Who does Crimson Trace Repairs?

[epags]

I have an out of warranty Crimson Trace LaserGuard that has stopped working.
Contacted Crimson Trace and they replied that they no longer do repairs on out of warranty units and do not have a recommendation as to anyone who does repairs.
So, anyone on this site have a contact?
BTW: The YouTube videos are of no help.

 

[chicharrones]

I wish I had a suggestion.

Perhaps CT's warranty repair policy now is to simply replace a faulty unit?

 

[BTR-Bob]

Which model do you have? Does the laser illuminate at all?

 

[epags]

Which model do you have? Does the laser illuminate at all?

I think the problem is in the wire from the battery to the switch. Doggone thing is so tiny and compact I don't believe I have the skill to pry it apart and inspect it. suspect that is the problem that CT has also. Sort of fabricate it and if it fails toss it. I have one friend who takes on any challenge and I will give it to him with the caviat that if he can not fix it he can toss it.

 

[1942bull]

I had an under-warranty CT red laser go bad. I sent it in for repair. I pot a tiny mark on the laser. Surface plastic. The unit they sent back to me did not have that mark. I guess they just sent me a new one. I am not sure about that, but I think repairing them is more expensive for the CT than just replacing them.

 

[CopperClad]

epags, I own and run a electronics repair shop. I'd be willing to take a look at that, fix it if possible. Biggest issues are a lot of times the housings are glued together. So once disassembled it won't be quite the same again.

Anyhow if you're interested pm me.

 

[Zygodactyl]

It's a shame they wont stand by their product anymore. A few years ago my Dad had an out of warranty grip. He called them and they told him to ship it to them. They replaced it without charge.

 

[CopperClad]

It's a shame they wont stand by their product anymore. A few years ago my Dad had an out of warranty grip. He called them and they told him to ship it to them. They replaced it without charge.

Quite a lot of times these small devices are exchanged, not repaired. So when the manufacturer runs out of B-stock supplies it's over. I know this from the inside as a warranty provider for several large manufacturers, and from the outside as a customer.

 

[RevDerb]

You've checked with CT?

 

[RevDerb]

Sorry. Just reread your original post.

 

[CopperClad]

Well, this a interesting build. The internals are super glued to the CT chassis, solvents that would break the bond would permanently damage/destroy the housing and material for the flexible circuit boards. Trying to solder on the flexible board will damage it, using a heat rework gun on it would be a one shot possible repair (but unlikely) due to heat damaging the housing.

CT builds these to withstand the punishment of recoil and accidental exposure to solvent from cleaning.

That said, a careful cleaning to remove shot residue and flushing the switch with contact cleaner has restore some function. The IC chip under the laser at the muzzle end had accumulated shot residue/salts under/between several pins. This is causing the unit to only partially fire the laser [very dim], turn on slowly [.5 seconds from on to full output] or occasionally turn on fully.

Overall at this point the CT units performance is unacceptable for EDC or even occasional range use, I'd even hesitate to use it as a cat toy. As the cat would be frustrated as well.





Ed, Thank you for the chance to take one apart. I left you a VM, and will be returning the CT to you in tomorrows mail.

 

[epags]

Check your PMs. I will call tomorrow when it is convenient for you. CT felt bad enough to give me 50% of a new one.
Thanks for all for all your efforts.

 

[CopperClad]

A couple quick notes to highlight finding on the laser driver chips.

 

[epags]

As John Wayne would say; "A man's got to do what a man's got to do." Or something like that
Thanks again for looking into it.

 

[chicharrones]

A couple quick notes to highlight finding on the laser driver chips.

Interesting findings there.

I'm guessing that under the barrel laser is mounted close to the muzzle? I wonder how much longer the laser grip versions will last considering they are behind the muzzle a greater distance? https://www.crimsontrace.com/products/laser-sights/lasergrips/

 

[epags]

Interesting findings there.

