grips or rail mounted?

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zignal_zero

zignal_zero

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I need some opinions, here.

I am considering putting a laser sight on my concealed carry piece. First, let me say this - I am not a noob. I am not trying to avoid putting in the training. I have been shooting handguns for 30 years and (normally) shoot once or twice a week. I was my department's armorer. I can get by just fine without one.

That said, I do think they're seriously kule. My eyes aren't getting any younger. My silencer is probably gonna block the view of my iron sights.

Here's what it has come down to - Crimson Trace laser grips or a rail mounted unit (lasermax laserlyte, I think). I like the versatility of the rail mounted, in case my SMG wants to borrow it. HOWEVER, I seriously like not having to fumble with a switch when I draw my weapon. Holsters are not a consideration as I make my own.

What do y'all think? And I only mean in regards to WHICH laser (even if not listed) or the pros and cons of each system, NOT whether or not I should get one (I don't need any help deciding that). Sharing actual experience will be greatly appreciated, but theory is also welcome :)

Thanks
 
I've had CT Laser Grips on the M9s I've deployed with for the last two years. Reliable, held zero, and I only replaced the batteries at the beginning of each deployment to make sure they would be good to go; NOT because the juice was running out. I came into the grips as a gift from a friend. Never actually fired a shot in anger, and the closest I came was in broad daylight so the laser wouldn't have been a huge help. But I can say mine have been reliable through temps ranging from near 0 to 100+, rain, snow, etc.

I've never had a laser on a personally owned weapon, mostly because I don't feel it lends a significant advantage for the cost. However, if I came across a set of CT grips at the right price for my EDC at home I would go for it.
 
I have CT laser grips on a Ruger GP100 and a SW Model 10 - bought at a discount last Summer - heard that once in a while CT offers rebates - got $50.00 off each pair. They hold zero just fine. Havving the On button integrated into the grip is definitely a plus - no thinking about it just hold the firearm as normal and the laser comes ON every time.

As you said you have done your homework, but to confirm - I believe that green lasers are easier to see in daylight , but require more power, which is why I only see CT offer green in the forearm grip package for AR type applications. So you might have more luck choosing a rail mounted laser that has more room to carry the batteries needed for the more powerful green laser.
 
I've been outfitting pieces with lasers as funding permits. So far, I have more LaserLyte installed than CrimsonTrace. The high cost of CrimsonTrace is just too much, even though I like the products. G29 outfitted and several j-frame with the side mount LaserLytes.
 
Offhand I don't know how may Streamlight TLR-2 Laser/lights and Crimson Trace laser grips I have.

Mostly if I just want a laser it's the Crimson Trace. If I want a rail laser/light I use the Streamlight TLR-2.

The only LaserLyte rail mounted laser I've tried was poorly designed and made. I gave it to a friend to practice with. I told him don't put it on a serious defense gun.
 
So yerz wasn't very visible in bright daylight?
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No red laser is very visible in broad daylight.

As for CCW?
Crimson Trace Laser Grips are the ONLY way to go.

They add no bulk to the gun at all.
They fit any CCW holster you already have.
Turning it on in a gun fight is instinctive.
Forgetting to turn it off & running the battery down is impossible.

rc
 
My silencer is probably gonna block the view of my iron sights.
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I assume you mean when you train with your CCW, cause most cans won't be all that concealable.

Check to make sure the CTrace would also clear the can. The ones I've looked at sends the beam right down the side of the gun. Maybe inside 1/4" of the slide, if not closer.

If you are talking your home defense gun, can plus laser.. a rail mounted laser will probably be needed.
 
...

Own and use both, CTC laser grips on a Sig P229R 9mm and a rail mounted Laser max on a Beretta Px4 40.

Like them both, both are extremely accurate and offer quick, 2 eyes open, point shooting up close or out to some distance..

But I have to go, best choice, with CTC laser grips simply because you have many options of use, such as ON, OFF, that quick (via 302 model w/2 side buttons) and one can also cover the beam with trigger finger if one has the center grip button type, there on once you grip your gun, and if you ID a target laser will point the way as trigger finger engages, if you're a right handed shooter.

Whereas with the rail mounted laser, once you flick it ON, it's on and not easy to turn off quickly under pressure would be worse and there's no way to cover them other than keeping your gun pointing down but -

Red works long, great most any time and in bright light, sights and point shooting at SD closer ranges should be already engrained.. no ?

Luck,


Ls

Ps.. forgot to mention that on more than one occasion, with rail mounted laser, one's accuracy can go way off until one discovers that, over X amount of rounds, they can, and do, come loose and set screw needs re-tightening which does not change beams accuracy as originally set, tight, it returns to spot-on accuracy. Just there is a possibility going in and there is no need of such worry with the CTC laser grips..
 
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Appreciate all the responces, guys! Thank you. I was leaning towards the CT's and now (if I do go with a laser) I know which one it'll be :)
 
Appreciate all the responces, guys! Thank you. I was leaning towards the CT's and now (if I do go with a laser) I know which one it'll be
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Call CT, 800 442 2406. They will send you a free catalog and free informative DVD on the use of lasers.
 
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