[Fjolnirsson]

I am considering adding Lasermax to one or more of my handguns. It will be a while, as I currently have less disposable cash than I would like.
Has anybody had experience with this brand of laser? Good? Bad?

 

[acparmed]

I haven't had any experience per se with one. I spoke with the reps at the SHOT Show and have considered using one myself. Every thing I have heard of them is good. They add less than an ounce of weight to your gun and are incorporated in the guide rod of the gun.

If anyone has had any experience with them I would like to hear about it as well.

 

[rocky]

my friend just got 1 for his Glock. Seems promising, but not sure if he has shot with it yet. I considered a laser, but have not made up my mind if I really want/need 1.

 

[The Tourist]

I'm thinking of getting one for my Glock 27. My concern is that it replaces part of the recoil assembly.

Glocks are known for working reliably. I don't want to alter that. Further, I'm not sure how the unit turns on. It appears that one of the take-down levers is pressed, or slid, left to right.

Of course, when you start a new business even a trip to McDonald's is planned for weeks.

I'll see if funds loosen up a bit.

 

[tarrigoni]

I don't like lasers because they show how shaky I am..

Also, I don't think that replacing the guide rod in a carry gun like that is too hot of an idea.

I also don't like lasers because I think it tends to make people forget about using their sights and just focusing on the laser. Then what happens when the laser goes out?

 

[David Armstrong]

I also don't like lasers because I think it tends to make people forget about using their sights and just focusing on the laser. Then what happens when the laser goes out?

If you have set up the laser properly, there is no problem. If the red dot isn't right at the top of the front sight, just use the sight. Of course, worrying about a properly maintained laser going out is about like worrying that your night sights won't work, or that your flashlight won't work, or that your ammo won't work. It should be a non-issue.

 

[Sandan Judoka]

I have a set of Crimson Trace LaserGrips on my J-frame. I love 'em. I used it in an IDPA backup gun side match we ran, and was very pleased by the ease in target acquisition and shot placement. I can use all of my existing leather too.

I also like that I can see the little red dot in low light, because it's winter time here in Alaska, meaning that low light it the predominant condition right now. I still use the sights in good light, just because of my training, but the dot is an additional tool for situations where a stable stance, isocoles grip, and clear sight picture aren't possible.

I shoot a G22 and have thought a lot about the LaserMax, but since IDPA is the place where I do most of my training (for better or for worse), I am sticking to iron sights on that one. Oh, and there's the fact that they want money for it, which I don't have.

But if I were to equip a Glock with a laser, it would definitely be the LaserMax, because CT actually mounts to the front of the guard (for $400+), which would impact my many holsters.

Luck with this, and let us know how you decide.

--
Ken Johnson
Anchorage, AK

 

[bubbygator]

I had a LaserMax on my Glock-26. I also had a Crimson Trace lasergrip on my BHP. The experience decided me to only buy Crimson Trace. The motion to activate the LaserMax is NOT intuitive - it must be learned; while the CT's all activate with a normal gripping action. The LaserMax's blinking laser dot (which they say is to increase battery life) is NOT as bright and discernible as CT's - and nobody has yet reported one of CT's batteries wearing out. However, the worst item is that LaserMax's activation switch (a replacement take-down lever) fails to KEEP the laser on (at least in my instance).... during firing, the lever would slide to the off position, meaning I had to go through the un-natural motion of turning it back on.

I love lasers - I have 5 CT's (having traded my Glock). However, CT now has a lasergrip for medium/large Glocks that does not have to be fitted at their factory - it is a simple add-on to the Glock grip with zero alteration. I think I see a Glock-19 in my future with a CT lasergrip.

The LaserMax has no adjustments, having been adjusted at the factory. I found that mine shot about 3 inches off at 15 yards - good enough for SD I suppose. The CT's have an up/down & left/right adjustment - the ones I have were 2-4 inches off at 15 yards.... but were dead-on after adjustment. It's kind of a cheap thrill to see holes come where your spot is. Lasers are also a terrific training tool and a blessing for those who can't focus on the front sight.

There are lots of plus/minus arguments, but if you've had training so you can shoot pretty well, they are only a plus for low-light & bad-position situations.

