (.40 S&W):D

S&W 442 (No Hillary hole):evil:

Kel-Tec PF9 (going away):banghead:

[colorado_handgunner]

No Laserlyte, ever. Goes out and on randomly, and sometimes flies off the gun! Biggest POS I ever bought. Sitting in my range bag from the last time it quit working.

[colorado_handgunner]

including the toilet dunking.

Armoredman, sounds like a story there. Care to share? :)

[M2 Carbine]

CT.
I have them on 6 handguns.
I do a lot of late evening laser practice. Cost is secondary. If they weren't the best, I would be buying something else.

I tried a LaserMax. Poor quality. Cheaply made. After a short time I had to send it back to LaserMax because the laser came loose in the housing.

I like a laser/light (Streamlight TLR-2) better than just the the laser but it's way too bulky for concealed carry.


HcadetK, call CT 800 442 2406 and ask them for their (free) DVD and catalog.
It's good viewing even for non laser users, to show them what they may be up against.



.

[John Wayne]

Crimson Trace for reliability.

However, depending on your gun they may dramatically alter the feel of your grip. This is more important to some people than others. Also, the laser is not as close to the bore axis as with some rail mounted lasers (again, varies by model).

They also have the advantage of not requiring a special holster, and being instantly activated when you grip the gun.

There are other gimmicky items, like guide rod lasers or rear sight lasers, but to me I'd either go with the CTG or a compact high quality rail-mounted laser.

Personally, I'd like to see a laser integrated with the gun from the factory. Something like an XD with a reliable laser mounted in the guide rod that's activated when you depress the grip safety. No external growth-looking things on the back of your grip, and no clunky protrusions to make you buy new holsters.

[CobraGT]

I can't cc here, but I've had Lasermax guiderod lasers in two of my Glocks for years, and they've been great. That being said, you have to remember to turn 'em on, which you won't want to be fumbling with if you really NEED that red glowing dot...

[earlthegoat2]

As long as the CT grip does not interfere with your holster then it is the best choice. I know some lefties that have issues with them.

[Dwrice]

I can't cc here, but I've had Lasermax guiderod lasers in two of my Glocks for years, and they've been great. That being said, you have to remember to turn 'em on, which you won't want to be fumbling with if you really NEED that red glowing dot...

I used the guiderod Lasermax in my duty Glock for several years, never had a problem with it's function. As far is turning it on the "switch" is right there when you index your finger on the slide.

[ohioshooter]

I have the CT laser grips on my Kimber Crimson Carry and I love it. I should have my CT laser grips for my 92FS today or tomorrow.

[CJ]

I went with Crimson Trace largely due to its activation method. The ones I have (can't speak for all of them) each activate with my natural grip, so no extra action is required (i.e. no switches or buttons to make sure I hit) to get it working.

I DID have to change one holster when I discovered that the magazine (pocket holster with the magazine tucking parallel to the barrel in front of the grip) could activate the laser, but it was an easy adjustment once discovered.

[SniperStraz]

I used the guiderod Lasermax in my duty Glock for several years, never had a problem with it's function. As far is turning it on the "switch" is right there when you index your finger on the slide.
Unfortunately when I need the gun most my finger won't be on the slide. That's the main reason why I don't like the LaserMax.

[inSight-NEO]

You failed to mention what weapon this would be used for...this can make a difference whether or not to go with, say, a Crimson Trace grip or a LaserMax setup.

If you are using a revolver, the obvious choice would be Crimson Trace. If using a semi-auto, then depending on weapon brand, I might opt for the LaserMax (I prefer the rail mounted unit vs. the rod replacement).

[Mr.510]

+1 for the Lasermax guide rod lasers. I've had one in my XD45C for a couple years and it's a great product. The "on" button is right where my trigger finger indexes anyway. My left thumb indexes on the opposite end of the slider "button" so I can turn it on or off with either hand without changing my grip. It's also a pulsed laser, not constant-on. The dot blinks very rapidly which really draws my eye. Probably the biggest plus for a guide rod laser is that it does not change the fit or feel of the weapon. The on-off slider is located in the take down lever and the shape of the gun is not altered at all. The laser is also very well protected from mechanical damage and it is 100% waterproof.

I know torture tests are dumb and all but I think this video demonstrates the durability of an internal laser pretty well: Sig 220 with Lasermax Torture Test (http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=firepowertv#p/search/1/bpl0ZJkikNA) I'm not sure what happened to the full-length video but it did work at the end.

About CT laser grips: The axis of the laser is low enough that I have to index my trigger finger on the front of the trigger guard to keep from blocking the beam. With my trigger finger that low (and directly in front of the trigger) if I take a fall my gripping instinct may end up with my finger pulling the trigger upon impact with the ground. This is a deal breaker for me and the primary reason I don't own laser grips. I do like the way CTs turn on/off effortlessly and I am jealous of their battery life. :)

[M2 Carbine]

I don't think anyone has brought it up yet, so I will.

Far too much is made of the laser being offset from the barrel and how the laser and bullet will only converge at one set distance.
Unless in your defense shooting you are so good that "missing" by an inch or two is important, than the fact that over most distances the bullet will not hit the laser dot isn't important.

For instance, since my HD distance is over 50 yards long, I sight in my handgun lasers at 25 yards (HD rifle lasers at 50 yards). This means that from arms length to over 40 yards distance the bullets will hit within a couple inches of the laser dot.

An example is my CT equipped Kimber Tactical Ultra when shot in low light from 7 to 40 yards. The laser keeps the hits well within COM.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/CT7to40yards.jpg

[Mr.510]

^^^^^ This is a good point to bring up. My guide rod laser isn't adjustable at all. But it's parallel with the barrel so the dot is about 3/4" low regardless of realistic range. At 50 yards it's probably spot-on due to bullet drop? :rolleyes: Before I bought my Lasermax I asked a friend that owns a gun shop and range what he suggested for sighting distance if I got a rail-mounted laser. He said he talks people into dialing them in parallel to the bore. If the laser is 1-1/2" below the bore he sights them in so the dot is 1-1/2" low. That way (if you don't count bullet drop) the POI is always 1-1/2" above the dot, regardless of range. I had not considered this idea and it sealed the deal on my getting the laser guide rod. The only thing I didn't previously like design-wise was it's lack of adjustment. Turns out to be a non-issue. :D