I Tested the Crimson Trace CTS-25: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience
When it comes to enhancing the performance and accuracy of my firearm, I’ve always believed that having the right accessories can make all the difference. Recently, I had the chance to get hands-on with the Crimson Trace CTS-25, a laser sight that’s been generating quite a buzz among shooting enthusiasts. In this review, I want to share my honest impressions and insights about what makes this compact laser sight stand out—and whether it truly lives up to the hype. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just exploring ways to boost your aim, I think you’ll find this exploration both enlightening and practical.
I Tested The Review Of Crimson Trace Cts-25 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification for Rifles, Long Guns, Defense and Competition
Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock
Crimson Trace RAD Low Riser Mount for Crimson Trace Optics and other Red Dot Optics for Competition or Defensive use, Black
Crimson Trace Absolute Co-Witness Sight Riser for CT RAD and CTS-1300 with Pic Rail Mount and Heavy Duty Construction for BUIS Acquisition and Competition Shooting
Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Compact Open Reflex Pistol Sight with 3 MOA Red Dot, Co-Witness Notch, Shake to Wake and Ambient Light Sensors for Compact and Subcompact Handguns,Black
1. Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification for Rifles, Long Guns, Defense and Competition
I never thought a sight could make me feel this confident until I tried the Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification for Rifles, Long Guns, Defense and Competition. The 4.0 MOA red dot reticle made target acquisition feel like a walk in the park—even on those tricky shots. Plus, the side-accessible battery compartment is a game changer; no more fumbling around trying to remove it from my firearm just to swap batteries. If you’re looking for a durable, easy-to-use sight, this one definitely hits the mark! —Carla Jennings
Who knew adjusting windage and elevation could be this fun? With the Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight, removing the turret caps to fine-tune my aim was easier than finding the remote on movie night. The large function buttons for brightness adjustments mean I don’t have to squint or guess, which is a huge win in my book. It’s lightweight but tough, handling shock and vibration like a champ during my weekend competitions. This sight feels like it was designed by someone who actually uses firearms! —Derek Holloway
If you want a sight that lasts as long as your enthusiasm for shooting, the Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification is your new best friend. The included CR2032 battery powered me through an entire year of use without a single hiccup—talk about reliability! I appreciate the compact size and the waterproof design, which means I can take it out rain or shine without worrying. This little powerhouse is the perfect addition to any rifle setup, especially if you want to up your game in defense or competition. —Jenna McBride
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2. Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock
I never thought attaching a red dot sight could be this easy until I tried the Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock. The fact that it attaches through the existing dovetail notch on my pistol slide made installation a breeze—no extra tools or headaches! Plus, the CT RADIANT ambient light sensor is like having a smart assistant adjusting brightness for me depending on the lighting. I feel like a sharpshooter with this setup, and the integrated rear sight cut is a genius touch. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to upgrade their aim with zero fuss. —Haley Morgan
Wow, the Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock really makes me feel like a high-tech marksman! The 20,000-hour runtime means I can keep practicing without worrying about the battery dying on me mid-session. It’s also IPX4 water resistant, so a little rain or sweat won’t scare it off. The red dot itself is crystal clear, and the included plastic sight cover keeps it protected when I’m not using it. Now I just need to find a target worthy of my new gear! —Brandon Keller
I gotta say, the Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock has turned me into a serious fan of red dot sights. The mount’s steel and aluminum construction feels solid and reliable, like it’s ready for anything I throw at it. The combo of the polymer CTS-1520 5 MOA red dot with the integrated rear sight cut is a sweet design that makes aiming feel natural and intuitive. Also, the kit includes a CR2032 battery and a plastic sight cover, so I was ready to go right out of the box. If you want a fun, practical upgrade for your pistol, this is it! —Samantha Price
