[dairycreek]

I am much interested in learning about Lazergrips. I have only read about them and tried them on the plastic gun displays in my local gun shop. Are they any good? What kind(s) of gun have you tried them with? Any and all info much appreciated. Who among all you fine THR folk has knowledge/experience with them that you would care to share?

[Mastrogiacomo]

We've got a member from Crimson Trace on our forum www.berettaforum.net and a few postings already on the subject if you want to check them out. :)

[SouthpawShootr]

I finally got out to try my S&W 642 equipped with lasergrips. The grips work great. I may have to change back to the standard grips. The recoil is way harsh even with standard 158 lead loads. Hate to think about what it would be like with +Ps. Not the fault of the grips, they work wonderfully. In hindsight, I probably should have gotten the rubber overmolded version rather than the more concealable ones.

[tiberius]

There's been a lot of threads on THIS forum lately as well. Just do asearch and you'll find lots of feedback from thoise of us who have them.

[Smoke]

Never tried them....but, I have tried other laser aiming devices. Don't care for them.

Sights are faster and more accurate.

My $.02

Smoke

[Minute_Of_Torso]

Had a set on a Beretta 92FS. They were interesting and, once adjusted, were very accurate but I just couldn't get used to not trying to use the iron sights.

By the way, mine are for sale. The 92FS went away on the trade and now I'm stuck with the CT's.

[V-fib]

Have them on my Sp101 for awhile now. I wouldn’t be without them. Recently purchased a 642. I like the small grips. Even with 158gr.loads recoil is hardly noticeable. Maybe I’m not that sensitive to recoil. However I don’t like the front sight (too tall) on the 642. I’ve ordered the smaller CT’s for it. Snubbies and laser grips go together really well.

As was already said do a search and you’ll find tons of comments about this subject.
:cool:

[P95Carry]

Smoke ... if you've never tried em ... how do ya know!! In lower light levels they just might save your a**. :p


dairycreek ... I have two sets now .. these threads might help a bit ......

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?threadid=50542

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?threadid=63297

Despite my probs mentioned in that second link ... they still rock IMO!



A search will yield even more info too.

[yzguy]

I love them on my 1911. They take much less practice to become proficent with (but still do take some practice). For those that have tried other types of lasers, there is not much of a comparison, the laser grips are the best. Normal holsters fit, no extra switches to activate (normal grip pressure will turn it on when you grab the gun) and if you don't want the laser on for a particular situation, you can easily not activate the laser with your grip (great design!!).

Never tried them....but, I have tried other laser aiming devices. Don't care for them.

Sights are faster and more accurate.

My $.02

Smoke

I will admit that some of the fastest shooters with irons MAY even be faster with them than they are with lasers, BUT I also have a few other points to bring up....

Are you saying that there is NOT A SINGLE situation where having a laser aiming device would be beneficial?? (not able to bring gun into eye line, due to injury or obstruction, aiming around corners, very low light situations) They may be unusual, but they do happen.

Also how much time have you practiced using your iron sites? where you instantly an expert with them? then why do you expect to be instantly so good with the laser? it is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT AIMING DEVICE. Yet you instantly claim irons to be "faster and more accurate". Take 1/10 of the time you have practiced with irons practicing with a GOOD laser (cheaper ones don't hold zero and ARE pretty useless). I'd bet you see a much faster learning curve for the laser.

Given the same amount of practice with laser and irons, I'd bet on the laser being faster every time for that person....

I'm not saying give up or stop with the irons, just pointing out that the laser is another good tool to have in your bag, and can help you close the gap in shooting skill for those that don't constantly train (probably most of us).

[DDGator]

Gotta agree with YZ.

Every tool has its advantages. One of the nicest things about CT grips is that they do not interfere with use of the iron sights at all. It just gives you more options. The iron sights are useless in darkness or when you can't bring the gun up to eye level.

[Sprout]

I've got a pair on my 686, and I really like them. Great training tool. Although, I've never been in, and hope to never be in, a gunfight, I feel that they'd probably be pretty handy there too.

[t driver]

I have a set of Crimson Trace grips (wraparound) on my Beretta 92D. It is great. Holds zero and easy to use. It is also as comfortable as a Houge wrap around. The zero is adjustable and it is defined by the distance it was zeroed for. I have not been in a situation where I "needed" lasergrips, but one never knows. The 92D is my Home defense gun and equipped with them, just in case. They are set at a distance likely to be used in my house.

