Crimson Trace Grips

[Banger19]

I have did a search but only came up with 2 threads where the word was even mentioned. Do 1911 owners not like them? I am just wondering how they fit on the 1911's. Are they thicker than stock grips? I just got some slim line alumi grips and they are great so I really dont want grips any wider than the stock ones. What say ye?

[Banger19]

will this grip affect use with my c-tac holster?

[EricD10563]

I have CT grips on a GCNM and have not had a chance to give it a test besides dry fire practive. I have a hard time seeing the sights in poor lighting and this was my reason for putting CT grips on. I like the side benefit of using them for dry fire practice as you can see what you are doing with trigger control. BTW I find it fairly easy with practice to ease off the pressure swtich to turn it on and off (I have the overmold grips front activated switch). Nothing beats real range time and practice but I like having them for the bump in night situations. Now I need to get to range and try it, not that easy here.

They appear to be about stock size so I really do not think it would work with thin grips bushings, I have not had any holster issues with my Brommeland Max-Con V holster

[Banger19]

Thanks eric,
I will probably buy a set for my colt commander. Instead of night sights I will go with novak fiber optic sights. I had a lasermax once for an xd and I did not like the low powered strobe light beam. I have recently seen CT's on a sig p228 and I must say I was very impressed by the brightness of the laser.
I am sold. Where's a good place to order them from?

[MedSpec65]

I got a standard Government-Model CT set on Midway for around $265.00 a few months ago. I was surprised my Kimber Custom II fit right into my IWB with no trouble after installing the laser grips. They are definitely an asset for low-light home defense situations that could involve off-hand or awkward shots. My only problem is they seem to fog up after placing a couple of rounds downrange at an indoor range I use to try them out. I switched to GunSlick graphite grease along the slide, thinking FP-10 oil might be spraying when it cycles, but it happened again. Anybody have any suggestions?

[MedSpec65]

I have did a search but only came up with 2 threads where the word was even mentioned. Do 1911 owners not like them? I am just wondering how they fit on the 1911's. Are they thicker than stock grips? I just got some slim line alumi grips and they are great so I really dont want grips any wider than the stock ones. What say ye?They are THINNER than stock grips. Just plain black plastic unless you get the imitation burlwood type. I like them. Would like them better if I can solve the fogging problem described on my first post.

[EricD10563]

Thanks eric, Where's a good place to order them from?

Got mine through the big auction site, for a very good price new.

[Pistolier]

I have them on my Kimber CDP 2 and love them. I had to shorten the right side ambi safety but was not a big deal. The grips are about the same if not slimmer than the stock Kimbers. It looks great and shoots the same. No problem with fogging I use gun butter for lubrication, it stays put and no spray. I got them from Midway USA on sale.

[JRI]

I just put the LG-404 on my Colt Officers ACP and have the LG-401 on order for my Government and Commander. No problems with old holsters fitting. The laser was very impressive in daylight at outdoor range at 50'.
I was surprised that it was visible at all. Front activation switch is a no brainer to use. I have not experienced any fogging problem. Could you be applying much lube? Thicker or thinner, I can't realy say, to me they seem to be about the same as stock grips. The main difference is the projection of the laser module and that has not presented any problems for me as yet. The only quirk is that you have to be careful of your trigger finger placement. My "rest" position was along side of slide but this puts finger in front of laser. I now "rest" finger lower so as not to block laser.

Bottom line: Get them, you'll love them!
Opticsplanet.com has them on sale with free shipping and is the best price I was able to find.

[Buzzsaw]

Use alcohol to clean the lens, I'll try the gun butter. Try Optic's Planet. They will sometimes have them on sale, otherwise everybody seems to be about the same price. Watch for high shipping cost and buy out of your state to avoid sales tax. I have a set on a S&W revo and will be ordering a set for my new Commander.
Buzzsaw.

[Pistolier]

Just got a new Kimber Covert and they come standard with Crimson Trace grip with Kimber logo. They work great just like the other two I have. I am very sold on them as you can see. :cool:

[Buzzsaw]

I love the new Covert line. The "Pro" got a great write up in Combat Handguner this month. I wish those grips weren't propretary for Kimber.

[J.C.]

I just put the LG-404 on my Colt Officers ACP and have the LG-401 on order for my Government and Commander. No problems with old holsters fitting. The laser was very impressive in daylight at outdoor range at 50'.
I was surprised that it was visible at all. Front activation switch is a no brainer to use. I have not experienced any fogging problem. Could you be applying much lube? Thicker or thinner, I can't realy say, to me they seem to be about the same as stock grips. The main difference is the projection of the laser module and that has not presented any problems for me as yet. The only quirk is that you have to be careful of your trigger finger placement. My "rest" position was along side of slide but this puts finger in front of laser. I now "rest" finger lower so as not to block laser.

Bottom line: Get them, you'll love them!
Opticsplanet.com has them on sale with free shipping and is the best price I was able to find.
I also am considering a laser sight. The Crimson Trace seems to be the solution to my problem (new bi-focals). How did you decide between the LG401 and the LG301.

Thanks, Jack

[MedSpec65]

I also am considering a laser sight. The Crimson Trace seems to be the solution to my problem (new bi-focals). How did you decide between the LG401 and the LG301.

