Crimson Trace and J frames

[cathellsk]

I have a set of LG405s on a current production S&W 642 no lock. Excellent product, makes a huge difference for me when shooting it. But, I have an issue with them I'd like advice on.

The master on/off switch on the bottom of the grip would turn off under recoil every once in awhile. I assumed it was due to a combination of lightweight revolver and heavy recoil because I could rub my finger across the switch and it would never catch it, so it must have been due to recoil. It bugged me but not real bad. I decided to contact CT anyway about replacing them. They were more than accomodating and after receiving my old set they sent me a new set.

Finally got to the range twice in the last week. This set is worse than the last set. Today on one cylinder alone it shut off twice in 5 rounds. It happens with both loads I shoot, Winchester 130gr. FMJ and Speer Gold Dot 135gr.+P.

I guess I'll contact them again to get another replacement set. But while I'm waiting for an outcome I was wondering if this happens with anyone else on here? If so, is there a solution besides trying different sets till you get a "good" one or is there something I can wedge in the recess to prevent the switch from moving?

I don't want to give up on them thats for sure. And I've tried the 105s, don't like them. The activation switch is more recessed in the grip than with the 405s and its harder for my middle finger to make contact with my grip. I end up with a flickering laser.

Any help would be appreciated.

[DocGKR]

While I like the Lasergrips, we've seen a lot of problems with ones on 1911's and Glocks. However, the J-frame CT's have been trouble free for the most part. Do your grips turn off when shooting with both hands or one hand? If both hands, try shooting a bunch of rounds one handed and see if the problem persists. FWIW, 90% or our J-frame BUG training is done with one hand--often the weak side hand.

[ccoker]

I got a set of the 105s in for T&E
they have been 100% perfect
I specifically requested the 105s because I wanted the smallest ones they had and no switch.

I was at the range the first time I used them shooting 135+p gold dots and 158g +p Federal lead hollowpoints and was flat out amazed at how well they work.
The guy next to me was shocked to see little groups shot fast out a Jframe


Do you think it's a switch issue or an activation issue?

[cathellsk]

I got a set of the 105s in for T&E
they have been 100% perfect
I specifically requested the 105s because I wanted the smallest ones they had and no switch.

I was at the range the first time I used them shooting 135+p gold dots and 158g +p Federal lead hollowpoints and was flat out amazed at how well they work.
The guy next to me was shocked to see little groups shot fast out a Jframe


Do you think it's a switch issue or an activation issue?

Switch issue. The main on/off button. When I'm dryfiring it there is no issue. Its only with live fire. It'll be fine, then...nothing. Turn the revolver over and the switch will be all the way off or half way off. Either way, dead, no laser.

This is what led me to try the 105s but I had the issue I mentioned in my first post.

Doc,

I mostly shoot 2 handed, some one handed. The problem creeps up no matter which way I shoot.

[oldtexan]

While I like the Lasergrips, we've seen a lot of problems with ones on 1911's and Glocks. However, the J-frame CT's have been trouble free for the most part. Do your grips turn off when shooting with both hands or one hand? If both hands, try shooting a bunch of rounds one handed and see if the problem persists. FWIW, 90% or our J-frame BUG training is done with one hand--often the weak side hand.

Cathellsk, my apologies for veering the thread off course with this question to Doc but here goes:

Doc, what problems are Lasergrips exhibiting on 1911s? I tried the search function, but got nothing indicating Lasergrip issues on 1911s.

[ccoker]

Switch issue. The main on/off button. When I'm dryfiring it there is no issue. Its only with live fire. It'll be fine, then...nothing. Turn the revolver over and the switch will be all the way off or half way off. Either way, dead, no laser.

This is what led me to try the 105s but I had the issue I mentioned in my first post.

Doc,

I mostly shoot 2 handed, some one handed. The problem creeps up no matter which way I shoot.

sorry, I should have read your post better
anyway to hardwire bypass the switch?

[cathellsk]

sorry, I should have read your post better
anyway to hardwire bypass the switch?

Not sure, may be easier to somehow "jam" it in the on position. I'm not familiar with the inner workings of them nor to I really want to modify them. I'm wondering if I put something small enough, that will stay in place yet be easily removed if need be, in the bottom of the grip by the switch to keep it from moving.

[joshs]

You may want to let someone else shoot the gun, or like Doc suggested shoot the gun one handed. Your grip may be shifting slightly in recoil and bumping the switch. I shoot a lot of the 135 +P Gold Dots, and I haven't had any problems with my 405's. I use the laser as the primary sighting device on my jframe, so I don't usually turn it off at all during a practice session. Mine has gone a couple hundred rounds without shifting to the off position. Good luck.

[cathellsk]

Josh,

Forgot to mention, had two others shoot it the other day, same results with them too.

[HeadHunter]

I have shot well over 1K rounds through my 642 and a 405 without having such an issue.

[SmokeJumper]

Hmm, odd. I've not encountered this with all the rounds including +P's in my 442. May be a bad batch or lot of grips. CTC has always had good customer service. Let us know how the next replacement works out.

[cathellsk]

Hmm, odd. I've not encountered this with all the rounds including +P's in my 442. May be a bad batch or lot of grips. CTC has always had good customer service. Let us know how the next replacement works out.

I agree about the bad batch, just sucks I'm gettin' all of 'em! :D
I'll keep you guys updated when they replace them again, I hope.