[ajacobs]

I won't argue the merrits of them other than to say that you are mistaken if you put yourself in a position where you become to rely on them or don't consintrate and become good at sight use. What I will say is that they are designed and manufactured well. I have a set on a Ruger MK II.

[P95Carry]

You highlight a good point ajacobs ... they should only EVER be an adjunct .. secondary to irons.

However, if user is primarily proficient with open sights but also equally so with CT's .... then if a situation requires the piece ... it is drawn and aimed as per irons .. but instantly almost there will be the laser beam .. increasing options, IMO .. more than usefully.

Just never depend on them only, I think is the real advice.

[yzguy]

yeah, no one is saying to stop practicing with the irons, just that the laser grips give you an added option with no real down side (as they don't ever have to be activated).

[jimmyjoebob]

Minute of Torso, you have a PM on those grips!

[dairycreek]

I have already learned much and I will make the seaches that were suggested. Good shooting;)

[bubbygator]

I'd like to mention that for people with old eyes, the CT grips are a thrill. They got me back into shooting again. Sure, I was "OK" defensively at 5-7 yards with point-shooting, but with CT grips I'm back out on the gunrange. I can target shoot at 15 yards now - not well, but at least I can see the laser spot well enough that every shot is a score & not a flyer. And at 7 yards, I can consistently shoot 3-4 inch centered groups depending on what gun I use. That's absolute confidence for a COM defensive shot & pretty good confidence for a head shot. And I'm just an old fart, not a real-good shooter.

P.S. I've got 4 CT's & 1 Lasermax

[Roboshred]

I have a LNIB set of Crimson laser grips for sale (model LG-201) 1911 GOVT..
I installed them and used them for about 30minutes then put them back in the box. They come with:
1.the box & manual
2.2 grip panels and frame insert
3.2 swabs
4.2 adjustment/site wrenches
5.1 laser grip warning tag
6.2 batteries
They work great but aren't my flavor. $175 delivered and insured to the continental US only. Certified funds only! Feel free to send me a PM. I can send pics via email only. I'm in the Sacramento area for those behind the wall.
In case anyone needs a good set. RB




:D

[ProCharger]

bubby, prefer the CT's or the Lasermax?

Brett

[P95Carry]

Pro Charger .. not to pre-empt Bubby's answer ... and I haven't even tried the LaserMax ... but I gotta say ... the CT's rock, really. I 'd be hard pressed to think of anything coming up better than those. Ok - I'm a fan!! And not ashamed to admit same!! :)

[ProCharger]

Just curious but are you famaliar with lasermax? I have been lookin at them for my beretta but they are pricey.....as well as the CT's. I might end up going with the trijicon night sights in the end since I can save around $100.

[P95Carry]

Well - my reading on LaserMax (nope, not tried them) and my experience with CT's .... makes me very pro CT .... not to say LaserMax are no good.

Now for sure ... we are talking quite big bucks for these devices but ... while Trijicons are good and have their place ... IMO nothing but nothing can duplicate the effects available from CT's .. there is no comparison ... just my own 2c!:)

[ProCharger]

Last question.....whats the max. distance in broad daylight you can use em in before washout takes over? I have a laser pointer that is 630-670nm with a 5mW power output which i think is the same as the ct's and I can not see it beyond 15 yards in sunlight, and usually I cant see it in any less than that........of course daylight the irons will be used. Just a question I ask cause my cousin is also considering laser sights and he swears up and down they are different lasers than the one I have and are much brighter and easily seen in daylight at longer distances such as 50 yards.......I wanna say hes wrong and bet a steak dinner on it lol.

Brett

[P95Carry]

Hey Pro ......

Max distance?? Well .... I find that very hard to judge to give exact figures really. For example .... target at 20 feet or so ... bright sunlight ... forget it!!! It's irons all the way. Now bright cloudy conditions ... you can ''walk'' the spot along ground and onto target ... and it's visible - but from an SD POV probably borderline.

Once tho light fallen off enough, like a gray day, then at this distance it's pretty clear. As for 50 yds! Well .. twilight yeah .. I reckon it'd show .. tho yet to experiment at that distance ... and let's be fair .. I think these are only ever meant for fairly ''close up and personal''!:p

At night I'd be not in the least surprised to find 25 yds well manageable ptractically .. I'll have to try 50 sometime.! I can illuminate my house from office shed in twilight VERY easily .. and that's around 25 yds.

