#LaserMax

If there is one sure thing you could say about the firearms community it is that we love our guns and we equally love to customize them with accessories. One new accessory is a laser to hit the market from LaserMax, the Lightning, that can fit most any handgun. The Lightning is a universal fit rail mounted laser with LaserMax’s GripSense™ Activation Technology. The new laser fits any firearm with at least 1” of accessory rail space and is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday concealed carry and hard duty use. Kurt Worden, the Director of Sales for LaserMax Products, had these words to share regarding the new laser:

As Glock continues to grow out their line of Gen5 pistols so does  Lasermax with their Guide Rod Lasers that fit inside. For those who might be unfamiliar with the concept, Lasermax produces a laser that is tucked neatly inside the guide rod/recoil assembly of various semi-automatic pistols. By doing this, owners do not need to buy new holsters or alter any of their gear in order to get the benefits of using a laser for training or defense. Some of the other specifications you can expect are as follows as presented by Lasermax:

The US Army has announced that they have awarded LaserMaxDefense a contract for 20,000 Pistol Enhancers, LMD’s multifunction aiming light (MFAL). The Army was seeking a commercial off the shelf laser/light system for its new pistols. The LMD-PE-IR-1 ‘Pistol Enhancer’ beat out competition from Streamlight’s TLR-8 to win the contract. LMD describe the Pistol Enhancer MFAL as “the smallest, lightest and most efficient white light/IR Illuminator/IR laser on the market.”

LaserMax has an entirely new line of lasers for subcompact handguns called “Gripsense”.  Attached to the triggerguard, these light/laser combos (or in the case of the LCPII model, just a laser) have capacitive touch technology in the area where the triggerguard intersects with the grip.  Capacitive touch technology is often used on touchscreens, where the capacitors can detect anything with a dielectric that is different than air.  This is how Lasermax’s sensors work to activate the laser even if one is wearing gloves.  I tried out the units myself, and they all switched on fairly easily, no matter how loosely or tightly I gripped the firearm.  As long as my finger made contact with the triggerguard, the unit turned on.  I estimate that this could be a fairly useful upgrade for low/no light shooting purposes

When it comes to a carry pistol, everything about it should be intuitive. Your ability to manipulate the functions, turn the safety on and off (if it has a manual safety), and to confidently place into action any accessories you may deem necessary. If really like or believe in lasers, then Ruger has a new combination that is both intuitive and could possibly tempt your wallet. They have combined their Ruger LC9s with LaserMax’s GripSense laser/light combo for a factory package.

The Crosman Corporation announced that it had acquired the commercial business portion of LaserMax. At the time of this writing, LaserMax has not made a public statement about the acquisition.

With its low price, tiny size and relatively good reliability, the Ruger LCP has become one of the most popular handguns for concealed carry today. However, it is not without its flaws and Sturm, Ruger & Co. released a second version of the pistol, the LCP II, that addressed some of the original gun’s shortcomings.

Buttons, switches and pressure pads – technologies that are constantly being improved upon within the weapon light and laser market. And so far no manufacturer has truly perfected the ergonomic, functional and reliable light switch. LaserMax is hoping to change that with the introduction of capacitative activation they are calling GripSense.

Think back to the first time you saw a weapon-mounted laser in a movie. For me, it was Terminator, when Arnold Schwarzenegger cut through a smokey room with a red beam of death. That massive device shined dimly even at short distances and probably had a sub 10 minute battery-life. Thrity years later we have the LaserMax Spartan which is the size of a match box car, includes both a green laser and a 120 lumen LED light, all with an impressive battery life.

If you are one of the buyers that bought or plans on buying the new Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield that was announced during NRA Show a few months ago so far you have been out of luck when it comes to the plethora of accessories that Shield owners have become accustomed to. But if you are one of those that wants to get your hands on a laser, you are in luck.

Earlier this week, Lasermax has started shipping out their new Spartan laser light. It is a small pistol rail mounted light and laser that runs on a single AAA battery. The Spartan comes in either red laser or green laser. The LED is not a white led. It has a mint green tint to the light. The LED produces 120 lumens. According to Lasermax this is the most visible wavelength of light. The red laser Spartan retails for $175 while the green laser Spartan is $215. Check them out at Lasermax.com. I think the Spartan might be rather competitive against SureFire’s XC1 which is a single AAA weapon mounted light.

Those seeking illumination now have one more option to consider. LaserMax, typically known for their lasers and rapid expansion into the weapon-light sector has announced the physical debut of their “Manta-Ray” series of weapon-lights. The Manta-Rays will be available for purchase at the NRA Annual Meeting show floor. As one would suspect with the name, the Manta-Ray is produced in partnership with Manta rails.

LaserMax announced new green laser aiming options for a pair of classic SIG SAUER handguns.

While I can understand why Glock chose to not put a rail on their single-stack firearms, does not mean that I agree with the decision. Frankly, its an oversight given the huge variety of company lights and lasers meant to augment the small handguns. For the pocket-rockets, I personally feel that the laser is the most effective. With the grip often too small for all the fingers and palm to find purchase and the sights being what they are, a laser will help someone get on target faster.

Lasermax has come out with a new laser line called Spartan. I would link to it, but I can’t find the exact product on their website. They’ll be coming out for shipping in the next several months, Natchez Shooters Supply even has them up for order as soon as they get them in stock. Lasermax had a great thing going when they introduced their guide rod lasers in 1988 before picatinny rails came into the form that we know them as today, but since then they seem to have taken their time in introducing a full line of laser platforms for the picatinny rail, they must be ready to hit it full force with the Spartan. I think some of that comes from the idea of why put a laser on something where you could fit a much more useful light, and even a light/laser combination. Before picatinny rails of course, the guide rod laser was truly innovative, but now we see the market has surpassed the accessory phase to the rail. Regardless, their guide rod lasers are still selling.