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Product Review: Crimson trace lasergrips

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Crimson Traces offers a wide product line integrating a laser sighting system directly into replacement handgun grips, hence the product name; Lasergrips.

Lasers offer a sighting method where traditional sights may not be accessible. Lasers will allow you to aim your gun even if you are not able to line it up with your eyes, such as over and around objects and behind your back. While it might sound less than reasonable to shoot that way, there is more than one story of a officer having successfully used a laser sighted gun to shoot a criminal while the officer’s hands were tied behind his back or otherwise used in a nontraditional shooting position. Additionally, lasers offer a tremendous deterrent factor. An assailant may very well be less inclined to continue his actions when seeing a laser dot on his chest.

Available in plastic or rubber, Lasergrips are nearly identical in size and thickness to stock grips. Models are available for most duty autos and many revolvers.

The right grip panel holds the laser system which is comprised of a master on/off switch on the bottom, battery compartment, activation switch, and Class IIIa visible laser diode. The emitter sits high on the grip under the trigger finger when it is held on the gun frame or cylinder. Output is 633nm (red). It measures 1/2 inch at 50 feet. Lasergrips are factory sighted to 50 feet. Windage and elevation adjustments are made with a allen wrench (supplied). Using two CR2032 or two DL2032 lithium cells, “on time” is stated as over four hours. The left grips panel stores spare batteries.

Depending on the model, the activation switch is either on the front strap or side of the grip. It is designed to be turned on and off by pressing the switch with your finger or palm depending on switch placement. However, in the heat of battle you will most likely have a death grip on your gun making manipulation of your fingers to turn the laser on or off impossible, especially so with a two-handed grip. The solution, and this is where the location of the laser emitter becomes a benefit, is to use your trigger finger to block the light. Simply place your finger on the frame or cylinder in a position to block the laser if you don’t want it and move it downward or upward away from the laser if you want to use it. It will be unblocked when you move your finger to the trigger, but since the only time your finger should go to the trigger is when you are going to fire the gun, the laser should not be an issue at that point.

The integral grip design is superior to an internal guide rod design because it does not replace any internal factory parts. With the guide rod design, if the rod breaks (which has been reported) it most likely will disable the firearm. If a Lasergrip breaks, it will not interfere with the functioning of the pistol in any way.

Lasergrips install in the method as factory grips and except for placing the batteries in the holder, it takes the same amount of time. Functioning was flawless. It does take some time and training to get used to blocking and unblocking the laser with the trigger finger. Using the aiming dot as a sight confirmation, I found sighting to be faster and easier and increased my confidence. It was a great diagnostic tool as well as you I could clearly see the dot move during jerky trigger pulls. The soon-to-be-announced POSA laser class would certainly be a good investment of your time. $329.00 — DK

Crimson Trace - www.crimsontrace.com - 800-442-2406