Anybody use a LaserMax?

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Mightee1

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Does anybody use Lasermax products on their pistols?

I have a Sig Sauer P6 (just like the P225 but is an ex-service pistol from Germany) and am looking at getting a LaserMax LMS-2251 for it for home defense use. The LMS-2251 essentially replaces the stock guide rod under the barrel with one that shoots a laser out of the front. They system replaces the stock takedown lever with one that doubles as an activation switch for the laser. As a note, the P6 does not have a standard Picatinny Rail on it.

I was wondering if anybody has had luck with LaserMax products similar to this. Based on what I found on their website, it is hard to tell how easy it is to activate / deactivate and whether or not they shoot (close enough) to the point of aim of the handgun. I also want to know if they are robust products that can handle some abuse.

Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
-Mightee1
 
10 or so years ago I tested the laserMax and the Crimson Trace Laser Grip in a 1911A1. I prefered the Laser Grip. The LaserMax is OK, it will hold-up. I do not know the On/Off method employed on the Sig but with enough training that should not be a problem. Placing a laser on a bad guy usually ensures brown stains in thier pants, maybe on your rug as well!
 
Last year I bought the unit that mounts on a rail, don't remember the number.
I've got several Crimson Trace and Streamlight lasers. Maybe they have me spoiled but the LaserMax didn't impress me at all. Poor design and the laser came loose in the case. When I got it back from LaserMax I gave it to a friend to play with.
 
I have a Lasermax in my Glock 33. Wonderful, reliable, accurate to POA and easy on/off. Well worth the investment. I just got the CT for my BHP but have not put it on yet.... but soon! If you like the laser idea then go for it. you'll be happy.
 
I've got one on a P229R and XDSC.
Don't know much to tell you but:
1. The P229R unit was good outta the box-the activation switch has a nice "snick" to it when you activate.
2. Won't apply to your gun, but the original XDSC activation lever felt a bit mushy-didn't have the distinctive click/tactile feedback of the P229R. A few years after buying, I mentioned it to 'em and they sent me a redesigned switch and now the XDSC is much better, although still not quite as tactile as the P229R unit.
3. Got a Crimson Trace on a Ruger-to me, activation methods of LaserMax vs Crimson Trace is a wash-can't tell you if I like one better than the other-they both have their strengths/weaknesses.
4. Battery cap-no problem on my P229R (assuming they haven't redesigned it?), but on an old/new XDSC, the newer model's battery cap does have me slightly concerned, although no problems yet. My older XDSC battery cap had a stop on it-you slide the cap on 'til it hits the stop. My newer battery cap has no stop-you have to be a bit careful when installing as it will slide on and continue to slide off the other side. Not confidence inspiring, but no problems yet-'course, this is for the XDSC model-don't know if the new battery caps for the SIG model is the same as my old unit?

AFA toughness, I can't tell you-they're on my CC guns and I don't torture test 'em (although there are videos out there where they run over 'em with a truck, throw the gun, etc). 'Course, being inside the gun/slide should give 'em a head start on torture tests?
 
I've got a LaserMax guide rod laser on my Beretta 92FS. I really like the way it doesn't affect the use of any holster. Plus the pulsing red dot is easy to see and commands your attention. The batteries seem to last well too.

But I've got no problem with the Crimson Trace products. One of their "hoghunter" grips on my S&W M696 has made it my current favorite.
 
Laser breakage

I find this an interesting thread.

Firearms, you mention that you "heard" the guide rod lasers have a breakage problem. Can you post a few URLs to support that please. All the other posters reported on personal experience with the LaserMax or other brand not just "hearsay" comments.

I'm not trying to cast your statement in doubt, but I'd like to be able to read the sources of your comment.

TIA,

RDF
 
Lemme put it this way.
In every single gun store demo of lasermax and CT that I've seen (you know, the dummy guns in the little stand), the Lasermax is always broken, and the CT demo works just fine.

Ben
 
In every single gun store demo of lasermax and CT that I've seen (you know, the dummy guns in the little stand), the Lasermax is always broken, and the CT demo works just fine.
Click to expand...
Well there ya have it-LaserMax can't handle the recoil on those dummy guns on display! :D
'Course, this could mean the stores make more money on the Crimson Trace (and keep it working/new batteries in it) or maybe Crimson Trace has a rep that keeps the displays working?
Ain't too many displays I've seen worked-they all have dead batteries.

