Crimson Trace????????????

[Colorado Luckydog]

I want to get better at shooting my pistols. I'm thinking about getting a couple of Crimson Traces. One for my 1911 and one for my Ruger LCP. What's your experiences with them. Can they be fairly accurate? Are they hard to get dialed in? Will they stay dialed in while carrying them in your holster over longer periods of time? Are they worth the dough? Thanks!

[HBARleatherneck]

I used to be the kind of guy who thought lasers were more high tech crap. gimmicks.

but, i now have crimson trace on my jframe and my wife lcp. they make for quicker target acquisition (http://www.co-ar15.com/search?q=acquisition&FORM=AWRE). they work great when firing from a non traditional stance. such as behind or underneath a car door, under a car, while you are behind cover. etc. I like them for that reason.

[DeusExMachina]

I'm considering a LaserMax for my carry gun. Lots and lots of people use Crimson Trace lasers, so I'd say they were an excellent choice. I may consider one, I see they make a backstrap for the M&P.

[FireMoth]

They are tough, they are usually pretty close to zeroed for 25yds from the factory, and they are automatic on with pressure, and hold up to abuse.... BUT...

They add bulk to some guns that would normally have slimmer grip panels, and change grip feel.
The necessity of squeezing a specific point on the grip can fatigue the hand after a while and affect trigger pull
For large hands such as mine,a high hold can put the trigger finger for a right handed shooter int he way of the laser, thumbs for a lefty.
They limit equipment. 1911 type pistols have to have modified ambi safeties to work for lefties with the laser.

Finally, there is the problem of angle off of bore. From contact range to where the laser is zeroed, it will have an offset to the right. it will cross line of bore at the zero rang,e then proceed left of target at the same angle infinately.

In a defensive shooting arena, this isn't usually a problem. the amount of offset isn't significant, assuming you don't block the laser with your hand. keep eyes on target, look for red, and shoot.
For training purposes, that offset is a problem, however. and blocking the laser can limit its function rather entirely.

Though a laser can help with training, i think other training methods have more to offer, and the several hundred dollars will buy a lot of ammo to train with.

If a laser is what you want, and they are not a bad idea, especially as a force deterrent and rapid aiming device form compromised positions, I encourage you to look into lasers that are vertically inline with the bore, such as laser guide rods, or under barrel mounted lasers either independent or attached to a light combo

[rondog]

What FireMoth said. They're great for self-defense, but they're no magic talisman for target shooting. At the exact distance they're zero'd, you can shoot bottle caps, but before and after that distance, you'll miss them.

Oh, FWIW, my everyday carry pistol has Crimson Trace grips on it. I figure in an emergency situation I won't be able to use the sights, but if I see a red dot on the bad guy I've got him.

[tmckay2]

i have one on my kimber pro carry. i guess if the option is to mount a laser or have one in the grips, its grips all the way. smaller and less weighty. that being said, they are only of moderate use. theyre pretty expensive and the only reason i have them is because my pistol came with them. cool to mess with but unless you are highly trained i kind of doubt it would even enter your mind to use it in a defensive situation. for target shooting they aren't dead accurate. accurate enough to kill, sure, but using it for target shooting is kind of useless. i can be far more accurate using good practices than using the laser. but, to each his own

[FireMoth]

Laser guide rods are pretty unobtrusive, and center-line to bore vertically, so if i wanted low profile, that would be my first choice. but your correct, either have to be turned on. left on, the CYC grips are easy to pressure activate and burn batteries

[Fromk]

I have a little different take on your basic question. They CAN help you shoot better if you use them a certain way. They are great at revealing trigger control and anticipation issues. Seeing that laser move right when the gun fires says a lot. That only works if you have someone with you to watch what you're doing, though. Of course, this doesn't require an expensive laser and, frankly, doesn't even need to be dialed in for this kind of training. And to sweeten the deal, it can be done dry-firing!

I agree 100% with the idea of spending money on ammo instead of an expensive laser.

If you're getting a laser for defensive purposes I'd go with Crimson Trace myself. They make a good piece of hardware and the offset is negligable especially if you're in a situation where you're firing from an odd position.

[FireMoth]

If you're getting a laser for defensive purposes I'd go with Crimson Trace myself. They make a good piece of hardware and the offset is negligable especially if you're in a situation where you're firing from an odd position.

I think i made too light of it in my original post, but i recommend NOT getting CTC laser grips unless you have been able to test the grip from the holster. My natural high grip from the draw puts my trigger finger knuckle in the way of the laser, brightly illuminating my hand, and nothing else.
The LaserMax guide rods don't suffer this problem, though they aren't available for all guns, namely those that don't have exposed full length guide rods.

[Irving]

Seems like the laser would just take your attention off of proper grip, aiming, and trigger control.

I was at the range watching a guy try to use a laser on a brand new gun. He was telling me that he was shooting better without the laser, because the laser distracted him from his practiced technique.

[FireMoth]

Yes, used INCORRECTLY, a laser is about the most efficient way to create really crippling training scars.
It can be very helpful with refining technique, but as some one else mentioned, that almost always requires instruction on how.

And, money being the perishable commodity its become, since it necessitates training, classes and ammo will likely go farther than a laser.

Again, not to say that lasers are not very useful. but like anything, they need to be used correctly

[LariatBob]

I have a little different take on your basic question. They CAN help you shoot better if you use them a certain way. They are great at revealing trigger control and anticipation issues. Seeing that laser move right when the gun fires says a lot. That only works if you have someone with you to watch what you're doing, though. Of course, this doesn't require an expensive laser and, frankly, doesn't even need to be dialed in for this kind of training. And to sweeten the deal, it can be done dry-firing!


They are a great training aid and will help your trigger discipline on every handgun you pick up.
They will advance your j-frame from " I can hit him or shoot a fair pattern if I'm close enough" to "I can be sure to hit where I want from across a large room, consistantly".
That said, be sure to practice with the laser off from time to time just to be prepared......