I'm guessing that under the barrel laser is mounted close to the muzzle? I wonder how much longer the laser grip versions will last considering they are behind the muzzle a greater distance? https://www.crimsontrace.com/products/laser-sights/lasergrips/

As you can see for a Glock 36 there is not much room.

 

[CopperClad]

Interesting findings there.

I'm guessing that under the barrel laser is mounted close to the muzzle? I wonder how much longer the laser grip versions will last considering they are behind the muzzle a greater distance? https://www.crimsontrace.com/products/laser-sights/lasergrips/

I'd expect those to last longer. The biggest issue though would be keeping solvent runoff out of the unit. So for under barrel units like on the Glock I'd remove the CT before cleaning. On a grip style CT, probably hold the pistol by the grip with a towel/microfiber wrapped around it to absorb any runoff.

If you've got to flood it with solvent to clean the gun, removal of the CT [any] would be the best option for longevity.

Just for clarity: If I wanted a laser sight I'd have no reservation in buying a CT sight in any style.

 

[epags]

Cleaning solvent shouln't be an issue with a Glock.
The proper way to clean a Glock is to remove the barrel (easy to do) and clean it seperately. The rest only needs a combination of nylon brushing and rubbing with a dampened rag. Oiling of a Glock is a couple of very small drops about four places.
Don't forget they only offer a three warranty and this puppy had lasted more than twice as long.

 

[epags]

Laughting out loud: The d....n laser arrived today and whatevery you did and the USPS did the laser is operating at full power with only the lightest ot touch to the trigger.
You said: This is causing the unit to only partially fire the laser [very dim], turn on slowly [.5 seconds from on to full output] or occasionally turn on fully.
Now there is no hesitation and it is @ full power.
You may want to start the side business after all. Just let the cleaning/whatever work for a week then check again.

 

[CopperClad]

Laughting out loud: The d....n laser arrived today and whatevery you did and the USPS did the laser is operating at full power with only the lightest ot touch to the trigger.
You said: This is causing the unit to only partially fire the laser [very dim], turn on slowly [.5 seconds from on to full output] or occasionally turn on fully.
Now there is no hesitation and it is @ full power.
You may want to start the side business after all. Just let the cleaning/whatever work for a week then check again.

Let it earn your trust. It was doing that here.

 

[chicharrones]

Now that y'all mention this, it makes me wonder. I had a CT on my Taurus 85UL from 2008 or 2009 up until I got rid of the gun earlier this year.

There were a couple of years I didn't shoot or carry the gun, and after being left alone for so long, the laser had a hard time turning on even with fresh batteries.

Then I started checking the laser every day for a couple weeks. By me pressing the finger switch that often, the laser started working normally. Hmmm.

 

[Ramone]

Interesting findings there.

I'm guessing that under the barrel laser is mounted close to the muzzle? I wonder how much longer the laser grip versions will last considering they are behind the muzzle a greater distance? https://www.crimsontrace.com/products/laser-sights/lasergrips/

Mine just gave up the ghost after 12 years on my alternate EDC, a full size stainless 1911, carried in the Marine Environment for it's whole life ( I work on boats, and live about 3 blocks from the bay). I haven't tried anything beyond changing the batteries, though I might try a few things before giving up on it ( I'm a good electronics field technician, but bench work isn't my strong point).

If I do replace it, I will give CT a call and try for a discount ( nothing ventured, nothing gained), but really, it owes me nothing.

 

[epags]

it's perfectly ok to own a pistol that is not a Model of 1911 in .45ACP... but to own more than one pistol, none of which is a model of 1911 in .45ACP is just wrong. .

Getting slightly off track re. this thread> I agree with your quote! I had 2 Colt 1911 (Model 70 series). Sold one Colt recenty for twice what I had in it. I am keeping the second as it is my favorate target shooting pistol. The Glock Model 36 (45ACP) is my CCW since it is lighter and easier to conceal. I am older than dirt and somewhat pear shaped making it difficult to conceal a large firearm.