Crimson Trace Laser Grip Sights on a Smith & Wesson Snubby

I am a big fan of Crimson Trace Laser Grips (CTLGs) especially on snubbies and little pistols. With adequate training and practice, they really work well and enhance your ability to accurately close that reactionary gap. In bright light however, the laser dot can be more difficult to pick up. You do not want to be searching for it! Thus, when you get your set of laser grip sights, you need to test them out in different lighting conditions, just as you should pattern your shotgun at different distances with the ammo you are going to use.

http://crimsontrace.com/Home/FreeDVDOffer/tabid/316/Default.aspx

CTLGs are especially useful on point and shoot guns with vestigial sights. They make it easier to acquire your target. But they require practice, are NOT a panacea, and you still need to understand the fundmentals of marksmanship and the two most important of the fundamentals which are: sight alignment and trigger control.

Next time your coming out of Wallyworld or some other place at night walking to you car in their parking lot under low/no light conditions think about what your sight pic. would be on your favorite CCW. For my eyes to react quickly in no light conditions the CTLG is the thing… that’s why I personally made the $ investment….could mean the difference….

A CTLG USER’S INPUT:

Here is my input based on my experience actually USING them, as opposed to just dismissing them (and condemning anyone considering them) for all the reasons “someone told me about.”

I have had at one time or another 9 different handguns with the CTC laser grips. Currently my carry weapons (SW M&P9c, Glock 23, and M&P340) and my wife’s (Ruger SP101) both wear them, while my house gun (Glock 21SF) carries a rail mounted light/laser combo (Streamlight TLR-2).

The CTC grips hold their zero extremely well. Once set, I have never had to make any adjustments, even though I remove them to clean my guns and replace them afterwards. My experience is they are very durable and CTC has an outstanding reputation for customer service. Of the 9 sets I’ve owned, I had one problem that I can blame on them, and one problem that was my fault.

Here are the ones I’ve owned, the time, and the round counts with the laser grips installed. The P229, P226, P239 and Glock 33 have all been sold. Some with the laser, some I sold the lasers separate. For the lasers I sold, I generally got about 80%+ of what I paid for them. They hold their value well. 

P229- My first set of CTC grips. I owned them for approximately 1 1/2 years, approx 2000 rounds fired with them- no problems, except the one I caused. I bought this gun used at a pawn shop and it had the laser grips on it. In fact the lasers are what interested me and made the gun such a bargain. After firing it the first time, I was cleaning it and stuffed a Q-tip in the aperture. I managed to pop the lens out which resulted in a crescent shaped beam that had about a 2-3″ length when hitting an object 15′ away. I was pretty pissed at myself and called CTC to see what repair would cost. I clearly explained to them what happened and that I bought these used and I had no idea of their history. CTC told me to send them down and they would be repaired at no charge. I sent them off and one week to the day later, I had a package from CTC. They did not repair them, they sent me a replacement set, additionally they included a user manual (which I did not have), adjustment tools, and cleaning swabs. All it cost me was the postage to send them in to CTC. CTC paid the postage to send me the replacement. My experience with this set made me a believer in both lasers and CTC.

Add that all up and I have over 7 years and over 9000 rounds experience with them and just a single failure, which I note again, did not render them unusable. That is a pretty good track record as far as I am concerned. I replace the batteries once or twice a year (oh, and with the “free batteries for life” program I have never had to buy batteries for them).

Do they replace iron sights? No, you need to be skilled in the basics first. Are they “right” for every situation? No, but if they aren’t right, they also don’t hinder regular sights or point shooting if you so desire. Can they be a benefit in some situations? SURE. Why not have one more tool in the box? I’ll take every advantage I can get.

“Point shooting” can be very useful under the right circumstances and if you have had the ability to train and become proficient. That said, most people aren’t able to practice to the point where they will become proficient. Few ranges allow drawing from a holster, let alone shooting from the hip. Even if you do become proficient, it will be useless to you in certain circumstances.

For the “average” person, your best chance of survival is to present a poor target to the threat while getting off some effective shots. In a street combat situation, you should be moving and going for cover/concealment. Standing in one place is the surest way to become a statistic. This ain’t the old west where you face off and draw in the street.

“Effective” doesn’t necessarily mean good sight alignment/sight picture, it means you have a high level of confidence they are going to go where they need to. You might find yourself shooting from the hip, shooting from around an object, shooting while running, turning around and shooting over your shoulder. Regardless, chances are however you do it, you will be looking at the threat. As you look at the threat, seeing that red dot on his chest lets you know that you are on target.