Thanks, JackI went with the LG401 model for my Kimber Government Model Custom II. I believe having just the FRONT activaton switch gives you more control. In a real situation you might want to quickly disable the beam to avoid revealing your position or to diffuse the confrontation. With the LG301's having BOTH SIDES of your grip panels embedded with activation switches ensures the beam will project as soon as you pick up your pistol and will STAY ON untill you release it from your hands or turn off the switch on the lower left side.

[MedSpec65]

I'm also considering taking my Kimber to my pistolsmith and having the slide stop recessed and shortened to accomodate the CT Laser beam.

[JRI]

I also am considering a laser sight. The Crimson Trace seems to be the solution to my problem (new bi-focals). How did you decide between the LG401 and the LG301.

Thanks, Jack

I made my choice based on the activation switch location.

The 301 has the switch located on the side panels and the 401 has the switch on the front strap. It seemed, to me, a more natural location on the 401.

[J.C.]

"I made my choice based on the activation switch location."

Thanks for the advice. I also checked the press release from Crimson Trace and found this made a lot of sense.

"....In addition to the center activation enhancement, the relocated activation switch is housed in a smaller rubber wrap-around portion and this allows shooters to get a positive hold on the front-strap checkering. For those who like the look of checkering, this is an added benefit. The other major change is the development of a relief cut to allow the mainspring-retaining pin to be removed without taking the grips off."

Jack

[Pistolier]

I went with the LG401 on my Kimber CDP II and LG305 on my S&W 60 because as MedSpec65 said it lets you disable the beam and still have a good shooting grip. The Kimber Covert comes with the LG401. :)

[Buzzsaw]

401, I paid a ton to have my front strap checked 30lpi so I don't want to cover it up.

[J.C.]

Ok guy's. The winner is the 401. Ordered mine today, also ordered a set of LG305 for my S&W as well.
As always the forum seems to be where the question is answered and the problem solved. ;)
Thanks, Jack

[Auto Mag]

You will probably not notice any difference than the stock grips. I had a set on my Colt Delta Elite but sold them but I still have a set on my Beretta 92. They are alright, nothing to brag about and just remember one thing, they do not make you a better shot!!!!!! :lm:

[JRI]

Ok guy's. The winner is the 401. Ordered mine today, also ordered a set of LG305 for my S&W as well.
As always the forum seems to be where the question is answered and the problem solved. ;)
Thanks, Jack

I have a friend who is waiting for the LG-105 to come out because he in concerned that the LG-305 will be a problem with his current holsters.

The 305 grip is built up on the back strap. The 105 leaves the back strap exposed.

Please post after you get it, interested if it poses a problem for you with old holsters.

[Pistolier]

I have the LG-305 on my S&W model 60 and it is a very good grip. I have a 3” and a 2” and use a pancake holster and a pocket holster from De Santis, also have a kidex paddle holster all fit just fine. :)

[J.C.]

I have a friend who is waiting for the LG-105 to come out because he in concerned that the LG-305 will be a problem with his current holsters.

The 305 grip is built up on the back strap. The 105 leaves the back strap exposed.

Please post after you get it, interested if it poses a problem for you with old holsters.
If possible he could take the holster to a dealer and try the fit. My local shop has a display of "blue guns" for demonstration. Also S&W has models available with the sights mounted (eg. Mod.637). The other option would be email S&W's sales group with the holster info.
Personally I chose the 305 for it's full grip feel and control.
I will post any pro's/con's when mine arrive.

[J.C.]

Please post after you get it, interested if it poses a problem for you with old holsters.

Received my CTC order yesterday. Both the LG305 and 401 fit nicely and give me what I was looking for in a laser sight. I am having NO issues with any holsters I have for the S&W or the SA. Thankfully :)
Jack

[JRI]

I just bought mine last month LG-401 & LG-404. Checked the prices today and they would have cost me $70 more. Glad I didn't do my usual hemming and hawing.

[#20 fan]

hi all,
my pro covert came with CT grips.
the dot turned to a line after 150 rds., they quit after 300.
called CT and they said they had a bad batch of diodes from their supplier and suspected my grips came from that run.
they replaced them quickly and they seem to be working fine,
I really like them as my eyes seem to have gotten older ;) and don't focus as quickly as they used to.
I specified laser grips when I ordered my Hillsman holster.

[Rich-D]

I have did a search but only came up with 2 threads where the word was even mentioned. Do 1911 owners not like them? I am just wondering how they fit on the 1911's. Are they thicker than stock grips? I just got some slim line alumi grips and they are great so I really dont want grips any wider than the stock ones. What say ye?

They are a bit thicker then slim line grips, but no so much that the added benefit of the laser beam is not a plus!


Rich

[rondawg]

I have a set of LG-401's on my RIA GI and love them! Got 'em on Ebay from Discount Gun Parts, or something like that, for ~$265. I also have an RIA Compact and a guy emailed me the other day that he had a set of LG-404's for sale for $155. He has my money order and the grips are on the way.

I personally think they're better suited for self defense use rather than target shooting, because the dot and the bullet POI constantly change in relation to each other, depending on the target distance. No doubt there are prettier/more comfortable grips out there, but these are the ideal accessory for a carry gun, IMO.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/guns/GIlas01.jpg