Laser Grips vs Wood Grips

[Styx]

I'm just wondering how many people have laser grips on their pistols? I'm currently am trying to decide between adding Crimson Trace grips to my Kahr K9 vs ordering Wood grips from Kahr.

I love the look of wood, but I'm thinking the functionality of the laser grips maybe better. The main issue is that I've never had a laser on any of my firearms before, so I'd love to hear what others opinions are.

 

[chicharrones]

I'd say it depends on your desired usage of the gun. If the gun is a home defense gun or a gun carried at night, you need some sort of night sighting system.

Since that gun doesn't have a rail for a light or laser, then you probably should add a tritium sight or a laser grip.

I have a CT laser grip on a revolver and wish I had one on my CZ75 PCR. The CT grips are easy for the user to turn on and off without repositioning the hand.

I have less than good vision for using handgun sights anymore. Even with tritium, the front sight is blurry at night. With a laser the dot is out there at target range which my eyes focus on much better. Plus, the laser is so much brighter than tritium which is an advantage in low light for me.

I have and use both, but I'm liking the laser more and more. It is different to shoot though and has to be gotten used to. Don't expect a laser to produce target precise results, but do expect a laser to get you on a person sized target quickly.

 

[cpt-t]

Styx: My Wife and I have been carrying CW-9s` with Crimson Trace Lazer Sights on them for several years now for our CC guns But we got the CT model that fits on the trigger frame but still turns on when you grip your hand on the gun. With this model CT You might be able to keep your wooded stocks still on your Kahr K9 model.We have never had the slightest problem with any of our CTL Sights, and my Son,Wife, and I have several on our handguns nine I belive.And we all think CTL Sights are the best choice for us.
ken

 

[Styx]

I'd say it depends on your desired usage of the gun. If the gun is a home defense gun or a gun carried at night, you need some sort of night sighting system.

Since that gun doesn't have a rail for a light or laser, then you probably should add a tritium sight or a laser grip.

I have a CT laser grip on a revolver and wish I had one on my CZ75 PCR. The CT grips are easy for the user to turn on and off without repositioning the hand.

I have less than good vision for using handgun sights anymore. Even with tritium, the front sight is blurry at night. With a laser the dot is out there at target range which my eyes focus on much better. Plus, the laser is so much brighter than tritium which is an advantage in low light for me.

I have and use both, but I'm liking the laser more and more. It is different to shoot though and has to be gotten used to. Don't expect a laser to produce target precise results, but do expect a laser to get you on a person sized target quickly.

I think you make a god point. I have night sights on the K9 already, but my vision isn't that good either. Have you found that, with your bad vision, you're more accurate with the laser vs with night sights only?

Styx: My Wife and I have been carrying CW-9s` with Crimson Trace Lazer Sights on them for several years now for our CC guns But we got the CT model that fits on the trigger frame but still turns on when you grip your hand on the gun. With this model CT You might be able to keep your wooded stocks still on your Kahr K9 model.We have never had the slightest problem with any of our CTL Sights, and my Son,Wife, and I have several on our handguns nine I believe.And we all think CTL Sights are the best choice for us.
ken

I wish the trigger frame CT was an option for the K9 because that would be the best of both worlds, but they only offer a laser grip version.

 

[mgmorden]

I'm personally not a fan of laser sights at all. I'm usually not a fan of any dots on sights either (I prefer plain black), but if shooting defensively at night concessions must be made.

IMHO, since you already have night sights on the gun, stay with standard grips.

 

[Styx]

I'm personally not a fan of laser sights at all. I'm usually not a fan of any dots on sights either (I prefer plain black), but if shooting defensively at night concessions must be made.

IMHO, since you already have night sights on the gun, stay with standard grips.

I already purchased a CT grip last night, but I'm curious to know why do you not like them?

 

[mgmorden]

I already purchased a CT grip last night, but I'm curious to know why do you not like them?

To me I just don't like the sight picture. Focus when shooting should be on the front sight - a fixed point that you know where it is.

Laser sights put focus on the target itself. You raise your gun but you have no idea where the dot is until you locate it, and then move it into position. You'll generally find people taking a lot longer to "find the dot" when shooting like that versus using fixed sights.

All in all I'm just not a fan of them, though each person is free to make their own choice there.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have shot night courses with guys using laser grips. Generally, they are slower than guys using sights and generally the don't seem to shoot as good as the guy's using sights.....I am sure someone is great with laser grips. Just saying, I haven't seen them yet.

 

[Styx]

To me I just don't like the sight picture. Focus when shooting should be on the front sight - a fixed point that you know where it is.

Laser sights put focus on the target itself. You raise your gun but you have no idea where the dot is until you locate it, and then move it into position. You'll generally find people taking a lot longer to "find the dot" when shooting like that versus using fixed sights.

