  Nothing completes the look of a 1911 like a pair of gorgeous custom grip panels. These exquisite rosewood grips actually house a Crimson Trace Lasergrip mechanism. 1911 shooters have been waiting for this product and it has arrived.  The two CR2025 lithium batteries that power the 5mW laser are hidden in the grip panels on the Made in USA Crimson Trace Master Series Lasergrip.  This STI Shadow is a compact 1911. There are other sizes of the Master Series available for full size and specialty 1911s.  This gun is not set up with an ambidextrous drop safety, but the Master Series is made to not impede the use of one.  The grip circumference is 5 and 5/8ths inches on this STI Shadow with Crimson Trace Master Series Lasergrips, just under what my double stack P14 1911 measures with standard grips.  Because the sight line of the Crimson Trace Lasergrip is close to and under the axis of the bore, once you zero the grips at 25 feet or so they will remain close to point of impact out to almost the effective range of the .45ACP cartridge.  Adjusting windage and elevation on the Master Series is simple with the included small allen wrench.  The Master Series includes an on off switch to protect the batteries when the pistol is out of service. |
Crimson Trace Master Series
https://www.crimsontrace.com/masterseries
The idea of aesthetics is a bit of a strange concept for people who think of guns solely as tools to hunt with or protect yourself. But going all the way back to Sam Colt when he introduced his first revolver, the Colt Patterson, in 1836, the way a gun looks has always been almost as important to the owner as how well it can do its job.
If you are a fan of another famous Colt, the 1911, the aesthetics and look of the gun are part of what you love. Custom grips have always been a booming side industry in the 1911 community and everyone from rock stars to presidents to Nascar drivers have commissioned custom 1911s to both treasure and carry. Crimson Trace, maker of the world’s leading lasergrips, has recognized this market for some time and we have heard for a while that a custom, high-end series of grips was on its way for this classic 100 year old and still popular pistol, the 1911.
If you aren’t familiar with Crimson Trace Lasergrips, you have probably been hiding in a cave for ten years, but I guess you could also be new to guns and shooting and not have encountered them yet in your travels. The Crimson Trace system is the most unobtrusive and professional of all the handgun laser devices. A Crimson Trace replaces the factory grips of the gun, integrating a red laser on the side of the grip that is activated by your fingers around the front of the grip. Several firearm manufacturers now even offer Crimson Trace lasers standard in many of their models. Crimson Trace Lasergrips are pricey, but they are the choice of most professionals.
The Master Series from Crimson Trace, MRSP $399, was created so that you no longer have the choose between aesthetics and function with your favorite 1911. These gorgeous rosewood grips that you see here on an STI Shadow have a Crimson Trace laser in them. The two 2025 Lithium batteries for the laser fit into both sides of the replacement grips and are protected from electrical connection by plastic panels on the frame. For those who carry a 1911 this was a long time coming and it is no surprise that they are listed as “Out of Stock” on the Crimson Trace website at present. I’m sure if you look around you can find them, but you may have to wait in line.
There are great ideas, and there are great products. Execution is everything when it comes to the latter, and turning a great idea into a great product isn’t always possible. This was my first experience with Crimson Trace laser grips, and I have to say that these are great products. Don’t believe the mis-information from the green laser companies. Red lasers can be seen just fine on a target in broad daylight within normal handgun range, and certainly at average gunfight range. The Crimson Trace laser is a smart product with easy adjustments to get your laser on target with the provided tool, and the front switch activator is more intuitive and natural than any other laser product.
No gunsmith is required for these Master Series Lasergrips. The hole spacing for LG-902 model is 2 and 11/16ths inches apart, and other models if this series fit other size guns. The dot of the laser is about half an inch at 50 feet, and it is a very bright Class 3R 5mW laser. Crimson Trace warranties the internals of the grip for three years and the grip panels for a year.
