bigtexan99
Inactive
I'd like a laser for my pistol but the crimson trace stuff is just to expensive.
Are there any other brands out there that sell for less?
Are there any other brands out there that sell for less?
any low cost alternative to crimson trace?
- Thread starter bigtexan99
- Start date
warningshot
New member
Yes there is.
Go to your junk drawer and find a gizmo you can attach to your gun to make it look cool. And has you are looking cool with all the money you save you can learn to shoot with iron sights. Just tell everyone that you need a new battery.
Go to your junk drawer and find a gizmo you can attach to your gun to make it look cool. And has you are looking cool with all the money you save you can learn to shoot with iron sights. Just tell everyone that you need a new battery.
The other quality brands are just as pricey, if you go cheap you will regret it.
Your iron sights will always be a backup (I'm not saying you don't know how to use them, but make sure you stay proficient with them). Also, lasers do not replace the fundamentals of marksmanship.
So, in answer to your question, quality will cost money, and a cheap laser will just leave you wanting.
Your iron sights will always be a backup (I'm not saying you don't know how to use them, but make sure you stay proficient with them). Also, lasers do not replace the fundamentals of marksmanship.
So, in answer to your question, quality will cost money, and a cheap laser will just leave you wanting.
azredhawk44
Moderator
I don't know how they pulled it off, but Crimson Trace actually patented the concept of a projected laser aiming dot that was actuated by the grip tension of the shooting hand. It is now a patent violation to build anything similar.
About as sensible as allowing a patent on the trigger itself, but whatever.
IBM originally had a patent on the computer cursor character, so I guess Crimson Trace can have a patent on the shoot-hand actuated laser. Not that IBM ever enforced that patent.
Short answer: no one can make one.
About as sensible as allowing a patent on the trigger itself, but whatever.
IBM originally had a patent on the computer cursor character, so I guess Crimson Trace can have a patent on the shoot-hand actuated laser. Not that IBM ever enforced that patent.
Short answer: no one can make one.
Rich Miranda
New member
This happens more than we know. Think something up, patent it, then when someone actually designs and builds a real, WORKING version, sue them for all they've got. It's holding technology hostage.
Another question: what if the laser has to be turned on and off manually? I realize it kills the practicality of it, but is it still patent infringement?
spclPatrolGroup
New member
You should say what kind of pistol you have, there are options that mount to the rails that may be more affordable. I dont know why people look down on lasers, why wouldnt you want one more advantage over iron sights, of course you cant allways count on them, it could be too bright, or the battery could be wore down, but I will take any advantage I can get.
Delaware_Dan
New member
Save your pennies and buy quality once.
I believe these types of situations happen more often because the creator is unsuccessful in bringing the product to market, or even securing proper funding to do so, than because of any sort of squatting.
I don't think we can say that Crimson Trace is "holding technology hostage" in this way, inasmuch as they are actually producing the product; real, working versions…a lot of real, working versions.
They won the patent race, they get the rights, if they can defend them, until those patents expire. Oh, well. Until that day, it seems they will continue have the best stuff. They will also continue to charge a lot of money for their products. It's called "making hay while the sun shines." They know very well that when their patent protection expires, their prices will be cut in half, at least.
By the way, has anyone seen a recent update of their patent suit against LaserMax? Latest article I'm finding on it is from last March.
Some of you miss the point of lasers.
I challenge you guys who have never had
one to try it out.
Then you will see how helpless you were
in the dark.
It takes Supper Man to see iron sights in
the dark.
I have been shooting iron sights for over
50 years.
Do you think I need more practice? (NOT)
If you don't try them, just hope you don't
meet a BG that's got one in the dark. You
will be the one at a disadvantage.
You don't have to spend the bank to get
one.
I got this laser/flashlight at a gun show for
$80. It has opened my eyes to safer trips
to see what that noise was outside,
The controls are simple and easy to access.
None of that awkward pressure switch stuff,
It is more than a small advantage.
I can adjust the laser in the house without
shooting a shot.
It stays on target even after I take it off
and put it back on. (which is easy)
It's the 21st century guys, and this is old hat,
Tabdog
I challenge you guys who have never had
one to try it out.
Then you will see how helpless you were
in the dark.
It takes Supper Man to see iron sights in
the dark.
I have been shooting iron sights for over
50 years.