In a combat situation you are going to focus on the threat. It is a physiological response. Contrary to what some believe, you don’t look for the dot and then move it to the target. While you are focused on the target, with the tunnel vision that occurs, you naturally point your weapon to where you are looking. It is an almost automatic eye-hand coordination (which happens to also be the basis for point-shooting). As your weapon comes to bear, you will clearly see that dot when it is on target. It is a very positive feedback and provides the mental “green light” for trigger squeeze.

Lasers can also be extremely beneficial for dry fire and trigger control practice. The laser isn’t dancing around on it’s own, that is your twitchy hand and jerky trigger pull. You just get to see for a change how much your gun moves as you work the trigger. I love when someone complains about how much the dot jerks around, then when I hold the gun it moves less than my Aunt Ethel when Oprah is on.

Real world police gunfight data shows a huge improvement in the hit ratio of officers equipped with them. I haven’t seen ANY data where they were determined to be a detriment or get someone “killed”.

There is just something about technology that sets off some grumpy old farts. In my motorcycle group they bitch about how they don’t need a GPS and they are crap because maps still work, and how they’ll break and then you’re screwed. In the gun world they bitch about Lasers being crap and they aren’t needed for any number of reasons. “They will fail” etc. Heck, any piece of machinery can fail. With that logic the old coots shouldn’t be using maps OR guns, they should be using celestial navigation and throwing rocks.

My experience has been that folks who spout absolutes and wax nostalgic on the good ole days tend to be limited in their abilities to grow, evolve, learn, and understand new things. I find it funny how some of those most verbal against them have never even used them. My personal experience has been that 6 out of 8 anti-laser folks changed their mind once they actually used one, and the two that didn’t were just too stubborn to admit they were wrong.

Are they magic? No, do they have a use and purpose? Hell yes.

Admittedly I do not have actual combat experience, but lets see what the accredited experts have to say…

“If I were a police officer today, I wouldn’t consider going on patrol or walking a beat without a Crimson Trace equipped firearm.”
Jim Cirillo: LE Trainer, Author, Retired NYPD and US Customs, 17-0 Record Against Armed Felons

“I consider my Lasergrips a key advantage that I would not go into harm’s way without.”
Ernest Langdon: President, Langdon Tactical Technologies, IDPA Champion and USMC Sniper Instructor

“For low light and dark, Lasergrips are a tool that I don’t want to be without. By the time I had 300-400 rounds down range, I got to the point where I could trust that wherever the dot was, the bullet would go.”
Mike Dalton: IDPA Steel Challenge Champion, Police Officer and Director of International Shootists Institute

“In the past, I had a total disregard for lasers. But, after testing and evaluating them, I now have Crimson Trace Lasergrips on my personal guns. When searching or clearing a room, the sidearm often needs to be held in a ‘retention’ firing position. With Lasergrips, I can use the flashlight, protect my handgun and sight my pistol at the same time. There is no need to lead with the handgun as many popular flashlight firing techniques require.”
Ken Hackathorn: International Small Arms Instructor and Consultant

“I know what the front sight looks like, but in a CQB environment you never see your front sight. Why not superimpose a laser on your threat. I’m 50% faster coming out on target and can outrun my tritium sights by at least 20% in speed and accuracy with Lasergrips.”
Todd Jarrett: World Champion Shooter, International Military / LE Trainer

“In my opinion, the S & W J-Frame revolver equipped with this unit has to be considered as the ultimate in a police backup gun or civilian type weapon carried for defensive purposes.”
Colonel Rex Applegate

“I have Lasergrips installed on all of my duty/defensive sidearms and consider them to be an essential accessory. Lasergrips can save lives and reduce liability exposure.”
Eugene Nielsen: Tactical Consultant, Author, former Police Officer, Contributing Staff S.W.A.T. Magazine Editor

“I carry a Laser gripped Model 442 as a backup gun…..”
Massad Ayoob: World Renowned Firearms Instructor / Self Defense Expert

Anyone with limited exposure will recognize the names above and all are held in high regard by the shooting/combat/competition/training communities.

I have found the Crimson Trace lasers to be affordable, reliable, and durable. If I ever have to use a gun to defend myself, I want EVERY possible advantage. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on guns, ammo, and training. I don’t consider an extra $150-$200 to be unreasonable for the advantage and training they provide.  All of my carry guns are equipped with CTC.

