Rail mount or Grip, Crimson Trace laser

[JIMMYK]

I have a chance to pick up Crimson Trace Green laser, for a great price.
I am torn between which to get though. If I get the rail mount, I realize I am limiting my holster option. On the other hand since the laser is for a Glock 19 3rd
gen, I am wondering about the grip fit and any angle changes.
I had been thinking of getting and after market item, called Grip Force, which allows the user to get a higher grip, and being recommended by Ken Hackathorn helps too. Again on the other hand the rail mount would allow the use of a combo laser and flashlight unit. That's my dilemma, which would you go with and why. Thanks, Jimmy

 

[Outlaw Man]

To me, it's not as much a matter of holster limitations or grip as it is that several of the grip lasers I've tried get blocked by my trigger finger when I'm simply indexing. As such, it defeats the purpose of the laser. If not for that, it would probably be my preference, since there usually isn't any movement outside the ordinary to activate it.

 

[greyghost01]

I have the Rail Master on a XD 40 sc, I wish at times I had gotten the green, But the red works for me. I prefer the rail over the grip, reason my buddy has the grip unless its off it comes on auto when you grip the weapon where I can either turn it on or off very easy from a natural position. As far as holsters I have a Remora it fits in fine, I had a real nice leather holster made for it and it conceals easy and is very comfortable. But what works for me may not work for you. If I change guns I keep the rail if the other gun has a rail Im good to go. Where grips you cant do that.

 

[Outlaw Man]

That's a good point about switching guns easily.

 

[herrwalther]

I too prefer railed accessories over the grip variety. I can get very picky about how I like my grips on carry weapons and the lasergrips too often mess up what I like. Also the railed options can be switched to another firearm easily as they are more universal than brand or model specific laser grips. Sure you will have to get a special holster made for it but there are plenty of them around now. It isn't the Terminator days trying to find a holster for an AMT Longslide with laser sighting.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

I agree with Outlaw Man about the indexing issue blocking the beam, but it's not insurmountable.

I think for a target gun, or fun gun, I would go with a rail mount for the reasons listed - easy to swap between firearms, beam not blocked by an indexing finger.

For a defensive handgun, i would rather have a grip laser. There are a couple of reasons I like it over the Lasermax guide rod lasers - the Lasermax is not adjustable for elevation or windage. Lasermax guarantees 2" at 50 yards, which is more than adequate for self defense distances, but I like to fine tune my lasers for specific distances and loads. The Crimson Trace is adjustable for elevation and windage.

here's the most important part to me for a laser on a self-defense handgun: Activating the Lasermax requires pushing a button that replaces the take-down lever. The Crimson Trace activates when you grasp the grip firmly. In a self defense situation, fine motor skills (like pushing a tiny button) deteriorate quickly. Gross motor skills (like grasping your gun) still function.

Crimson Trace offers a free DVD that surprisingly is not just an advertisement for their products. It is professionally produced, and has a lot of good information on the use of lasers in defensive situations.

Give Crimson Trace a call at (800) 442-2406 and ask for the free Laser Tactics and Training DVD. Pop some popcorn, sit on the couch and enjoy a special evening with your significant other.

Mark H.

 

[JIMMYK]

Thanks Mark
That was my thinking too. I also see Ken Hackathorn is of the same opinion, and he is part of a Youtube video describing his techniques for using the Lasergrip, as well as flashlight techniques in conjunction with the lasergrip.

 

[rcmodel]

If you can squeeze it and shoot it at the same time you are 100% ahead in the gunfight curve, as opposed to flipping tiny switches with some of your dangling pointy fingers.

If you have any dangling pointy fingers that aren't white-knuckle tight, clamping down on the grip in the gun while fighting for your life.

That's my story, and I'm sticking too it!

rc

 

[JIMMYK]

I couldn't have said it any better RC

 

[herrwalther]

If you can squeeze it and shoot it at the same time you are 100% ahead in the gunfight curve, as opposed to flipping tiny switches with some of your dangling pointy fingers.

My wife was watching a show just last night of a bounty hunter going after a mark. He entered the building with his firearm drawn in one hand with his other hand using the flashlight app on his smartphone. I would call him way behind the curve.

 

[Hometeached1]

I'm not crazy about lasers except for teaching new shooters, so I prefer rail mounted since I can move it to any firearm with a rail. Also there are sometimes I would not want the laser come on, I'd rather have to hit a toggle. For SD I would rather have a light mounted on the pistol than a laser. YMMV.