M&P Shield Laser Question

[sharpshooterassassin]

The Shield now has 3 different brands of lasers. Crimson Trace, Lasermax, and Laserlyte. With Crimson Trace being the more expensive, aren't they pretty much all the same? Any experience with any one of these three lasers would be helpful. Which one is the brighest, zeroed in out of the box, if you have to re-zero it in after shooting, how long do the batteries last, and any other positives or negatives that would help out my decision. Thanks!

 

[cowboyfan628]

I had the crimson trace and sent it back. I did not like how it felt in my hand. It bumps out a little bit under the trigger guard. I do however have the crimson trace laser grips on my M&P Pro series 40 and I love it.

 

[sharpshooterassassin]

Yeah, I have the Crimson Trace Rail Master on my M&P 9c and love it. The CT Laser for the Shield is about twice the price of the Lasermax laser for the Shield an am wondering if its worth paying that much for the CT than the Lasermax.

 

[robkarrob]

I have a Crimson Trace and a LaserMax. The specs for the laser on both are identical. The main difference is the on/off button location. I have attached photos of each.

The CT has the button on the front of the grip, under the trigger guard. They say all you have to do is grip the gun and the finger on the button turns the laser on. Mine is on a Ruger LC9. It is a small gun and with the flat magazine floor plate, I can only get two fingers on the grip. The first problem is the button sticks out 1/4 inch. You have one finger sticking out that 1/4 inch further than the other. This does not feel good to me with only two fingers on the grip. I ended up gluing a 1/4 inch thick piece of rubber under the switch, to eliminate this problem. The other problem is the laser does not go on every time. If my grip does not contact the button just perfect, no laser. The only way I can guarantee it goes on every time is with a death grip. CT sent me a replacement laser, as I complained to them about the issue. They said it could be a bad switch. The new one arrived with the same problem. Another minor problem is if you don't want the laser on, you have to adjust your grip, so you don't put pressure on the button. With my CT laser, this is not an issue. All I need to do is release my grip slightly because of the switch issue.

The LaserMax is on my Shield 40. The on/off button is located in front of the trigger guard, under the slide. You push the button on with your trigger finger. It stays on until you push the button back from the opposite side. The gun can be used with the laser off. You do have to think if you want the laser on, but with practice this should be second nature. The Shield is almost the exact same size as my LC9. I can only get two fingers on the grip, but don't have the switch sticking out issue.

The CT has been on the market the longest and has sold by far more lasers. With the issues I had with my CT, I prefer the LaserMax. I bought the CT a year ago. I paid $160 at a local gun show, which was cheap, at that time. I bought the LaserMax four months ago from EBay, $86 including shipping. The seller was fuddlebucks.


Bob


Crimson Trace on Ruger LC9. Showing step out of switch and rubber block I added.

LaserMax on Shield 40

The Lasermax frame on my Shield does not take up much room, on the trigger guard. At the most it takes up 1/16 inch. The photo of my LC9 shows it has a longer trigger guard.

 

[sharpshooterassassin]

Thanks for the info! I'll probably go for the Lasermax because of the location of the On/Off button. I'm used to turning on/off my CT Rail Master Laser with my index finger on my M&P 9c, that I'll get used to turning On/Off the Lasermax Laser the same way. Plus, its half the price of the CT Laser.

 

[RobsTV]

My index finger's natural spot is exactly where the on/off button of the Lasermax is located, so it is just as natural to me as a grip button.

Lasermax currently has a $20 rebate deal running to end of the month.
Rebate Form

And with places like grabagun selling the Lasermax for $72 shipped, it is a non-brainer $52 laser upgrade.
Grabagun.com LaserMax CENTERFIRE Laser S&W Shield Online Gun Store

 

[makeabighole]

Can't speak to Lasermax, but I put CT on my Shield 40. Button on grip is activated by my middle finger with index on trigger. Target acquisition is very quick and natural. Paid $180... Oh well... I love it... and CT has a free batteries for life program. I ordered a replacement right away... and they sent two!

 

[MackIII]

Question??? Does the Lasermax have an "auto time off" feature if left on?

 

[shakyshoot]

Cabela's has the Lasermax for $69.88. LaserMax Centerfire™ Pistol Laser : Cabela's You can get free ship to store, if you have a store nearby. Or you can get free shipping on a $99+ order. Toss in some ammo.--Bob

 

[preluda97]

Lasermax with multiholsters custom Kydex holster

NDZ extended mag base plate

 

[motomed]

I put the lasermax in the same category as a serpa holster.... products I will never own.... no way I'm going to surround the trigger with other things for me to manipulate in a stressful situation. If you naturally rest your index finger where the on/off switch is for the laswermax, you're doing it wrong.