Do you think I need more practice? (NOT)
If you don't try them, just hope you don't
meet a BG that's got one in the dark. You
will be the one at a disadvantage.
You don't have to spend the bank to get
one.
I got this laser/flashlight at a gun show for
$80. It has opened my eyes to safer trips
to see what that noise was outside,
The controls are simple and easy to access.
None of that awkward pressure switch stuff,
It is more than a small advantage.
I can adjust the laser in the house without
shooting a shot.
It stays on target even after I take it off
and put it back on. (which is easy)
It's the 21st century guys, and this is old hat,
Tabdog
Magnum Wheel Man
New member
Gimicks gadgets & gizmos... these aren't new... I've already dumped a bunch of money into electronics, only to have it for 10 years & realize how foolishly I spent the money...
I have 5 or 6 lasers & a couple "tac lights ) on guns I outfitted in the Clinton era ( ya... I'm an old fart ) do they even use the term "day light laser" any more ??? I think I dumped a couple of grand back then, into units that aren't any more powerfull than the 99 cent toys you buy in the check out line at any corner convience store today... some of this stuff you can't even get batterys for any more... Tritium sights... yep... old ones look like glow in the dark paint at best...
I've gone fiber optic now, at least if I store a gun for emergency use, 10 years later, it'll still work... no batterys no spent radio active to wear out... found I shoot better if I just use the sights... I guess it's fair... I already spent my money, so you guys can have todays gadgets... you might as well buy them so the kids can have cool toys 10 years from now
I have 5 or 6 lasers & a couple "tac lights ) on guns I outfitted in the Clinton era ( ya... I'm an old fart ) do they even use the term "day light laser" any more ??? I think I dumped a couple of grand back then, into units that aren't any more powerfull than the 99 cent toys you buy in the check out line at any corner convience store today... some of this stuff you can't even get batterys for any more... Tritium sights... yep... old ones look like glow in the dark paint at best...
I've gone fiber optic now, at least if I store a gun for emergency use, 10 years later, it'll still work... no batterys no spent radio active to wear out... found I shoot better if I just use the sights... I guess it's fair... I already spent my money, so you guys can have todays gadgets... you might as well buy them so the kids can have cool toys 10 years from now
Delaware_Dan
New member
It's called night sights.
Wow, thousands of dollars and nothing.
Amazing!
Mine is way more powerful than a kids laser.
The flash light is brighter and more focused
than any other flashlight in my house.
I do have brighter 500,000 something or other
out in my shed. Those are hard to keep ready.
The batteries are more expensive,,,,,, but are
common batteries that have been around over
a decade.
The batteries have a long shelf life. The (gadget)
is not a toy I play with.
I didn't buy it to play with. It sucks as a toy.
It is hardly used. Just checked.
I would never dream of trusting guns that have
not been properly maintained. The laser is just
part of my nightstand weapon.
I keep it ready.
If it stays unused, I don't trust it. As a matter of
fact, it will be packed with oil as recommended by
experts.
I have bought a set of batteries just encase, but
the batteries that came with it have lasted a long
time and are still strong.
It just does not get used.
It is easy to use. It requires little or no practice.
Not as long as you know your gun.
$80 is all I am out.
This gizmo is a life saver in my yard when it's dark.
Tabdog
Amazing!
Mine is way more powerful than a kids laser.
The flash light is brighter and more focused
than any other flashlight in my house.
I do have brighter 500,000 something or other
out in my shed. Those are hard to keep ready.
The batteries are more expensive,,,,,, but are
common batteries that have been around over
a decade.
The batteries have a long shelf life. The (gadget)
is not a toy I play with.
I didn't buy it to play with. It sucks as a toy.
It is hardly used. Just checked.
I would never dream of trusting guns that have
not been properly maintained. The laser is just
part of my nightstand weapon.
I keep it ready.
If it stays unused, I don't trust it. As a matter of
fact, it will be packed with oil as recommended by
experts.
I have bought a set of batteries just encase, but
the batteries that came with it have lasted a long
time and are still strong.
It just does not get used.
It is easy to use. It requires little or no practice.
Not as long as you know your gun.
$80 is all I am out.
This gizmo is a life saver in my yard when it's dark.
Tabdog
I know what night sights are.
But, if you will read, they were all saying iron sights.
You stated the obvious.
Try standing behind a tree and shooting from one side and
aiming from the other.
A laser is just a good tool to save your life.
It can do things night sights can not.
