Crimson Trace Laser Grips

[lightingmike]

Has anyone used crimson trace laser grips on their Golck? Are there better options for my G23? Are they worth the $$?

[bush pilot]

Yes, no and yes

[Sertory_glock]

They're an excellent quality product but they definitely change the way the grip feels. They didn't work for me for that reason but you might like them. I'd try them before you buy them.

[hillyard]

I got them on my 23c. I don't notice anything ill affects on the grip. I like them

[usmcruz]

I just bought a set of Crimson Laser Grips for my Glock 30 and love them. Accurate as all get out, even when shot from the hip. I sighted it in for about an hour just eyeing it(an hour because Im a perfectionist and couldnt leave it alone if it was a Millimeter off) , and went to the range today and punched out the center of the target at 45 feet away. Even though the first set of grips I got were a bum set, crimson sent me out a brand new set right away. I think there worth twice what there worth.

[G19c,PH]

Originally posted by bush pilot
Yes, no and yes


+1:thumbsup:

[dglockster]

http://www.crimsontrace.com/default.asp will take you to the homepage for Crimson Trace. In the lower right corner, you can register for a set of free laser sights. They give away one set monthly and you register each month.

In the upper right, you can go to the Crimson Trace forums.

[Ryobi]

Lasermax is far superior for glocks, but it costs quite a bit more than Crimson Trace. Crimson Trace makes a good product, probably the best laser product for revolvers and other guns that lasermax doesn't have a model for.

[lightingmike]

Thanks all very helpful. I also did a search on this forum should have gone that way first lot's of positive comments. :)

[RayB]

Other ways to go:

. LaserMax Internal Laser
. TLR Light/Laser Combo
. Uni-Max Rail Mounted Laser

Of the above choices, the latter two can pull duty on multiple guns!

We're very pleased with our two LaserMax units, but they're weapon-specific, spendy little suckers! ;)

--Ray

[usmcruz]

Just remember that lasermax lasers are fixed lasers with no elevation and windage adjustments. Also lasermax lasers have a switch instead of a pressure switch like the crimson laser. Sometimes the lasermax switch gets bumped and turns un running your battery low. I really love the pressure switch on the back of the pistol. If your gonna have a laser on your pistol in a defensive situation, activating a switch is the last thing on your mind, at least the pressure switch on the grip is activiated when you normally grab the pistol. Just my 2 cents.

[lightingmike]

Just picked up a crimson trace laser online today. Once I get it installed I will post a range report. Thanks for all then help. :thumbsup:

[usmcruz]

Remember small adjustments on the windage and elevation. When I mean small, I mean crack them less then a quarter turn each time, and try to alternate adjusting the elevation and windage to keep both set screws evenly spaced. If you eye the laser on a target in your house it will be pretty damn right on compared to the range and you wont have to fire a single round so that when you go to the range you can concentrate on shooting. I sighted my laser on a target in my house for an hour and it was dead on at the range, no additional adjustments needed. Thats the only important thing I could tell you about these laser grips, besides have fun! :thumbsup:

[lightingmike]

Just got them in the mail today. Putting them on right now. Thanks for the tip on adjustments. Cant wait to go to range tomorrow. I might have to go over there tonight. I just can't contain myself. :supergrin:
:dancingbanana: :dancingbanana:

[hikerpaddler]

Lasermax is far superior for glocks, but CT's are not not shabby, especially for revolvers. Good luck with your new purchase!

[usmcruz]

Originally posted by hikerpaddler
Lasermax is far superior for glocks, but CT's are not not shabby, especially for revolvers. Good luck with your new purchase!


Lasermax sucks!!, Crimson Trace is far superior seeing how your not messing with the internals of your weapon, and you can adjust your windage and elevation. Try doing that with a laser max :upeyes: .

[Team CTC-Joe]

Mike,

Drop me a line at Crimson Trace and I will get you a copy of our training DVD "Shots In the Dark"

Joe

[Rebel_James]

I'd buy a set for my issued G22 if they'd let me put them on.

