CRIMSON

I have received the latest weapon mounted laser sight from Crimson Trace Corporation via their local dealer, Wateree Arms located in Hopkins, South Carolina. Crimson Trace recently introduced the first of their G-series laser sights starting with a model for the full size Glock model 17, 22, 24, 31, 35 and 37 pistols. Having used laser sights for years I welcomed the opportunity to test drive this laser for quality, fit, function and practical use.

Upon receiving the laser I found it to be nicely packaged, to include a gun wipe cloth used as padding inside of the box. Crimson Trace included every thing needed to install the laser including their version of the Glock armors tool. They also include cleaning swabs and a wrench for zeroing.

Following the provided directions, the laser is easily installed on the weapon. It simply calls for removal of the trigger housing pin located on the back of the grip. The laser then snaps onto the back strap portion of the weapon and is secured via a provided replacement trigger housing pin. Crimson Trace provided two different diameter pins to accommodate varying pin hole sizes. The batteries are housed on each side of the grip and the laser protrudes from the right side of the weapon, at the junction of the slide and receiver. It is activated by a pressure switch located on the back strap portion that works with normal grip pressure. It emits a bright steady burning ruby red laser beam down the right side of the weapon to the target. The sight is factory zeroed at fifty feet.

After installing the laser on my well used Glock 22, my next concern was with holster fit. While working uniform patrol I use a Safariland 6280 rotating hood holster designed to hold the Glock 22 with a weapon mounted light. I immediately found that the laser protruded just enough to prevent the weapon from fitting completely into the holster. A slight modification of cutting away a small amount of material from the top of the holster resulted in a nice fit. During tactical operations I use a similar Safariland 6004 thigh holster. Two minutes later and a small notch of plastic removed, the weapon again fit.

Once I was convinced I could use the laser with my duty holster, I checked the fit of my other holsters. I found it to fit most open top duty and concealment holsters. However, those with a retaining strap over the back of the slide would not accommodate the laser. I was not ready to cut on my expensive leather holsters.

Armed with knowledge of the laser installation and fit, it was time to obtain permission to install it on my department issued Glock. Given that it required no internal modification and would work duty holsters our Police Chief approved its use with a few simple conditions. First let the department armor install the laser. Second, secure the remaining Glock trigger hosing pin so that it could be located when needed. Our department armor resolved both issued in a few minutes.

With the laser installed on my duty gun it was time to test it. Starting with dry firing practice at home the laser proved to be impressive. It was easily activated by grip pressure alone and did not require any additional steps. The laser emitted a beam approximately 3/4 “off center of the bore to the right and ¾” below bore. Therefore, it can not be perfectly zeroed and every distance. Crimson Trace states in the manual that it is factory zeroed at fifty feet. This proved to be the consistent as I have also found to be the case with the companies other models. This ¾” difference of sight alignment makes little difference from 0 to 25 yards. If you think it does, make a trip to the range and witness the shooting skills of the average shooter, police officers included. You can also ask the guy that got shot 3/4” from the center of his chest; he probably will not answer back.

Regardless of the sight alignment issue, the beam location does pose a slight problem. The location lends itself to being easily blocked by trigger the finger when the finger is placed on the side of the weapon. The shooter must position the trigger finger lower on the side of the weapon, closer to the trigger guard. This is a slight disadvantage since in prevents the exaggerated placement of the trigger finger away from the trigger guard. This was not an issue for me since I was also using a weapon mounted light. I rest my trigger finger on the light switch. However, this possible safety issue could be overcome with training and practice.

The Crimson Trace laser equipped Glock felt natural in my hand from the first draw. The battery housing area widened the grip slightly on each side but the laser fit nicely in the palm area of both hands. For shooters with smaller hands that already have a difficult time with the Glock grip size, this system may compound the problem. The laser also works well for left handed shooting. If the left handed shooter points both thumbs toward the target they will not block the laser. The laser is also switched on with the strong hand grip regardless which hand is used. This instant on type switch will make the laser an excellent training tool for point shooting. It will allow the instructor to easily see the sight alignment. Just add proper trigger control, grip and stance.

With the Crimson Trace G-series Laser installed on my duty weapon it was time for a trip to the range. Using metal targets of varying size and colors I tested the laser during daylight, dusk and darkness. In bright sunny conditions the laser sight was less useful. The beam is more difficult to see and it took about the same amount of time to acquire as conventional sights. During low and no light conditions the laser was remarkable. The beam is easily seen at any reasonable handgun distance. When smoke, dust or fog is added to the scenario, the laser adds another benefit as it penetrates well and becomes visible. This allows others to see the line of fire and serves as a warning to prevent cross fire situations.

During range test the laser performed well and did not interfere with the with the weapon’s operation. The beam came on and remained on with normal grip pressure. This enables it to be used for point shooting. Being able to look at the target and see the beam the shooter is able to acquire the target in half the time of using conventional sights. This allowed for a fast and accurate point shooting style while engaging multiple targets on the move. The shooter is able to focus on the target rather than the sights, thus adding a margin of safety.

I have used other brands of laser sights for years and realized the suspect intimidation factor early on. I have had numerous occasions where multiple officers had a suspect at gunpoint and the suspect would not follow commands. Upon activation of the laser, the suspect would look down and see the light. Realizing his impending doom he would drop to the ground. In the case of high risk traffic stops the beam can also be aimed through the rear window and onto the cars dash prior to being pointed at the suspect. This allows the suspect seated in the car to see the beam and often intimidates them into compliance.

I found the Crimson Trace laser to have the same affect as I was able to street test the laser on night shift. During the first few weeks we had an unusually busy night shift. With numerous pursuits and high risk traffic stops that required a weapon to be drawn, the laser sight was put to use. The laser’s beam is bright and easily seen under real world conditions. I also use a weapon mounted light on my duty weapon. While this is very useful I have found that suspects often see the light and assume that they merely have a flashlight pointed at them. They tend not to take that as serious as a gun. The bright red laser beam can be seen over the powerful weapon mounted light, thus demonstrating to the suspect that they are at gunpoint.

The Crimson Trace G-Series Laser Sight proved to be a quality peace of equipment. It is easy to install and requires no internal modification of the weapon. During extensive live fire testing, the laser performed well and never malfunctioned. The laser performed well during street test and added a suspect intimidation factor that may prevent a deadly force encounter. This alone makes the Crimson Trace Laser worth every dollar. The only disadvantage I found was holster fit with holsters using a retention strap. The department looking to purchase a laser sight system must weigh the disadvantage of holster fit with using an internal laser which requires functioning parts of the weapon to be modified. Internal mounted lasers also wear with weapon use since they involve moving parts. This will not be much of an issue with the Crimson Trace laser. I’ll take this Laser to a gun fight any day!