Matt40
Member
I'm a 40c Shield owner who's thinking about buying an M&P40c compact w/laser grips. Has anyone had a chance to shoot this gun? Do you think laser-sighting adds to accuracy?
Seeking Comments on Laser Grips
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OregonRandy
Member
IMHO, learn to shoot and forget the fancy toys. Spend the coin for the sight on ammo. In the dark the red light on the firearm tells the world exactly where you are and everyone now days knows that it is a gun sight and "You" have a gun. Then that red light is a really good target at night.
I am 65 and started shooting PPC then later IPSC and I feel that good skills are better than some gadget that if the battery goes dead leaves you hanging. I am sure the folks at Crimson Trace have all the answers to sell their sights, I had two one on my .45 and the other on a Model 19 and could not get a good grip on the gun with out turning on the sight and as I typed, to me the sight only needs to turned on a moment before you need it. Also they are so large that my small hands don't fit around a 1911 very well with them installed, and if your not careful with a two hand hold the laser lights up my right fingers.
My $.02 worth. To be truthful, it really depends on what makes "YOU" comfortable with and if you like it and gives you confidence and what some old fart writes on a forum is just free advice and you know what they say, advice is worth what you pay for it.
I am 65 and started shooting PPC then later IPSC and I feel that good skills are better than some gadget that if the battery goes dead leaves you hanging. I am sure the folks at Crimson Trace have all the answers to sell their sights, I had two one on my .45 and the other on a Model 19 and could not get a good grip on the gun with out turning on the sight and as I typed, to me the sight only needs to turned on a moment before you need it. Also they are so large that my small hands don't fit around a 1911 very well with them installed, and if your not careful with a two hand hold the laser lights up my right fingers.
My $.02 worth. To be truthful, it really depends on what makes "YOU" comfortable with and if you like it and gives you confidence and what some old fart writes on a forum is just free advice and you know what they say, advice is worth what you pay for it.
Lee in Quartzsite
Member
I have Crimson Trace lasers on all of my 3 carry guns, the oldest being 12 years old. Never had a problem with any of them. There are so many advantages to lasers that make them valuable, especially to those with less than perfect eyes.
Watch these videos, then decide:
http://www.crimsontrace.com/company/video-media-library/
Watch these videos, then decide:
http://www.crimsontrace.com/company/video-media-library/
scatter shot
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I've had a Shield 9MM with Crimson laser for about 2 years.
I think that there are several advantages of having the laser while training with the gun. I have two training exercises that involve the laser and IMO, makes me a better shooter with or without the laser
Both of these exercises I do on a regular basis at home.
1- Aimed, drying firing with the laser painted on target. The laser helps me see if I'm pulling the muzzle when the trigger is pulled. This exercise helped my identify and correct a problem with my grip early. It's still a useful exercise to this day.
2- Point and shoot training without sights. I can stand in the corner of my garage and pick and point at "targets". Then I activate the laser to see if I'm on target. Repetitive practice has absolutely helped me to accurately acquire the target without using the sights. I don't dry fire as much during this exercise, it's all about repetitive target acquisition.
When I'm at the range I cover the laser with tape and shoot 50 -75 rounds with the fixed sights. ( TruGlo TFO).
Then I'll pull the tape and shoot the last 10-25 rounds with the laser.
I see the use of a laser more as a tool instead of a crutch. It works for me. Your mileage may vary.
I think that there are several advantages of having the laser while training with the gun. I have two training exercises that involve the laser and IMO, makes me a better shooter with or without the laser
Both of these exercises I do on a regular basis at home.
1- Aimed, drying firing with the laser painted on target. The laser helps me see if I'm pulling the muzzle when the trigger is pulled. This exercise helped my identify and correct a problem with my grip early. It's still a useful exercise to this day.
2- Point and shoot training without sights. I can stand in the corner of my garage and pick and point at "targets". Then I activate the laser to see if I'm on target. Repetitive practice has absolutely helped me to accurately acquire the target without using the sights. I don't dry fire as much during this exercise, it's all about repetitive target acquisition.
When I'm at the range I cover the laser with tape and shoot 50 -75 rounds with the fixed sights. ( TruGlo TFO).
Then I'll pull the tape and shoot the last 10-25 rounds with the laser.
I see the use of a laser more as a tool instead of a crutch. It works for me. Your mileage may vary.