I was able to adjust my the windage and elevation on this grip to the exact sight picture of the STI Shadow (that STI was kind enough to loan me) in about one minute. Jerking the gun back and forth and banging it on a (wooden) table did not throw off the adjustment whatsoever. The grip circumference with the grips on is 5 and 5/8ths inches, and fills the hand more fully than the “ridgy” feeling standard 1911 grip. The activator is cleanly under the top finger on the grip and can be turned on and off intuitively without altering your grip. There is also a manual on and off switch on the grip panel itself to guard against inadvertent battery drain. The two batteries last for 4 hours of illumination, but I was not able to test this for more than an hour before my cat lost interest.
As to the beauty of these Master Series grips, take a look at the pictures. They are sold out for a reason, but you might be able to find one at your favorite gun shop, big box store or internet retailer. If you love to carry the 1911 and on top of that, you just plain old love your 1911, treat it to some Crimson Trace Master Series Lasergrips. It will love you back.
Crimson Trace Master Series
https://www.crimsontrace.com/masterseries
I came across this article literally almost four years after it was published and liked it. I’ve been trying to order one of these for four months (ever since I saw this article). Every month I’m told by the company “Next month”, which puts me out to Feb 2017 (so far). If anyone can give me some advice about getting something like this, apparently from a competitor, I’d be happy to know about it. Thanks.
Will this fit on kimber custom tle/rl?
Wish these fit the Springfield EMP 40. Assume they will fit the new Range Officer?
Check the ct website they have standard measurement models.
The CTC Lasergrips for the full size 1911 will fit the new SA Range Officer perfectly, and the Master Series grips in rosewood would look damn nice on that gun. I don’t recall whether the Range Officer has an ambi safety. The Master Series grips being reviewed here will fit ambi safety models with no modifications to either the gun or the grips, but all other lasergrip models do require that the right side safety lever be shortened to clear the laser housing.
As for the the EMP .40, I don’t think they will fit. I could be wrong on this one; so check with CTC to be sure. But the EMP has a smaller grip frame than standard Officer Model sized 1911’s. I’ve been trying to convince Crimson Trace to make one of their new Laserguards for the 1911. (That’s the model that mounts to the trigger guard with the laser under the dust cover.) A Laserguard would not only fit the EMP, but would also fit other non-standard 1911’s like Para-USA’s PDA & hi-cap 1911’s as well. It would require a special holster, but it would be worth it! If you would like to 2nd my recommendation to Crimson Trace that they should make a Laserguard for the 1911 you can go to their link to request a new model & ask for one. The more of us who request it the more likely the are to actually make it. (While you’re there do my a favor & request a model for the Ruger Redhawk too!)
http://www.crimsontrace.com/company/contact/
Great Post Gusamerica Blog Lasergrips from Crimson Trace
Gonna look great on my 1911
Thanks
P.S.:
Need a T15 TORX wrench to change…not supplied. Can change screws to after-market Phillips or slotted if/as desired. Apparently, Springfield ALSO has a slotted screw available as part # PI0014 @ $2.30 ea. (X4).
Tom “D”
LG-901 fits Springfield TRP Operator PERFECTLY…ambi safety and all.
Thanks for the tip! We are huge Springfield Armory fans here.
The one point of contention that I have with the author of this article is with his assertion that “red lasers can be seen just fine on a target in broad daylight within normal handgun range”. While there is a bit of truth to that, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Yes, at close range with at least a moderately reflective target one can usually see the laser dot on the target, but here’s the problem with that: if you have a non-reflective target (or a red target) standing in direct sunlight the dot virtually disappears. If it can be seen at all you are going to have to look for it. When one is under attack he doesn’t have time to look for his laser dot! Green lasers, on the other hand, are very easy to see even in direct sunlight & regardless of the reflectivity of the target. This is why they are so popular, especially on long guns that may be used at longer ranges than a pistol or revolver.