I am not an employee, and other than the free batteries, I haven’t gotten anything from Crimson Trace. I am just one extremely satisfied customer.

Bruce N. Eimer, Ph.D.
http://www.DefensiveHandguns.com

http://www.PersonalDefenseSolutions.net

We’ve launched our new Defensive Handguns Forum. It’s for everyone interested in armed self defense. Every conceivably relevant topic is addressed including: guns for self defense, gear, ammunition, breaking news, gun politics, RKBA, Second Amendment,  defensive tactics, concealed carry, CCW permits, deadly force issues, home defense, training, choosing a handgun, edged weapons, and so on.

It’s a place to learn and share. No prior experience necessary!  It’s the ultimate learning place for beginners and seasoned handgunners and firearms folks alike.  Get your questions answered and stay informed by checking out the hottest firearms forum on the internet!  The Defensive Handguns Forum.

Dr. Bruce Eimer
http://www.DefensiveHandguns.com
http://www.PersonalDefenseSolutions.net

I was a guest of Nationally syndicated radio talk show host, Mark Walters, of Armed American Radio on Sunday, July 12, 2009 from 8 to 9PM.  We talked about the psychology of the criminal mind and how you can avoid becoming a victim! Check the show out at this link:

http://armedamericanradio.org/2009/07/7-12-2009-aar-broadcast/

Pastor Ken Pagano joined Mark for the first half of the show to discuss his open carry event at his New Bethel Church in Louisville KY that drew media attention from around the world.  Pastor Pagano is an incredible man who took the right to keep and bear arms to his flock with an overwhelming positive response from his congregation.

I was on the second half of the program to discuss the criminal mindset and how you can use knowledge to your advantage to avoid a violent criminal attack.  THis was my second appearance on Armed American Radio. The one hour just seemed to fly right by. 

Enjoy listening to AAR’s first nationally syndicated radio show!

http://www.ArmedAmericanRadio.org/

Dr. Bruce Eimer
http://www.DefensiveHandguns.com

http://www.PersonalDefenseSolutions.net

It was a great show! Mark Walters is a very well informed and funny guy. Listen to his show, and learn and laugh. Mark is also a regular columnist for Concealed Carry Magazine. He writes “The Ordinary Guy” column. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be an invited guest on Mark’s show. Armed American Radio is a new show and I predict it is going to be big! It should be big. It addresses a very important and timely topic.

Armed American Radio (AAR) is the official radio program of the United States Concealed Carry Association. AAR broadcasts live every Sunday evening for one hour from 8 until 9PM EDT from the Intelligent Talk 920 WGKA studios in the Buckhead section of Atlanta, Georgia. If you are in the metro Atlanta area, you can listen live at WGKA 920AM on your dial. Anywhere else on the Planet Earth, you can listen to the live broadcast by visiting www.920WGKA.com.

The focus of the radio show of course is on guns, gun rights, the politics of guns and gun rights, safety and training issues, concealed carry, and everything relevant to RKBA; that is, your Right to Keep and Bear Arms. So, be a patriot and listen to the show! Protect your RKBA, your Second Amendment freedoms, and listen in. I am sure that once you check it out, you’ll be hooked. I know I am.

Mark Walters pulls no punches. He is honest and thoughtful. He knows a lot about psychology, and guns, and a lot about a lot of other things too. Check him out on Armed American Radio, and be a patriot. Whether you are new to guns, or you are experienced with firearms, concealed carry, the shooting sports, hunting, etc., you will love Armed American Radio and Mark Walters.   

Bruce N. Eimer, Ph.D.
NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
http://PersonalDefenseSolutions.net

North American Arms Pug

About a month ago, I was in my favorite local gun shop and I came across the North American Arms .22 Magnum Pug single action mini-revolver. One look at this baby and I knew I had to own it. Ever since that day, my NAA Pug has been my constant pocket companion no matter what I am wearing. It is so tiny, yet it is a very substantial pocket gun, with its oversized pebble-textured rubber grips, bull barrel, and XS 24/7 sights. Weighing in at only 6.4 oz., I have literally forgotten it was in my pocket!  In fact, one time, I had thrown my J-frame into my pocket before leaving the house. Later on, as I was reaching inside for my J, I noticed that I had the Pug in there with the J! Neither gun complained. They got along very well and quietly.

