garyb
04-15-2011, 09:17 AM
Seems that some folks are having problems with the fit of the two halves of the CTL trigger guard models fitting symetrically against the curved underside of the polymer frame on their Kahr PM models. Most CTL owners do not have this problem. Here is a quick TEST to ensure your CTL will fit together properly and isolate the cause of any problem you may encounter:
1. Before placing the batteries in the CTL, simply fit the two halves together while they are NOT installed on your gun to make sure the parts line up properly. The top curve should appear to be symetric and all the lines fit like a glove.
2. Now insert the battery(s) and fit the two halves together without them being installed on your gun. If the fit does not remain symetric, check the battery to be sure it is installed correctly. If they still don't fit symetrically, the battery is an obvious source of the problem. Is it the correct battery? Is the battery installed properly? Perhaps the laser is not molded properly and Crimson Trace needs to be notified.
3. Now fit one of the halves of the laser guard on the pistol to be sure that half fits on the guard and the under side of the polymer frame Symetrically. That half of the CTL should grab or grip the trigger guard and almost seem to hold itself on the trigger guard. The top curve of the trigger guard should match perfectly with the underside curve of the polymer frame of your PM. On the PM model, the SR # plate is on the underside of the polymer frame. On my PM this SR # plate is flush with the surface of the frame...therefore, the SR # plate does not interfere with the fit of the CTL. I could see where a raised SR # plate or a SR# plate that is not level and even with the curve of the polymer frame, would cause a CTL fit problem.
4. Now fit the opposite halve of the laser guard on the pistol and observe for the fit. Both halves of the laser guard should fit so that the curve of the laser guard matches the curve of the bottom of the frame. Both halves of the laser guard should fit evenly around the trigger guard and grab or grip the trigger guard. Each half of the laser guard should fit like a glove without any interference of the SR # plate on the underside of the polymer frame. If each half of the laser guard does not fit this way, look at it carefully to confirm what might be the problem. Note: These are molded plastic and polymer parts and there is potential for something to be manufactured out of exact spec or a change from one gun and one CTL to another. This is perhaps the reason that some folks have a problem with fit and others do not. It may be the CTL, OR it may be the gun's frame or trigger guard.
5. Now install both halves of the laser guard. Before screwing them together, you will notice that both halves require you to squeeze them together ever so slightly to get them to engage and fit properly. Holding and gently squeezing the two halves of the CTL together with the thumb and first finger of one hand, simply screw the tiny attachment screws in. They should be tight when screwed together. When installing these screws, try to keep approximately the same number of turns on each of the screws to take them both in at the same time. This should help to ensure that there is even pressure. Think of them similarly to the screws used to install a scope on your rifle. Even pressure, tight, (not over tightened) and secure. You do NOT need to use any form of lock tite.
The two halves of your laser guard should tighten up together and fit the trigger guard and underside of your frame like a glove. By everything fitting precisely, all contact points are equal and the opportunity for shifting or uneven pressure is greatly reduced. If they do not fit properly, something is wrong and you should check to see where the fit is failing. It could be inconsistencies in the frame of the gun, or the trigger guard of the gun; or the SR # plate on the gun is raised or not level and even with the frame, which is causing the problem. It could also be the laser guard component's are not fitting properly themselves.
If your laser guard does not fit exactly "like a glove", contact Crimson Trace and send them photos of your problem. OR you can notify Crimson Trace that you intend to give the CTL a try for awhile and see if the poor fit is bad enough to cause you any problems. They will be likely to offer you advice, because they have dealt with this problem with other individuals. They seem to have excellent customer service and support and do care about their products. Most CTL owners have NO problems with fit or function.
Additionally, your CTL laser guard should be able to be removed and replaced without re-zeroing it each time. If the red dot lines up with your front sight at the distance you had previously sighted it in, then it should remain on zero when you remove and replace it, because it should fit like a glove. If everything fits properly, the laser guard and the laser dot should not move around even with routine pocket carry. If it fits properly "like a glove", it should remain very, very secure and stable, and hold its zero. If for some reason, the laser dot is shifting, perhaps something internal has gone wrong. Disassemble and check to be sure the laser light is still secure internally.