All seriousness aside, before taking the plunge on 'em I did as much research as I could, and after wading through folks who just didn't like 'em 'cuz it wasn't their choice, I couldn't come up with anything definitive AFA endemec LaserMax problems. A lot of folks with bad tales seemed to be 3rd, 4th, etc hand-saw quite a number of posts from LEOs that said they'd been using 'em for a while with no problems.
'Course, this comes from trying to separate the wheat from the chaff on the 'Net!

Most folks I see knocking the LaserMax seem to think the Crimson Trace is superior due to the one-handed operation. As one who owns both, I think the operation method is a toss up-there are good/bad to both systems. I couldn't tell you which one I like best.
 
My department briefly tried the lasermax guiderod lasers in our issued Glocks, but they didn't last. We had problems with them going out. We promptly switched to CT grips and have not had any such problems. However, that was on a Glock, your mileage may vary with a Sig, and we put a relatively high round count through our guns.
 
167,
Did your department have issues with the design / construction of the units (they were breaking durring 'normal' use) or was thier battery life not up to snuff for the high round count?

I can immagine that the ones for the SIG and the Glock are nearly identical.
 
I have one in my P229. I picked it for home defense in anticipation that shots would/should be precisely placed, probably in the dark or very low light situations and shooting where one cannot assume a classic shooting stance. I don't use it for daylight plinking or target shooting.

Plus it's a seriously cool piece of technology.

I picked it over the Crimson trace because of the ability to turn it on and off. The on-off button is in the take-down lever and can be easily/quickly activated with your trigger finger.

I tried a Crimson Trace on a friend's Glock and found the "always on" to be really annoying (also dangerous if you had to hide in the dark somewhere). I also found that the Crimson Trace had a tendancy to turn on if any pressure was placed on the grip (e.g., carrying it in a body hugging holster). The Lasermax laser is also a pulsating design which attracts the eye better than the Crimson Trace in my opinion.

I read about and was concerned about the internet traffic worried about or claiming that the guide rod could break. Based on my experience with the device and several hundred rounds later, I'd have to conclude that breakage is an internet urban legend.
 
I have the Lasermax Uni-Red (Rail mounted red laser) on my M&P 40. I like that the laser can be turned on using the left hand or right hand (I'm left handed). When first installing it on my pistol I liked it alot. after roughtly 300 rounds the laser simply shut off and would not come back on. I replaced the battery and it did not fix the problem. I contacted Lasermax and there customer service was great. They e-mailed me a shipping lable and off it went for repair. I got the laser back about 2 weeks later in working order. The slip inside the box said they "Adjusted power switch". I reinstalled it on the gun and a couple days later I went back to the range to re-zero the laser. Less then 200 rounds into the outing the laser became dim, but still worked. Upon jiggeling the pistol, the laser became bright again, but as I juggeled it again it would become dim again. I went home and once again Lasermax e-mailed me a shipping lable. They say that they will be replacing the laser this time rather then repairing it. I mailed it off just over 2 weeks ago, so I expect it to arrive any day now. I hope that I happened to get my hands on a defective unit. I have read a lot of reviews and most people are not having this issue. We'll see when the new one gets here. If this one fails also, I'll be demanding my money back and buying elseware.
 
I have one in my Glock 36. I do most of my shooting outdoors during the day, so I honestly don't use the laser very much for live fire. However, it's in my gun whenever I shoot and seems to be holding up well.

I verified that it shoots to point of aim. At most reasonable handgun distances the point of impact is within a few inches of the dot. Pretty much as good as can be expected from any laser within the confines of today's technology.
 
my dad had one in his glock 19. it is neat that the laser pulses, it allows your eye to pick it up better so they say anyway. the only issue that i saw with it was that it would not function all the time with really light reloads. but with all factory fmj and jhp ammo it did fine. i am just personally not someone that uses a laser other than for training.
 
^That would not be a function of the laser not working, but your reloads not shooting to point of aim.
 