This Pug has ended my search for an “all the time pocket gun”. By that I mean a gun that rides in the pocket of my gym shorts, my pajamas, sweat pants, in the house and anywhere. It won’t drag your pants down and the price won’t empty your wallet! When I go to the gym, I can put it into and remove it from my locker without anyone the wiser as I can completely conceal it in my medium sized fist. Furthermore, because it is single action (meaning you have to manually cock the hammer in order to be able to fire the gun), I feel safe carrying it in my pocket without a holster next to my keys. And I am a holster guy for every gun, pocket pistol, snubby, or otherwise. With DAO, DA/SA and SA 1911 style handguns, you need a holster to protect the trigger guard.

Pug on hand

The name “Pug” may have derived from the Latin Pugnus, meaning Fist. With this in mind, the NAA Pug can be characterized as multum in parvo (“much in little”) in reference to the small and convenient size. Squat and sturdy like its namesake dog, The NAA Pug is chambered in .22 Magnum and sports a 1” heavy barrel. You can count on this stocky companion to deliver a bite even worse than his bark. Slightly oversized pebble-textured rubber grips enable the handler to keep a firm “leash” on this pocket-sized puppy. The XS sighting system provides a quick sight picture and will enable the handler to direct the bite. The pedigree is pure North American Arms.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Caliber: .22 Magnum
Capacity: 5
Material: 17-4 pH Stainless Steel
Barrel length: 1 inch
Overall length: 4 1/2 inches
Overall height: 2 3/4 inches
Width: 7/8 inches
Weight: 6.4 oz. unloaded

The NAA Pug can be used with all popular factory .22 Magnum ammunition, including .22 Magnum shot shells; also called “snake shot”.

You can get the gun with an XS White Dot front sight or an XS 24/7 Tritium front night sight. Either option is highly visible even to these aging eyes. These sights are designed for close quarter work. The rear notch helps align the sights on target, but basically you simply place the front sight on your aim point and fire. The NAA Pug delivers true 24 hour personal protection!

Great sight picture with XS 24/7 night sights

North American Arms
2150 S. 950 E., Provo, UT 84606-6285
Tel: 800.821.5783
http://NorthAmericanArms.com

The single action Pug shoots 3 inch groups to point of aim at 3 yards. At 5 yards, the groups open up a bit as is expected. The very nice single action trigger and rubber grip make the gun a breeze to fire one handed. With the big dot front sight, firing with a two handed grip, you can score center of mass shots reliably at 7 yards. That is very respectable for a little gun. Recoil is not a problem. This gun is a true point shooter.

I liked this gun soooo much, I actually bought a second one two weeks after I bought the first. Think of the possibilities.

Bruce N. Eimer, Ph.D.
NRA Certified Firearms Instructor (Pistol, Shotgun, Personal Protection)
Affiliate Instructor, John Farnam’s Defense Training International
Utah Concealed Firearms Certified Instructor
Board Certified, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
NRA Life Member
Column Editor for Concealed Carry Magazine
 
President, Personal Defense Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 6
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
Tel: 215-938-7283  Fax: 215-947-7860
Email: dr.eimer1@comcast.net
Website: www.PersonalDefenseSolutions.net
Blogs: www.PersonalDefenseBlog.com    www.GuideToHandguns.com

Sign up for FREE access to Dr. Eimer’s Arsenal for the Concealed Carry Permit holder: www.PersonalDefenseSolutions.net/mailinglist.htm

I have met and also treated many such folks. As a board certified licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of clinical and academic experience, I think hoplophobia should be added as a diagnostic category to the Anxiety and Phobia Disorders section of the soon to be published revised edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—DSM-V. 

Given my dual clinical and academic training as both a Behavioral and Psychoanalytic/Freudian psychologist and psychotherapist, I know that “hoplophobia” (fear of firearms or firearm phobia) is real. It is as real as arachnophobia (fear of spiders), ophidiophobia (snake phobia), dentophobia (fear of dentists), aichmophobia (needle phobia), androphobia (fear of men), cynophobia (dog phobia), entomophobia (fear of insects), and ideophobia (fear of ideas). However, hoplophobia may be more widespread than all of the above mentioned with the exception of ideophobia, and unlike most of these other phobias, hoplophobia pervades every level of our society and poses a serious threat to our Constitutional Second Amendment and First Amendment rights.

