Ultra-Compact Laser Systems For Your CCW pistol

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Photo by Jeff Rose

Ultra-Compact Laser Systems For Your CCW Pistol
Kimber Solo shown equipped with a Crimson Trace LG-408 Lasergrip.

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Photo by ArmaLaser

ArmaLaser GTO FLX
ArmaLaser GTO FLX Changing the way we think about weapon-mounted laser systems is the new GTO FLX system from ArmaLaser. The GTO unit is a human-touch-activated system that is ultra-compact and designed to fit on any Picatinny rail. It features simple finger-touch mode, or (with the optional FLX system) grip-touch mode. The FLX is an ultra-thin polymer strip that conforms to the grip of a wide range of pistols and can activate the GTO unit. (armalaser.com; 800-680-5020)

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Photo by Crimson Trace

Crimson Trace LG-443 Glock 42 LaserGuard
Crimson Trace LG-443 Glock 42 LaserGuard The Crimson Trace LaserGuard design is elegant in its activation and fit. The two plastic housing halves secure around the triggerguard, and the activation switch is conveniently located under the triggerguard, along the vertical edge of the grip. This is ideal placement because your middle finger naturally squeezes in this location, activating the laser. One of the newer models of the LaserGuard series is the LG-433 for the Glock 42. (crimsontrace.com; 800-442-2406)

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Photo by Crimson Trace

Crimson Trace LG-408 Kimber Solo Lasergrip
Crimson Trace LG-408 Kimber Solo Lasergrip The Crimson Trace LG-408 Lasergrip system for the compact Kimber Solo series of pistols incorporates a powerful laser into the right-hand grip panel with a wraparound activation pad on the front strap section. The rubber overmolded grip can be installed in minutes without tools, and the laser is powered by two #2032 lithium batteries and features windage and elevation adjustability. (crimsontrace.com; 800-442-2406)

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Photo by LaserLyte

LaserLyte TGL UTA-YY
LaserLyte TGL UTA-YY LaserLyte has released its contender for the Glock 42 in the form of its TGL UTA-YY pistol laser kit. It is unique in the fact that it comes with two plastic housings to fit two different guns for the price of one unit. It will fit the G42 and the G26/27. Swapping housings is as simple as using a screwdriver to remove a single screw. The result is an extremely adaptable laser unit for your Glock carry pistols. (laserlyte.com; 928-649-3201)

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Photo by LaserMax

LaserMax LC9/LC9S/LC380 Green Laser
LaserMax LC9/LC9S/LC380 Green Laser Lasermax was one of the first mass-market green laser manufacturers. The LC9/380 versions of its green laser utilize a mounting system familiar to the industry. The plastic housing halves go around the triggerguard and help blend the laser to the pistol’s frame. This allows you to equip your Ruger LC9, LC9S or LC380 with this constant-beam green laser unit for precise targeting. (lasermax.com; 800-527-3703)

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Photo by LaserMax

LaserMax Micro
LaserMax Micro For the ultimate in adaptability, the Micro from LaserMax utilizes the accessory rail of your pistol. As a result, any pistol with an appropriate strip of Picatinny rail can run the unit. It boasts a small, durable design with more than five hours of battery life and has an automatic 10-minute shut-off. Dual activation switches allow for ambidextrous operation. The unit weighs in at an ultra-light 0.43 ounces. (lasermax.com; 800-527-3703)

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Photo by Streamlight

Streamlight TLR-4 G
Streamlight TLR-4 G Combining a green laser unit with a powerful tactical light is the TLR-4 G from Streamlight. Designed to fit compact and subcompact handguns, the unit is capable of fitting on any Picatinny rail. It weighs in at a light 2.81 ounces and features an ambidextrous momentary/steady activation switch. The green laser is powered by one 3V CR2 lithium battery for four hours of constant laser-only usage. (streamlight.com; 800-523-7488)

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Photo by TRUGLO

TRUGLO Micro-Tac Lasers
TRUGLO Micro-Tac Lasers TRUGLO is taking the plunge into the pocket pistol laser market with its recently introduced Micro-Tac laser line. The Micro-Tac utilizes a Picatinny or Weaver mounting system instead of being model specific. As long as your gun has a Picatinny or Weaver rail you can mount this ultra-compact laser. They are available in green or red models, and you can operate them with either constant or pulsing modes. (truglo.com; 888-887-8456)

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Photo by Viridian

Viridian C5L
Viridian C5L The compact C5L from Viridian, featuring a green laser along with a 140–max-lumen tactical light, is designed from the ground up for mounting to the accessory rails of subcompact pistols. Short and compact, it is designed to tuck neatly between the triggerguard and the muzzle. The unit features ambidextrous activation and has been upgraded with Enhanced Combat Readiness (ECR) Instant-On operation when drawn from a TacLoc holster.(viridiangreenlaser.com; 800-990-9390)

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Photo by Viridian

Viridian Reactor
Viridian Reactor Viridian is well known for its compact green lasers and flashlights, but it is also taking some of that technology and moving it into its Reactor series for pocket pistols. The company has come out with Reactors for the Ruger LCP/LC9, the S&W M&P Shield, Kahr’s 9mm and .40 pistols, and the new Glock 42. One of the Reactor’s most ingenious features is the unit’s Instant-On feature. When you draw the gun from the included ECR Instant-On holster, the Reactor instantly activates, allowing you to focus on the threat, and not on a button. (viridiangreenlaser.com; 800-990-9390)

Laser technology has come a long way in recent years. From the bulky systems of the 1980s and 1990s with their short battery lives and heavy weights, today’s options seem downright futuristic. Combining light weights, long-lasting batteries, rugged durability, affordable costs and often the choice of red or green colors, today’s laser systems are better than ever. And, one major advantage of the newer laser technology is its more compact dimensions. As a result, there are numerous options out there small enough to fit on compact carry designs. Read on to find out about some of the most interesting options for some of today’s newest and most interesting pocket pistols.

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This article was originally published in the Fall 2014 issue of POCKET PISTOLS. Subscription is available in print and digital editions below.