Hogue Laser Grips vs Crimson Trace Grips

[BlackTalonJHP]

Which do you prefer?
Hogue LE Grips or Crimson Trace LG-350
For the S&W J frame

Is the Crimson Trace worth the extra cost?
Any reliability problems with either?

 

[colt_saa]

I carry lasers in most of my personal firearms and I keep a large assortment of laser equipped firearms set up for students to try out

The Crimson Trace LG-350 is available in a Red or a Green laser. If all you are interested is a red laser, Crimson Trace has 3 additional J-frame models, the Lg-105(LG-105P), LG-305 and the LG-405

You do not mention what firearm you are putting these on, what kind of condition your vision is in or how you intend to carry the firearm.

All of these factors need to be considered if you are asking for a recommendation

If you need absolute compactness, the Crimson Trace Lg-105(LG-105P) is the smallest option

With any of the J-Magnum revolvers or the PC 940 Special, firing full power ammunition, the LG-405 or the Hogue will help you handle the recoil with their extra rubber and grip size .

On a steel framed revolver only shooting 32 or 38 ammunition the choice is open to almost anything.

If you are going to use a leather holster with the Hogues, it need to be checked for clearance of the laser. With the module sitting so far forward, I have seen some clearance issues

If you have bad eyesight, the Hogue with it's laser in blink mode it is much easier to acquire. The Hogue laser can be put in constant on mode, blinking mode and stealth mode. Stealth mode blinks 3 times and stops until you release and reapply pressure to the switch

The CT L-350G has a Green laser which is MUCH better in daylight situations as the human sees this color as being brighter than the red

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

I'm really just looking at the Hogue and the LG-350. I may have to modify my Bianchi 57 slightly with the Hogue grips.

I like how the Hogues have different modes, the texture, and the price better than the CT.

My vision is pretty good but slightly worse at night, so the laser is really just for low light.

 

[gnystrom]

Depends on what the intended for the gun. My 340pd is used for carry only and I wanted the smallest possible laser grip that being a LG405's.
They really help mitigate recoil and their size makes them perfect for my application.

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

What holsters are you using with your Hogue laser grips?

 

[BE Mike]

As Crimson Trace has always been the product to which other types are measured, I've always used them. Their customer service is excellent, although I've only needed it once. I have 5 or 6 guns equipped with CT lasers.

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

Do you have experience with the LG-350?

 

[BE Mike]

Do you have experience with the LG-350?

I have no experience with it. The closest is the LG-305 which I have mounted on a S&W model 60-10. It has held up well to factory 158 gr. JHP .357 ammo, as well as, a little less punishing stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a LG-350, if I needed one. Their customer service is great.

 

[pocketrocket357]

I just got the LG 350 grip in yesterday, I like how they feel in the hand. The rubber is not tacky like hogue grips I have used in the past. Granted, I have not handle the particular hogue grips we're discussing. Still able to pocket carry with all my pants and shorts, this was a worry of mine prior to my purchase. I almost went with the LG 405, I'm glad I did not. I'll let you know how it handles when I go to the range next week.

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

Thanks for the info. The LG-350 looks pretty big. I know you said the rubber isn't tacky but do you think it would grab clothing or be unconfortable rubbing against your side in an IWB holster?

Also on the Hogue, I'm assuming the rubber is the standard Hogue rubber, so it would be pretty tacky.

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

I'll let you know how it handles when I go to the range next week.

Thanks. If you could let me know how easy it is to activate the laser that would be good. It kind of looks like the grip places the middle finger pretty far to the rear.

 

[pocketrocket357]

I carried all day yesterday(12 hours) in the iwb hoslter seen below. Carried at the 4 o'clock position. I wore a light t-shirt, the grip never caught on the shirt. I would say the grip material feels more like a soft plastic, almost like a polymer. Kind of the same feel you get from a pachmayr, if that makes any sense . There is nice cushioned material that follows along the backstrap of the grip.

The laser is effortless to activate. The slightest grip pressure will cause the laser to come on. I'm quite happy with the function. I have some gold dot 135 grain short barrel 357 magnum arriving in the mail this week. Can't wait to see how the LG 350 handles recoil with the magnum loads. Keep in mind 135 grain gold dots are not full house magnum loads.

 

[BlackTalonJHP]

Anyone have a belt holster recommendation for the Hogue laser grips on a J frame?

 

[hostler]

Anyone have a belt holster recommendation for the Hogue laser grips on a J frame?

I have a High Noon leather pancake holster for my model 60 w/Hogue laser grip. It fits fine, the grip doesn't even come into play.
As for the quality of the Hogue compared to CT, Ive been using CT lasers on my J frames for many years and I'm 100% satisfied. I recently got the Hogue because I like their grips, they fit my hand well and they just feel right, the laser grip doesn't disappoint in that sense. Much more comfortable to me than the CT405. The Hogue laser installed well and it fits well and the laser seems to work well so far but it does seem a bit fragile compared to the CT 405s I have been using. I just got it so I can't say anything about reliability yet, I guess time will tell. I'm not selling the CT that it replaced just yet though.

 

[hostler]

Something else to add about the differences between CT and Hogue. The laser on the Hogue is about 1/8" lower on the frame than the CT laser. Not a big deal but I noticed that my right index finger seems to block the Hogue laser more than the CT laser. ALso, The set screws to adjust windage and elevation on the Hogue stick out a little whereas the CT screws are flush with the laser body. Doesn't effect the function but it is a little annoying.

 

[MCorps0311]

I bought my M&P BG.38 SPL+P with the Crimson Trace Laser.I like it I can't tell you nothing about the Hogue Laser,never had one.

 

[HardToHandle]

I have a High Noon leather pancake holster for my model 60 w/Hogue laser grip. It fits fine, the grip doesn't even come into play.
As for the quality of the Hogue compared to CT, Ive been using CT lasers on my J frames for many years and I'm 100% satisfied. I recently got the Hogue because I like their grips, they fit my hand well and they just feel right, the laser grip doesn't disappoint in that sense. Much more comfortable to me than the CT405. The Hogue laser installed well and it fits well and the laser seems to work well so far but it does seem a bit fragile compared to the CT 405s I have been using. I just got it so I can't say anything about reliability yet, I guess time will tell. I'm not selling the CT that it replaced just yet though.

I bought the Hogue grip just for the feel. The shape was similar to a smooth Miculek but in rubber. I wish they built the same concept in more models - good recoil control, but still lower profile.

The Hogue laser is underwhelming. The output seems weak and the placement is odd. I am prone to covering it with trigger finger.

 

[kthom]

I have CT for the grips on all my "carry" revolvers. Been using CT since not long after they became available. They would be my favorite grips for my J frame snubs even without the laser. I never use the red dot for daytime use, only for low light situations. I've never had an issue with any of the several CT laser grips or CT laserguard sights I own and use. I love them and wouldn't be without them.

 

[Shooting Padre]

I don't know but I am an eager participant and if you would send me one of each I will promptly test and post my results. Make them for a S&W Shield EZ 9mm. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
All kidding aside that is a great question to ask and I will follow this post to see what everyone says.

 

[RagtimeJoe]

Hogue or Crimson Trace for S & W Model 19 Performance Center

I've got a Model 19 PCenter model on the way. I want to put a grip activated laser sight on it. I had a Hogue Laser grip on my Ruger LCR but sent it back as it took way too much pressure with my social finger of my grip hand. This may have been an installation issue on my part but I don't see what could have been done.
Wondering if anyone has had a similar issue or has put a Hogue laser grip on a K frame Smith or has opinions on Hogue vs Smith on a K size frame.
Thanks much.