Brian,
I own three sets of Crimson Trace Laser grips. I have never owned any other kind of laser sighting system. I have handled others and did not find them to my liking. I spent several years in the law enforcement profession and was a firearms instructor in a State Police Academy for most of those years.
Laser sights came along after that time for me, but except for specialized usage, I could not warm up to any of the laser sights that attached externally to firearms. There were just too many things to go wrong or get in the way or get knocked out of alignment to suit me. And it took a special holster to carry the weapon as well.
The first time I handled a Crimson Trace grip, I was sold. I have not tried them on a semi automatic firearm, but I have used them for some time on double action revolvers, specifically a J frame Smith, a K frame Smith, and a small frame Taurus. I would have sold my soul to have had a set of these things back in the days when I wore a uniform. I personally cannot figure out why officers today are not issued side arms with these installed. And if not, I do not understand why they don't buy them themselves.
Now for civilian use, a bit of experimentation around your home at night, or anywhere else in poor light or none, will show that the Crimson Trace sights allow you to know exactly where your firearm is pointing. If you can drop the hammer without disturbing that point, you will hit whatever you are pointing at. They do not replace a flashlight, and you MUST make certain to properly identify your target.
All the other important stuff still applys. Any laser sight will allow someone to see where you are, so you don't want to turn it on and leave it on. A bit of practice allows you to hold your firearm at the ready without turning on the laser, and a slight movement of your finger or grip will turn it on when you are ready. A plus is the fact that the miscreant can see the red dot, and if he/she has a clue, what comes next should be evident. I also think that the laser shined in someone's eyes would have to blind them a bit, at least for a time.
The Crimson Trace products are easy to use, easy to replace the batteries when it is time, the batteries appear to last a long while, and the sight is easily adjustable for point of impact. You can use the holsters or other gun sacks you now have. There is a master switch that allows you to completely turn off the laser. the batteries are lithium discs with long shelf life. I have found no reason at all to be critical of this product, and I highly recommend them. I hope this helps in your quest for information.
