Crimson Trace v. Lasermax

[BH1]

Crimson Trace or Lasermax or neither?

Pro's, con's, and preferences for or against either system?

Thanks.

[John_Wayne777]

What weapon do you want to have a laser on?

As a general rule my recommendation would be Crimson Trace. Their laser is more powerful (which translates into better visibility in all conditions), has a much longer battery life, much better controls, and if for some reason it breaks it does not run the risk of impeding the function of the weapon. There have been documented instances of a guide-rod system breaking and locking a weapon up, rendering it useless.

All CT units are not created equal, as some weapon designs allow for better engineered units than others. The M&P is great for lasers, as is the 1911, Sig P226, 3rd generation S&W auto pistols, and J frame revolvers. The older Glock units (CT introduced new Glock units at this year's SHOT show) aren't quite as good, but many people still use them with no complaints.

There are newer options that mount on the integrated rails of handguns, but I haven't played with them much. They might also be worth a look.

[gunner757]

I would say crimson trace over the other lasers. Definitely a good point as to what weapon you plan on running it with. I ran one on my p226 for a while, and i loved it. I just reciently took it off and replaced the grip with a hogue grip, because i felt the laser made me lazy with my marksmanship fundamentals. Definitely an awesome system if run in conjunction with the right firearm.

[ToddG]

Thread moved to Lasers section

When I saw Crimson Trace v. Lasermax I thought you meant the lawsuit.

No question, I prefer the CTC grips. I've been dealing with Crimson Trace for ten years though, so I may be biased.

The #1 issue for me is that the CTC lasers come on without any effort or thought. You grab the gun, and when you point it, the laser is there. Now in fairness, Lasermax argues that their system (requiring you to hit a switch) is better because there may be times when you need to draw your pistol without giving away your position with a little red glow. All I can say is that you need to assess the circumstances in which you're likely to need a laser. In my life, I'm far more likely to need the laser in a defensive unplanned immediate self-defense situation than I am to be stalking someone in the dark.

Crimson Trace says (off the record) that Lasermax breaks; Lasermax says (off the record) that Crimson Trace breaks. In my experience, both can break. The difference is that a broken Crimson Trace grip won't shut down your pistol. (an improperly molded Lasergrip can prevent the gun from running, but you should know that from the first time you practice at the range; the only time I've experienced this was when the pistol manufacturer made a major change to an internal part that then interfered with the grip dimensions)

The Crimson Trace can be zeroed. While this probably doesn't have a particularly practical value, most people who are serious about shooting aren't going to be happy with 3-4" offset at 25yd. The Lasermax comes "close enough" from the factory. On the other hand, I've seen CTC's which have lost zero by substantially more than 3-4" while the Lasermax will pretty much stay on (or "close enough") forever.

The Crimson Trace uses a constant beam, while most Lasermax units only pulse. I find that the constant beam works much better for speed shooting; as fast as the Lasermax pulses it still can get mis-timed with recoil impulse and you're not getting the feedback necessary to break shots as fast as possible. One interesting point Lasermax makes about their pulsing beam, though: in terms of de-escalation/intimidation, no one will mistake the blinking Lasermax beam for a pen laser, etc.

Lasermax is compatible with any holster; Crimson Trace may not be, especially left-handed holsters and retention holsters.

[BH1]

What weapon do you want to have a laser on?

Glocks and a new M&P

As a general rule my recommendation would be Crimson Trace. Their laser is more powerful (which translates into better visibility in all conditions), has a much longer battery life, much better controls, and if for some reason it breaks it does not run the risk of impeding the function of the weapon.

Thanks, also appreciated your low light article on pt.com. I'm sure I'll need to read it more than once.

[Gutshot John]

Crimson Trace, though a good product, doesn't work that well for leftys if that's an issue for you.

[RyanS]

For anyone who knows, any input good or bad on the LG-417? I never liked the way the LG-617 felt but didn't mind the way the grip felt for the SA XD. I assume the LG-417 will be similar. Any drawbacks to the design?

[Gentoo]

I went through this myself.

I really, really, REALLY wanted to like the lasermax. I am NOT a fan of hanging bits on the outside of a pistol. For some reason it just bugs me. So the lasermaxs' internal guide rod solution seemed perfect. Then I started doing a bit of research, and found out they can break and lock up the gun.

Since I only have one gun that I rely on (G19) I was not willing to take the chance that it may break at the wrong time. I know it is not likely, etc, but I just couldn't get the idea out of my head, so I didn't get the lasermax.

I also did not really care for the way the crimson trace felt on the Glock. (this was about a year or two ago, so maybe they have a new model). I ended up passing on them as well.

I've seen the CTs for the M&P, and they look very slick and integrated. So if you have a M&P that might be worth looking at.

[HowardCohodas]

Crimson Trace or Lasermax or neither?

Pro's, con's, and preferences for or against either system?

Thanks.

Crimson Trace. Check out videos: http://crimsontrace.com/Home/Videos/...6/Default.aspx

[ZDL]

Crimson Trace, though a good product, doesn't work that well for leftys if that's an issue for you.

Ding. I'm near removing mine. We will see what lasermax sends me before I decide.