They won't, so I have a set on my back-up/off duty G27.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/Rebel_James/G27P002.jpg

[hikerpaddler]

Enjoy your opinion. In thorough testing, we found no malfunctions with the lasermax or crimson trace. We did, however, find interference issues with grip and holsters with the crimson trace product. CT is state of the art for revolvers. Lasermax continues to appear to be the same for Glocks.

Originally posted by usmcruz
Lasermax sucks!!, Crimson Trace is far superior seeing how your not messing with the internals of your weapon, and you can adjust your windage and elevation. Try doing that with a laser max :upeyes: .

[Bill Lumberg]

I'm a big proponent of night sites. Lasers introduce the potential for some difficult questions on the stand following a shooting. That said, I wouldn't put any other laser than lasermax on my glocks, nor any laser but crimson trace on my revolver.

[robinsok]

Does the crimson trace have an on off switch? I would like to practice without them as well.

[M2 Carbine]

According to the Crimson Trace catalog the Glock laser doesn't have a master On/Off switch.

[usmcruz]

Originally posted by hikerpaddler
Enjoy your opinion. In thorough testing, we found no malfunctions with the lasermax or crimson trace. We did, however, find interference issues with grip and holsters with the crimson trace product. CT is state of the art for revolvers.


Dont buy a crappy holster and there wont be a problem. As for the grip If you have small hands then it would be a problem, even so the beaver tail that it adds to the grip helps me control my follow up shots a hundred times better. I holster my glock with the crimson trace and I have no problems with rubbing, poking or such the matter. Everyone's different and everyones got a different taste so to each his own.

Crimson trace has a sensitive pressure switch on the back of the grip.

[Ryobi]

To answer the OP's question, yes, there is one better option for someone with a 23 who really wants a laser. It is called Lasermax. Hands down the best choice for glocks if function is your primary concern rather than function. Crimson Trace has a bomb-proof product, but the way it interfaces with the Glock isn't as good. As posted above, CT grips are to revolvers what Lasermax units are to glocks.

[RayB]

Lasermax sucks!!, Crimson Trace is far superior seeing how your not messing with the internals of your weapon, and you can adjust your windage and elevation. Try doing that with a laser max :upeyes: .

*****

"Sucks!?" C'mon, what do you really think?

Here's my take...

The OEM guide rod is plastic, with a 17 lb. spring. The LaserMax guide rod is metal, with a slightly stiffer spring.

Many shooters routinely swap out the OEM guide rod/spring for a stronger aftermarket model. This is common practice.

Neither laser, nor the gun itself, is designed for sniper-type shooting...

There are two schools of thought for laser targeting:

1) Parallel Beam

2) Sweet Spot

The Parallel Beam approach has the bullet running parallel to the laser, out to practical pistol ranges. This works well if the beam is close to the bore axis. In the case of the LaserMax, the bullets impact the targets about 1/4" above the red dot, out to the back of the range. This is plenty for SD/HD purposes. This is the LaserMax approach--no collimation is necessary. This is the approach that I favor.

The Sweet Spot approach has the laser and bullet paths converging at a predetermined distance from the shooter. This is where widage and elevation comes in. Inside and outside the "sweet spot", the POA and POI will be increasingly different. Set at say, 30-feet, this is still plenty for SD/HD purposes. The CT can be adjusted for either approach.

The Crimson Trace for Glock is an instant-on, always-on design.

The LaserMax is activated at the shooter's option. There are times when the gun is drawn, but activating the laser would be a tactical error.

I don't agree that the shooter will be unable to activate the laser under stress. By that reckoning, the shooter could not release a safety, switch on a weapon light, etc.

If you don't have time to draw your weapon, you're screwed anyway.

Still, in a fast draw scenario, instant-on would be an asset.

The Crimson Trace brackets the back strap and changes the grip angle of the gun.

