Question about laser sights

[Vaflash1950]

I have a CCW permit and have chosen to carry a J frame Smith & Wesson (2"). My question is, how much larger is the Crimson Trace MDL LG 305 laser sight system versus the more compact MDL LG 405. Since control and concealment go hand in hand from my prospective, can I please have some thoughts on the difference in size and control of this gun with +p ammo (158 grain) considering the two different sized lasers. Thanks in advance. Brud

 

[everReady Rob]

I carry a J Frame w/CT grips. Its been awhile since I was on the CT web site but as I recall, the difference in the stated model #'s is round butt vs. square butt. It does matter round or square and the web site shows you the difference. I understand they now make a longer grip for J frames and that is a great idea, if it wasn't for the $$$, I would pop for one.

Perhaps your model #'s are the longer vs the shorter (factory original size) and I'm not understanding the question. I would choose the longer grip (3/4") over original. Once had a Hogue grip on the J frame and it is a little longer and I could shoot better with the longer grip.

You may have to try the grips before you really know.

 

[Vaflash1950]

Laser Grips for the J Frame

Thanks for your opinion and feedback. I tend to agree, and the only issue with me is . . . are the larger grips are a problem with concealment ? (the gun conceals well with the small grip and not so well with the later HOUGE's so it seems).

I can't tell from their (CT's) site what the actual size difference is between the 305 (larger) and the 405 (compact). Take care and thanks again.

 

[Vaflash1950]

Correction

Oh, sorry I forgot . . . Both the LG 305, and 405 sight/grip system(s) are for the round butt Smith frame FYI

 

[DaveB57]

I had both on my 642...sold the 305's, prefer the 405's.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

My wife has J-Frames and has both types of CT Grips. There is a considerable size difference between the two models, relatively speaking. I have fairly large hands and with the smaller CT Grip my pinky finger can't get a purchase, on the larger Grips my pinky finger is able to hold the Grip proper.

After posting the above I went and took a quick photo showing the two different models on some J Frames for a side by side comparison.

 

[photoman]

Those two grips are going to "point" very different. You really need to try both before buying. My local gun shop has displays with both. Maybe you have the same where you live?

 

[Vaflash1950]

Great feedback guy's . . . thanks very much.

 

[frankw]

I use and like the CT LG-105 model. They are smaller and made of a hard polymer. They are great for pocket carry and I find they provide enough grip for accurate shooting.

They are less expensive but do not have an on/off switch which I have no need for anyway.

 

[chief38]

I shot a laser grip equipped handgun for the first time yesterday (a lightweight Kimber 3.5" bbl. 45 acp) and felt very uncomfortable with it. After firing a magazine full of ammo I reloaded and turned the laser off - used the regular sights and shot much better. They are not for me, but admittedly, I am an oil fart and don't like to change what has worked for me for 40 years.

chief38

 

[MotorCityGun]

I shot a laser grip equipped handgun for the first time yesterday (a lightweight Kimber 3.5" bbl. 45 acp) and felt very uncomfortable with it. After firing a magazine full of ammo I reloaded and turned the laser off - used the regular sights and shot much better. They are not for me, but admittedly, I am an oil fart and don't like to change what has worked for me for 40 years.

chief38

Chief, it's going to take more than 7 or 8 rounds to get accustomed/comfortable with a laser equipped pistol/gun. Not only will/should you be keeping both eyes open, but you will be focusing on the laser "dot" instead of the sights, and viewing in real time, just how unsteadily you are holding your pistol on target. However, with a bit more practice, switching from iron sights to laser pretty much becomes second nature.

 

[Vaflash1950]

Chief38 I've heard the same thing many times. Since I recently went to this J Frame, and with SD ammo in it is a handful (plus I have big hands) I need all the help I can get. I too am an old fart, but my old Mdl 19 was so much larger and easier to handle that this lightweight gun . . . I'm wondering if I should just get a bat in stead. Oh well, we will see if you can teach an old dog (me) new tricks, as I just ordered the LG 305 grips. Will post my thoughts.

 

[chief38]

I am sure that you guys are probably correct about the fact that if I practiced with it more I would become accustomed to it. It just takes me longer to get up to speed with all the fancy new laser technology.

I am not bragging, but I am a pretty fair shot with the iron sights, and at 57 I can still see fairly well; I only require glasses for reading and fine close up work.

chief38

 

[Vaflash1950]

When it gets right down to it Chief, if you aim and you hit it, you are good to go !!!

 

[oldtexan]

I have Crimson Trace LG-305 lasergrips on three j-frames, a pair of 642-2 and a 649-5. I use the 642s as pocket holster-carried backup to my IWB-carried auto. I have never found that the LG-305s interfere with drawing smoothly or quickly from my pockets. I like the grip angle that the 305 gives my j-frames; it seems similar to my Glock autos. I find that the long covered-backstrap 305 helps tame recoil with +P loads, compared to the OEM boot grips. YMMV.

Have never tried any of the other j-frame lasergrips so I can't make a comparison.

Here are my general thoughts on laser sights on handguns. IMO lasergrips are most useful under moderate to low light conditions, and are worthless in bright sunshine.

They are more useful, relatively speaking, on a gun with lousy hard-to-see can't-be-adjusted sights (like a j-frame) than on a gun with nice big square easy-to-see iron, white dot, or tritium sights.

I find that lasers are slower to pick up visually than a good set of white dot or tritium iron sights, assuming there is enough light to actually see the iron sights.

Lasers also can help folks who have presbyopia or other vision issues that make it difficult to focus on the front sight.

Adding a laser to a gun actually offers an additional training challenge compared to iron sights. They can make the gun easier and faster to shoot under certain conditions, but only if the user does the extra training to learn how to use them effectively, and to understand their capabilities and limitations.

 

[billj47]

642 with 405'S

I debated for awhile between 305's and 405's. I pocket carry and tried both.
I liked the extra length of the 305's but found the extra pad on the back strap on the 405's let me grip higher to absorb a little more recoil.

It took a little to get used to using the CT, but after a few hundred rounds,
50 at a session, I am very comfortable and more accurate.

For me it is more about trigger control than holding the aim point.

I really like them.

 

[Fletchman]

I am CT laser grip fan. I practice with my iron sights a majority of the time but check the laser grips to make sure they are zeroed. Its also a great tool to see how well your trigger control is. In low light conditions target aquisition so much quicker. If your laser is on, all you need to do is get that dot on the bad guy and squeeze. I have a set of grips on my 1911 and am saving my pennies to buy a set for my Model 66 2 1/2 inch barrel. I truly believe a set of laser grips give you an advantage over the guy that doesnt have them. I will take any advantage I can get as second place is not an option.

 

[SF180A]

I too am a CT fan and have them on my Caspian 1911, Colt Defender, and Beretta M9. I will be picking up a J-frame BUG to complement my Colt later this week. I am to am looking at the difference between the CT305 and CT405 and decide which one to go with . On another note I have also tried the LASER-MAX recoil spring guide on my 1911, but prefer the user friendly grip squeeze of CT.

Still new to this forum and appreciate the positive feedback.

Regards,
Brent

 

[Vaflash1950]

I bought the 305's and it was a good decision. The gun handles better than with any previous grips (big or small) and the laser system (once you get used to sighting in) is nice. Every little bit helps as far as I'm concerned. I am sure that I won't use 158 grain SDA too often as this little airweight is really a handful. Plenty of other options, so I may tone down the ammo a bit. Any suggestions, and again, thanks to all for the advise and feedback.