CT Lasergrip for LCP - Lights Out Already (2wk)?!

[KahrGuy]

Well, today was certainly a great learning experience! For the 1st time, I've gotten some quality Range time in w/LCP w/out any reliance whatsoever with CT Laser. Get to range this morning all happy and ready to fine-tune laser accuracy and low and behold, I couldn't see laser AT ALL - in any way shape or form on target! I could put my finger or another object in front of it and see laser fine, but it sure wasn't bright enough to pick up w/out miticulous concentration & studying of where it is!

Looks like my batteries have given way already . This is only my 3rd visit to range & therefore, just over 2 weeks since receiving brand new CT LG-431 unit! I "have" been playing "Chase the Cat" type games with snap-caps (no cat, of course - just objects of interest for quick-aim practice). I'm sure I haven't used this near the 4 hours, but maybe more than I think!

The good news is I got in a good 50 rounds of site-only practice - and did reasonably well. I'm surprised, actually, given the incredibly tiny things they are!

How often do fellow LCP+CT owners have to replace batteries? Once a month?! Once ever few months? Once a year? I sure hope I'm not going to have to replace these things ever month - given that I have to unscrew/uninstall, replace batteries, then re-install every time - every month! I'm hoping it retains it's zero when doing this, but am certainly not expecting it to be 100% exact each re-install.

Wouldn't you know it, I liked CT so much the last 2 weeks that just this morning (before range) I ordered a CT for my Glock 26 - side/grip mount instead of guard so I wouldn't have to replace my holsters & such - Also unit itself was $40 cheaper. Wonder if there will be similar experience - although it's probably easier to uninstall, pop in batteries, & re-install frequently.

[seniorshooteress]

I had same problem with my CT on the LCP. (moving it all over the place trying to find the red dot on the target) I also have the CT on my Glock 26 and I think you will like the difference you SEE with the hand grip type. I think it is just the batteries for the LCP are smaller therefore not as much projection power. IMO

[USA1]

It would probably be a good idea to get a second set of batteries when purchasing a CT.

I could see my self wasting the first set just making adjustments and playing (responsibly).
Then when the fun wears off replacing them with a fresh set.

[A-R]

Are you carrying LCP + CT in a pocket holster? If so, what kind? I've seen the cheap nylon universal pocket holsters like the Blackhawk will actually snag the activation button on the grip so the laser is on constantly while it's in pocket holster. And of course you can't see this because holster is closed at bottom.

[KahrGuy]

Are you carrying LCP + CT in a pocket holster? If so, what kind? I've seen the cheap nylon universal pocket holsters like the Blackhawk will actually snag the activation button on the grip so the laser is on constantly while it's in pocket holster. And of course you can't see this because holster is closed at bottom.

You got it... I have the great, leather pocket holster you recommended from pocketholsters.com, but find it's alot bulkier & heavier than just throwing LCP into a much cheaper nylon... And you hit the nail on the head there - have the Blackhawk Size 3 holster that I've been carrying around about 90% of the time. At first, I did think the activation button was getting pressed up against the "V" in the holster. Today though, I pushed LCP down (outside pocket) pretty hard - and in all kinds of directions - and couldn't get button to touch anymore. I think it may have broken itself in a bit more over the last several days. The 1st week I got it, I'm pretty sure it had potential to touch activation button. This is what I "hope" has really happened - is that button has been activated for at least a good portion of one of the days I 1st started using. The Blackhawk I have looks "identical" to an Uncle Mike model - down to the same resistence strip going across the middle.

Note the Size 3 - larger than the recommended size 1 or 2 - one of which was stated as for .380... This size 3 makes a much closer square outline in pants (should there be any temporary printing) - verses the recommended .380 model that will definitely still reveal an "L" on temporary printing.

I will certainly be purchasing at least 2 sets of batteries this time - just amazed at how quick these wore down! Of course, I'll be much, much happier if issue was result of holster and estatic if holster has broken in enough to have worked itself out of this bonding state! I know...How much break'in could there really be with a nylon holster... It's really reached a point where the holster opening appears wider & more relaxed. Activation button simply no longer touches the "V" area where grip meets end of holster.