The LaserMax does not impact the ergonomics of the gun, nor change its appearance.

Since only with the Glocks does the Crimson Trace lack a master on/off switch, and bracket the back strap the way it does, I will maintain that the design is a compromise--albeit a clever one!

Both are great products from first-rate companies. I'd consider Crimson Trace for a 1911 or revolver any day--just not a Glock.

We've got thousands of rounds on two LaserMax units in G19 and G21. The G19 has been flawless, while the G21 turns itself on occasionally (NBD).

In the latter, the LaserMax functions as a guide rod/recoil spring with a KKM 10 mm Conversion Barrel, using Double Tap ammo. But the laser is intermittent with this rig. Since it's a mod, I don't complain.

We are still on original springs, battery caps, and for that matter, batteries, from 11/05 and 02/06 LaserMax purchases. No complaints here!

Nowadays, we usually pop in the OEM or aftermarket guide rods for range practice, but last Friday's trip to the range had both lasers working 100%.

--Ray

[usmcruz]

Tactical? Im not swat, just an average joe with a CCW permit. If I draw my pistol I have full intentions of pulling the trigger right then and there. That should be the only reason to draw a pistol, not to scare someone, or threaten, but as a last resort to protect yourself, and the last thing on my mind is flipping a switch on the laser max to turn it on. Crimson comes on with a light squeeze of the grip and is dead nuts accurate. I guarentee in a real life situation 99% of you that have lasermax's will fail to turn it on in a defensive situation because it would take you that extra life threatening second to think about turning it on, and another second if your not already dead to flip the switch. The crimson trace laser grips eliminates all that and turns on without me even thinking about it. Those seconds save lives and thats a fact. Those of you that have bought a laser max for a carry pistol Im sorry but you wasted your money. There is nothing tactical in a real live defensive situation just bullets and ***** flying everywhere, and the person who puts the bullets center mass first wins. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Semper fi

[RayB]

1) Tactical? Im not swat, just an average joe with a CCW permit. If I draw my pistol I have full intentions of pulling the trigger right then and there.

2) That should be the only reason to draw a pistol, not to scare someone, or threaten, but as a last resort to protect yourself, and the last thing on my mind is flipping a switch on the laser max to turn it on. Crimson comes on with a light squeeze of the grip and is dead nuts accurate.

3) I guarentee in a real life situation 99% of you that have lasermax's will fail to turn it on in a defensive situation because it would take you that extra life threatening second to think about turning it on, and another second if your not already dead to flip the switch.

4) The crimson trace laser grips eliminates all that and turns on without me even thinking about it. Those seconds save lives and thats a fact. Those of you that have bought a laser max for a carry pistol Im sorry but you wasted your money. There is nothing tactical in a real live defensive situation just bullets and ***** flying everywhere, and the person who puts the bullets center mass first wins.

5) Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Semper fi

*****

1) You talk as if there is only one scenario. Multiple scenarios are possible in self, and in particular, home defense--not just you getting jumped outside your vehicle, pistol at the ready. In home defense, I may draw my G21 well before I know what the commotion is.

2) Sounds good but it's a load of crap. Take home defense. I may draw a pistol for the sake of a loud noise, where there should be none. With a good grip on the gun, I can activate the LaserMax at my option--the same goes for my X200B.

"Dead nuts accurate?" Hardly. Plenty accurate certainly. Words mean things, you know? The laser is "dead nuts accurate" ony where the beam and bullet converge. This is the windage and elevation you spoke of earlier.

3) Your opinion, at best. I'll know right where my SureFire and LaserMax switches are; bet on it. I may choose to use my night sights alone... I don't know till it's going down.

I did concede that in fast draw, the instant-on is a good thing. But not all situations are fast draw...

Besides, the LaserMax can be activated by the index finger in one smooth motion, while drawing the weapon. It takes practice, is all. I can do it.

