Review: Crimson Trace Green Laserguard

By Andy Grossman

Lasers on pistols have always been a bit controversial. In this review of the Crimson Trace Green Laserguard, we wade into those waters and give you an honest opinion on the topic.

I will be the first to admit that early on I was not a fan of a laser on a carry pistol. I had been carrying so long without a laser and always trained without one that I just felt there was no need to have one. And as a firearms instructor, I thought that little beam of light would take away from the fundamentals of marksmanship and create lazy shooters who rely on that dot to hit their target.

Well, that all changed after I talked to several other instructors and took a few classes that utilized lasers during drills. I quickly learned that as long as you train properly and do not always rely on that laser, that little, tiny dot could actually offer you a massive advantage in a defensive encounter.

We all know, carrying a gun is only helpful if you can hit your target when that time comes that you may need to use it. It is all about seconds and advantages. If that laser allows you to put rounds on target faster and more accurately in a defensive situation, then why the heck wouldn’t you use it? Consider me a convert.

Making It Even Better?

I have recently fallen in love with the Springfield Hellcat RDP and felt it really was just about perfect. The HEX Wasp red dot was low profile and offered a simple dot in noticeably clear glass that I thought was perfect for quick target acquisition. The fact it co-witnesses with the excellent U-Dot sights makes it all the better.

I train quite often for every situation I can think of with the guns I carry. The red dot offered a fantastic picture that, with training, I don’t have to think about much. However, in a defensive situation, you might not be able to engage your sights or your red dot. You might be forced to shooting from the hip while engaging cover.

This exact scenario is why I decided to change my view on lasers. Thank goodness Crimson Trace in my opinion makes some of the most innovative, brightest, functional and best-looking lasers on the market today. Once I heard they designed one of their famous Laserguard lasers for the Hellcat I knew I needed to get one on the front of my RDP.

The Laserguard

Officially called the Crimson Trace Laserguard Hellcat Green, the unit projects a powerful green laser sight. Designed to inconspicuously wrap around the trigger guard of the Hellcat, it also clamps to the front rail for added stability. Crimson Trace was able to maintain that sleek profile of the Hellcat, creating a perfect match for any concealed carry method with the proper holster.

The laser has a tiny on/off switch on the side of it. For quick activation when the switch is in the “on” position, the Laserguard features Crimson Trace’s instinctive activation system. This is a small, pressure-activated button that is virtually impossible to not engage when gripping the gun. Grip the gun, the laser turns on. It’s that easy.

The Laserguard has a green laser that will last for two hours of continuous use and runs off a simple 1/3N 3v battery. It is easy to change by simply pulling back on the battery door located on the bottom of the unit. No need to remove the laser from the gun to change the battery. Nice.

Installation took me about two minutes. The Laserguard comes with the install tools, which also pull double duty by adjusting the windage and elevation as well. Crimson Trace offers a lifetime warranty on the laser, as well. So, you can carry and train with the confidence that if something happens you will not have to buy another Laserguard out of pocket.

Hellcat with Laser Training

At the range, I immediately noticed how fast I could put rounds on target from holster draw or the low-ready position. The laser is nearly impossible to not activate with the pressure switch no matter how you grip the gun. If you can pull the trigger, the laser is going to be touching your target.

I really like the green laser mixed with the red dot of the HEX Wasp optic on the Hellcat RDP. My red dot was sighted in already and all I did was match the dots up in my sight picture. This way if I am able to use the red dot picture, I am seeing a green dot with the red dot in the middle of it at defensive distances. If I am unable to acquire a sight picture under stress, that green dot is pointing exactly where I am going to put my rounds.

Conclusion

The Crimson Trace Hellcat Green Laserguard, with an MSRP of $314.99, gives you the confidence to carry with peace of mind knowing if you are forced to defend yourself with your gun you will be able to quickly put accurate shots on target.

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Crimson Trace Green Hellcat Laserguard

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