I have S&W model 66 with the original wooden grips that lately I’ve been considering modifying. I came across a product called a Laser Grip by Crimson Trace. Basically, its a laser targeting beam built into a foam rubber type of grip.
The Pros:
It seems to me that if I needed it at 3AM, it would be much easier to aim in the dark than using the sights.
The Cons:
Battery Life. Its not like I’m going to have time to be feeling around for spare Energizers if I need it in a hurry.
What if its junk? (ruining a perfectly good firearm)
If used in ‘home defense’, how badly could a DA spin this against me?
Any and all constructive input appreciated.
You can turn off the laser to save battery power, but the batteries are pretty long-lasting anyway. How is it going to ruin the gun? If you decide you don’t like them, just put the old grips back on. The only way I can see a DA trying to spin this on you is if he tries the “If the bullet goes where the laser goes, then why didn’t you shoot him in the shoulder?”
I’ve not had much experiance with the newer generation ones, which I’m sure are much better than the old ones were. The ones I’ve played with were a lot clunkier than the newer ones and they didn’t work too well in bright light. I’m more concerned with how grips feel all the time, not with one function of them, so I’m a Pachmayr guy myself.
These are a quality product. The laser is bright and adjustable, and the grips aren’t too bad.
If you’re going to put a laser on your pistold, the only real problem I have with this particular system is the path of the laser beam. If you’re holding your pistol with your finger off the trigger, it will sometimes obstruct the path of the laser and defeat the whole purpose. However, this is easily avoided by practice and familiarity with the grips and weapon.
As far as DA turning things around: I think that’s the least of your worries. The laser allows your to keep both eyes focused on your attacker instead of on your front site post. This gives you a better view of what he is doing and how threatning he is. The laser gives you better target identification and observation. They can’t really turn that around if you have a decent lawyer on your end as well.
A laser does not make it an offensive weapon. It makes it a more effective and safer defensive tool.
I didn’t address the batter issue.
Any quality product is going to eat through batteries. If I had something that didn’t burn up the juice, I’d think there is probably a superior product out there. (I’m looking at YOU, Maglite) Maglites will last a while on a set of batteries, but the beam sucks. Don’t be discouraged by a device that eats batteries.
Thank You Silenus, Cluricaun, and Bear_Nenno! The product seemed decent; I guess I was just worried that after two rounds it might snap apart and leave me holding the metal frame (sounds silly, now that I type it.) I did notice it has a master off switch to help with power. Probably the hardest part would be minor laser sight adjustments post-installation to make sure it points to where the round will land at say 50 feet.
If you are planning on using a grip-mounted laser sight past about 10 feet, you’re fooling yourself. Those things are made for close in, dark work. They aren’t bright enough to be seen clearly 30 feet away on a bright day. Great for confronting burglars; not so great for hunting woodchucks. 
If you’re looking for something to aid in a possible low light defensive situation, go with some of the flashlight products made by Surefire or similar companies that can be mounted on a variety of different guns and are bright enough to disorient an attacker just by shining it in their eyes. It’s like a 2006 style…um…well you know.