Crimson Trace Green Laser Grip Availability

[4Given]

Just got off the phone with the Crimson Trace folks.
I was inquiring about the new J Frame laser grip LG-305G.

This green laser model was introduced last winter. Evidently, there were some issues with the diode. This explains why it disappeared 'off-the-radar'.

According to the Crimson Trace rep, they will reintroduce it in February as the LG-350G, as to not confuse folks with the original unit.

 

[shouldazagged]

What if anything is the advantage of the green laser over the red?

Just curious, I've never owned laser grips.

 

[4Given]

What if anything is the advantage of the green laser over the red?

Just curious, I've never owned laser grips.

This pulled from the Crimson Trace site:

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RED LASER AND A Green LASER?

A red laser is highly visible in low light. The output peak for both lasers is the same yet the human eye naturally detects the color green, hence the green laser appearing brighter in natural bright day light. Both the green and red laser Crimson Trace produces emit the maximum output allowed by law – a Class 3R laser.

 

[JohnSW]

What if anything is the advantage of the green laser over the red?

Here is one user review from Crimon Trace's web site:

"We owned the previous LG-489 (Red) version which was good for both of our Shields. However, we just bought 2 of these LG-489G (Green) and WOW what a huge difference!

Super bright and looks fantastic...I am very glad that we upgraded.

It's very easy to see even in bright sun, too. Crimson quality really shines through (no pun intended). ;-) (Posted on 9/10/14)"

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Green Laser | Official Crimson Trace

Of course, I can't vouch for the accuracy of the review.

 

[gboling]

I have used red and green from two manufacturers. I find that the green is more visible in bright sunlight. However, in bright sunlight, with the green laser, beyond about 20 yards it takes me longer to find the laser than to find a good sight picture with conventional sights.

Where both lasers excel is in low light, indoors. In low light, finding the laser is much faster than acquiring a good sight picture with conventional sights. It is also easier to hold on the target.

As with any sights, it must be sighted for the distance and the ammunition used. Frangible and all copper bullets have a drastically different trajectory than lead or jacketed bullets.

 

[JohnSW]

The LG-350G Green is now listed as Coming Soon on Crimson's web site.

Laser Sight for Smith & Wesson J-Frame | Official Crimson Trace

They also have a Coming Soon LG-350 red laser.

Laser Sight for Smith & Wesson J-Frame | Official Crimson Trace

I don't know if they are compact enough to be used with a front pocket holster.

Based on past performance, I'm skeptical of the "soon" part, but at least they should be out "later" rather than "never".

 

[4Given]

As far as pocket carry is concerned, if they're similar to my original LG-305 grips, they may be too long for optimum concealment. The new LG-350G grip looks to be more ergonomically shaped, with more pronounced finger grooves.

I will be looking hard at the new LG-350G model for my model 640 OWB carry.
I just hope CT is not too proud of these to charge an exorbitant price.

 

[4Given]

More tid-bits on the new LG-350 laser grips for J-Frames.

January 15, 2015

Wilsonville, OR

Crimson Trace will soon release the LG-350 and LG-350G-both products are Lasergrips® with a unique two-surface design created to fit S&W's J-Frame Round-Butt revolvers. These cutting-edge Lasergrips feature Crimson Trace's new Recoil Reduction Grip that's engineered with softer rubber panels on the front and rear segments to increase the shooter's in-the-hand comfort while enhancing control. The Lasergrips' middle section is more rigid to enhance stability.

The LG-350 features a bright and powerful red laser while the LG-350G features a brilliant bright Crimson Trace green laser. Both Lasergrips can be installed easily and quickly with a screwdriver-no special gunsmithing tools or skills are required. No special holster is required to activate the laser sights.

Each LG-350 features: Instinctive Activation via a front pad, a master on/off switch and user adjustable wind and elevation set up. The adjustment tools and operating battery are included with each product. Both Lasergrips are covered under Crimson Trace's "Free Batteries for Life™" program. The LG-350 and LG-350G will be widely available in the weeks ahead.


Hoping get my hands on them soon.

I live about 1 1/2 hours from the factory.

 

[JohnSW]

On their web site, Crimson Trace posted yet another delay for the LG-350G.

They went from "Estimated available date: 2015-06-19" to "Estimated available date: 2015-10-22".

The equivalent new red laser model is similarly delayed, so the problem must be something other than the green diode.

In their January press release they said "the LG-350 and LG-350G will be widely available in the weeks ahead." I guess they meant, weeks, and weeks, and weeks, and weeks...

 

[BananaDoc]

Thought I might just update this thread... seems this model is now OFF the Crimson Trace website... 404 FILE NOT FOUND???? Anyone here know the scoop?

I submitted an inquiry to CT via their website but have not heard back as yet.

 

[Black Knight]

When I was sent to the Beretta factory for an armorers school they showed us the difference between the red and green lasers. The red laser dot would be absorbed by dark clothing where the green would be seen easily. At 20 feet the red laser on a black tee-shirt would nearly disappear. At the same distance the green laser was well defined.

 

[Adk.IBO]

Thought I might just update this thread... seems this model is now OFF the Crimson Trace website... 404 FILE NOT FOUND???? Anyone here know the scoop?

I submitted an inquiry to CT via their website but have not heard back as yet.

I noticed it gone also. I had plans of purchasing them as soon as they arrived, and hope I still can....

