Crimson Trace Laser Grip or Viridian C5L for MP9c?

[ZMANLSMJ]

I am torn on which one to get, i mostly own the gun for home protection, but do like to take it to the range and also every once in a while will shoot outside. I love the fact that the crimson trace is automatic when you pick it up, great in the home at night if need be. I would have to shave off the one side of my safety to get the crimson to fit, which shouldnt be an issue. No need to hit a button to turn on crimson is nice. But i also love that the green laser is so much better and brighter, longer distance. I also like that the Viridian C5L is compact and has a light, also could use it on another weapon down the road, not propiatary like the crimson trace. Help me make my decision, having a hard time deciding. Also, I have found them both for right around 250 new, so price isnt a concern. Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[MotorCityGun]

I think you might have a tough time getting an objective review of both lasers from one owner. I've had CT on my 40c for the past two years and I'm satisfied with them. Plus, free batteries for life...yes, I said free.

 

[SoCalDep]

I had the CTC for my M&P9C but it didn't fit my hand and I ended up using the regular medium grip instead. The Viridian looks great, and I've seen some good reviews. In addition, It packs a light into the package as well. I generally like the laser/light separate, but I'd be very interested to try the Viridian.

The CTC has the benefit of instinctive (almost automatic) operation and most regular holsters can be used. The Viridian gives you the green laser (which for defense will be a minimal advantage) and the addition of a weapon-light (a very good addition for a home defense handgun).

Ultimately they're both good units but I'd try each because the CTC may not fit your hand and the Viridian may be too busy.

 

[DAdams]

I have CT grips on two revolvers and one semi auto they work well for the intended purpose.

Once I added three additional poly semi autos with rails I decided to try something with a laser and light. The small Viridian C5L was the only thing I considered due to it's size. It is currently on an M&P 40c which is for home use vs CC.

It would work equally well on my 9Pro or AR.

 

[DAdams]

For home defense and car travel I'm transitioning from a Kahr PM9 (9mm and 7 rounds) with CT grips to the M&P 40c.

I can use the 40c with standard magazines or extended full sized magazines with the XGrip (13 rounds).

I also have a Storm Lake 9mm barrel and appropriate magazines for the 40c, allowing extended versatility since I also have the 9Pro.

Here is the 40c with an XGrip and Viridian C5L.

I have the C5L programmed so that the first touch of the button activates the laser.
The LED light is 90 lumens, adequate for interior use. For outdoor torch use I prefer something in the 150+L range.

The 40c also has Trijicon Night Sights.

This set-up in my mind provides the compromise between the 9mm and .45 as far as caliber and capacity. Lots of flexibility. It has the laser, it has the light and night sights. I can also strip it all down and use it as a standard compact in 9mm or .40.

If I were going to have only one handgun and some accessories for PC and HD, this combo would probably be it. It has been a fun project.

 

[Rangel]

I have the same setup as DAdams (above) --the 40c with regular and extended magazines, with a Veridian C5L and I have been very happy with it.

Unlike DAdam's 40c, which has Trijicon sights, I have Trulglo TFOs on mine, which I like best, but I have some pistols that came with Trijicon tritiums and I couldn't justify the expense of swapping them out. IMO, they're both up on top of the pack, with the Truglos being my first pick.

There have been a few prior threads on the Veridian, where I have compared and contrasted it to the the Crimson Trace, Insight, etc. I like green lasers (and sights) best, as well as being able to quickly switch my Veridian between my S&W, Springfield and Glock pistols, but to be fair, they all seem to have their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Veridian's scheduled to release a new laser/light that's a bit larger, with an even stronger tactical light, although the tactical light on the C5L is no slouch.


A couple days ago, I orderered, from Veridian, their new TacLoc 'autolock' holster for $49.99. I have used similar TacLoc holsters and feel they're fine and I like their adustibility, but this is the first that accomodates the S&W M&P series with the C5 series laser (C5) or laser light (C5L) attached. It can accomodate M&P's with 3 or 4 inch barrels, but not (yet) in 45ACP. It's been a while coming now after initially being scheduled for a March release and I am assuming they took that extra time to 'get it right'.

Veridian customer service has impresssed me.

Through November 1st, they have a promo where you also get 3 free Veridian CR2 batteries in the order and they offer a discount for military and/or police.

Optics planet and Amazon have had some good deals on Veridian laser, laser-lights and compatible Tacloc holsters and it appears Opticsplanet offers the new holster for $5 less & with free shipping, w/o the free batteries.

 

[DAdams]

Rangel-

Thanks for reminding me of the holster. I had forgotten about it. I'll have to check it out. I was going to purchase one for the Viridian/M&P but they weren't available. Nice to see that it is compatible with the Blackhawk paddle as an option to belt loops that come standard.
$44.99 and free shipping on Optics Planet.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/viridian-tacloc-laser-ready-autolock-holster.html

Good review. I have a set of TruGlos on a 9Pro. I am assuming you are comparing FO to Tritium and which Truglo does both but only Tritium vials are truly "night sights".

Not surprising that the LED output will continue to climb with the same battery. That's (LED) technology. I think Cree is up to 400 Lumens per watt now, so it stands to reason Viridian will be able to ratchet up the output on all their LED units.

I think for me having dedicated CTs on some handguns works fine and is about the only choice and the Viridian type just flat out won't fit, think small revolver.

I have a Kahr PM9 with a CT and it has no rail and even the C5L would be too overwhelming even if there were a small place to hang it.

I like the ability to move it from gun to gun, anything with a rail for that matter.