FYI: You press one button to activate a LaserMax--just one.

Consider that just maybe, for the pupose of shooting an intruder, many would choose to ID that person first. That requires a switch and a light--unless you advocate only instant-on weapon lights too.

4) "The crimson trace laser grips eliminates all that and turns on without me even thinking about it. Those seconds save lives and thats a fact."

Really? Prove it. Cite instances with links to support your statement that this feature alone has saved lives. Pony up! Lets see!

Because it's funny that only the Glock Crimson Trace has no master on/off switch, and most other Crimson Trace models do. Even the new Crimson Trace XD model has an on/off switch, and they advertise that new feature!

As for the rest of your statement, this would not apply to many a home invasion situation.

I suspect that you have no practical experience in this at all, and that's good; most of us don't--and we're glad for it!

Some states in the real world would hang you for your high round count!

5) Does talking like an obnoxious jerk actually work for you in everyday life?

--Ray

[usmcruz]

*****

1) You talk as if there is only one scenario. Multiple scenarios are possible in self, and in particular, home defense--not just you getting jumped outside your vehicle, pistol at the ready. In home defense, I may draw my G21 well before I know what the commotion is.

2) Sounds good but it's a load of crap. Take home defense. I may draw a pistol for the sake of a loud noise, where there should be none. With a good grip on the gun, I can activate the LaserMax at my option--the same goes for my X200B.

"Dead nuts accurate?" Hardly. Plenty accurate certainly. Words mean things, you know? The laser is "dead nuts accurate" ony where the beam and bullet converge. This is the windage and elevation you spoke of earlier.

3) Your opinion, at best. I'll know right where my SureFire and LaserMax switches are; bet on it. I may choose to use my night sights alone... I don't know till it's going down.

I did concede that in fast draw, the instant-on is a good thing. But not all situations are fast draw...

Besides, the LaserMax can be activated by the index finger in one smooth motion, while drawing the weapon. It takes practice, is all. I can do it.

FYI: You press one button to activate a LaserMax--just one.

Consider that just maybe, for the pupose of shooting an intruder, many would choose to ID that person first. That requires a switch and a light--unless you advocate only instant-on weapon lights too.

4) "The crimson trace laser grips eliminates all that and turns on without me even thinking about it. Those seconds save lives and thats a fact."

Really? Prove it. Cite instances with links to support your statement that this feature alone has saved lives. Pony up! Lets see!

Because it's funny that only the Glock Crimson Trace has no master on/off switch, and most other Crimson Trace models do. Even the new Crimson Trace XD model has an on/off switch, and they advertise that new feature!

As for the rest of your statement, this would not apply to many a home invasion situation.

I suspect that you have no practical experience in this at all, and that's good; most of us don't--and we're glad for it!

Some states in the real world would hang you for your high round count!

5) Does talking like an obnoxious jerk actually work for you in everyday life?

--Ray

got this from the crimson website

When You Look at How Lasers are Used in the Real World, the Choice Becomes Clear: Crimson Trace Lasergrips
The best way to stay safe is to carefully monitor your surroundings and avoid bad situations altogether. But we live in violent times, and sometimes trouble is unavoidable. We must be prepared for anything, and maximize every advantage.


Lasergrips give you that advantage.

Laser-based aiming systems are now a proven, reliable technology with over ten years of testing and hundreds of thousands of users. When it comes to real-world uses, only Crimson Trace Lasergrips bring you all the features you need:


Instinctive Laser Activation. Critical situations develop in a heartbeat — there’s no time to flip a switch to activate your sight. You need a laser that instinctively activates when you’re ready to fire, and only Crimson Trace has it. Grip your gun, prepare to fire, and the laser is activated; relax your grip slightly and the laser turns off.

Adjustability. Crimson Trace laser sights are fully user-adjustable for windage and elevation by a simple set screw. Not all laser sights are adjustable. Think about it: Would you buy a rifle scope that you couldn’t adjust?