 

[BananaDoc]

Well they finally seem to be shipping!

Anybody try one yet??
;-)>

 

[Adk.IBO]

I put an LG350G on order maybe a month before Thanksgiving with CC info. During the Thanksgiving break I found a different priority for the designated $$ and planned to cancel my order as soon as we got back from traveling. About the time we got home I got a notice that they were charging my CC and it was about to ship. I did get it and at first I was sorry I purchased it (mostly because of the "different priority"). Now after rounds fired and dialing it in, getting used to it, ect.. I'm glad I have it. Last time out 50 rounds at 50' kept them in about 8" SA. I don't carry with the master switch turned on and I may never do so except maybe in the woods. For self defense distances I have trained by point shooting and so far I will stick with that. It works great for dry fire practice. The laser can be seen out to 50 yards (more?) in broad daylight. Nighttime? Wow! I want to shoot with it at 50 yards soon. It's VERY comfortable on my 649-3 and absorbs recoil very well. When I shoot at longer distances with it I will shoot .357, and don't expect undue pain. If the pack of coyotes come back again at least one of them will be very much at risk. At this point I would probably consider selling it, but not at any kind of a loss, so I guess it's a (pricey) keeper. Quality seems to be excellent.

Stay safe, John

 

[gnystrom]

First off, I have LG405's on a 340pd, 305's on a 640, and the new green LG350's on a 640 Pro.
The 350's are very comfortable and absorb recoil far more than any CT product I have ever used.
The green is very visible at very long range, far longer than I would ever need them. I am a RSO so I got them at a terrific price otherwise I would have chosen red. The green also consumes far more battery than the red. Batteries are cheap, but the red will last at least four times longer than the green.

Now, the activation button on the LG350's will take some getting used to. It is larger but requires me to be more aware of placement on the grip. I have a tendency to adjust my grip and I will lose the laser. This is something I can fix but it is different from all my other CT products.

Total comfort is the word for the 350's but you will lose some of your ability to pocket carry as they are larger than any of the other models.

As for any problems with CT products? I sent a pair purchased in 2005 in for repair. I got back a new set in a couple of weeks at no charge. I really appreciate their customer Service but they are very busy and a phone call is far more effective than an e-mail.
My 2 ¢
405 on top, 305 middle, 350 bottom

 

[Adk.IBO]

Clearly gnystrom is the voice of experience and I suspect my CT will grow on me in time. This is my first laser.

Stay safe, John

 

[suckersrus]

Let me light this place up.

I have tried the red and green laser side by side and I see no discernable difference.

At this point, several guys usually jump in and call me a damned liar.

I don't know if they are CT employees or like me they fell for the hype and paid extra and now refuse to believe their eyes.

Or maybe they can really see a difference.
But I do not see a difference, so I'm telling the truth as I see it.

It could be the color absorbsion thing someone mentioned. I know the red dot disappears on a black bear.

The other complaint I have about CT is their service. It seems the same guys start calling me names again at this point as well, so their motives are highly suspect.

I can only relate what happened to me. They may drive out to your house and cook you dinner while a crew works on your laser but it did not happen that way for me.

I love S&W j frames and own a bunch. I put a set of CT laser grips on one gun and my wife took the setup.

I installed a new CT on another gun and my wife gave it to our daughter.

I put them on 2 more j frames and so far so good.

1st problem. I have both types of grips, one has an on/off switch and the other does not.
Both lasers however sit too close to the gun and the beam hits the cylinder, just barely. It does zero however and after the problem I am about to describe I have decided I will live with these things and consider it a lesson learned.

#2
The laser dot on my 640 started spreading, getting bigger and dimmer.

I called CT and they said to send it to them.

They returned it with a note that said, "Installed new battery."

The beam was still large and weak.

I put in a brand new battery and still had the same problem.
I called CT and we traded this thing back and forth a couple more times until they replaced it.

I respect them for hiring the handicapped but a blind person doing repairs is just not right.

Go ahead fellas, scream and holler, call me names, ban me from the board if they are sponsers. I only know what happened to me.

 

[grizz700]

Not calling you anything suckersrus, but it sounds like you might have a touch of colorblindness. I have worked with lasers for several years and on long range applications a red pencil laser with be visible to about a mile before dispersing to the point you can not see it. With the green laser using a spotting scope you can detect them to about 4 miles. Green lasers are in a more comfortable light wave that allows the human eye to pick it up. As mentioned earlier green lasers require more energy to the diode to produce a beam. Or in simple terms they eat batteries like crazy. Again suckersrus not calling you out or anything of the sort and I do not work for any manufacturer.

 

[Mustang Ed]

I have recently purchased a new S&W 638 "Airweight". I love the light weight and the concealable size of the J-Frame.

I am considering buying LG-350G GREEN LASERGRIPS.

I've read here on this thread that "you will lose some of your ability to pocket carry as they are larger than any of the other models".

In your opinion, is losing some of your ability to pocket carry because of the larger size a worthwhile trade off in order to gain the functionality of the laser grip? Thanks!

 

[Adk.IBO]

Welcome to the forum! I don't pocket carry either of my j-frames as I find them to large, no matter what grips I use, for the pants I wear. Also both of my J-frames are steel and heavier. The grips are quite comfy and as I get used to them I'm liking them more and more. So yes they're worth the trade off (for me).

Stay safe, John