I have a LaserMax Model LMS-2291 installed in my Sig P229. I like the way it doesn't change the lines of the pistol. I've never had a malfunction of any kind with this pistol, and I've fired thousands of rounds through it. However, I've had continuous problems with the LaserMax, beginning with point of aim (POA) being about three inches from the point of impact (POI), followed by takedown lever/activation switch problems. I've returned the unit to LaserMax for adjustment and repair, resulting in their replacing the unit. Since then, I've returned the replacement unit for adjustment of the POA to POI (they just can't seem to get it right) plus the takedown lever/activation switch now is "on" continuously and the unit is on its way back again. I've checked the installation , switch position, etc, and reinstalled everything to no avail. The LaserMax takedown lever does not "click" into position like the Sig takedown lever does, and moves slightly which activates/deactivates the laser

About LaserMax's customer service - I've NEVER gotten the run-around from them. In fact, I now have the 4th laser from them while they're trying to adjust the POI and repair the takedown lever/activation switch of my 2nd one. To quote their customer service rep, "we don't want you to be without your laser." However, the one I have now has takedown lever/activation switch problems, too.

With the Laser installed, I fire 1" groups at 20 yards using Remington 125 gr JHPs. I do clean my Sig faithfully and completely so that shouldn't be a problem.

Does anyone have any idea how to get the activation switch to work properly?
 
Quick update - I just talked to LaserMax customer service and he's sending me a new takedown lever and batteries today. They're as perplexed by my laser problems as I, but they keep trying. I believe once the laser is "right", it'll be the cat's meow.
 
^That would not be a function of the laser not working, but your reloads not shooting to point of aim.
Click to expand...
no that would be an issue of the reloads not being loaded with enough powder to make the gun function.
 
I have a LaserMax for my XD-40 Service. It's in the box, not in the gun. It will stop activating for me after a round or two, and I have to tap the slide to get it to come back on. When I first got it I tried to exchange it for another, I think there's something wrong with that unit, but they refused. "It's a special order item" "It was on your shelf" "yeah, but it's still a special order item". I don't shop there anymore.

I sent the unit back to LaserMax, and they replaced the activation switch. That helped, but it's still not reliable. I might try again later, do they have a lifetime warranty?

Tim
 
I sent the unit back to LaserMax, and they replaced the activation switch. That helped, but it's still not reliable.
Click to expand...
Don't know if it will apply to you or not, but read post #5 (point 2). There's a possibility you have the old/original style activation lever as I described in the post. They have redesigned the activation lever-they sent me a new one for my XDSC which works much better than the original.
 
Lasermax

The Lasermax is the only unit that's approved by the military. Mine has been tough as nails.
 
Thanks for the responses. Basicblur, I might add that LaserMax sent me a replacement takedown lever for the first unit, but it didn't help. I'd also bought three battery caps thinking that might be the problem, but it didn't resolve the issue. At that point, LaserMax (LM) customer service (CS) told me to send the unit back and they replaced it. I sent the replacement unit back for POA alignment; it came back with too much adjustment into the opposite target quadrant. Sent it back again and CS sent me the
1st loaner unit, supposedly registered to the correct POA. Not so; didn't even fire the pistol because I could tell from the alignment of the laser dot with the iron sights that it was off. Got my replacement unit back, but it was still off and the takedown lever activation switch went belly up (always on). LM CS sent me the 2nd loaner unit, telling me not to send my replacement unit back until I received the loaner (how about that for customer service?). I received it last week but it, too, is always on. Now I'm awaiting the replacement takedown lever for the 2nd loaner while they repair my replacement unit.

The takedown lever activation switch is very positive. However, the takedown lever itself is not and moves with a slight touch such as holstering which turns the unit on. The takedown lever has to be in exactly the right spot (and it will not stay there) to properly operate the laser. I've tried cleaning the takedown lever, the detent slot, the slide, everything. I've also installed my .40 S&W barrel to see if that would make any difference (it shouldn't and didn't). Inspection indicates to me the detent slot may be too tight. Hence, if all else fails, I'll probably get a spare takedown lever, dig out my Dremel tool, and open the slot up slightly so battery cap point contact is not made with the takedown lever when it moves slightly, but still makes contact with lateral switch movement.

FYI, the new units (both the "loaners") have red paint on one end of the .357 Sig/.40 S&W recoil spring with instructions to install the spring with the painted end against the accuracy washer/battery cap. Neither my original unit spring nor the replacement unit spring had paint on them.

Question for IMTHDUKE - do you get any rotational movement from your installed LM takedown lever, and, if so, does it affect the on/off operation of the laser?

Thanks, Friends.
 
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