Crimson Trace Grips?

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Okiecruffler

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The Wife has decided she wants to trade in the old 38 for a 357. Pretty much sold on the Ruger SP101 with the 3 inch barrel, but we'll go next weekend and do some looking. But she also really wants Crimson Trace grips on it. I rented a 1911 once with them installed and they were alright, but 50 rds is hardly a good test. Anybody out there use these, especially on a revolver? How well do they hold up? How about transfering recoil?
 
I have them on my J-frames. They hold up, backed by a great company that stands behind their product, and they are comfortable. The profile is the same as the Eagle Secret Service grips that they replaced on my guns and they feel no different.
 
I've had a pair on my .357 m-60 for about 5 years I guess. They are great in that they are reliable, durable and add very little bulk to the gun. They also add more options on how to deploy the weapon and aid in dry-firing practice. Get them, but make sure that your wife gets in practice time without using the laser so that it doesn't become a crutch for her.
 
I have them on my Beretta 92D. It's not a revolver, but I can offer that they are comfortable and reliable. They are also easy to dial in and maintain. Crimson Trace is a great company to deal with. I think you and your wife will be happy with them.
 
I've had a set on my L-frame for about a year and a half now, and they're great. Even when firing .357 loads, they don't lose their zero. They feel fine, add no bulk, and give an extra option. Just don't let her get into the habit of relying solely on the laser. Make her train with her iron sights. Afterall, the grips are a battery-powered machine, and as such are susceptible to failure when you need them the most. The only drawback is that the grips are a bit smooth. If they made them in a slightly softer rubber outside, they'd be even better.

Frank
 
I have a pair on my SP 3†for some time now. They have an on/off switch so you can practice with or without. Very bright even on the sunniest days but they really shine in low light or when you want to hold on target without aiming down the sights/barrel. I stongly recommend the “Shots in the Dark†video by Clyde Caceras. It will give you many tips for use of the grips.
:cool:
 
No worries on her not knowing how to use the irons, she's already better than I am, but only a little. Her first group with the 357 was abit wild, but once she found out it wasn't going to take her arm off they shrunk right down. Sounds like the Crimson Trace grips are the way to go, now just to find what to slap them on. The info is much appreciated.
 
CT's

I bought a set of the original style J frame grips for my S&W 649. When I bought the 340SC, I put them on "the beast" but they did not help with recoil.

Recently I up-graded to the J frame over-moulded rubber grips. They help in recoil and are only 1/4" longer. I have to be careful with pocket carry, but otherwise they are fine,

John
 
The "True Mark" of any company is after the sale. I had one set on an old J-frame that after 31/2 years just quite. I contacted CT and asked if this was why the warrenty was only for 3 yrs. They asked me to send the grips to them to look at. A short time later they informed me by e-mail that they were fixing my grips No Charge and I would receive them the following week. Trust me when I say they did not fix my old pair they REPLACED them with a brand new set. I highly commend any company that treats a customer that way in todays business climate.:)
 
I really didn't have an opinion of CT until I read an article in (I think) the latest "Shooting Times". (Could have been S.W.A.T.) There were photos too. The author put CT grips on a new J-frame and hit the bullseye from his HIP!! I believe his article said that he was shooting from a distance of seven yards. CT Gips just have to be a good thing. I wonder if you can see that little red dot in bright daylight? ~So, you guys are saying that you can use the same leather? Aren't the grips "wider"? Where, and what type of battery does it take?

Thanks,
KR
 
The grips may be slightly wider, but are cut to the common "boot grip" shape. Yes you can use the same leather you have now. Yes you can see it it pretty bright daylight. CT uses/makes very good lasers. They use a pair common button cells that you can pick up just about anywhere.
 
The more I look at them, the more I want a pair for my Taurus, but the taurus grips are oversized where the S&W grips are nice tiny boot grips. Might try a pair anyway.
 
I have CT's on my Browning HighPower and my S&W 442, & just order them for my Colt Combat Commander. Because of my old eyes, the CT's let me enjoy shooting again.