The CT bulge feels weird the first time or two you shoot with it but I don't even notice it anymore.

 

[DigitalMD]

I put the lasermax in the same category as a serpa holster.... products I will never own.... no way I'm going to surround the trigger with other things for me to manipulate in a stressful situation. If you naturally rest your index finger where the on/off switch is for the laswermax, you're doing it wrong.

The CT bulge feels weird the first time or two you shoot with it but I don't even notice it anymore.

Every wonder why there are currently 1344 different models of handguns in production, instead of just one? I just love people that have all the answers like those helpful souls that when you ask for advice on small, easy to conceal weapons say that you must carry a .45 that is at least 10" long or you can't kill anything.

 

[dullh]

I had a Lasermax on my Shield. It was ok.

I don't like lasers - I view them as a distraction. I also view them as superfluous toys that belong in the fictional world of the cinema, not on a serious pistol. If you can use your front sight correctly you don't need a laser.

There's a reason why law enforcement professionals don't have lasers on their sidearms.

Some say they have an intimidation value...that's stupid. If the hole in the end of the barrel above the laser isn't intimidation enough, you got big problems.

With that being said, my Lasermax Centerfire laser is now sitting in it's box and is for sale. Make me an offer.

 

[Dnizzle80]

I had a Lasermax on my Shield. It was ok.

I don't like lasers - I view them as a distraction. I also view them as superfluous toys that belong in the fictional world of the cinema, not on a serious pistol. If you can use your front sight correctly you don't need a laser.

There's a reason why law enforcement professionals don't have lasers on their sidearms.

Some say they have an intimidation value...that's stupid. If the hole in the end of the barrel above the laser isn't intimidation enough, you got big problems.

With that being said, my Lasermax Centerfire laser is now sitting in it's box and is for sale. Make me an offer.

PM sent...thanks

 

[rbuzz]

The Shield now has 3 different brands of lasers.

This is going to change soon. Viridian is coming out in January with a green light laser, the Reactor R5, for the Shield.
Viridian R5-Shield Gun Laser Sights | Viridian Green Laser Gun Sights
I have the Crimson Trace factory laser grips on my 40c and they have been great, but the red laser light is hard to see in bright light and is best for low light conditions. I keep hearing how much better the green light lasers are for brighter conditions and am considering the new Viridian green light laser when it comes out.
Personally I still prefer to use the iron sights most of the time, but in my opinion, in a late night home defense situation, the laser would be a big advantage, and in most cases the laser is small enough that it doesn't have any effect on the ability to conceal carry the firearm, IF you have the proper holster. The Viridian will come with a pocket holster that allows the laser to automatically be turned on any time that it is drawn from the holster, or you can simply leave it turned off and manually turn it on when needed.
At least this will broaden the number of lasers for the Shield, making it easier to find one that you will like.

 

[DavidC77]

I love the CT Laser...

You grab the gun and the laser is on...

With the other lasers you have to push a button to turn it on before you can use it...

The CT is off till you touch the pad and then off when you move your finger, the others still have to be "pushed" on or off... Do you want to be "Trying" to turn on a laser when you need it or do you just want to "Hold" the gun and have it on...

Crimson Trace backs up their lasers also, I just sent one back off one of my 1911's, they replaced it no questions asked with a brand new one...

I only buy CT Lasers!!!


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[agksimon]

I have a LaserMax on my Shield 9 and spent enough time training to engage it, that it is now automatic. I draw with my index finger on the frame, above the trigger guard and drop it to engage the laser, without a second thought. It's very quick from muscle memory. I still use the sights, as with any mechanical device, it's subject to failure, though I've yet to have one fail. It's just an extra for faster target acquisition, especially in the dark. Also, the CT is always going to be on, even at range practice when you just want to use the sights and that runs down the battery. The LaserMax doesn't have that problem.

 

[DavidC77]

Also, the CT is always going to be on, even at range practice when you just want to use the sights and that runs down the battery. The LaserMax doesn't have that problem.

The CT can be shut off with the "master switch" if you want to...

If you don't want to shut it off you don't have to worry because CT has a "Life Time Free Battery Replacement" when you buy one...

 

[agksimon]

The CT can be shut off with the "master switch" if you want to...

If you don't want to shut it off you don't have to worry because CT has a "Life Time Free Battery Replacement" when you buy one...

The CT Laserguard for the Shield doesn't have a master switch. Also, after removing the unit, to replace the battery, I always want to go to the range, to make sure it's still sighted in, so the less replacement, the better for me.

 

[donmontalvo]

Question??? Does the Lasermax have an "auto time off" feature if left on?

Late to the party...but I can confirm the LaserMAX now has a 10min timeout. I bought a Shield9 and it works beautifully with it. Looks totally like its built in to the gun.