Crimson Trace was established in 1994 and became known for one specific idea: putting the laser where it does not get in the way. The Lasergrips replace the pistol's grip panels, are machined to fit without protruding and switch themselves on when the hand takes the gun in its natural firing grip. It is not an accessory hung off the rail: it is the part that was already there, with the emitter inside.

The house works out of Columbia, Missouri, and says it does its development, quality control, customer service and the assembly of more than two hundred products there. Today it is one of the brands of American Outdoor Brands, the group that Frankford Arsenal, Caldwell, Tipton and Wheeler also belong to.

Of that whole catalogue —lasers, lights, rangefinders, accessories— what crosses customs to get here is the optics, and each line has its intended user. Brushline is the classic hunting scope, with the diamond-marked CT BDC reticle. Brushline Pro is aimed at the hunter with hours behind them: its reticles are calibrated for the platform they will be mounted on, and the series covers handgun, muzzleloader, shotgun and rifle. Hardline is the target-shooting line, with 1-inch and 30 mm tubes and generous eye relief to get back on target fast. All three are second focal plane, multi-coated and IPX7, and the brand publishes a lifetime commercial warranty for its scopes, subject to its terms.

The fourth leg is the reflex sight. The CT RAD models mount on the CT RAD footprint, compatible with the Docter pattern, which is why the adapter plates gun manufacturers already sell will do; the CT RAD Micro models mount on the CT micro footprint, compatible with Shield RMS and JPoint. The PRO versions add the CT MOTION sensor, which wakes the sight when it feels the gun move and shuts it down after two minutes of stillness.