I hope this helps you and good luck with your CTL. They make a great
product.
1. Before placing the batteries in the CTL, simply fit the two halves together while they are NOT installed on your gun to make sure the parts line up properly. The top curve should appear to be symetric and all the lines fit like a glove.
2. Now insert the battery(s) and fit the two halves together without them being installed on your gun. If the fit does not remain symetric, check the battery to be sure it is installed correctly. If they still don't fit symetrically, the battery is an obvious source of the problem. Is it the correct battery? Is the battery installed properly? Perhaps the laser is not molded properly and Crimson Trace needs to be notified.
3. Now fit one of the halves of the laser guard on the pistol to be sure that half fits on the guard and the under side of the polymer frame Symetrically. That half of the CTL should grab or grip the trigger guard and almost seem to hold itself on the trigger guard. The top curve of the trigger guard should match perfectly with the underside curve of the polymer frame of your PM. On the PM model, the SR # plate is on the underside of the polymer frame. On my PM this SR # plate is flush with the surface of the frame...therefore, the SR # plate does not interfere with the fit of the CTL. I could see where a raised SR # plate or a SR# plate that is not level and even with the curve of the polymer frame, would cause a CTL fit problem.
4. Now fit the opposite halve of the laser guard on the pistol and observe for the fit. Both halves of the laser guard should fit so that the curve of the laser guard matches the curve of the bottom of the frame. Both halves of the laser guard should fit evenly around the trigger guard and grab or grip the trigger guard. Each half of the laser guard should fit like a glove without any interference of the SR # plate on the underside of the polymer frame. If each half of the laser guard does not fit this way, look at it carefully to confirm what might be the problem. Note: These are molded plastic and polymer parts and there is potential for something to be manufactured out of exact spec or a change from one gun and one CTL to another. This is perhaps the reason that some folks have a problem with fit and others do not. It may be the CTL, OR it may be the gun's frame or trigger guard.
5. Now install both halves of the laser guard. Before screwing them together, you will notice that both halves require you to squeeze them together ever so slightly to get them to engage and fit properly. Holding and gently squeezing the two halves of the CTL together with the thumb and first finger of one hand, simply screw the tiny attachment screws in. They should be tight when screwed together. When installing these screws, try to keep approximately the same number of turns on each of the screws to take them both in at the same time. This should help to ensure that there is even pressure. Think of them similarly to the screws used to install a scope on your rifle. Even pressure, tight, (not over tightened) and secure. You do NOT need to use any form of lock tite.
The two halves of your laser guard should tighten up together and fit the trigger guard and underside of your frame like a glove. By everything fitting precisely, all contact points are equal and the opportunity for shifting or uneven pressure is greatly reduced. If they do not fit properly, something is wrong and you should check to see where the fit is failing. It could be inconsistencies in the frame of the gun, or the trigger guard of the gun; or the SR # plate on the gun is raised or not level and even with the frame, which is causing the problem. It could also be the laser guard component's are not fitting properly themselves.
If your laser guard does not fit exactly "like a glove", contact Crimson Trace and send them photos of your problem. OR you can notify Crimson Trace that you intend to give the CTL a try for awhile and see if the poor fit is bad enough to cause you any problems. They will be likely to offer you advice, because they have dealt with this problem with other individuals. They seem to have excellent customer service and support and do care about their products. Most CTL owners have NO problems with fit or function.
Additionally, your CTL laser guard should be able to be removed and replaced without re-zeroing it each time. If the red dot lines up with your front sight at the distance you had previously sighted it in, then it should remain on zero when you remove and replace it, because it should fit like a glove. If everything fits properly, the laser guard and the laser dot should not move around even with routine pocket carry. If it fits properly "like a glove", it should remain very, very secure and stable, and hold its zero. If for some reason, the laser dot is shifting, perhaps something internal has gone wrong. Disassemble and check to be sure the laser light is still secure internally.
I hope this helps you and good luck with your CTL. They make a great
product.