I'm so use to this holster that I'd hate to have to wear the leather holster majority of time - at least until I lose my recent weight gain.

How often do you have to replace batteries in yours? Have you ever had issue with seeing laser in daylight? 1st day outside for me was awesome with LCP+CP!

[A-R]

How often do you have to replace batteries in yours? Have you ever had issue with seeing laser in daylight? 1st day outside for me was awesome with LCP+CP!

I've never replaced mine. Still have the original set in there.

[mctowalot]

We have a two year old set of CTs on my former Glock 27 - now my wifes primary carry (it's ok 'cause I got myself a G30 and she doesn't like it - thank goodness - and I can tell you that laser has been activated several times a week because she practices drawing a lot (I'm so proud). My point is that even after lots of use the laser seems just as bright as new after two years.

[mctowalot]

We have a two year old set of CTs on my former Glock 27 - now my wifes primary carry (it's ok 'cause I got myself a G30 and she doesn't like it - thank goodness - and I can tell you that laser has been activated several times a week because she practices drawing a lot (I'm so proud). My point is that even after lots of use the laser seems just as bright as new after two years.

[KahrGuy]

Wow! That must be it then. Hopefully, it was a $5-$10 learning experience here. I'll give it one more whirl with fresh set of batteries - then, I'll transition to the leather pocket holster 100% if this happens again in another month.

Thanks for feedback. Since not too many have replaced their batteries even once, I'll give some feedback as to whether LCP+CT retains it's zero perfectly on reinstallation.

[cougartex]

I've never replaced mine. Still have the original set in there.

I have two sets of CT lasergrips and have never replaced the batteries.

[gwashorn]

My Beretta 92F had the first set of CT I put on back in 1998 and I just replaced those batteries 4 months ago. I have CTs on two others and will be adding more elsewhere. I had one set go bad with a corroded switch but they replaced promptly and all is fine. At night I can see my laser at 1500 feet and quite well at 10 yards at the range.

Gary

[Embalmo]

My first battery lasted about 2 months, but I played with it a lot. It got noticeably dimmer before it died. Have you tried swabbing the lens? That'll make it dimmer and the fouling does get on it with an LCP. My cat did get excited when I played with it to the point that she howls and gets excited when she see any gun now. I'm sure if she ever heard a handgun fired she wouldn't have such a favorable opinion of them.

Embalmo

[Mike from Texas]

My original batteries are in my Kimber Ultra Carry from 2007 and it's still plenty bright. I do believe they take larger batteries than the on for your LCP but they shouldn't be draining that fast I wouldn't think. I believe I would give CT a call. Their customer service is outstanding.

[KahrGuy]

Welp, here's the culprit! My new CT for Glock 26 came in yesterday. I installed it and in process of reviewing accessories & such that came with unit, I ran across those Q-Tip looking things for cleaning laser head... Wouldn't you know it that after giving laser head a quick wipe, the laser sure did brighten up significantly . I'm confident that was the issue all along!!!

I did order some extra batteries from Amazon, but don't think I need them quite yet! Got Energizers for only $3.99 each - ALOT better than the $12 that Radio Shack would have charged...

Thanks for the many replies & suggestions. At present and until official range re-try, I'm 90% sure this fixed the issue - and Q-Tip thing was dirty after cleaning...

[Mike from Texas]

Welp, here's the culprit! My new CT for Glock 26 came in yesterday. I installed it and in process of reviewing accessories & such that came with unit, I ran across those Q-Tip looking things for cleaning laser head... Wouldn't you know it that after giving laser head a quick wipe, the laser sure did brighten up significantly . I'm confident that was the issue all along!!!

I did order some extra batteries from Amazon, but don't think I need them quite yet! Got Energizers for only $3.99 each - ALOT better than the $12 that Radio Shack would have charged...

Thanks for the many replies & suggestions. At present and until official range re-try, I'm 90% sure this fixed the issue - and Q-Tip thing was dirty after cleaning...

If you filled out and sent in your warranty card, CT will provide 1 set of batteries per year for life.