best lasers?

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Really? No opinions at all? cmon fellas! give me somethin to work with! :eek:
 
Well, I don't have any Sigs or Lasermax, so all I can tell you is I have four Crimson Trace Laser grips on two S&W, a 22 Beretta, a Kimber and will probably buy a couple more.
So I obviously like them.:)

If you can stand the bulk, the rail mounted light/lasers are usefull. I have the Streamlight TLR-2 mounted on 22 pistols to 12 ga shotguns. Pretty cool.
 
Big Opinion

...

If you have a Sig, then the only Laser you should be thinking on are the Crimson Trace laser grips made for Sigs.

Other "rail mounted" lasers will disappoint you when you go and try and holster your gun, let alone, find a holster that will accommodate a rail mounted laser. That would then cost you much more, and a longer time-wait, to have a custom holster made to work with such a laser.

Whereas, the Crimson Trace laser grips do not add any width to you gun, and any holster, of many various makes and cost, will fit your gun with those laser grips..

CT grips all the way IMHO,



LS


PS.. I have both lasers and, as mentioned above (the holster issue with it on) the rail-mount Laser Max I have for my Beretta has issues with recoil and the on-off switch, which is happening with others that own them as well FYI. Starts off bright, then goes dull, until you switch it on again, not good, and the CT grips, on my Sig, have not blinked once.. Press and hold the on switch, and it shines bright every-time, and that is with 2200 rounds.
 
Yeah i have heard a lot of things about the crimson trace, but the lasermax are internal, so there is no rail mount.

so my decision remains between these two =D
 
Have heard issues with those as well..

Quote: Yeah i have heard a lot of things about the crimson trace, but the lasermax are internal, so there is no rail mount.
-------------

Well, I've heard bad stories about those as well. First, they/you, have to drill a hole in your frame to allow a on-off switch, plus a wire-run from the front recoil spring retainer end cap, where the laser goes, so that might include a need for a different recoil spring, etc.

IMHO, too many things that "could go wrong", when one can have it all in the Grip, along with proven performance and accuracy, including what I believe is the best feature with the CT grips.. Unlike laser Max or its front end version, wired to the exterior on-off switch, one does not have to worry about changing ones 2-handed grip with CT grips and, as I said, you can activate it on, by pressing a finger, in the proper 2-handed grip, and use it yet, release the pressure and it's off, which IMHO, is a benefit, as not to have a steady light on, to give away your position. ON, use it, off, just that quick.

Good luck,


LS
 
Thanks Lonestar, that is EXACTLY the info that I wanted to know.
looks like i'm going with the Crimson trace
 
Greell,

Take the time and effort to learn how to use the laser.
Used properly it can be a great addition to your shooting skill. For instance shots that I couldn't hope to make, are easy and fast, with practice, when using a (good) laser.

For instance, without the CT laser on my 2" S&W J Frame I would be lucky to hit the paper when point shooting, weak hand, from the hip, in near darkness, but when using the laser this kind of point shooting isn't unusual.
LaserJFrameLefthand10yards.gif


And fast blasting with a laser/light on a 22 is just plain inexpensive fun.:)
TLR2andironsights.gif
 
I've only used the Crimson Trace unit. I didn't like that the laser is coming form the rt side grip and has to be sighted in from there. I did like how it held its zero and how fast it helped make quality follow up shots.
 
First, they/you, have to drill a hole in your frame to allow a on-off switch, plus a wire-run from the front recoil spring retainer end cap, where the laser goes, so that might include a need for a different recoil spring, etc.
Click to expand...
With respect, this is not at all the case. I've had a Lasermax on a P220, and a Crimson Trace on a P229. The Lasermax is drop-in. The take down lever is replaced by the one that comes with the lasermax. Take out old take-down lever, install Lasermax takedown lever. Use the Lasermax as the guide rod. All drop-in. You're done! The laser is activated by the switch in the takedown lever which engages the activation unit on the guide rod (provided with lasermax unit). Simply replace the take down lever and guide rod with provided parts--that's it! Unit is activated by pressing the button in the takedown lever. It remains on until depressed from the other side. Activation switch is also ambidextrous. Laser housing is in center of guide rod. All internal. Laser pulsates. No frame or slide modifications at all. Essentially drop-in.

