Is there a reliable laser alternative to CT for lefties?

[maximus83]

I've been looking into getting a laser, and investigated CT as many here on this forum and others have recommended them. However, an issue which makes CT a no-go for me is that they don't work for lefties who use the thumbs-forward grip.

Based on multiple threads like this one (http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=57932) I do not really consider Lasermax to be a good option.

So the question: Is there any laser add-on (for an M&P) that is viable for a LH shooter? Would one of the Insight combined light/laser units be an option?

[m39nut]

I'm in the same boat and haven't found one yet. I may have to use one on the accessory rail.

[D. Christopher]

Have you actually held an M&P with the Crimson Trace CT-660 installed to see if it will work for you? Depending on where you are it might be hard to track one down to try out the feel in your hand, but it might be worth the effort. I'm not an M&P shooter but I have the LG-619 installed on both of my G19 carry pistols and I will never go without a rear activation CT laser on a self defense weapon again. They are that good. I shoot left and right handed equally and practice both an equal amount and on the Glock 19 there is no problem with my thumbs forward grip. I can't say if it will work for you and your hands on the M&P but you should try it. I really can't say enough good things about the instinctive activation, you don't have to change your technique or learn how to operate a new device, you just grip the pistol normally and you're ready to go. They're also the best training device you can get for improving your trigger technique. Worth the price of admission for that capability alone. I also have had great customer service from CT. I hope they work as well for you as they have for me. Good luck.

ETA: They won't work on an M&P with ambi safety.

[nrose8989]

Surefire X400?

[Metallicus]

Ive been running Crimson trace grips on one of my 1911s for about a year now, with approx 2000 rounds though it since ive learned to drop my thumb if I want to use them. I dont see the laser as a primary aiming device though. I see it as an emergency aiming device, and rarely use them under normal condidions. If im shooting normal my high thumb grip covers the beam, but if I am one handed or reaction hand shooting they work great. The one real complaint I have about them is they limit the size of the left side safety to about 1/3 its full size. With training I can work it but when I go to my other 1911 with a full size one I feel much better.
I now would rather have something like an x400 because it does not add that much weight compared to a x300 im currently running.
Or you could try looking into this, not my cup of tea but could solve your needs.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a349/paintballer5118/0441_llrs_onright.jpg

http://www.laserlyte.com/

[SteveL]

I have an M&P9 full sized and compact and they both have CT laser grips on them. IMO it's hard to hold them properly left handed with a thumbs high grip because the bulge of the laser itself is in the way of your left thumb. You can kind of work around that though. However, as soon as I set my right thumb in place the laser is blocked.

A CT grip can certainly be used left handed, but you'll have to adapt your grip around it.

[maximus83]

A CT grip can certainly be used left handed, but you'll have to adapt your grip around it.

That's just it. I realize you can adapt your grip, but I just sort of relearned my grip in the last year to start using the thumbs forward grip. That's working well for me and I don't want to have to change that again to use something that works less well, just to adapt to a RH laser setup. If I can find a reliable alternative to CT, I'll go with that, and if not, I'll probably just get by with night sights.

[maximus83]

Or you could try looking into this, not my cup of tea but could solve your needs.

http://www.laserlyte.com/

Thanks for the tip. Saw one of these recently online, but have never tried one and have no idea how well they hold up under hard usage. I'll do some checking around but if anybody else knows about these, I'd be interested to hear more.

Update: A quick Google check has yielded a mix of user feedback. Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/LaserLyte%C2%AE-Glock%C2%AE-Rear-Sight-Laser/product-reviews/B001KZA1A8/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending) had 6 reviews for the Glock version that were more positive than negative. Brownells sells these devices for the M&P (http://www.brownells.com/1/1/48458-rear-sight-laser-rl-mp-rear-sight-laser-laserlyte.html) at $179 but no reviews yet. This blog (http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/24/laserlyte-rear-sight-laser-rl-1/) had user feedback for the Glock version and several of the reviews were very negative.

[lethal dose]

I don't like how the laserlyte is activated. Not intuitive under stress.

Thanks for the tip. Saw one of these recently online, but have never tried one and have no idea how well they hold up under hard usage. I'll do some checking around but if anybody else knows about these, I'd be interested to hear more.

Update: A quick Google check has yielded a mix of user feedback. Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/LaserLyte%C2%AE-Glock%C2%AE-Rear-Sight-Laser/product-reviews/B001KZA1A8/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending) had 6 reviews for the Glock version that were more positive than negative. Brownells sells these devices for the M&P (http://www.brownells.com/1/1/48458-rear-sight-laser-rl-mp-rear-sight-laser-laserlyte.html) at $179 but no reviews yet. This blog (http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/24/laserlyte-rear-sight-laser-rl-1/) had user feedback for the Glock version and several of the reviews were very negative.