All in all I'm just not a fan of them, though each person is free to make their own choice there.

Never thought about that or heard anyone bring it up before. I guess you're right though. As I mentioned earlier, my eyesight is very bad. I never used lasers on my firearms before, so I'm not sure if the phenomenon you and ColtPythonElite described (basically being slower) will apply in my case or not. I will have to see how I do with using the laser vs using the night sights only.

Question though... I notice that many AR owners "co-witness" their iron sights with their red dot sights. IYHO, can this not be done with night sites and laser combo and be just as fast and accurate as using regular sights alone as well as help acquire a target faster? Are the they guys that you both shot with who used lasers and were slower depending on finding the dot alone, or were they using their sights and lasers in tandem?

 

[Gravedigger56]

I have laser sights on 2 of my handguns but they are turned off 99% of the time. I find that I can acquire faster with night sights and with my glasses/bifocals I have no problem with the front sight or target ever being out of focus. The only time I switch on the laser is at bedtime when I am not wearing my glasses.

 

[packpike]

Question though... I notice that many AR owners "co-witness" their iron sights with their red dot sights. IYHO, can this not be done with night sites and laser combo and be just as fast and accurate as using regular sights alone as well as help acquire a target faster? Are the they guys that you both shot with who used lasers and were slower depending on finding the dot alone, or were they using their sights and lasers in tandem?

A red dot and a laser are completely different. With a red dot you're still focusing on a point on your gun. You're not projecting the red dot out towards your target, looking for it, and then moving it to the target as was mentioned with lasers.

 

[chicharrones]

I think you make a god point. I have night sights on the K9 already, but my vision isn't that good either. Have you found that, with your bad vision, you're more accurate with the laser vs with night sights only?

Hmmm. I can't say with my vision that the laser is more accurate. Since handgun sights are blurry for me, if i want accuracy I do better with a pistol mounted red dot.

What the laser gives me is better sighting assistance in low light. I still look over the barrel of the gun like I'm looking for the front sight. Really more like point shooting. What the laser does is act as a sharp and clear extension of that front sight.

Of course, a laser on the target appears much more wiggly than using a red dot. What I use the laser for is simple affirmation of where my front sight is pointing. It's just a quick dot on target, pull trigger, and repeat.

Tritium used to be plenty good enough for my eyes in low light when I could see the front sight sharply. But anyone that has tritium sights knows, it is not that bright of an illumination source. Old eyes can blur that illumination source, which makes it appear even dimmer. Not good.

 

[orionengnr]

Laser sights put focus on the target itself. You raise your gun but you have no idea where the dot is until you locate it, and then move it into position. You'll generally find people taking a lot longer to "find the dot" when shooting like that versus using fixed sights.

That may very well be the case, and I am not going to make the case for a laser...but I will raise a counterpoint.
I have read more than once that one of the main reasons that so may people (including "trained" people) miss so often in an actual gunfight is because it is a natural response to look at the threat. Adrenaline dumps, front sight goes out the window...aim point goes out the window, bullets fly everywhere.
In that circumstance, a laser might be a good thing to have...if you are already focusing on the threat, all you have to do is find the dot and put it where it needs to be, while pressing the trigger.

Disclaimer: All of this is based on conjecture, of course...I am not an expert, and am neither pro- or anti-laser. I own one CT laser, but seldom if ever carry that gun.

 

[Twiki357]

My Kimber 1911 came with Crimson Trace grips. As previously said, you have to learn to focus on the laser dot on the target and look over and ignore the sights, something I have yet to master. Great if you’re shooting from the hip or in the dark, otherwise I give them a thumbs down.

 

[DP03]

I'd say it depends on your desired usage of the gun. If the gun is a home defense gun or a gun carried at night, you need some sort of night sighting system.

Since that gun doesn't have a rail for a light or laser, then you probably should add a tritium sight or a laser grip.

I have a CT laser grip on a revolver and wish I had one on my CZ75 PCR. The CT grips are easy for the user to turn on and off without repositioning the hand.

I have less than good vision for using handgun sights anymore. Even with tritium, the front sight is blurry at night. With a laser the dot is out there at target range which my eyes focus on much better. Plus, the laser is so much brighter than tritium which is an advantage in low light for me.

I have and use both, but I'm liking the laser more and more. It is different to shoot though and has to be gotten used to. Don't expect a laser to produce target precise results, but do expect a laser to get you on a person sized target quickly.

I just received my CZ75 PCR. Can you tell me what model CT fits that gun? I didn't see CZ listed specifically on their site.....