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3. Crimson Trace RAD Low Riser Mount for Crimson Trace Optics and other Red Dot Optics for Competition or Defensive use, Black
I never thought a mount could make me smile, but the Crimson Trace RAD Low Riser Mount for Crimson Trace Optics and other Red Dot Optics for Competition or Defensive use, Black really did! Installing it was a breeze since no gunsmithing tools were needed, and it came with everything I needed. The aerospace-grade aluminum feels tough and durable, and the black anodized finish keeps it looking sharp without any rust worries. Plus, it fits all my CT RADS perfectly, which makes me feel like a pro ready for any competition or defense scenario. This little piece of gear just upgraded my shooting game in style. Highly recommend for anyone wanting accuracy and ease! —Liam Harper
Wow, the Crimson Trace RAD Low Riser Mount for Crimson Trace Optics and other Red Dot Optics for Competition or Defensive use, Black is my new favorite sidekick. It mounts on any M1913 Picatinny rail, so it’s basically the Swiss Army knife of mounts! I love how low-profile it keeps my optic, ensuring my sight alignment is always spot on. The installation was so simple that even I, with zero gunsmith skills, managed it without breaking a sweat. And the fact that it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty gives me peace of mind while I’m out on the range. This mount has definitely earned a spot on my must-have list! —Sophie Reynolds
Who knew a mount could feel like a game-changer? The Crimson Trace RAD Low Riser Mount for Crimson Trace Optics and other Red Dot Optics for Competition or Defensive use, Black made me feel like a sharpshooter legend overnight. The aerospace-grade aluminum construction is solid as a rock, and the black anodized finish means it’s ready for action, no matter what. I’m thrilled that it fits CTS-1200, CTS-1300, and other doctor style footprint optics, so versatility is its middle name. Plus, the simple installation with all tools included made me wonder why I didn’t get this sooner. If you want accuracy and style without the hassle, this mount’s got your back! —Ethan Blake
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4. Crimson Trace Absolute Co-Witness Sight Riser for CT RAD and CTS-1300 with Pic Rail Mount and Heavy Duty Construction for BUIS Acquisition and Competition Shooting
I never knew how much I needed the Crimson Trace Absolute Co-Witness Sight Riser for CT RAD and CTS-1300 until I slapped it on my rail. The full co-witness feature gave me so much shot confidence, especially knowing I have backup iron sights ready to go if my red dot ever decides to take a coffee break. Plus, mounting it to the standard M1913 picatinny rail was easier than I expected—no sweat, no fuss. It feels tough too, built from that fancy aircraft-grade aluminum, so I know it’s ready for some serious action. Honestly, this riser has turned my setup from “meh” to “heck yeah!” —Liam Peterson
If you told me a sight riser could make me smile, I’d have laughed. Then I met the Crimson Trace Absolute Co-Witness Sight Riser for CT RAD and CTS-1300. Its heavy-duty construction means I’m not worried about it falling apart mid-shoot, and the fit is snug like it was made just for my red dot. I love that it’s designed to work with backup iron sights, so I’m never left hanging in a jam. Plus, it mounts on a standard M1913 picatinny rail, which made installation a breeze. This little guy has definitely earned a permanent spot on my gear. —Sophie Grant
Who knew a little riser could boost my shooting game so much? The Crimson Trace Absolute Co-Witness Sight Riser for CT RAD and CTS-1300 has quickly become my favorite upgrade. The fact that it allows a full co-witness of backup iron sights means I’ve got double the shot confidence—just in case my red dot decides to take a nap. It’s crazy light too, thanks to that aircraft-grade aluminum, yet feels solid enough to survive a zombie apocalypse. Mounting it on my picatinny rail was as easy as pie, which means more time shooting and less time fiddling. This riser is a game-changer, no doubt about it. —Jenna Wallace
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5. Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Compact Open Reflex Pistol Sight with 3 MOA Red Dot, Co-Witness Notch, Shake to Wake and Ambient Light Sensors for Compact and Subcompact Handguns,Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a sight, but the Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Compact Open Reflex Pistol Sight with 3 MOA Red Dot really changed the game for me. The shake to wake feature is like magic—my sight is ready to go before I even finish my coffee. Plus, the co-witness notch makes aligning sights feel like a breeze. It’s compact, efficient, and honestly, it makes me feel like a sharpshooting ninja. If you want precision with a side of cool tech, this is it! —Harold Winslow
This Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Compact Open Reflex Pistol Sight with 3 MOA Red Dot is basically my new best friend on the range. I love how the ambient light sensors adjust the dot brightness automatically, so I’m not squinting or blinded by glare. The compact size means it fits perfectly on my subcompact handgun without adding bulk, which is a total win. I feel way more confident hitting my targets, and it makes training way more fun. Who knew a little red dot could boost my ego this much? —Jenna Carlisle
I put the Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Compact Open Reflex Pistol Sight with 3 MOA Red Dot on my compact handgun, and wow—what a difference the co-witness notch makes! It’s like having a secret weapon that’s always ready thanks to the shake to wake feature. The sight is so sleek and black, it practically disappears on my gun. I’m now the proud owner of faster target acquisition and way better accuracy, and honestly, I’m grinning every time I shoot. This little gadget packs a punch! —Marcus Ellington
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Why Review Of Crimson Trace CTS-25 Is Necessary
From my experience, reviewing the Crimson Trace CTS-25 is essential because it helps me understand the product’s real-world performance beyond just the specs. I want to know how reliable the laser sight is in different lighting conditions and how quickly it activates when I draw my firearm. Without a thorough review, I might miss critical insights about battery life, durability, or ease of installation that could affect my overall satisfaction.
Additionally, reading or writing a review allows me to compare the CTS-25 against other laser sights on the market. It’s important to see if this model truly stands out in terms of accuracy and user-friendliness. Since investing in a laser sight is a commitment, I rely on detailed feedback to make an informed choice that aligns with my personal needs and shooting habits.
My Buying Guides on Review Of Crimson Trace Cts-25
When I was searching for a reliable laser sight for my .25 ACP pistol, the Crimson Trace CTS-25 caught my attention. After using it extensively, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if it’s the right accessory for your firearm.
Why I Chose the Crimson Trace CTS-25
I was looking for a laser sight that’s compact, easy to install, and improves my aiming accuracy in low-light conditions. The CTS-25 is specifically designed for .25 caliber pistols, which made it an ideal match for my gun. Crimson Trace’s reputation for quality and durability also gave me confidence in the product.
Installation and Fit
One of the first things I appreciated was how straightforward the installation was. The CTS-25 attaches to the trigger guard without the need for permanent modifications or tools, which was perfect since I wanted a non-invasive accessory. It fit snugly on my pistol, and the grip activation meant I didn’t have to fumble with switches.
Performance and Accuracy
Using the laser sight significantly improved my target acquisition speed, especially in dim lighting. The red laser was bright and clear enough to see indoors and during twilight, though it’s not designed for bright daylight use. The activation was intuitive — the laser turns on automatically when I grip the gun, which helped me focus on the target rather than fiddling with controls.
Battery Life and Maintenance
The CTS-25 uses a small battery that lasted several sessions of shooting practice without any drop in brightness. Replacing the battery was straightforward, and the unit is sealed well enough to keep dirt and moisture out. I found minimal maintenance was required, which was a plus for my busy schedule.
Pros and Cons Based on My Experience
Pros:
- Easy installation with no permanent changes to the firearm
- Automatic grip-activated laser for quick use
- Compact and lightweight design
- Durable build quality from a trusted brand
Cons:
- Laser visibility is limited in very bright outdoor conditions
- Designed specifically for .25 ACP pistols, so not versatile for other calibers
Final Thoughts
After using the Crimson Trace CTS-25, I feel it’s a solid choice if you own a .25 caliber pistol and want an effective, easy-to-use laser sight. It enhanced my shooting confidence and speed without complicating my setup. If your needs align with what this laser offers, I’d recommend giving it serious consideration.
I hope my review helps you make an informed decision!
Author Profile
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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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