Laser grip types

[bnitch]

Not sure where this question should go but here seems right. I've got a model 60 no dash, so it has an exposed hammer. There are 2 types of laser grips made, Crimson Trace and Lasermax. The Lasermax has the laser positioned up over the cylinder. The Crimson Trace is under it. I'd like opinions on which would work best with the M60 and the quality of both. I'm sure there are forum members who have one or the other or both. Opinions please!

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I've got both types and neither is perfect. The biggest drawback to the Lasermax, and the one that the company doesn't bother telling you, nor is it mentioned by any of the gun writers is that they are not made to work with speedloaders. Yes, you can modify your grips to accommodate a speedloader, but then you void your warranty. Now explain to me who the rocket scientist was that made that decision??? Also, the laser can be easily and inadvertently activated by accident while your piece is still in your pocket or holster. Lasermax took this into consideration though, and the unit will automatically power down...after 30 minutes. Yeah, you can go through batteries pretty quickly if you're not careful. Also, Lasermax does not have the best customer service - at least in comparison to Crimson Trace.

According to the company, they have no plans to make grips for any other frame size in the S&W line. So, if you want laser grips on anything other than a J frame, look to Crimson Trace.

I do have Lasermax grips on both of my J frames (432 PD and 642). My 642 has been modified to take moon clips, but they hang up on ejection thanks to the Lasermax grips. What I've taken to doing with the 642 is to load and carry it without the moon clip for the initial load, and carry the reload in the moon clip rather than a speed strip or speed loader. Despite its drawbacks, I find I can get fast and accurate shots off with both of the J frames using the Lasermax grips. You gotta take the good with the bad sometimes.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[bnitch]

I've got Crimson Trace's coming for my M-66-5, 4". Hoping that will help with the eye's getting old. Need glasses to see the sights but the target is a blur. That's the gun that sleeps next to my bed so thats the one I'd grab at night.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I'm in my early 50's and my eyes aren't what they used to be either. My 625 is set up with a fiber optic front sight and Crimson Trace laser grips. It makes a great bedside pistol and the sights are much easier to pick up now. By the way, I tried night sights, but found the fiber optic sights worked better for me.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[samIam]

Grips

I've got CT grips on a bedside Taurus 85,The laser is about the only thing I can see clearly without my specs.

 

[Zilmo]

Going to a gun show tomorrow, and the plan is to get a set of CT for my 686 three inch. It's job will to be my bedside gun, and I can't see crap without my glasses.

 

[safearm]

I carry CT grips on my 637 all of the time.

 

[BurkLee]

I carry CT grips on my 637 all of the time.

How do you like the 405's? Do you think they would be significantly better than the 105?

BC

 

[Goodtime Charlie]

I put LG-405's on my 442, because it has the extra cushion. I carry Speer's 135 gr. Gold Dot Short Barrel +P load, and after 5 rounds of that with the factory rubber grips, my hand really hurt. After 10 rounds, I said that was enough practice with the self-defense rounds! It took days for the pain to go away. I haven't done much shooting with the 405's on it yet, but I think it is a significant improvement. Since the 105 has no cushioning, I think yes, the 405 is significantly better if you are going to shoot very powerful loads. If you are just going to shoot factory target wadcutters, you might not want to spend the extra money for the 405's though.

 

[-Buzz-]

I went with the Crimson Trace 105. My 642 is my main choice for pocket or ankle carry. I was willing to give up the shooting comfort from the 405 in order to get a slightly smaller form factor of the 105. I have the option of using a shooting glove at the range if needed.

 

[Electraclyde]

I have had the LG305 grips and did not like the large size, (difficult to conceal). I then went to the LG105, but they are to small and my grip did not always activate the laser. I then went to the LG405. Perfection! Lasers are the best dry fire training aid you can buy. In addition to that you can fire accurately from almost any position you may find yourself in. I do plan on adding laser grips to several other guns (Ruger LCR and a Kel-Tec .380). CT has a free DVD (The Art of Survival) get one and watch it.

 

[frankw]

I went with the Crimson Trace 105. My 642 is my main choice for pocket or ankle carry. I was willing to give up the shooting comfort from the 405 in order to get a slightly smaller form factor of the 105. I have the option of using a shooting glove at the range if needed.

Exactly. I pocket carry mostly and the slick 105s work so much better slipping in and out of my pocket.

I don't find the recoil that bad but still at the range I will shoot milder reloads and then finish off with a couple of cylinders of the Defense ammo that I have been carrying in the gun and speed strips. Then fresh ammo goes into the gun (after cleaning) and the speed strips.