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garyb
09-11-2014, 07:10 AM
Bad news - During dry fire practice my CTL batteries started to die. Good news - Contacted Crimson Trace and new set of batteries are on the way under the Batteries for Life program.....batteries and shipping costs are free for my life. Great news - A while back, they had already sent me a spare pair that I held in storage and immediately installed. I always have new batteries ready to go. Even better news - The batteries that just went bad lasted me over a year with regular dry fire practice... and my CTL has been totally reliable and dead on, for the past 4 years. Zero problems. Great product and support from CTL. Extremely useful device.

Bawanna
09-11-2014, 09:47 AM
Is that something you sign up for or part of every CTL purchase. Mine shows signs of weakness, I keep forgetting to look for a battery at the store. I also always forget what to look for. Took it apart twice now to look. I think I'm a procrastinator or something.

SlowBurn
09-11-2014, 10:26 AM
I think all you have to do is call them and tell them what you have and they'll sign you up. I do the same as garyb - get a spare set after the first year, keep them til I need them and call for another spare set. Never have to go to the store.

Replaced mine twice so far, but the first time was my dumb. The battery was fine, the lens was dirty.

garyb
09-11-2014, 01:48 PM
Bawanna, I am not sure if it was a promotion that is limited to those that purchased during that promotion; or if it is available to everyone. Try calling 1-800-442-2406. Simply say that when you purchased your laser, you were under the free batteries for life program and your batteries finally died. If they say you did not register, just ask them how to do it. I never have a problem acting stupid. Know the Model # of the laser you purchased. Perhaps they will send you a set....

muggsy
09-12-2014, 08:05 PM
Geez Gary, I didn't know it was an act. You are good! :)

Alfonse
09-12-2014, 08:41 PM
They replace all of mine. I just told them what I have when I called to sign up. I just put new ones in each year and retire the old one to backup status. Their service is superb.

garyb
09-13-2014, 06:47 AM
Geez Gary, I didn't know it was an act. You are good! :)

LOL...move over Tom Cruise.

garyb
09-21-2014, 06:05 AM
The replacement batteries arrived within 5 days. Great service and products from Crimson Trace in my opinion.

OldLincoln
09-21-2014, 10:06 AM
Just a question here as I don't have the laser. If it went off when you needed it how would it affect your aim? My son convinced me not to get them when he was in academy, but every fed cop show seems to have them. Also I tried one out and it was terrific, plus I have the practice laser which works well when I get around to practicing.

Bawanna
09-21-2014, 10:19 AM
I just use mine mostly for dry fire practice which is sadly all too rare lately. I often times put a piece of tape over the laser at the range so I use the sights, actually a little bit of both so I confirm the laser is on.

I think they are great myself, I didn't always think so but I guess I'm kind of a convert.

The intimidation factor and the ability to aim in less than ideal positions is a big plus too.

SlowBurn
09-21-2014, 10:55 AM
Just a question here as I don't have the laser. If it went off when you needed it how would it affect your aim? My son convinced me not to get them when he was in academy, but every fed cop show seems to have them. Also I tried one out and it was terrific, plus I have the practice laser which works well when I get around to practicing.

Mine didn't die all at once. I knew the batteries needed to be replaced because the laser was getting gradually dimmer. I should probably do what Alfonse does and replace them once a year whether they need it or not.

ripley16
09-21-2014, 12:26 PM
The replacement batteries arrived within 5 days. Great service and products from Crimson Trace in my opinion.

This thread reminded me to email for my yearly batteries. Mine also came within a week. Have a laser on my Kahr K9 and a Beretta 92. A great asset on two great guns.



Just a question here as I don't have the laser. If it went off when you needed it how would it affect your aim?

The laser doesn't replace your iron sights, but rather it enhances the iron sight.

TheTman
09-21-2014, 01:45 PM
I'm trying to get people to think about changing their laser batteries, every year when the time changes off Daylight Savings Time. Just like many of us use that as a reminder to change the batteries in our smoke detectors. I figure the fall change works best, as the nights are getting longer and the criminals are out at Christmas time ripping people off at the malls.