Easy To Install. Most Lasergrips models take only about 5 – 10 minutes to install. Just remove your factory grips, pop the batteries into your Lasergrips, place them on your gun, and replace the screws.


Repeatable Pinpoint Accuracy. Adjust your Lasergrips once and they STAY adjusted, standing up to the heaviest recoil and abuse. They can be removed and replaced without losing zero.


Extended Battery Life. The readily available, inexpensive batteries that power Lasergrips give you over four hours of on-time use and a shelf life of over five years. More than double that of competing brands.


Does Not Replace Critical Components. Lasergrips do not replace or restrict internal components that are crucial to the function of your gun. Other brands do (cough lasermax, I added this). Any time you introduce non-factory installed parts into your gun’s internal operation, there is a chance of malfunction.
Compatibility and Versatility. Crimson Trace Lasergrips are compatible with most popular holsters, firearm-mounted lights and other accessories.


Solid, Steady Beam. A constant laser beam clearly identifies the point-of-aim at all times. Blinking lasers force the user to re-acquire the target when moving the gun. Non-blinking beams are the clear choice of military and law enforcement personnel. A side-by-side comparison is all the evidence you need.


Proven Reliability. Lasergrips have withstood extreme abuse day after day, from the harsh deserts of Iraq to the mean streets of L.A. Lasergrips are completely weatherproof and drop-tested repeatedly for strength.


Prove it to Yourself. You’ve read about Lasergrips and heard people talking about them. Now it’s time to prove it to yourself. You’ll see that with Lasergrips you’ll shoot faster, more accurately and with greater confidence than you ever thought possible. We guarantee it.


What other proof do you need?

Oh and the answer to question number 5 is yes, it has worked for over 30 years, its the new yorker's way of life so get used to it.

[RayB]

1) got this from the crimson website...

2) What other proof do you need?

3) Oh and the answer to question number 5 is yes, it has worked for over 30 years, its the new yorker's way of life so get used to it.

*****

1) Well, wonder of wonders--their advertising copy! :>(

2) Real world accounts of this proving to be the case, in fact, would be nice. Outstanding claims require outstanding support--not advertising rhetoric.

3) Ah. Understood. We were all New Yorkers that day, and a little ever since! ;>)

Semper Fi indeed!

--Ray

[usmcruz]

Look someone posted a thread on another reason not to get a lasermax laser, and the forum here kept me from posting in it, I wonder why.

[ander]

I have three(3) CT on G26,30,and 39 and love them . I would not have anything else for all the reasons that have benn stated above.
Agan love them.

[Ryobi]

I really like CT's, but I far prefer a lasermax for glocks. Accurate regardless of distance, switch is right where a properly trained person indexes their finger, and a number of other reasons. Excellent design and function. Since I can't get a lasermax for my wife's revolver, it's getting a CT.

[M2 Carbine]

Today RedDawn was shooting his Crimson Trace Laser equipped G19 against the clock. For his first time doing this he was turning in good times from the holster (cross draw) and shot to shot.

We were shooting at noon, in the Sun, with about 50% shade from the trees and had no trouble seeing the laser past 17 yards.

I hadn't shot a Glock in a couple years so I asked to shoot a couple mags with the Glock, using the laser.

I like Crimson Trace Lasers. I don't like Glocks but they are fairly accurate.
The G19 and CT seems to be a good combination.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/JerrysG19CTlaser.jpg

[JUSTBOB]

I have Crimson Traces on my G30, and I like them. I won't get into the arguing part of it. Just adding my opinion.

[Bill Lumberg]

+1. For revolvers, there is nothing better than CT. It is the standard. Same for lasermax+glock.

I really like CT's, but I far prefer a lasermax for glocks. Accurate regardless of distance, switch is right where a properly trained person indexes their finger, and a number of other reasons. Excellent design and function. Since I can't get a lasermax for my wife's revolver, it's getting a CT.