As a clinical psychologist, I know that what hoplophobics really fear is their own conscious and unconscious murderous rage. As with the psychodynamics of every true phobia, the hoplophobic person’s psychological defense mechanisms unconsciously project his or her murderous rage onto other people and objects. In this case, the objects of choice are firearms. Only some hoplophobics are insightful enough to recognize, as one pro-gun control physician stated that, “I don’t own a gun because if I did, I’d definitely shoot someone.”  He is right. He and others like him should definitely NOT own firearms. But, this is not a matter for legislation. It is about having good sense and perhaps, psychotherapy – because after all, that is what good psychotherapeutic treatment is all about.

Bruce N. Eimer, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PA, NJ)
Certified School Psychologist (PA, NJ)
Diplomate in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology with the
American Board of Professional Psychology
Fellow and Approved Consultant, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
Life Member, American Psychological Association
Dr. Eimer’s Websites:
http://HypnosisHelpCenter.net
http://BestWayToStop.com
http://BruceEimer.com
http://HealthyCoping.com
http://PersonalDefenseSolutions.net

Sign up for Dr. Eimer’s FREE report on An Amazingly Simple Method of Self-Hypnosis: http://bestwaytostop.com/mailinglist.htm

Beretta .32 ACP Tomcat Inox

Within the numerous feline products manufactured by Beretta U.S.A. Corporation, the Beretta Tomcat .32 caliber ACP sub-compact pocket pistol must be considered for several innovative and practical considerations.  This kitten certainly hisses at criminal aggression or attack!  

For the inexperienced firearm shooter, it is the easiest and safest firearm in determining its loaded cartridge status with the manual barrel release and pop-up feature that exposes a live or empty chamber.  The experienced professional or the novice can determine quickly if the firearm is loaded or not.  In addition, with that system of operation, one can place a fully loaded magazine in the magazine well, expose the barrel chamber to the manually open position, load the top off round, close the barrel and be ready for engagement without having to cycle the slide.   This firearm is accurate, reliable, and effective in close quarters.  It also comes in four finishes–stainless steel, black matte, high gloss blue, or titanium (with stainless steel slide and barrel).  Beretta also produces a limited production model especially worthy of mention and consideration.  Formerly designated the “Alleycat” and now called the “Tomcat Tritium”, this pistol has eyes that glow in the dark with its XS Express Sight System’s Big Dot tritium front nightsight.  This feature makes it notably easier to shoot and point this cute little kitten.

Like the Seecamp and North American Guardian pistols, the Beretta Tomcat is designed to be pointed at the target and shot one-handed (i.e., “point shooting”).  It is for close-quarters personal defense.  However, the Tomcat’s slightly larger size and width, and its front and rear sights make it easy to shoot with a two-handed grip using the front sight to aim.  Additionally, while the Seecamp and NAA Guardians are double action only (DAO), the Beretta Tomcat is double action on the first shot and single action on all subsequent shots.  For some shooters, this may provide greater accuracy at longer distances.  

The Beretta name has been world renowned since the 16th century in Italy, and is recognized for its products’ quality in design and function as well as its reliable worldwide customer service policies and attentiveness.  The Beretta .32 Tomcat is a fine addition to the Beretta litter and to the sub-compact category of highly concealable self-defense pocket pistols.  As with all of the other quality firearm manufacturers, to get a clear idea of Beretta’s complete product line, go to their website at http://berettausa.com (301-283-2191) so that you can pick your choice of the litter.

Beretta Tomcat .32 Matte Black

Seecamp LWS 380

Sub-compact pocket pistols offer  a non-intrusive way of carrying a concealed firearm given their minimal weight and size.  However, when relying on a sub-compact pistol, quality has to be the primary consideration in making your choice.  With size reduction, often comes bullet caliber reduction.  As such, you want the most dependable handgun you can depend on in meeting and prevailing against any unsolicited threat or attack.

The Seecamp .380

There is an ongoing debate in the field of firearms self-defense and even in law enforcement about what is the minimal caliber suitable for self-defense.  The bottom line is that in a tactical situation, you are going to bank on the element of surprise so that you can escape if you are a civilian.  A well concealed subcompact until it is needed gives you that opportunity.  It’s much more effective to reach for a .32 caliber subcompact than a pocket full of air.  Whether you are choosing a defensive backup gun (a BUG) or a primary deep cover CCW, it’s essential that you choose a subcompact of the highest quality.  Sound decisions based on bad quality are self-defeating.  So, open your eyes and smell the roses.  Don’t die due to poor equipment choices.  Choose quality equipment and prevail.

Seecamp .25, .32 and .380 are all the same size!

In my personal experience with superior quality, highly concealable subcompact handguns, one product line jumps to the pinnacle–Seecamp.  The L.W. Seecamp .32 ACP and .380 ACP double action only, blowback operated, sub-compact pistols (both are the same size!) are very high quality handmade stainless steel pocket pistols that are given so much professional attention at the Seecamp factory, you would swear they are custom jewelry designed for Tiffany’s or Bailey, Banks and Biddle. There are many professionals, politicians, and entertainers who, due to their public exposure, are potentially high profile targets.  Many such individuals feel the need for a highly discreet and reliable carry firearm to increase their comfort level in different situations, from the board room to the golf course, or from Hollywood to New York or Washington, D.C.  You owe yourself that same level of prudent protection you gain with the quality exhibited by a Mercedes or a Hummer.  L.W. Seecamp’s .32 and .380 caliber subcompact semi-automatic pistols provide that same level of distinguished, discreet protection and reliability.

Seecamps have no sights to get snagged in yourpocket.  They are meant to be pointed at the target and shot one-handed instinctively (i.e., “point shooting”).  They are handguns for up close and personal, bad breath distance personal defense–where most deadly encounters occur anyway.  They are “in-your-face” or “belly guns”.  However, given their precision construction, they are accurate shooters and can be accurately shot to point of aim with practice at up to 10 yards.  Please note that, as with any firearm, to be able to shoot the Seecamp effectively and “instinctively”, requires practice.  Recoil is very manageable with the Seecamp .32.  The .380 Seecamp is a bit snappier but still very manageable and an excellent choice given its size to power ratio.  You should be able to pick up a pre-owned or new Seecamp .32 in the price range of anywhere from $375. (used) to $525. (new).  Seecamp .380s are harder to come by and command prices in the neighborhood of $750 to $850.

The Seecamp website is very comprehensive and informative.  There even is a Seecamp forum.

Robert Locke of Meco Pocket Holsters makes superb and affordable leather pocket holsters for the Seecamp.

My Seecamp .380

Let me admit up front that the reviews to be posted will be biased.  What I mean by “biased” is opinionated in terms of the value and utility of the guns and equipment reviewed to real world personal defense.  The reviews are meant to help you gather facts, data, and opinions to help you make choices about what firearms and accessories to purchase.  It should be kept in mind that there are more quality firearms available on the market today than ever before, and quality firearms are not cheap.  These facts make it all the more important for you to obtain helpful information to guide you in choosing the right firearms for you—based on how you intend to use them (e.g., home defense, concealed carry applications, range practice, Sunday plinking, etc.).

This blog is a self financed project.  Please be patient.  Reviews will be forthcoming.  I will write reviews of firearms and accessories based on:
1. Firearms and accessories I receive for test and evaluation.
2. My experience with firearms and accessories I already own.
3. My experience with firearms and accessories belonging to my friends, colleagues, and my students.

While the focus of this Guide to Handguns blog will be primarily on defensive handguns and handgun accessories (holsters, ammunition, CCW equipment, etc.), I will also post reviews on defensive long guns (shotguns, carbines and rifles), as well as edged weapons, pepper spray products, etc.

With permission, I will also post colleagues’ reviews.  I will also be soliciting reviews. So, if you have a review that you would like to see posted here, please send me an email to: dr.eimer@PersonalDefenseSolutions.net

Bruce N. Eimer, Ph.D.
NRA Certified Firearms Instructor (Pistol, Personal Protection & Shotgun)
Board Certified Licensed Clinical Psychologist
http://PersonalDefenseSolutions.net

Smith & Wesson Model 386 with Pachmayr Decelerator Grips

Changing grips on your revolver is a good way to feel like you are getting a new gun.  Furthermore, when you take off the grips, you can use that opportunity to clean and lubricate your gun. It’s a good thing to fiddle with your personal defense firearms. This helps you know your equipment which is an important thing for any personal defense equipment.

Pachmayer Decelerator Grips are comfortable and provide a great cushion against the hefty recoil of the .357 magnum cartridge.  They fit the hand like a glove. I just swapped out the factory Hogue Bantams (also good grips!) for the Pachmayers, since this handgun will not be used for concealed carry.

Hogue bantam grips are great for concealed carry and do a reasonably good job of custioning recoil.  However, the Pachmayer Decelerators are exceptional in terms of fit to hand and recoil management. They are made for home defense.

Bruce N. Eimer, Ph.D.
http://PersonalDefenseSolutions.net