Crimson Trace CMR-206 Laser Sight Review

The Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master laser sight is a compact, universal green laser sight designed to work with pistols or rifles with Picatinny or weaver rails. In the video below we shoot a few rounds at a distance of about 8 yards. The Crimson Trace is mounted on my Glock 19. I was able to keep my shots in a pretty tight group, better than I could do with iron sights and old eyes.

This review is about my personal Crimson Trace Laser sights. I am an Amazon affiliate so I may receive a small commission if you order a sight.

Shooting Glock 19 With Crimson Trace Rail Master Laser Sight – 8 yards

Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Laser Sight

Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Laser Sight on AMAZON $209

Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Universal Laser with Instant Activation and Quick Installation for Pic Rail Mounts, Shooting, Competition and Range , Black

Brightness: Features A 5Mw Peak, 515-532Nm, Class 3R Visible Green Laser – The Brightest Beam Allowed By Law
Ease Of Use: Instant Activation Ambidextrous Tap-On / Tap-Off Controls For Immediate Laser Activation From Either Side Of The Unit
Runtime: Over 2 Hours Of Battery Life Powered By (1) 1/3N Battery (Included)
Reliable: User Installed- No Gunsmithing Required – Factory Sighted At 50 Feet, But Is Fully User Adjustable For Windage And Elevation With Provided Tool
VERSATILITY: Can be used on most pistols, rifles, and shotguns with M1913 Picatinny or similar accessory rail & 1-1/16″ between the recoil lug and the trigger guard

I have tried several laser sights and the CMR-206 is my favorite. The controls are easy to reach, it stays zeroed quite well, and best of all, the laser is Green which is much more visible in daylight than a red laser. It is so compact that you really can not feel that anything is attached to the firearm. I carry the Glock 19 with the Crimson Trace laser in my soft inside the waste band holster. When you draw the firearm, your natural instinct is to keep your trigger finger along the slide, and that places your finger tip on top of the on/off tab. Click it as you draw or keep your finger off the trigger and on the tab in the ready position.

I like the controls better than the Crimson Trace model on my S&W Shield which has a button on the grip that activates the laser as soon as you grip the pistol. I do not want to be waving a laser around before I get ready to shoot. But, it works better on some pistols than the CMR-206.

The CMR-206 was very easy to zero by doing a rough adjustment over the iron sights and then fine tuning the zero with the hex wrench provided with the sight. Battery life has been about two years, using it a few times a month at the range.

The CMR-206 offers 3 modes of operation: Momentary, Strobe, and Constant-On. This allows the user to easily set their mode based on personal need or preference. The CMR-206 is securely fastened using Crimson Trace’s Secure Lock Technology (SLT™).

Crimson Trace LG-459G Laserguards Green Laser

Crimson Trace LG-459G Laserguards with Green Laser at AMAZON $279

Crimson Trace LG-459G Laserguards with Green Laser, Heavy Duty Construction and Instinctive Activation for Smith & Wesson M&P9EZ, M&P380EZ and M&P22 Compact, Defensive Shooting and Competition

BRIGHTNESS: Features a 5mW peak, 515-532nm, Class 3R visible green laser that is in conformance with and complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 with a max power output of 5mW for a Class 3R Green Laser – the brightest beam allowed by law
RUNTIME: 2 hours of battery life that runs on (1) 1/3N battery (included)
EASE OF USE: Front activation button engages the laser immediately when the firearm is held in a normal firing grip – user installed – no gunsmithing required
RELIABLE: Factory sighted at 50 feet, but is fully user adjustable for Windage and Elevation with provided tool
FITS: Smith & Wesson M&P9EZ, M&P380EZ and M&P22 Compact Pistols

Why Use A Laser Sight

A laser sight for a pistol can offer several advantages to a shooter, especially if you find it hard to see iron sights. Here are some reasons why I chose a laser sight for Glock and Smith & Wesson Pistols:

Improved Target Acquisition: My laser sights project a visible green laser beam onto the target, making it easier to quickly and accurately aim at the intended point of impact. Laser sights are especially useful in low-light conditions.

Increased Accuracy: Laser sights can help improve accuracy. Just hold the green dot on the target and squeeze the trigger. There is no need for sight alignment. This can be especially useful for shooters who struggle with traditional iron sights or those who need to make rapid target transitions.

Enhanced Confidence: Some shooters find that using a laser sight boosts their confidence and reduces anxiety when aiming, leading to better shot placement, especially in high-pressure situations. I think my needs were more of physical limitations but that back-up can only help in a crisis.

Quick Targeting: Laser sights allow for fast and instinctive target acquisition. This can be advantageous in self-defense scenarios where split-second decisions matter. In the video above, you can see that I was able to hit the target every shot with just a little training and practice.

Low-Light Shooting: Low light shooting is when you need a laser the most. In low-light conditions, such as nighttime or indoor settings, a laser sight can significantly assist in aiming when traditional sights might be difficult to see.

Training Aid: Laser sights can be valuable for training purposes. They make it easier for instructors to diagnose and correct a shooter’s errors, helping them become more proficient with their firearm. Some people tend to pull shots off the target and dry firing with a laser can help diagnose that issue.

Aiming from Unconventional Positions: When shooting from non-standard positions, like behind cover or from a compromised stance, a laser sight can provide a clear aiming point even when the shooter’s sight picture is obstructed.

Deterrent Effect: Just think how you would feel if a laser dot was dancing on your chest. The presence of a visible laser dot on a target can sometimes serve as a deterrent in a self-defense situation, potentially discouraging an aggressor from continuing their threatening behavior.

However, it’s important to note that laser sights are not without drawbacks. They can give away your position in a dark environment, and they may fail or run out of power at critical moments. Additionally, becoming overly reliant on a laser sight without developing proficiency in traditional sight alignment and trigger control can be a disadvantage.

Whether a laser sight is necessary for your pistol ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Many shooters choose to use them for the advantages they offer, but it’s essential to undergo proper training and practice to ensure proficiency with or without a laser sight.