Crimson Laser grip on snubbie?

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Eric Larsen

New member
I ran across an SP101 with a Crimson grip...for a song. Its on the way..but wanted feedback. I have played with these at gun stores and seem to be very nice and functional. The trick with lasers is to not rely on them....practice with your sights often.

How many people think its a good product, idea, etc ...especially on a snubbie with a very short sight radius?

Shoot well
 
Tactical soundness aside, they are a quality product. I have a set on a ruger mk2 that I use in Hunter education and also for fun. That is the only handgun laser I have ( I do have visible and ir lasers on a rifle). I think with your intent of practicing with the sights you should be fine. It may not be worth the extra 250 to buy them for a snubbie but you said you got a great deal. I am sure you will not regret it.
 
I have a set I use on my J-frames. Mike is right that they do make good training aids, but I can see where they could be useful so I keep them. I like them.
 
A Crimson Trace laser grip on my 442 commands a lot of bragging rights. It is also how I exercise the cat without getting out of my chair. As far as practical use, the red dot is too dim to really use in direct sunlight. However at night, when you can't see the tiny sights on the J frame, they might be of some practical use. If you are a gadget fidget like most of the posters on this forum, go for it! However, someone above correctly surmised that they will not replace good traditional marksmanship training and proper form.
 
Here's my problem with these laser sights in my role as a lawyer. If it's dark enough to use the laser sights, then it is too dark to properly identify the threat. If it is light enough to identify the threat, then there's probably too much light to use the laser sights. If I have to use a flashlight to identify the threat, then I might as well use the open sights or employ point shooting.
 
Actually Stoic it doesn't need to be that dark. I can see the dot on a target at 7 yards during the day if there is some shade. I was shooting at a range in Guam and the range is cut out of the jungle. They are fully visible indoors as well with all the lights on.
 
I havent recieved my gun yet..but dropped by a local shop and tried it. The 1911 gripped "gun" was fine in bright sun light...I tried it on my truck, White Dodge and up to about 10 yds the beam is bright...also on red vehicles. As for point shooting..what better tool is there to learn with? Or use in an actual situation?
Shoot well
 
Some PD's use them as a deterrent. Only need to pull your gun out and the bad guy sees the laser dot glare from the diode and knows that the game is over. That alone, without even actually aiming the gun at someone can be a good deterrent. Also when used in memory point shooting it serves as a visual aid to confirm that you are aiming in the ballpark.
 
The Crimson Trace lasers are EXTREMELY bright. It's no problem seeing the dot on the target at 5 to 10 yards in bright light. I THINK that the CT lasers also pulse, which makes it even easier to pick up the dot.

I personally would go with night sights before I went with a laser.
 
I have a K40 and 3953 with nights, I swear by them. Nights for the SP101...I havent looked into and dont know if they are readily available. I will have to take a pic of my gun when I get it.
Shoot well
 
I've often thought about getting a set of these for various snubbies, not for the "dot in the dark" aspect, but as a training aid (like Mike and Jeff have talked about). Snubby j-frame and SP-101 sights could be a little more generous, and the pistols seem to me to be more difficult to shoot accurately than a full-size, due to the smaller grip frame (j-frame) or heavier trigger (SP). The laser could be a real benefit in target practice, because those things really jump around if you're not perfectly still. The j-frame is the gun I shoot least well (the only one that I can't consistently group into an inch at 30 feet), so it's the only one I'd consider buying laser grips for.

There are only two reasons I haven't bought them. First is price: I can always find something better to do with $188 (a good price for the laser grips). Second is the fact that . . . it's a snubby, it's for concealed use. Why put a bigger grip on than is absolutely necessary? I'm a guy who's sanded down the Uncle Mike's rubber boot grips on his 940 to make them fit his hand better - grip fit is really important when trying to shoot a jumpy 9x19 j-frame accurately. And grip size is important for pocket carry. And you should practice with the grip you're going to carry. I know CT has the two styles of j-frame grips, but they're both larger than the boot grips.

I think laser grips'd be great for training on a snubby, but I never have been able to convince myself to take the plunge.
 
For a J frame and a Carry gun...they make a grip that looks like its the way to go....check out the pic. Its a short as any grip I have ever seen on a J.............Shoot well
 

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While no substitute for knowing/practicing marksmanship fundamentals, I have been very impressed and pleased with Crimson Trace Laser grips. Once zeroed (unlike some others tested), they have held it very well.

Got one of each size for S&W J-frames, the smaller one installed on training guns (currently on model 317 in .22) and "overmolded" version on personal carry gun.

In my view (pun intended), most beneficial for those with "bifocal eyes". Also great for quick target acquisition from non-standard shooting positions. Not to sound like a commercial for CT, but I agree that because the front sight is essentially extended to the target, one can focus on the target (as in "threat") as opposed to the front sight.

But ... tactically, one must remember; they can be visible from both directions ... Larger model for J-frames does have master on/off switch. Smaller model does not. With familiarization, light can be deactivated by releasing pressure (on switch) of middle finger or covering with meaty part of index finger. I believe most models other than that mentioned above do have a master on/off switch.

I will be curious to hear your feedback after sufficient time to form your own opinions. Have fun with it.
 
Eric - A cut and paste here from another current thread("Mastering the j-Frame)

Have had (smaller of the two) Crimson Trace laser grips on both aluminum frame models mentioned above and found it to be a great tool for letting shooter see their "arc of movement", not to mention flinching errors and impact of recoil. Larger "overmolded" CT grip on Model 340 feels much better in my hand than factory or CT grip - and helps take much of the "sting" out.
 
Just thought any of you who arent familiar with a Crimson Laser grip would like to see it.....Shoot well
 

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I have a crimson trace on my SP101. I like it because now I have an 'adjustable site' on my non-adjustable site SP101. And I can always remove it if need be. I don't like the idea of taking a file to my front site to get it to hit at poa.

Sometimes you can find a dealer who has the crimson trace sites discounted, and combine it with a manufacturer rebate, and get the price down to something that is reasonable.
 
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