AFAIK .. the laser is a std 5mW .. tho I reckon it has good integral optics . so a very clean beam but nothing ''special'' otherwise. IIRC 5mW is the legal top limit for power anyways . at least in the civilian market place.

Just checked ..... ''Class IIIa laser diode ..... <5mW ..... 633nM. Approx 0.5" spot at 50 feet.

[M2 Carbine]

I bought one for my Kimber.

I liked it so well, I bought one for my S&W Model 60.

I liked it so well, I bought one for my S&W Model 10.

If they made them for several other brands, that I have, I'de buy a couple more.


BTW
Go out at night when there's low clouds and drizzle and the Laser makes a nice light show :)

[bubbygator]

ProCharger: In my book, there is no comparison between CT and Lasermax. If my Lasermax (on Glock26) hadn't been the first laser I tried, I would never had bought it. If I can find someone to take it off my hands, I'll switch to the CT for the Glock - even though that version is much more expensive. But that's just my opinion - your mileage may vary.

When speaking of distance, I'll only speak of the CT, since the Lasermax is worthless at distance IMHO. In bright sunlight, it's difficult to see the CT spot past 7 yards... and even at 7 yards it can washout depending upon the target color. A light-colored target which is brightly reflecting sunlight from behind the shooter is very difficult. As most defensive shooters say: Don't depend on a laser to save your life; depend on iron. But in anything except bright sunlight, the CT is still useful.

And indoor and in almost any reduced light situation outdoors, the CT spot can be easily seen out to more than 25 yards. Finding the spot quickly depends upon the exact combination of lighting + target conditions. It is harder to find the spot on a background that is light-colored or very broken-up in texture.

In very low light, the spot can easily be seen at least to 50 yards (which is just the farthest I've checked); and the background seems to make much less difference. Yes, at night you can really see that mutha!

Also, someone whose eyesight is good (mine is poor) might have a much better opinion of the CT at distance.

[Kentucky Rifle]

Re: C-T's in the dark. I snuck outside the other night to "just look". With my 642 UNLOADED and double checked, I could put a bright spot on the back of my neighbor's garage...and it's probably 150+ meters away! I've posted it before, but maybe some have forgotten. I went down to Shelbyville to a small gunshow where a guy had just installed a new-just out of the box-Lazermax guide rod in a Glock 26 or 27. I watched him put it in. First, he tried to put a dot on the far wall. *Nothing. Then he tried to put a dot on the dark ceiling. *Nothing again. (He was getting disgusted at this point.) He then tried the closest wall. He got a dim, "pulsating" dot.
I don't know why these things are A HUNDRED (!) dollars more than Crimson Trace. Maybe because it's a guide rod thing. However, to my way of thinking, NOTHING (Civilian) beats the Crimson Trace grips.

(JMO) KR

[ProCharger]

Well it looks like Crimsom Trace hands down....only problem I have is I would have to loose my nice wrap around grips on my beretta brigadier :(

[oldfella]

I've just installed a set of CT Laser grips and a Big Dot front sight on my new S&W M60... these old eyes never had it so good!

[Ky Larry]

I have CT's on my everyday carry Kimber. They are a great extra option to iron sights. Make sure you practice a lot with both. Shoot well and often.:D

[steelhead]

I have them for my 92FS and on my 640-1 with XS Big dot trit.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/102964.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/img/102959.JPG

[OEF_VET]

I'm selling a set of Crimson Trace grips for S&W K, L, & N frames. Check out this thread. (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?threadid=65483)

I think they are a great asset to have available as a back-up to iron sights. However, due to recurring wrist problems, I need a set of grips that will absorb recoil better.

Frank

[yzguy]

I have not used the laser max, but here are the reasons why not:
1)most lasermax units are not adjustable, if they are off, you must live with it.
2)you must turn them on when you draw, using something other than your normal grip (not to hard to learn, but still not just a normal grip)
3) I have heard that you can get powder buld up on the tip of the unit after a few rounds wich dims the laser (makes sense but I have no first hand experience)

I would not try to take a shot at 50 yards with them.... At 30 feet the dot is dancing pretty good, and would probably be about the farthest I'd try it.