While at Media Day I stopped in and checked out the new offerings from Crimson Trace. The CMR 203 (G – for green) immediately caught my eye for its ambidextrous controls, and ease of mount to a pistol or rifle rail.
UNIVERSAL MOUNT
Crimson Trace advises this laser system is designed to be universal to any M1913 Picatinny or Weaver Accessory rails, with (4) fit inserts included. This laser can be mounted to pistols, rifles, or shotguns. The CMR 203(G) easily mounts to the rail system and is secured by two retention screws.
In addition to the (2) screws, there is an adjustable hook rail at the top and front of the laser unit. This rail adjusts to fit into another Picatinny rail, and once tightened down should provide a very secure mount. When mounted, the laser will fit snugly against the front of the trigger guard so it is not protruding more than necessary.
RE-MOUNTABLE ZERO
Another great feature is that the CMR 203 (G) is re-mountable to zero. What that means is that once you have the laser zeroed to your preference, you can remove the device and remount it without having to worry about adjusting the controls again. Crimson Trace ships the CMR 203(G) zeroed at 50 yards.
AMBIDEXTROUS ON/OFF CONTROLS
The CMR 203(G) has ambidextrous on/off controls that extend backwards from the device, just past the front of the trigger guard. This design makes the controls easily accessible from either side. Richard and I are big advocates of learning to shoot strong and support side, so this feature is a real plus. To activate the laser the shooter simply needs to tap either control arm once for constant on. To turn the laser off, just tap the control one more time.
The controls were very receptive to finger contact making for sure on/off control. If by chance you forget to turn the laser off, there is a pre-programmed automatic shut off after (5) minutes. The laser itself was quite bright, as I was able to clearly see the laser dot on objects in full day light.
DELAYED AVAILABILITY
Although the CMR 203(G) was added to the Crimson Trace catalogue in September, 2012, Crimson Trace representative Fred Karl advised that many products have a delayed shipping due to an incredible demand for their products. Karl said the CMR 203(G) should be available again by “March†of this year, however it appears you can already add it to your shopping cart on the Crimson Trace website. Do note that at the top of their page, Crimson Trace is alerting customers they are “running 2 to 3 weeks behind in shipping ordersâ€, but assures customers that they will get their order.
NO FREE BATTERIES
Unfortunately the CMR 203(G) does not qualify for Crimson Trace’s “Batteries for life†program. CR123 and CR2 batteries are specifically excluded from that offer. That’s too bad, because the offer ships (1) free set of batteries each year to the buyer.
Here are the CMR 203(G)’s other features:
- Made of polymer, black in color
- Switch activation
- Battery -Â (1) CR2 Lithium battery
- Laser battery life – 2 hours
- Laser output – 5mW Green Laser
- Adjustable for windage and elevation
- 3-year warranty
- Laser dot – approximately 0.50†@ 50 yards
- MSRP – CURRENTLY REDUCED to $229 from $269 with FREE shipping
