Are Crimson Trace Grips Worth It?

[Phydeaux642]

This is not a bashing thread of any kind. I recently purchased a RIA compact 1911 and put a set of Crimson Trace grips on it. I haven't been able to shoot it yet, but I'm curious. Do those of you that have them and use them feel they were worth the $200-$300 that you paid for them? Do you feel that they would/have make/made a difference in a defensive situation? Or, have you used them and decided to take them off for whatever reason.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Certainly there will be voices from both camps but I just got a set for my XD40 for Christmas from my wife and I'll be damned if I'm going to condemn them ..yet. I really have not had enough time with them but so far they sure do point out how important trigger control is on your shooting.

And on the other hand it IS something that can fail ..like all equipment can.

 

[highcap]

I put them on my wifes carry auto, but perfer nights sights for myself. I coat pocket carry and obviously laser is worthless shooting from a jaclet pocket.

 

[Redhawk1]

Sure they are, I prefer iron sights to my Crimson Trace grips, but I can use either well.

 

[chriso]

Im going to get a pair for my glock... I had a Pair for my XD " I sold that gun" but I loved them they are great for HD situation or just another back up sighting system...

 

[Old Fuff]

While we are all told to use a "flash sight picture" (it's the modern way) sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where an eye-level shot can't be taken. However if you can get that dot on the target you can still fire an accurate shot. Also there have been some cases where, when the bad guy noticed that red dot on his shirt he simply gave up right then & there. The true value of the sights isn't always known until you really need them.

Then you'll understand.

 

[Phydeaux642]

Crimson Trace sent me their newest DVD recently and it made several interesting points about using the grips, one of which Old Fuff touched on. It's worth watching if you can get ahold of it. I should get a better idea about them when I get to shoot this gun, but hearing of your experiences is also useful.

 

[Eightball]

The grips allow me to shoot accurately even in a less-than-ideal situation, or with less-than-stellar sight pictures. I still practice with the irons, but packing something with the laser is a comfort, IMO---because you can't be guranteed that if you have to draw your firearm you'll have the time, or even the physical space to take a proper stance or align the sights perfectly.

And, unlike some of the shooting wizards present on THR, I can't get out and practice as much as I would like so that I can hit the backside of a guy's eyeball, blindfolded in the dark, while on fire--yet the CT helps me in practice, and will allow you to (hopefully) become more proficient with your firearm of choice.

 

[model of 1905]

IMO anything that you can use to help gain an advantage is a MUST consider especially when you have 56 year old eyes. I have them on my 1911 and practice 90% iron sights 10 % laser. I would not give up my CT grips until they come up with something better.

 

[possum]

Are Crimson Trace Grips Worth It?

to some people yes they are, to me, i have no need for a laser.

 

[YK]

One could debate practical value for a civilian user, such as probability of a need for an important shot from an unusual position. Regardless of that, CT grips are an exceptional training tool, and very valuable low-light tool.

 

[kostner]

Have them on my SW442 and like them a lot. They are worth their weight in gold at night and will light up the target.Being 62 with failing eye sight I need all the help I can get.

 

[rondog]

Well, I also have a RIA Compact, with Lasergrips on it. I think they're the shizz for s/d situations, but don't count on them to produce magical results with target shooting. They're only "dead-on" at whatever distance you zero them, at closer or farther distances, there's a convergence/divergence of the dot and POI.

 

[VINTAGE-SLOTCARS]

I use them and night sights on my duty gun, my scores have risen +30 points. For tired old eyes they really help when its hard to focus on the sights and intended target. Yea Crimson trace are "AWSOME"

 

[twoclones]

I've put CT grips on my daily CCW and my larger wilderness defense revolver. I really like them and recommend laser for any self defense handgun.

 

[FoMoGo]

I practice a lot of point shooting, and the laser makes unloaded indoor practice a LOT easier... I need to get a set.


Jim

 

[dmazur]

Crimson Trace's ads touch on the point that it is an option, or an additional tool. You can use the iron sights, if you have time for a sight picture, or you can use the laser dot, if you can see it.

I agree that it is a good training aid. Practice dry-firing until you can eliminate the "dot jump", and you will see the difference when using iron sights, too.

I believe the CT product is overdesigned and overbuilt. They are a very rugged product. Sure, things can fail, but the CT's aren't likely to, if you stay on top of battery life...

I've put CT grips on my daily CCW and my larger wilderness defense revolver.

I found out that CT makes a model for the "short barrel" Ruger SBH models (4-5/8 and 5-1/2), but it is described as fitting the Vaqueros. Ruger grip sizes are quite confusing, so this is not a major error on CT's part. Just a hint for any SBH owners - CT's for Vaqueros fit the two short barrel (smaller grip) models.

 

[ultradoc]

I am happy with mine. They are a bit expensive though. Great customer support too.

 

[rondog]

I got lucky with mine. Somebody PM'd me on another forum and offered me a lightly used set for an Officers Model for $155, they were in perfect condition and complete. Basic black too, nothing goofy looking.

 

[KBintheSLC]

I don't care for them... I recommend learning to point shoot instinctively. It is much faster.

 

[krs]

funny you said that , Ron, 'cause a guy PM'd me on another forum and offered me the goofy set for an Officer size 1911 for $100. and I took them. They're the only sight I practice with on my Colt New Agent and for close range shooting they've been great.

I did have a mysterious loss of zero though, and I guess it was because one of my gip screws loosened. I snugged them all now and re-zeroed the CT and so far they've been good again.

I was maybe too gentle with the screws because of the unfamiliar to me alloy frame.

The only way I can figure that I might not be able to see the dot at the ranges I'm using, 7 -15 yds., is if target was in full bright sunlight and up here that's so unlikely it's a joke.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

CTs are no substitute for iron sights....that established first, they are an aid to off hand close range or you in a position that iron sights aiming is difficult....as lying on your back or side.

 

[kd7nqb]

I can tell you that the only thing stopping me from owning a set for my M&P is the $250 price tag. And its not that I dont think they are worth the price its that just about anything with a $250 price tag is out of my range at the moment. So yes to me they would be worth it.

 

[SrDedosRapidos]

Learning how to point shoot is free

I do like them though. Like many, the price stops me. They're very inconspicuous and i like that they dont have a lot to them.

 

[TurboJeff]

I like them for dry firing practice at home. They help with trigger control practice on my 642.