Just don't think of it as a toy, (it is not) then you'll have a tool.
I think about logistics, not just stocking a cannon.
I have a home with a large yard. The laser is the only thing I have
that approaches my 12 gauge pump as a good choice.
It ain't as powerful, but it is sure quick, accurate and effective.
Tabdog
But, if you will read, they were all saying iron sights.
You stated the obvious.
Try standing behind a tree and shooting from one side and
aiming from the other.
A laser is just a good tool to save your life.
It can do things night sights can not.
Just don't think of it as a toy, (it is not) then you'll have a tool.
I think about logistics, not just stocking a cannon.
I have a home with a large yard. The laser is the only thing I have
that approaches my 12 gauge pump as a good choice.
It ain't as powerful, but it is sure quick, accurate and effective.
Tabdog
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Delaware_Dan
New member
No thanks, I'll stick to night sights or a quality laser product.
Before this thread turns sour enough to get closed, I have an answer to the original question. No, there is no cheaper laser sight which has these features:
a. Instant, instinctive on/off.
b. Easily adjustable, stable zero.
c. Little/no effect on holster choice.
d. Superb customer service.
I have Crimson Trace laser grips on three handguns. I would not buy a handgun if Crimson Trace did not make a set of grips for it. I am not a shill for Crimson Trace, just a very satisfied customer who has been shooting for more decades than most of the readers of this have been alive. So there!
Cordially, Jack
a. Instant, instinctive on/off.
b. Easily adjustable, stable zero.
c. Little/no effect on holster choice.
d. Superb customer service.
I have Crimson Trace laser grips on three handguns. I would not buy a handgun if Crimson Trace did not make a set of grips for it. I am not a shill for Crimson Trace, just a very satisfied customer who has been shooting for more decades than most of the readers of this have been alive. So there!
Cordially, Jack
orionengnr
New member
I only own one pistol with Crimson Trace laser on it (3" 1911 that I only carry occasionally).
Yes, they are pricey, but they are also compact, adjustable and effective.
I'll tell you how mine gets the most use. Once or twice a month, I take it out of the safe, triple check it unloaded, then look across the room at something. Door knob, light switch, electrical outlet. Something small. Both eyes open, quickly bring the gun up to the "point-shooting" position (not using the iron sights, just point the pistol at the "target"...then press the laser actuator button, and see how close you were initially.
I am always amazed to find out how accurate my point-shooting muscle memory is, and the laser re-inforces that. First try, I might be off by an inch or three. Within three reps, I am right on the money. I'll do it a half dozen times, and put it away. All of my autopistols have the same grip angle and similar ergos, so this translates pretty well from one to the next.
I sure could use one to put on one of my revolvers...pretty sure it would be just as useful.
Are you listening, Santa?
P.S.: I would never hang that big honkin' light/laser thing (post #10) under my barrel...but that's just me. I don't have a dedicated "nightstand gun". Whatever I carried today sleeps next to me at night.
Yes, they are pricey, but they are also compact, adjustable and effective.
I'll tell you how mine gets the most use. Once or twice a month, I take it out of the safe, triple check it unloaded, then look across the room at something. Door knob, light switch, electrical outlet. Something small. Both eyes open, quickly bring the gun up to the "point-shooting" position (not using the iron sights, just point the pistol at the "target"...then press the laser actuator button, and see how close you were initially.
I am always amazed to find out how accurate my point-shooting muscle memory is, and the laser re-inforces that. First try, I might be off by an inch or three. Within three reps, I am right on the money. I'll do it a half dozen times, and put it away. All of my autopistols have the same grip angle and similar ergos, so this translates pretty well from one to the next.
I sure could use one to put on one of my revolvers...pretty sure it would be just as useful.
Are you listening, Santa?
P.S.: I would never hang that big honkin' light/laser thing (post #10) under my barrel...but that's just me. I don't have a dedicated "nightstand gun". Whatever I carried today sleeps next to me at night.
flyinpolack
New member
sadly
Theres only 1 problem with this line of thought.
Patents aren't really safe anymore.
China doesn't honor our patent laws, & that's where everything is made nowadays..:barf:
Theres only 1 problem with this line of thought.
Patents aren't really safe anymore.
China doesn't honor our patent laws, & that's where everything is made nowadays..:barf:
orionengnr
New member
I have yet to see a Chinese "Climson Tlace Raser"