Ideas for an attachable laser on a Model 5904

[jetmec1]

Hello all,

Looking for suggestions in mounting an aiming laser to the under frame portion forward of the trigger guard. I've had this weapon since new purchase in 1988 from the base exchange. Never a misfire, never a question to its reliability.

 

[GerSan69]

Maybe get one of those that attaches to the trigger guard?

 

[DanP7]

Hope to relay some of the experience I have had with friends who had gone down this path....

Most of the "universal fit" lasers on the market these days that will attach to the trigger guard are inferior Chinese made lasers that will quickly loosen or fail on a real gun. In addition to having glass fragile electronics, a weak set screw mounting system, they will often prevent you from using most holsters, and their activation method will be inconvenient at best.

Your best bet would be the Crimson Trace brand laser grips. They are a known quantity, have an excellent reputation, and will allow you to continue to use most holsters. I'm looking at their website right now, and don't see any options for the 45XX pistols, just the 59xx pistols. So I don't think you will have any options, unless Crimson Trace had made, and discontinued, an option for the 45xx in the past. Given that the world has mostly moved away from the third gen smiths, this may be the case. If crimson trace ever made laser grips for the 45xx in the past, you may be able to get a New Old Stock pair or used set off of eBay or gunbroker. I have no idea if they did make 45xx grips in the past, but someone else can chime if if they did.

 

[jsbethel]

Laser Sight for Smith & Wesson 3rd Gen Double-Stack | Crimson Trace

 

[DanP7]

Laser Sight for Smith & Wesson 3rd Gen Double-Stack | Crimson Trace

Ok I did see this. This is your best bet jet mec.


I was still drinking my coffee, and thought you were looking for a laser for a 45 caliber third gen smith.




Edit: also,dont let the high MSRP scare you away from the Crimson trace product. If you search around you can find them for substantially less new and used. They will not ever be "cheap", but they are not made that way, and are well worth the price if you ever really need them. I bet you can get a set for under $200 if you put some time into the search. I can assure you that other lasers are probably a waste of money. (No affiliation with Crimson trace, but just sharing experience)

 

[Model 52]

I have a 5904. Crimson Trace Laser Grips # LG 359 are Plug N Play. Fits, no issues whatsoever.

Model 52

 

[epj]

Lots of folks didn't like the riveted rail on the TSW models and removed them. If you could lay hands on one it could likely be attached to the dust cover. Might be able to order one from S&W as a repair part.

 

[DocNugent]

How much 'meat' is there on the bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard? The reason I ask is that if there's enough to cut a rear sight dovetail (crosswise, in other words) this should work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ciosZY28n5Y

Dovetails for either Glock and XDs are available for ~$100. I have one - it works well and is VERY small.

 

[epj]

I don't think there is nearly enough metal on the bottom of the dust cover for a dovetail. Probably less than .100 thick.

 

[DanP7]

FYI those dovetail sight lasers have some longevity issues. Especially in keeping their zero. Not to mention, think about how you will replace batteries, let alone activate the laser itself....

 

[epj]

I have the CT grips on a M&P. No doubt they are the cats meow, though they are a bit pricey. They do work passively and keep their zero pretty well. Both of which are important in a Battle Stations situation.

 

[Hill_Country]

A couple of years ago, I was adapting the LG359 CT laser grips - the ones for the model 59xx - and made a bunch of them for the compact models. I was buying enough of them to easily qualify for the distributor price, but there were enough discounters that I could get as good of a price when all was said and done. From memory, the going price was around $240, then there was a price increase to about $250. There are a lot of places that charge more, but you won't often find them for less than that price when you factor in shipping, etc.

IMHO, the CT lasers win hands down because of their passive activation and I've never known their zero to shift. They are just rock solid.

Considering the availability of the CT lasers, I can't imagine milling a rail on the dustcover.

One more advantage of a laser that I rarely ever see mentioned is that they will build confidence in the ability to point and shoot. I think they suck for target shooting, but I can shoot a pretty tight group without using the sights or laser just because of all the "dry firing" of the laser.