Need feedback on Crimson Trace grips on J-frame S&W revolvers

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Preacherman

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Hi, folks. I'm considering the Crimson Trace LG-205 grip for my S&W 442 and 642 revolvers. It looks like this:


lg-205b.jpg



This is the smaller of their two models for J-frames (the larger is pictured in the background). I have a couple of questions for those who've used them:

1. This model has no on/off switch, being permanently ready-to-go. If carried in a pocket, what's the likelihood of the activating button being depressed while in the pocket, and burning up the batteries?

2. What's the battery life like?

3. How well does it handle recoil, especially with +P defensive loads?

Any feedback will be very helpful. Thanks!
 
I have one on my Sp101 3†which I frequently carry with the switch on in a smartcarry holster which is similar to a pocket. I don’t think it will be a prob for you. It works great with the .357 and .38 ammo I use. I’ve had mine about 2 yrs now and the batteries are still going strong. In fact I just replaced the batteries on a laser that I have on my shotgun and those were on it for at least 7-8 years before the lasers brightness started to dim. I plan on getting another set of the CT’s when my 642 comes in on order later this week. :cool:
 
I have the exact same model on my M60 .357.

1. The switch does not seem to self actuate in pocket carry. I would worry about it if you Mexican carry though.

2. I guess it sounds too obvious to say that it depends how often you use it, but that’s the truth. I’ve replaced mine a couple times in the 5 or 6 years that I’ve had them. It’s safe to say though, that battery life is NOT a problem.

3. They manage recoil as good as any “boot†style grips. Your pinky will have to curl underneath, but they have the area behind the trigger filled in and are fairly wide. .357’s are not painful in my gun, in fact I find them fun…many don’t.
 
I have the short model on my 642 and my wife has the longer model...

..on her Taurus 85 "Multi-Alloy". The master switch on the bottom of hers is nice, however I've never had a problem with my shorter grips turning on the laser accidentally. I've carried my 642 in my pocket, in a hip holster, ankle holster, and a shoulder holster. As for batteries, I just don't know. I've never had to replace mine. I've had to practice a LOT too. It takes PRACTICE to keep that little red dot on the target with a Centennial model. There are small "cut-outs" on the inside of the left grip for a set of spare batteries and those TINY allen wrenches. (In case you need to adjust the dot a little.) I snuck out in my back yard at night and pointed that little laser at a neighbor's garage. It showed up brightly at a range of 150 to 200 yards on the back of that garage. Amazing. I like the Crimson Trace grips MUCH more than those "pulsating" lasers. (Lasermax, I think.)

KR
 
I have CT grips on my SP-101 .. love em!!! Grip compounds do seem to vary across the selection they offer ...... mine are a hard plastic type and very good for not snagging on clothing .... and for me, plenty OK with hot loads. Seems to hold my sight settings very well now set up - even if grips removed and replaced.

The on/off switch is I think almost an incidental ... I have one but it is on all time ..... and nothing much I have done or tried has actuated the ''action'' press switch other than when needed - no probs there. CT says batt life approx 3-5 years IIRC ... and I'd reckon this is close ... someone here did post I think a ways back about 3 years for theirs .. anyways ... a routine check of batt's on a meter will soon tell whether voltage dropped too low or not.

I am ordering another set for N frame .. tho seems they are on back order .... but want to fit these to a M28-2 ... which will upgrade my carry potential when winter clothing allows. Getting these from same place as last set .. prices seem pretty good ... give or take the odd Dollar.

http://www.impactguns.com

Not sure if the J frame grips are like mine or a hard rubber .... but I think if you get them .... you will be well pleased ...... they are IMO the best laser grips out there, tho awful pricey"!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Edit to add .... Peter .. this was the thread I did after mine arrived ........ might be some extra stuff there of interest to you .....

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?threadid=50542
 
CTC grips

I've had CTC laser grips on my S/W model 638 for several years and I am completely satisfied with them. I have the smaller version and have never had a problem with accidental activation. I have replaced the batterys once just because.. The old ones were still good, but I felt after a couple of years it was cheap insurance. I think having these grips on my little 5 shooter really enhances it's value as a personal defence weapon. I'm convinced having the ability to put the "red dot" on the "threats" chest can oftentimes change his/her mind about attempting bad things. If the "threat" is zonked out on drugs and pays no attention to the little red dot then you will be quite pleased when you find out the money you spent on the CTC grips just paid for themselves. You ONLY have 5 chances to hit the target so anything that helps you do that is well worth the money.... IMO if you are going to use a J-frame Smith for self defense you NEED these laser grips.
 
I have CT's on my 442 (& HP & Colt Auto), & I just bought another set for my new 637. Read all the threads on the Crimson Trace Forum site. All the possible problems are aired there - as well as the manufacturer comments and solutions. There are lots of GOOD reports there (including mine).
 
There's a promotion going on in the Blue Press. If you buy a set of CT grips from Dillon Precision before Jan. 31, they will give you free batteries for life. Up to 2 sets of batteries per year. Act fast, only a few days left on that promotion.
 