 

[cpt-t]

Styx: As I told you between my Wife, Son and My Self we have several CTL`s on our CCG`s. We do not use our CTL`s equiped hand guns to shoot alot of targets with, or for much common range work with them. They are for giving us an advantage or an edge in a dimly lite extremely diffacult unexcepted situation. No much of anything, I have ever experienced in my life, is scarier than a suprise Fire Fight in the Dark. And any advantage you can give your self is only basic common since to do so. I was buying gas near my home at about 2300hrs several months ago. When I was aproached by a large gang banger,that wanted me to pay for there gas, and when I said no, he cussed me and said he would just take my money from me. And then he pulled a knife and started towards me. I pulled my Kahr CW-9, with a CTL on it, and the little red ball of light lite up on his chest befor I could even extend my arm fully. He could not stop fast enough and fell down trying to back up, all the while he was yelling this Old White MF has a gun. His friends in the car took off with out him, and the last I seen of him, he was running behind the gas station. I was very lucky, and I firmly belive that my Kahr CW-9 with the CTL on it save me from being seriously hurt or worse. I am a true beliver in the CTL`s on any of my CCG`s.
ken

 

[chicharrones]

I just received my CZ75 PCR. Can you tell me what model CT fits that gun? I didn't see CZ listed specifically on their site.....

Crimson Trace quit making laser grips for CZs. I should have got a set a couple years ago, but I always thought "I'll get it next year". I missed the opportunity and now have a tritium front sight for my PCR.

 

[DP03]

Crimson Trace quit making laser grips for CZs. I should have got a set a couple years ago, but I always thought "I'll get it next year". I missed the opportunity and now have a tritium front sight for my PCR.

Ok, thanks. But that sucks. I wonder if that will change, as CZ's are becoming quite popular. Im thinking of sending my PCR to CZCustoms to have them do their magic, and I'll probably include night sites at that time.

 

[snapshot762]

I have had a set on my P-01 for the last few years, and have recently gone back to the original grips. I like the laser and all but the CT grips are a bit too chunky for my taste and to me take away from the feel of the gun. Honestly most of the time when I am shooting the gun the laser is off.

 

[Charley C]

Why Lasers?

It's a coincidence you asked this question when you did! I just picked up a little book in a Wal Mart while my wife and I were visiting some family, and I needed something to read.

Here's a great idea; go to a big Wal Mart and check to see if they have a copy of "Handgun Training For Personal Protection" by Richard A. Mann.

You can easily read the chapter on lasers in 15 or 30 minutes, and you'll probably know more about lasers than 90% of "non-laser" equipped gun owners do, (and it won't cost a cent, unless you decide to buy the book ), which I'm already glad I did.

Here's a sample tidbit that I was unaware of before; you mentioned liking wood grips; did you know that Crimson Trace actually makes a set of wood laser grips?
(I sure didn't! )

Also......I really got a kick out of this guy's writing! He uses an entirely different "style" than any other gun writer I've ever read or heard of; He's probably the only writer I've ever seen who can use a "wee tad" of "suggestive language" and you still wouldn't have to worry if your kids read it!

There's a whole bunch of different types of lasers "out there"; Crimson Trace got into the game just as it started, did a huge lot of research, and came up with the idea of putting the laser in the grips; (which I never thought I would want......until I read this book! ) Now they have a patent on the "grip switch", so no one else can produce a laser that is activated by a grip switch, regardless of where they mount the laser! The big deal with most lasers is they present one more "action" you must take before firing; in a "sticky situation", an extra step could get you....."hurt"? Even dead, maybe? Yeah, there's lots to know about lasers; (a lot more than I ever realized! ) IMO, by far the best reason to have a laser mounted is for it's ability as a training tool; most people can learn to "get a perfect sight picture" on the point of aim; but can you "operate" the trigger without "disturbing" that perfect sight picture? With a laser, you get the dot on the POA, then practice, practice, practice......and you can SEE the slightest movement that you CAN'T see with your eyeballs! (All of which is exactly why lasers have become such an indispensable tool in the building trade in the last few years. )

Lasers for target shooting? Fagetaboutit! It's NOT what they're for! Lasers are like a certain "wrench" to a mechanic; for a certain job; (just like (can't remember his name now).....hey! I'll bet that one encounter PAID for that laser IN FULL!

Also....green lasers; cost a little more to make, and probably a little more to buy; however, green light is a longer wave length than red light, and is much easier for the human eye to see. (Last week I knew didly squat about lasers!)That one chapter was worth double the 20 bucks I spent for the whole book, and I bought it primarily because I'm right now researching red dot sights. (that chapter was worth even more to me because I going to be buying a red dot before I buy a laser. Hey.....I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes here! If someone don't like "whatever", that's cool with me! But please......just because you don't "like it", why expect everyone else to not like it? Anyway, if you can cover your 3 shot groups with a quarter (at 50 yards), you probably don't even need to train! You're already a descendent of Annie Oakly! I can't and I'm not......so I need all the help I can get! If a laser can help, I"ll buy one; (but after I buy my red dot sight.