The combination aiming and illumination device is designed to turn on automatically as soon as you grip your gun. mfg photo
Firearm sight systems manufacturer LaserMax has announced that they have begun shipping the new CenterFire Light and Laser Combination with GripSense activation technology, which was introduced at SHOT Show in January.
I had the opportunity to check out the GripSense laser while at SHOT. What makes the unit unique is that the activation switch located under the trigger guard senses your grip, so that when you take hold of the pistol, the unit turns on.
Depending on how you have your laser programmed, it will automatically activate your light, your laser, or both.
LaserMax says the advantage is that you don’t have to think about the location of your laser activation button or pad after your draw your gun—you grip the gun, the device comes on. Take your hand off the grip, it turns off. The idea is that the device will save time, prevent fumbling, and reduce the chance of a shooter covering something with the muzzle that shouldn’t be covered while trying to activate an ON switch. In one motion, you’ve drawn your gun and activated the laser and/or light.
It’s also possible to program the laser to activate by simply pushing the activation button on the laser.
The GripSense unit is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday carry, says LaserMax, and claims that it will operate even if the shooter is wearing gloves.
The unit can be programmed to operate the light, the laser, or both. It runs on two included 1/3N 3-volt lithium batteries that LaserMax says will provide three hours of continuous use, safeguarded by an automatic shutoff after 10 minutes of inactivity.
The 100-lumen light is dimmable to 3 lumens. The laser is available in your choice of red or green. GripSense lasers now being shipped will fit the Ruger LC9S, LC380, and the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield in 9mm and .40 with red laser only. The company says they’ll begin shipping models for Ruger’s LCPII, S&W M&P Shield 45, Glock 42 & 43 in both red and green lasers in the near future. Prices range from $199 (red laser) to $219 (green laser).