CT grips

Preacherman,

I had a set of the 205's for about 4 years. They worked fine and I never had a problem with them being affected by recoil. I had them on both a Smith 649 & a 340.

I eventually upgraded to the 305's (?) which are the overmoulded type.
They fit my hand better, absorb recoil better, and are only about 1/4" longer than the originals.

I never carry w/o a holster and I've never had a problem with the laser staying on. The new ones have a switch which I leave "on" all the time,

John
 
Got both types, small one on 317 (.22 for training purposes) and overmoulded on 340 (.357 for personal "always").

Agree with others on battery life/unintentional activation not being a problem. In fact, I've had some novices have a problem initially getting a grip that WILL activate laser on smaller model.

I've tried the smaller model on some other j-frame training guns in the 15-ounce class and found the harder (than even factory boot grips) plastic grips are not conducive to managing recoil "bite", especially with +Ps.

But, IMO, the overmoulded grip is a totally different animal. It is considerably larger, of semi-hard rubber - and covers the backstrap. Not as easily concealable as 205, but to me anyway, well worth the trade-off - and extra $ to be able to have better "control" with +Ps and/or .357s.

You have of course seen numerous posts regarding the "ultra-lights" being too viscious recoil-wise for most people. I generally agree with factory grips or with the CT205. But, I think many of those opinions might be swayed if ever an opportunity to shoot such outfitted with the 305 ...

Either way, I think you'll be pleased with a CT laser. Great for older eyes. :D
 
Peter...

I just remembered a couple of times I accidentally activated the laser. It happened when I was re-loading the cylinder and I pressed the button. I just started taking my hand off the grips..problem solved.

Will
 
I'm thinking about buying another set of C-T laser grips....

I keep a model 331 J-frame on my ankle in addition to whatever is on my hip. Slim & slick walnut grips. Somewhere in another secton of the forum, another member made a good argument. If you're down and wounded, you just might not be able to aim well. Here's where that bright red dot would be very handy. Pull the ankle-gun, put the red dot COM on the bad guy, and pull the trigger. Good points.

KR
 
PX15

"I'm convinced having the ability to put the "red dot" on the "threats" chest can oftentimes change his/her mind"..

Your attacker would have to be a woman with boobs (sorry, Mr Moderator) as big as watermelons, to see the red dot on own chest. Other than that remark, I like those things and hope they will make them for Detective Specials.

Bart Noir
 
Have someone take a lazer pointer and project it on your chest. Look down. You'll see it.

Now if the BG is so intent on doing you bodily harm that he doesn't notice that bright red dot on the side of your gun is also dancing on his anatomy, then just "paint" his face with it for a moment. That's guaranteed to get their attention.

Once you have his piqued his interest you can negotiate his surrender or demise as he sees fit.
 
Also noticed Bear ...... there is something like at least a 5º acceptance angle when viewing the grips from the front ..... so while not getting the full laser beam in the eye ... it sure shows up as a very bright source on the gun ..... quite a useful ''disincentive'' one might hope!

Am looking forward to getting and fitting a set next to the M28-2 ..... that will I think make as good or even better a combination as the grips on the SP-101. Same benefits, but a ''bit more gun''!:p
 
Let me know how that works. Maybe I'll try a set on my 28 or 57. I do like my wood grips, and can't stand Pachmayrs on anything except J or D frames, but the CT may be a possibility.
 
CT

I have them on my 642 carry piece, and my wife now insists on having them on her purse gun, a Centennial. That will be her birthday present.

I got the larger grip, as I have difficulty getting a secure grasp on the boot grip.

I love mine, and find that I can consistently shoot faster and more accurately from the close retention position than I could without them from Weaver with a hard focus on the front sight. but that's just me.

No battgery problems, but it took me several ours to get the weapon sighted in properly. Of course I am kind of slow.

God bless and y'all be careful out there.:cool:
 
I don't believe that I will be using the laser spot as a "deterrent". I just can't accept the complex legal interpretations that might result.

If the BG is not making a lethal threat to me, he could certainly take the appearance of a laser spot on him as being a lethal threat from me; and legitimately react in self-defense by pulling his own gun & shooting at me. If he somehow survives, he can claim that he had no intent to harm me - - until he saw the spot.

If the BG is making a lethal threat to me, I should be shooting, not deterring.

Thinking of the spot as a deterrent is a mistake that may delay my shot..... allowing the transferrence of legal blame from him to me. LEO's or military might be able to use the spot for deterrence, civilians would seem to be at risk in doing so.
 
If the BG is not making a lethal threat to me, he could certainly take the appearance of a laser spot on him as being a lethal threat from me...
Click to expand...
:scrutiny: If there is no threat then why in the hell would you be pointing a gun at anyone? :scrutiny:
...and legitimately react in self-defense by pulling his own gun & shooting at me.
Click to expand...
:rolleyes: Are your reactions really that slow? :rolleyes:
 
blues bear: That's exactly my point! I will not wait for a BG to "recognize" that my spot is on him. If I've recognized a sufficient threat to be pointing, I'm immediately shooting !!

Your mileage may vary.
 
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