Longitude Zero
09-21-2014, 04:13 PM
I change my EoTech Batteries every 180 days. Here is where smartphones with calendar functions come in very handy.

Alfonse
09-21-2014, 09:06 PM
I'm trying to get people to think about changing their laser batteries, every year when the time changes off Daylight Savings Time. Just like many of us use that as a reminder to change the batteries in our smoke detectors. I figure the fall change works best, as the nights are getting longer and the criminals are out at Christmas time ripping people off at the malls.

For some reason, February is when I change all the batteries in lasers, flashlights, and devices for things that might go boom in the night. I do the smoke detectors, other alarms and instruments in the spring time change. But, that job is so awful, requiring three ladders and half a day, I would rather not mix it with the happier job of changing CTL and other batteries.

downtownv
09-22-2014, 03:23 AM
Hmmmm funny woman always seem to have spare batteries.....
Walmart sells the CT type battery in the Jewelery dept for about $4...

garyb
09-23-2014, 06:52 AM
Just a question here as I don't have the laser. If it went off when you needed it how would it affect your aim? My son convinced me not to get them when he was in academy, but every fed cop show seems to have them. Also I tried one out and it was terrific, plus I have the practice laser which works well when I get around to practicing.

Good question. When the laser is sighted in, it will show on the top of your front sight. You can sight it in for what ever distance you wish. I sight mine in for 15 yrds. Simply line up your iron sights and adjust the laser to sit on top of your front sight...that simple.

With that said, if your laser goes off for any reason, you still have your sights. It does not in any way affect your aim. In dim to poor light, you can use just your laser if you wish....or you can still use your night sights. In bright light, you probably won't see your laser anyway...of course at which time you don't need it anyway...because you have your sights. However, at very close distances (under 10 yrds) in bright light, you can usually see your laser and use it. To answer your question in another way, the laser is a second sighting system to compliment and work with your sights. The laser in NO WAY takes anything away from your sights or the normal use of your sights. I hope this answer helps.

garyb
09-23-2014, 06:56 AM
Everyone is correct. With routine dry fire use (5 min a day), the batteries will last about a year. Changing them every year is a good idea. The suggestion to change them at a preset date every year is a good one too. If you are using your laser daily for dry fire practice, you will quickly note any changes in it and quickly realize the need to change out your battery. I notice it because it will fade out as you hold the switch in the "On" position. It will start out bright and slowly fade out when the batteries are ready to be replaced (yearly).. Great training tool. Great SD tool. But I understand that it is not for everyone. If you have any questions about the application of a CTL, simply call them and ask for their free DVD's. You will soon be convinced of their applications.

CPTKILLER
09-23-2014, 09:24 AM
Hence the rationale not to use a laser. I was in the military and learned that batteries only fail at the worst possible moment.

Unreliable tech is an issue.

garyb
09-24-2014, 06:05 AM
Hence the rationale not to use a laser. I was in the military and learned that batteries only fail at the worst possible moment.

Unreliable tech is an issue.

If you don't have a laser, you have sights. If your laser fails, you have sights. If you have both a laser and sights, you have a laser and sights. The technology is also reliable. I have been using one for 4 yrs and it has been flawless. Therefore, I'd disagree. But if you don't use one, I understand and you have a right to your opinion too.

jocko
09-24-2014, 03:02 PM
even we have a battery in our b ody, we just don't know how long it will last eiter. Like laser battery, some go a long time, some don't. I jdon't have a lawer site on any of my gun but some years back I pu7t a set of the sites on my Smith model 342 and I shot the most amazing 50 shot group at 10 yards, I cold have ever dreamed about doin.

muggsy
10-12-2014, 01:14 PM
Once the battery in my pace maker went dead. It's a good thing I had a set of jumper cables in my pocket. :)