[archimeech]

Not sure if this is the proper place for it, but they are essentially an integral part of the gun when installed. I like the LaserMax replacement recoil spring/spring rod. A buddy of mine has these on his 26, 27, AND his 30. All are great subcompacts and having the laser shooting right out from under the barrel without taking up space on the outside of the gun sounds very appealing to me. I like the help in shooting while adding the old drama of a red dot on my target.

Any thoughts?

 

[Backnblack]

I am also interested in any comments....looking to get one for my 36.

 

[AZ Husker]

I had one, it seemed awfully fragile, but never had a breakage problem. The batteries wear out fast when compared to Crimson Trace. My main complaint (and the reason I got rid of it) was the holster would turn the laser on and it would be dead in no time.

 

[10thmtn]

I also had my Lasermax turn on in my holster - twice.

Otherwise, a good unit. But...I like Crimson Trace better, because the laser turns on just by gripping the gun - no extra step needed.

 

[basher052]

I also had my Lasermax turn on in my holster - twice.

Otherwise, a good unit. But...I like Crimson Trace better, because the laser turns on just by gripping the gun - no extra step needed.

Are you able to keep the Crimson Trace grips from coming on when gripping the gun?

 

[archimeech]

How big and bulky are the crimson trace lasers?

 

[Ram Rod]

Are you able to keep the Crimson Trace grips from coming on when gripping the gun?

The ones I've tried out you can't. Sort of annoying to me actually. But.........at a little over half of what the internal guide rod lasers cost, I think I'd go with the CT grip lasers.

 

[10thmtn]

My Laserguard on my G26 has an on/off switch, as does the Lasergrip on my SP101 revolver. I do most of my training without the laser on, actually.

The Lasergrip on my G19 and the Laserguard on my wife's LCP do not have the on/off switch. However, if you loosen your grip, you can keep the laser from turning on. You can also remove the batteries, or just tape over the laser, for training without it.

As far as size goes - I use a Smartcarry, so I really like the Laserguard design - it puts the laser under the dust cover. If I use flat-front pants, I found that the laser housing on the Lasergrip tends to print. May not be an issue with other holsters. The Lasergrip on the G19 fits over the pistol's grip, and does add some bulk, but it actually feels good in the hand to me - it fills in the space in your palm.

Try some out, if you can, and see for yourself. "Feel" is a personal thing...

Of the big three that I've used (ArmaLaser, CT, and Lasermax) I like CT the best. They're not perfect - all of them should have an on/off switch, and they can interfere with some holsters, or with the use of rails (in the case of the Laserguard) - but I like the fact that just gripping the gun turns them on. Just like my Glocks - point and shoot.

 

[razor02097]

I have heard mixed reviews about the spring guide lazers. Some say its a sweet idea and others don't like it. Few things I would ask is I would be worried about the heat of the barrel cooking the lazer during long shot sessions. Also are they not adjustable? How do they turn on?

 

[redbird]

Guiderod lasers have their pluses and minuses. On the plus side they don't change the profile of the weapon. I have heard instances of them failing at critical times. Ajustment to zero can be a probem, although at combat distances it is close to impact point.
Most find the Crimson Trace more practical and affordable.

 

[archimeech]

Razor,
The slide release is the switch. Pushing to either side and making contact with metal inside turns it on, setting it to center turns it off. This is why they are so tricky to keep in the off position. That's one of my biggest concerns. I just like to totally integrated idea of it.

I have heard mixed reviews about the spring guide lazers. Some say its a sweet idea and others don't like it. Few things I would ask is I would be worried about the heat of the barrel cooking the lazer during long shot sessions. Also are they not adjustable? How do they turn on?

 

[razor02097]

Razor,
The slide release is the switch. Pushing to either side and making contact with metal inside turns it on, setting it to center turns it off. This is why they are so tricky to keep in the off position. That's one of my biggest concerns. I just like to totally integrated idea of it.

Hmmm sounds kinda hokey... when you say "tricky" does that mean it is something you get used to or no?

 

[adaman04]

I don't remove critical parts from my gun to replace it with a laser. That laser doesn't mean anything if my gun doesn't run right. Lasermax makes very nice products, but I would go with Crimson Trace.

 

[Filbert]

Hmmm sounds kinda hokey... when you say "tricky" does that mean it is something you get used to or no?

I had one and couldn't get past the on/off mechanism. I wanted the laser to be on only momentarily, and off quickly. I don't want to announce my position.

 

[Ring]

get a CT, no fumbling trying to turn it on

 

[kdydak]

I tried a lasermax unit on Glock 32. Ultimately I took it off. It is a nifty range toy but it does not belong on a combat handgun (CCW).