CT replaces the grips and has a master on/off switch to eliminate inadvertent activation. Activation is achieved by a pressure switch on "backstrap" or center of right side panel, depending on age/model. Mine was older and activated in the right palm. Laser unit is housed in top of right grip panel and protudes slightly from the contour of original grip. Beam is solid and all within the grips.

Accuracy is about equal. The lasermax is sighted in from the factory to be w/i one inch at twenty yards and is not personally adjustable. It is in line with the barrel. The CTC is personally adjustable.

My observations on the two units. I'm right handed and my trigger finger rests upon the slide above the trigger--exactly in the path of the laser on the CT unit. For this reason, CT doesn't work for me. It would work fine with my grip if I were a south-paw. On the other hand, the tip of my trigger finger naturally rests on the activation switch on the Lasermax and is naturally activated. Plus, I have to make a decision to turn it on. It's not automatic as with the CT (if the unit is on). This may be a plus or a minus, depending on perspective. Personally, it's a plus for me. I also prefer the pulsating laser. For the money, I believe the Lasermax is the better value. It's worth the extra money, IMO.
 
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IMO, Lasergrips are the way to go.

They just simply work, no extra thought or effort is necessary.

The lasermax is OK, but tends to turn itself on and off when firing.

Laser pods are for long guns.
 
Late to this thread....

The wife and I both have CT's on our 226 and 220 respectively, and could not be happier with both the quality and performance. Pricey, but you'll never regret em.

Just remember to turn them off manually during range trips, or you'll burn down the batteries for nothing.
 
Are the Crimson Trace grip a sticky rubber? I had a set of Hogue wraparound grips on my Sig 239, and getting the gun out of an IWB holster was a pain. The grips hung up on my t-shirt. I had to put the standard grips back on.
 
My 3 month old lasermax rail mount is on the way back for repair. A quick search on the Internet told be I was not the only one that had early failures.
 
NOXX said: "Just remember to turn them off manually during range trips, or you'll burn down the batteries for nothing."

I suggest you reread the instructions that came with your Crimson Trace products. I have them on three handguns, and don't turn them off unless practicing iron sight fire.
Cordially, Jack
 
I have a LaserMax on my 229. It's been dead-on for two years. Only drawback is having to hit the little button on the takedown lever. OTOH, it only comes on when you want it, no mistakes. A bit pricey, but the neatest, sveltest package. Just remember to keep the lens clean! (100 rds will fog it up, look like the battery's dead. Spit and a shirttail does it.

One other advantage --- actually, the deciding one for me --- you can use ANY grips you want, or switch them around, if you have hand problems or you like different grips for different loads (9mm = stock-stocks; .40 = Hogues, for me).

Either way, (CT or LM), it will definitely help to take the "twitch" out. You really get to see where your follow-up is going ...
 
I suggest you reread the instructions that came with your Crimson Trace products. I have them on three handguns, and don't turn them off unless practicing iron sight fire.
Cordially, Jack
Click to expand...

Allow me to rephrase, as I posted in a hurry.

If shoot at an outdoor range where you cannot see them,and your normal shooting grip activates them....don't forget to turn them off.
 
Something to consider.

How about the battery cost?

The CT batteries are very common and cheap, especially when ordered on the internet. CT also give some free batteries.
I haven't timed it, but the batteries do last a long time in the CT.

How about the Laser Max batteries?
Are they a common and cheap type?
 
CT is the only answer for me. No guide rod on my revo's and don't want to add a rod to my 1911. With CT if your laser breaks the pistol is still in action. With LM that may not be the case. I wouldn't want my add on sight to take my pistol out of service.
 
Crimson Trace states that the recommended batteries will last four hours. That would be four hours of uninterrupted use. Typical use is more like a second per round fired. In my handguns, fired weekly, the batteries last at least six months, and are available just about anywhere. I replace them every six months, along with the smoke alarm and LoJack batteries.
Cordially, Jack
 
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