Category: Optics and Sighting Systems

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Optics and Sighting Systems

Crimson Trace to Launch New Products at 2010 SHOT Show

crimsontrace_charterarmsIt would appear that Crimson Trace is preparing to launch several new products at the 2010 SHOT Show.  Michael Bane teased to this in his podcast, Down Range Radio, last week.

In addition to the Lasergrips introduced with new guns (as they did with the Ruger LCR at the 2009 SHOT Show), I think we may see green lasers from Crimson Trace.  A number of CT competitors, including Viridian and LaserMax, have been capitalizing on their green laser products.

If you have not used a green laser-equipped gun before, you may not recognize what a significant difference this is.  I have used various red laser products before, including Crimson Trace.  Frankly, I was never impressed by their capability in daylight or indoor lighting conditions.  In bright daylight, I found them to be completely unusable.  Green lasers, however, are different.

I’ve had the chance to play with various green lasers, and have found them to be much more visible in all lighting conditions.  I can easily see and use a green laser in full daylight.  The difference between green and red is profound.

Don’t be surprised to see Crimson Trace introduce a green laser product at the 2010 SHOT Show.  Blue and purple lasers are probably not terribly likely to be seen.  A green laser, though, is a possibility.

Update

There were no green lasers from Crimson Trace – just more red lasers.  It took Crimson Trace a couple of more years to bring out a viable green laser product for the consumers.  They were not the first to market with a green colored laser, but they did bring out a high-quality line of green lasers.

The 2010 SHOT Show was a good one for Crimson Trace, and for everyone in the shooting industry.  The show was held in Las Vegas, and it looks like it will stay in Vegas for a while.

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Optics and Sighting Systems

Crimson Trace LG-375 Lasergrips for the Taurus Judge and Tracker

Crimson Trace LaserGripsCrimson Trace announces the latest addition to the Taurus revolver line-up is now available. The new Model LG-375 fits both the Taurus Judge and Tracker models and offers an ergonomic and comfortable grip designed with the advantage of an ergonomically located laser with the proven performance you’ve come to expect from Crimson Trace.

The LG-375 offers a rubber overmolded construction for comfort during extended shooting sessions and the instinctive activation that is synonymous with Crimson Trace.

The new LG-375 features an integrated two-piece design for easy installation, snap-in battery retainers, and generous relief in the side panels to facilitate speed loaders along with a master power switch. The Lasergrips are sighted in for 50 feet at the factory but can be zeroed in at different distances by using the windage and elevation adjustments.

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Optics and Sighting Systems

LaserLyte Rear Sight Laser

LaserLyte Rear Sight Laser for Glock
The LaserLyte Rear Sight Laser for Glock Pistols

LaserLyte has introduced a new red laser sighting system for pistols called the Rear Sight Laser.  The LaserLyte Rear Sight Laser, or RSL, mounts in the position of the rear sight on a handgun, rather than as a grip or guide rod solution marketed by other companies such as Crimson Trace and LaserMax.

LaserLyte claims that by having the laser mounted to the rear sight, the holster can be used in all of the gun’s normal Level I and Level II holsters.  While I do not have the laser on hand to test this claim with my own holsters, I can see how it should work with most holsters.  However, there are no standards on what a Level I or II holster is, so the claim is a bit nebulous.

The laser is activated by a switch on the rear of the sight system.  One press of the switch turns the laser on in a “constant” mode.  A second press pulses the laser.  A third press turns the unit off.  Run time is marketed as one hour in continuous mode, two hours in pulse mode.

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Optics and Sighting Systems

Crimson Trace LG-401 Lasergrip for Government and Commander 1911 Pistols

Crimson Trace LG-401

Crimson Trace manufactures high-quality red laser aiming devices for a wide range of self-defense pistols and revolvers.  The Crimson Trace LG-401 is the lasergrip aiming device for the Government and Commander sized 1911 pistols.

The LG-401 replaces the grip panels with the Crimson Trace lasergrips.  The red laser emitting diode, sits above the right grip panel and is activated by a switch that wraps around the front of the magazine well.  When you obtain a shooting grip, you naturally activate the laser when you are ready to fire.

The laser is easily adjustable by the user; it does not need to be installed by a professional gunsmith. Trust me – if I can do this (and I can,) anyone can.

Crimson Trace lasergrips are used by a wide variety of law enforcement and military organizations and are generally considered to be very rugged.  The LG-401 is no different, offering the same reliability found in all of the Crimson Trace products. This can be carried on duty by law enforcement officers and military servicemen.

I have shot a number of pistols and revolvers wearing the Crimson Trace lasergrips.  They fit my hand well and the laser actuation is easy and natural.  No switches to fumble with.

The only issue I have with Crimson Trace laser is the use of red lasers. In low light conditions, they work great. Unfortunately, in bright conditions you are not likely to ever see the red aiming spot. For example, if you are outdoors on a sunny day, you will not be able to use the CT lasergrips to aim. While you can still use the gun’s standard sights, if you have extensively trained with the laser, but no the irons, you may not revert to the proper sighting technique when the pressure is on.

This Crimson Trace Lasergrips product is a great addition to anyone’s 1911 if they are needing a laser aiming device.  These have gotten very positive reviews in recent years.  Until they start making green lasers, this is one of the top-quality choices available for shooters today.

Disclosure

GunsHolstersAndGear.com is a for-profit website. I do not charge readers a dime to access the information I provide.

Some of the links on this page and site are affiliate links to companies like Amazon and Palmetto State Armory. These links take you to the products mentioned in the article. Should you decide to purchase something from one of those companies, I make a small commission.

The links do not change your purchase price. I do not get to see what any individual purchases.

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Optics and Sighting Systems

Crimson Trace LG-441 Lasergrips for NAA Guardian Pistols

Crimson Trace LG-441

Crimson Trace released a new model of Lasergrips, the LG-441, that fits the compact semi-auto Guardian from North American Arms. The new Lasergrips fit the .380 and .32NAA Guardian models.

The LG-441 has a front activation button that is located near the top of the front of the grip itself and is instinctively activated with the middle finger of the shooter.  When you grip the gun as if to fire, the laser aiming device automatically activates.  When you loosen your grip, the laser shuts off.  It is arguably the easiest activation method yet devised.

They have been ergonomically designed to increase comfort and control of these small firearms while shooting. There is a slight palm swell on the right side of the grip that gives you the feel that the small gun is actually bigger than it is. This feature helps to hold the gun more securely while pointing and firing.

“The 441 has the smallest profile of any Lasergrip to date,” said Adam Wollander, VP of Sales and Marketing. “The engineering department has truly opened up the future to miniaturization of our products to make them even more compact.”

The entire grip except for the activation area is molded from a hard polymer to decrease drag while drawing the small semi-auto from a pocket or holster. As with all other Lasergrips, the LG-441 has both windage and elevation adjustments for shooters to make sighting adjustments on their own. All Lasergrips come with an accessory pack that contains batteries, hex wrenches for user adjustability, a cleaning cloth and several cleaning swabs. A three-year warranty is standard.

MSRP on this model is $279.00.