1) It made the gun less reliable (failure to go into battery)
2) It made gun harder to disassemble.
3) It would often turn off while shooting (dry fire and live fire)
4) It is pretty fragile. I broke mine once during disassembly/cleaning (I was able to buy parts and fix it myself).
5) It was not adjustable (POA POI)
6) It reinforces a bad habit of looking at the target while shooting instead of front sight.

I bought mine with an idea to help me cure flinching but there are much better (and cheaper) ways to accomplish that.

 

[HotGuns]

I disagree with most points presented.

I shot 50 rounds yesterday for Police Qualifications. My dept issued us the LaserMax guide-rod for the Glock 21. I have heard all of the excuses for not using them presented in these posts and some that haven't been posted.

While we were given the option to use them or not, I chose to keep mine. I have shot thousands of rounds with it with no problems whatsoever. I have never had mine turn on or off in the holster. I like it and I will continue to use it.

As for looking at the target, in a combat situation at normal defensive ranges, if you are taking the time to look at your front sight you are taking too long. If someone that knows how to shoot is on the other end, it is more than likely that you will takes hits and possibly even die.

Most of the guys that made excuse for not using them are not "gun" guys. Some of them have no mechanical inclinations what so ever. Some of these dudes have a hard time taking their duty belt off or taking their gun apart for cleaning. It was no surprise to me that some of them moaned and groaned about the guide rod laser.

As for disassembly, I have never noticed the difference. As for POI, if you put the small red assembly dot where it is supposed to go, you POI will be right on the money.

As for turning itself on or off, I suppose that is an issue with the particular brand of holster that its in. In my case, I use a Safariland Level III which is held secure by three different methods and have yet to have an issue.

As for FTF,FTE or FTB I have never had an issue with any of them.

Although I don't doubt that some people have issues with them, I have been fortunate to not have any. About the only negative that I can think of is that after several hundred rounds fired, I thought that the batteries were getting weak. When I broke the gun down for cleaning, I noticed that the lens was pretty filthy with carbon and burnt powder residue. A quick wipe with a rag had the beam showing strong again.

I like them and I continue to carry it on my duty gun, the G21. At night time that laser can be seen quite a ways off.

It is also quite fun to harass cats or dogs with.

As with any laser, I don't think that its the perfect tool for self defense, but it is a tool that can be used effectively and any tool that might add an advantage is a good tool.

Also, the option of turning it on or off is a good one,escpecially for someone may not need to telegraph their intentions.

 

[xdglocker]

I disagree with most points presented.

As for turning itself on or off, I suppose that is an issue with the particular brand of holster that its in. In my case, I use a Safariland Level III which is held secure by three different methods and have yet to have an issue.

As for FTF,FTE or FTB I have never had an issue with any of them.

Although I don't doubt that some people have issues with them, I have been fortunate to not have any. About the only negative that I can think of is that after several hundred rounds fired, I thought that the batteries were getting weak. When I broke the gun down for cleaning, I noticed that the lens was pretty filthy with carbon and burnt powder residue. A quick wipe with a rag had the beam showing strong again.

I like them and I continue to carry it on my duty gun, the G21. At night time that laser can be seen quite a ways off.

It is also quite fun to harass cats or dogs with.

As with any laser, I don't think that its the perfect tool for self defense, but it is a tool that can be used effectively and any tool that might add an advantage is a good tool.

Also, the option of turning it on or off is a good one,escpecially for someone may not need to telegraph their intentions.

I agree with Hotguns, Have one on my G30sf and never had a problem with the laser turning on in the holster (supertuck and Smartcarry). I did have a problem withit turning on and off while live firing. Called Lasermax and they sent me a new slide release spring. This one was much tighter and fixed the problem. 1500 rounds later and it still fixed the problem.
i have no doubt in my mine that the guide pspring is inferior to the stock. I'll keep mine.
The main reason that I chose the lasermax over a grip style is that it was just too bulky for my short fingers...hence my "sf"choice. Just wouldn't let the trigger rest on sweet spot.

 

[EvilMonk]

I've got the Lasermax in my G21, and I love it. Never had any problems with turning on or losing juice (I regularly check and change all my batteries).

Oddly enough, I've seen them knocked on-line for their close proximity to the barrel:

"After just a few magazines, you can't see the laser because of all the carbon build-up."

Wow. If you need a few magazines in a SD situation, you need to start praying. Not to mention, the first few rounds (pretty much all you'll get in any civilian altercation) are not going to "foul" the laser that much at all.

Oh, and a quick wipe with your finger will do the trick, I've noticed.

As to the zero, I have never had issue with it. It came perfect from the factory on my gun.

Must be a non-Glock issue...

 

[Majorlk]

It is also quite fun to harass cats or dogs with.

My only comment is this violates one of the cardinal rules of gun safety: never point a gun at anything you don't intend to shoot. :nono: