The laser/light grip joins a Kel-Tec PMR-30, an AR-style 300 Whisper from SSK Industries, a 12-gauge autoloading shotgun from Legacy Sports International, and Ruger’s Lightweight Compact Revolver LCR as the magazine’s “Best in Class” 2011 honorees.

Every December, Gun Tests’ Editor Todd Woodard surveys the work of the magazine’s staff over the previous 12 months to select around 15 Guns of the Year (GOTY) and accessory choices. From those GOTY pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and accessories, the staff chooses the magazine’s “Best in Class” winners. Gun Tests Publisher Timothy H. Cole said, “The ‘Best in Class’ winners offer a lot of value and funtionality for the dollar. The CTC laser epitomizes what we look for in a compact, multi-fuction accessory.”

The exact test model was Crimson Trace Modular Vertical Grip MVF-515 Green Laser, $599, originally reviewed in the September 2011 issue of Gun Tests.

Woodard said, “We started out our review with the intention of reviewing Crimson Trace’s initial red-laser entry into the multifunction vertical market. When we had the chance to lay our mitts on their new green laser version as well, so we decided to take a close look at both offerings. The features and controls are identical for both models.”

Gene Taylor, who wrote the September Gun Tests article, said, “Is the green laser MVF-515 worth an extra $200? The answer is yes if you are serious about the use of a laser as a sighting tool. We found the Crimson Trace green laser quite visible to around 50 yards, even in bright sunlight. If you are serious about the use of alternate sighting in all conditions, the green laser should be your choice.”

For more information on Gun Tests magazine, log on to www.gun-tests.com.

Reader Comments

Using the laser as a sighting tool makes clear sense. But it seems that mounting one on your gun permanently is for guys who don't expect anyone to ever want to shoot back - since it seems to be a direct give-away of your position.

So, who's got some experience in practical uses with lasers? I'm thinking LEO experience, military, whatever, Do they just draw fire to you, or are they actually useful against armed opponents?

Comment by: david b | December 29, 2011

Good point, david b. My own thoughts, on the use of lasers in combat, include the concept of "Sight-Shoot-Dim/Cover". What I mean is that since the laser equipped firearm can be a marker for an adversary to target, some degree of training should be carried out that instills a survivability action to be taken by the user. This might be something as simple as releasing pressure on a pressure switch to turn off the laser, but it could also include covering the laser emitting lens or pointing the laser equipped firearms down to restrict detection by an adversary. It goes to reason that if the user of a laser equipped firearm just lets the laser shine out there, some hostile fire would likely be visited upon the laser and its user.

Comment by: canovack | December 29, 2011

Thanks for replying, canovack. That I think is a given. I was more thinking that even if you shoot from cover using it, you've given away your position and have to move or suffer a possible pray and spray return. Lighting up a guy in the yard might be different, or a punk on the street, and could save us from having to actually shoot someone. But under some circumstances, I suppose even quick on and off could give you away and be dangerous.

On the other hand, I suspect it would be quite useful on moving targets, as most of us don't have any opportunity to shoot (at) clay pigeons with our handguns!

Comment by: david b | December 30, 2011