The shooting from the hip is no joke; I brace my forearm against my hip & shoot away. I can put 5 rapid fire from my (DAO) 442 into a 5" circle at 5 yards, and 15 from my (SA) HighPower into a 5" circle at 10 yards. If you have good trigger technique, it just takes a little concentration. If my eyes were better, I'd try at 25 yards... the laser spot sure reaches that far. Sure, this isn't "real" target shooting & there's no "one ragged hole".... but it's mighty satisfying & fun besides.

There are 2 models for J-frames. The earlier model is moderately hard plastic of the "boot grip" design & the later model is rubber of a slightly larger design. I only shoot non +P in my 442, & it's a carry gun, so I got the smaller design grip. I would recommend the new rubber grip for any +P or Magnum shooting.
 
I have a set on my full size Kimber .45 ACP. After 3 months they stopped working. I returned them to CT and 10 days later I had a new set. Excelent customer service IMHO. Just remember what the grips will and will not do.They will show you where the bullet will hit the target. They won't aquire your target. They won't help you draw your weapon. They won't manage the safety or help with the trigger pull. You still have to do your part.
Batteries used are two CR2032 or DL2032 lithium batteries.
 
CT grips

I've had both phone & e-mail contact with CT. All contacts were great. After about 2 years, the size of the dot grew smaller, even with new batteries. I was told to return them. In a little over a week, they were returned as good as new. They also threw in a set of new batteries and Q-tips.

After nearly 4 years, the ferrule came out of the left grip. They mailed me a new one with instructions to return the old one.

Both of the above repairs were free.

Recently, when I wanted to up-grade to the new, over-molded grips, I was allowed to trade in the old ones.

I have no hesitation in recommending the grips and the company.

Batteries are available at Radio Shack, Ace Hardware, Walgreens, etc.

After using both styles, I prefer the newer style, even though they are about 1/4" longer,

John
 
I'd save your money buy Pachmayer grips istead and put a downpayment toward another gun with the money you were going to spend on the Crimson Trace. No offense towards those that love them but as a female shooter, I want to get good without depending on laser and don't like the idea of paying so much for a crutch.
 
Mastrogiacomo,

Young lady,

When I was your age, I felt the same way about "crutches". Now that I'm a certified "old fart", I resort to anything that helps. My skin is old and brittle and the eyes are not what they used to be.

At times. I walk with a stoop because of a bad back, my hair color is "white", and there are "bandits" out there that like to pray on old people.

With my Sc/Ti and CT grips, I feel that I've leveled the "playing field" a little.

In about 30 years, let me know how you feel about "crutches",

John
 
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Many of us "got good" in our youth. I was on a Navy .45 Pistol team & have owned & shot many many pistols during my life using only iron sights. I can still see well enough to keep them all in an 8 inch circle at 7 yards... but I remember what it was like to be better than that.

The laser sight has an appropriate niche in the shooting sport... IMHO.
 
Trust me, the lady already knows how to shoot. In fact, I'm taking her back out tomorrow so she'll quit bugging me about shooting my .44 contender. Her groups with the Rossi are abit smaller than mine. But her eyesight isn't so good in the dark, good thing I met her at night. It's gotten so bad that she all but refuses to drive at night. She just figures that the laser might give her an extra edge if she needs it. And, you never know when you might have to shoot from a rather awkward position.
 
Sounds as if our wives have the same eyesight. In the privacy of the garage we can both practice "trigger control" with the CT. Just remember, as I tell my wife, the RED DOT will not identify the target in low light, you must know it is a confirmed threat before you pull the trigger.
 
I had a set on my SP101 for a long time and they are great. It takes the sights out of the equation, if you choose to do that. At 20 yds..my SP grouped 5/8" with 5 rnds with the laser and an off hand rest. They will help you determine just how accurate your gun really is.

The SP grip is the full size hard plastic unit and really doesnt HELP at all in the way of recoil...it transfers ALL of it to your hand. If they offer an overmolded rubber unit currently....trust me and get it.

Shoot well...............
 
Well, I'm convinced...

I called CT and the nice lady told me that "I COULD go ahead and order from them, but I could find a better price from a dealer". (There's something you don't hear everyday.) The CT price was $229.00. I want to buy CT's for me and also a set for my wife. Would a few of you give me the price I should expect to pay, please?

Thanks,
KR
 
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