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There is a growing popularity in lasers sights for concealed carry handguns as design and technology improve with each unit. Putting a laser sight on a concealed carry is often controversial among those who are proponents of everyday concealed carry. You will find an array of reasons from not finding the right holster to accommodate the attached laser, to visibility concerns to not wanting to rely on the battery operated unit or mechanics of the laser. Ultimately there are more pros than cons to having the option of a laser sight mounted on a concealed carry.
There is no doubt that a shooter will have improved accuracy with a properly installed and sighted-in laser sight on their preferred handgun. I found that my accuracy improved about 30-40%; which gave me an entirely different level of confidence. Quickly acquiring a target and receiving feedback of the visible laser on that intended target can immediately disperse a situation because the intended target is also well aware that they are locked in at the business end of your handgun.
In situations where you are in low light, it is often difficult to keep your sights in proper alignment and on the intended target. With a laser sight, during a situation that your shooting accuracy may be diminished, your instincts to line up your sights and aim at the target is verified by that laser dot on your intended target. This is also an advantage when your adrenaline is pumping in an intense life-threatening situation that may be quickly unfolding and chaotic. It is much easier to keep that emitted laser on a moving target as it advances you or others around you.
Being a strong proponent of daily concealed carry, I have opted to place Crimson Trace laser sights on both my Glock 26 and my Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm. My decision was based on some pretty solid information that I discovered while researching these products: increased protection, improved accuracy, heightened confidence and the de-escalation of a potentially deadly situation by perpetrator awareness.
Each of my handguns required a different style Crimson Trace laser: the Glock required a LaserGrip and the S&W required a LaserGuard. Both models, the LaserGrip LG-626 and LaserGuard LG-489G-HBT, are designed with “instinctive activation,” activating the laser beam when the normal firing grip of the handgun is properly held. The beam is deactivated when the firearm is holstered or the grip is released. This is beneficial to battery life; no button to turn on or off, holster it and it is off. Instinctive activation assists shooters in a quicker acquired target and in turn allow for more confidence in protection with a personal defense firearm in all situations.
I decided to go with the red laser on the LaserGrip and the green laser on the LaserGuard. A red laser is going to be superior in low light conditions and a green laser is going to be superior in conditions where there is more natural light or higher ambient light. Green lasers are also as effective in low light with a brighter consistent beam, which has been proven easier for the human eye to see. The only drawback, the green laser drains batteries quicker. The beam emitted from Crimson Trace laser sights is Class 3R, the brightest laser beam allowed by law.
Installation and sighting-in of the LaserGrip and LaserGuard were extremely easy and quick. Not having any experience with handgun sights, this task did not require a gun shop or a professional for installation and required no modification of the handgun. I was able to follow the easy installation instructions that were included in the box and was able to sight them at the range, adjusting the user-adjustable windage and elevation with minimal effort. There are step-by-step installation videos for each model on the Crimson Trace website.
All Crimson Trace laser sights are factory-sighted at fifty feet and are fully user adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing you to sight in for your specific ammo and preferred distance preference. Of course, with all the pros of adding a laser sight to a handgun, it should never be used as a crutch or substitute for familiarization and practicing for accuracy with a firearm. Depending on the laser sight for correct form and shooting accuracy cannot replace proper basic marksmanship.
In the past, the use of holster styles that could accommodate a handgun with attached laser sights was very limited with concealed carry. There is a rise in the number of holster companies that are now designing inner/outer waistband, pocket, and universal holsters to accommodate handguns equipped with lasers sights and tactical light products. The LaserGuard LG-489G-HBT came with a Blade Tech IWB Holster that accommodates the S&W Shield with LaserGuard like a glove. The Blade Tech IWB is extremely durable and is easily customizable for left or right-handed shooters. The holster has a convenient adjustable clip that can be used on a belt, waistband or inside a purse, bag or backpack.
Crimson Trace offers a selection of laser sights for various models and styles of guns with varying platforms. When you register a Crimson Trace product, the company offers a “Free Batteries For Life” program for nearly all of its products. Crimson Trace products offer a 30-day guarantee and a full 3-year warranty for all current models.
If you chose to carry a laser-equipped conceal carry handgun, you can trust in the durability, quality, and reputation of Crimson Trace Laser Sights.
Endorsement Disclosure: Per the guidelines of the Federal Trade Commission, the products reviewed or mentioned within this writing is an endorsement and the writer may or may not have been compensated by “in-kind” payment to review the product. Logos and photos are the sole property of the rightful owner and used within this writing solely for the promotion of products herein as requested by the product’s manufacturer or in efforts of product exposure for the manufacturers.
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