However, the vast majority of attacks happen in low light where even a red laser jumps out at you and almost screams “here I am!!!” And in the event that one is attacked in broad daylight, one can simply use his sights. That’s what they’re there for! It’s a simple fact that green lasers offer superior visibility than red lasers in all lighting conditions, but they are also much more expensive & eat batteries much fast than red lasers. For me personally, while I prefer green lasers on my long guns and would like to see green lasers offered for some handguns (especially big bore revolvers that may be used for defense against bears & other large, dangerous & non-reflective animals), I recognize that the standard red laser is all that is really needed on a pistol used for concealed carry and/or home defense. I’ve been using Crimson Trace Lasergrips for years, and, red or green, they are worth every penny!!!!
I am looking for a Barretta .22 model 72 (or 73?) with a 4.5 or 5 inch barrel. I would appreciate anynleads…..Thanks. Don
If the circumference is 5-5/8″. What would standard 1911 grips be?
My Springfield Armory Range Officer is 5 and 3/8ths.
I have one on my Glock 19. Love it. Now I can shoot ambidextrous, from the hip or any position. You should mention that the laser is hard to find in bright conditions, but in dim light or dark, nothing beat it.
Y’all might want to check out this web page http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Products/1911/tabid/185/Default.aspx
It appears they have several styles in “Full Sized 1911” type of grips. I have a set of the original black ones on my Combat Commander, and love them, but also wouldn’t mind a det of Burlwood, or Rosewood, to dress it up a bit.
They also have all of those styles for Colt Officer’s sized grip frames as well. I have a Kimber with the Pro Custom burl-wood Lasergrips, and they do indeed dress up the looks of the pistol. But keep in mind that the Standard & Pro Custom grips are all plastic, even the burl wood & walnut versions. They simply have a wood finish on the plastic. The Master Series rosewood grips are the only lasergrip models that are made of real wood. (The black/gray Master Series grips are made of G-10 laminate.)
Would this grip fit STI 2011? If so do it come in black?
Regards,
Sophy
No, it won’t fit the STI 2011 frame. It fits only single stack 1911 frames with removable grip panels. The 2011 uses a polymer, double stack grip frame with molded-in grip panels. I think the Lasermax guide rod will fit, but before you get one be sure to check with Lasermax to be sure.
Great piece of advantage on my smith model 60 .. dont leave home without it.
Yes, a 1943 Ithaca .45 Pistol, can this laser be ok to it?
This grip only fits compact 1911’s. I have one for my Kimber. Love it.
The Ithaca 1911’s were all built with a standard 1911-A1 frame. The Master Series Laser grips for the Government/Commander sized frames (model# LG-901 for the rose wood model) should fit your pistol just fine. The set being reviewed here is the smaller Officer’s sized model and won’t fit your gun. (The the only difference between the model being reviewed here & the full sized version is the length of the side panels.) CTC also makes several other less expensive versions that will fit your Ithaca as well.
http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Products/1911/tabid/185/Default.aspx
I have a full size AMT .45, will these Laser Grips fit this Gun?
Also have a Rock Island .45 in 3.5″ Barrel, can I get a Laser for it?
You should contact CT yourself and ask. First measure the hole spacing as all the models are listed with the exact measurement.
Gotta question for you, how do the Rock Islands work are they a good gun? I see them for sale everywhere does yours ever mess up while shooting? Tell me about it?
Robt
Crimson Trace Lasergrips for the 1911 come in 3 sizes to fit Government Model/Commander sized frames, Bobtail frames and Officer’s Model frames. If your AMT can use standard sized 1911 stocks (I think it can), then the Government Model sized Master Series Lasergrips will fit it. I’m pretty sure that your Rock Island gun uses a standard Colt Officer’s Model frame size. If that is indeed that case, then the Officer’s sized Lasergrips will fit it. I’ve been using the Pro-Series Lasergrips–the ones with the burl wood finish–on my Kimber for years, and have nothing but good things to say about them! Still, I think that as soon as I get enough spare cash those Pro-Series grips are going on my GSG-1911 (.22lr), and a new set of that rosewood Master-Series grips is going on my Kimber. Those things are SWEET!!!!!