 

[nighthawk]

I bought a lasermax during a laser craze about a year ago. I didn't care for the lasermax or the beam shot. I'll only buy crimson trace. Twice the price but the mount works and is stable. The lasermax was cheap, non-adjustable and had a flimsy mount.

 

[Sandan Judoka]

I stand corrected. I really need to lurk around these forums more often. That CT Glock laser looks like a winner - no sending my gun in to the factory, I can sell and upgrade and still keep my laser, adjustable, switch in a natural position, and best of all, no new holsters.

And no, I don't work for CT. Wish I did so I could get the discount...

Here's the soon-to-be-released Glock LaserGrip:

http://www.crimsontrace.com/lg-617/

 

[Bumper]

Crimson Trace will also send you a new battery every year, for free. Can't beat that even if you are actually pre-paying for the batteries. I like a laser but found the older model CT grips for the 1911 had the pressure pad in a bad position. The new ones improved that situation by putting it on the front strap in a wrap around grip.....

 

[CLASS3NH]

I had a Laser Max for a Glock 19 and 23 <I changed em around when I traded guns> The Laser max uses several small watch batteries an dis wrapped into the sleeve, which goes into the recoil assembly. The Laser max flashes about 20 beats a second when activated. I never had trouble with it, except when I accidentally pushed the switch and activated the laser <which is the takedown assembly on the Glock> I found it to eat up the batteries quite a but, but it's SURE INTIMIDATING to see a red dot on your chest when it's active! You can find a lot of used ones at shows and also some shops. They retail used for 150.00 to 175.00 full retail is aroun 349.00 I think.. Crimson Trace are VERY nice as well!
Good luck on your decision

 

[ExSoldier]

Lasers

As a firearms instructor, I refuse to teach lasers to novice students; as I agree that it is generally a
B-A-D idea for anybody to use them INSTEAD of sights. However for the more experienced shooter I would say they definitely have a place under specific circumstances such as on a dedicated "House Gun" or in other more low light situations where shooting on the move is necessary or where you MUST Shoot from cover and not be able to also acquire a solid sight picture. I'll get the CT's on my Sig P220 when I'm able to afford them....and afford the gun itself. Thank God summer is almost here, it reminds me that being a high school teacher really isn't so bad....

 

[RSSZ]

Guess that I'm old fashion but I don't teach laser grips. I will not accept a student that wants to use one on their weapon simply because I want to teach them to use the weapons sights. Same as I will not allow a scoped weapon. I feel that if a person has thouough knowledge of the use of the weapons iron sights THEN they are ready to move up to a Laser type system. Also I make sure that the student understands that a projected light of any type will give away your position. The laser that I personally would put on my weapon(if I was going to)would be of the type that you could turn on and off,and still retain the option of using the weapons existing sights. I believe that in some individuals,the added Laser allows the shooter to attempt to shoot from a position that is either unsafe or simi uncontrolled.(around a corner,from the hip,one handed,etc.,etc.) I will not put a Laser on my CCW---- BUT--- to each their own. I'm sure that Lasers have their place in our arsenal of targeting systems. Oh yeah,one more thing----you can't see my CCW's night sights if their pointed in your direction.------- This is just one respectful opinion...

 

[ExSoldier]

Oh yeah,one more thing----you can't see my CCW's night sights if their pointed in your direction.------- This is just one respectful opinion...

Actually, the beam from the CT grip is also invisible, so you won't get zeroed too quick and that little dot has an amazing track record of calming even the most savage two legged beast once it's presence is noted on the "A" Zone of the intended recipient. Not always and that's why the platform for the laser also has a device known as a trigger.

And on a REALLY dark night, you'd better believe that your tritiums can be seen by third parties at a distance. I had a buddy who was a SEAL (now retired) and he was doing a little training op of taking over a large cargo ship under the direct observation of some brass and assorted politicians.

This was waaaaay back when tritiums were pretty new on the sight market. Anyway, this SEAL team goes swarming over the ship and in the debrief, the main topic was how convienent it was for the observers to see the team because of all the little green dots that looked like fireflies on the deck. That was sobering, or so I heard.

If you read my post, I said I discourage the novice shooter from using laser sights, but I have no prob with folks who know what they're doing using them. As you said: EACH TO HIS OWN.