I put Crimson Trace grips on a couple of revolvers, but not (so far) on pistols. It is not easy to put tritium night sights on revolvers, so the laser is a valuable asset for a self defense or home defense weapon.
It is important to practice with iron sights. There's no substitute for that competency (batteries fail, lasers fall off). However my group size is cut in half using the laser. I can keep all my shots inside the black of a 50' slow fire target (3"), at rapid fire rates. On paper is good enough for SD.
For a pistol, I would suggest laser grips, or a rail-mounted (or trigger guard mounted) device with a grip switch. I wouldn't mess with the action using a guide rod laser or such. The offset doesn't matter for SD. If your sights are okay, line up the laser at 50' or more to avoid parallax errors and you're good to go. That done, I have not yet had to tune the aiming on the range.
It is important to practice with iron sights. There's no substitute for that competency (batteries fail, lasers fall off). However my group size is cut in half using the laser. I can keep all my shots inside the black of a 50' slow fire target (3"), at rapid fire rates. On paper is good enough for SD.
For a pistol, I would suggest laser grips, or a rail-mounted (or trigger guard mounted) device with a grip switch. I wouldn't mess with the action using a guide rod laser or such. The offset doesn't matter for SD. If your sights are okay, line up the laser at 50' or more to avoid parallax errors and you're good to go. That done, I have not yet had to tune the aiming on the range.
I have a full size 9 with the CT grip. I only complaint is that you no longer have the ability to change back straps. I don't know if the CT is offered in more than one size.
Motorsporting
Member
It's a love/hate thing for me. The lasers are very fast and adaptable to different situations. I do not like how the grips feel though. They compromise a high grip (I'm right handed and the laser housing pushes my trigger finger out/down from the pistol), they're "slippery" and the plastic around the rubber panels is sometimes sharp. I have them on my two main carry M&Ps. However, when I train or practice, the laser is usually off. Using sights appropriately is more important to general shooting, IMHO - the laser is easy.
Smokey74
US Veteran
I have a Shield 9mm and was debating about adding the trigger guard CT Laser to it. I think I'm going to just add Tru-Glo TFO sights. I have the TFO's on my Full Size M&P 9 and love them.
I'm planning to use the Shield 9 as my everyday carry and haven't had much luck finding holsters for it if I add the laser. So, to keep things simpler I might just stick with the Tru-Glo TFO's.
I'm planning to use the Shield 9 as my everyday carry and haven't had much luck finding holsters for it if I add the laser. So, to keep things simpler I might just stick with the Tru-Glo TFO's.
flint66
Member
I have the 40c I love it, I didn't care for the trigger had a apex trigger kit put in it and that made it my favorite. I want to put the crimson grip on it , I have to cut off the right side of the safety off to make it fit. Just saving my nickels until I can order it. I have the trigger guard type crimson trace on my kahr pm40, I love it , helps a lot on point and shoot exercises. I point at something then hit the laser and see how close I am.
kbm6893
Member
Laser GRIPS are great. They allow the same holsters and everything. Striker fired version are OK, but adding that tumor to the gun just turns me off.
But lasers are great. I shoot soda cans at 25 yards shooting from the hip with the grips on my 67-1. And I've done the same with my j frame grips and beretta 92 grips.
I just hate the tumor looking add one that change holster choices.
But lasers are great. I shoot soda cans at 25 yards shooting from the hip with the grips on my 67-1. And I've done the same with my j frame grips and beretta 92 grips.
I just hate the tumor looking add one that change holster choices.
OP
Matt40
Member
I'm Not Any Closer to a Decision Now
Thanks for the great inputs and advice. I'm still relatively new to pistols (at 70 yrs), so I think I will take the advice to practice more with what I have, and decide later if I want to go "green/red." My Shield works perfectly fine, but I shoot left and somewhat low at the range (about 200 rds so far). I'm working on my grip and trigger pull, and trying to pay more attention to the barrel sight (tritium).
Thanks again. I've learned a lot about pistols/ammo just by reading your posts and watching online videos. But, practice makes perfect.
Thanks for the great inputs and advice. I'm still relatively new to pistols (at 70 yrs), so I think I will take the advice to practice more with what I have, and decide later if I want to go "green/red." My Shield works perfectly fine, but I shoot left and somewhat low at the range (about 200 rds so far). I'm working on my grip and trigger pull, and trying to pay more attention to the barrel sight (tritium).
Thanks again. I've learned a lot about pistols/ammo just by reading your posts and watching online videos. But, practice makes perfect.
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