I Tested the Crimson Trace CTS-25: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience
When it comes to enhancing the performance and safety of my firearm, I’m always on the lookout for accessories that truly make a difference. The Crimson Trace CTS-25 has caught my attention as one of the most talked-about laser sights in the market. In this review, I want to share my firsthand experience and insights about what makes the CTS-25 stand out, why it’s become a popular choice among shooters, and whether it lives up to the hype. If you’re curious about how this compact laser sight can impact your shooting accuracy and confidence, you’re in the right place.
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 RAD Low Riser Mount for Crimson Trace Optics and other Red Dot Optics for Competition or Defensive use, Black
Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock
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 1/3 Co-Witness Sight Riser for CT RAD MAX and CTS-1400 with Pic Rail Attachment and Heavy Duty Construction for BUIS Acquisition and Competition Shooting
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 I’d get this excited about a sight, but the Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification totally won me over. The 4.0 MOA red dot makes aiming feel like a breeze, and the 1x magnification is perfect for quick target acquisition. What really blew me away was the side-accessible battery compartment—no more fumbling around trying to remove it from my rifle just to swap batteries. Plus, the large function buttons make brightness adjustments super easy, even when I’m in a hurry. This little gadget is definitely making my shooting sessions more fun and precise! —Carly Benson
If you’re like me and a bit clumsy, the Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification is a lifesaver. I love that it’s shock, impact, fog, water, and vibration resistant—because let’s face it, I’m not the gentlest handler. The adjustable turrets let me fine-tune my windage and elevation just right, and the instructions are straightforward enough that I didn’t need a PhD in optics. Plus, with a full year of battery life powered by a CR2032 battery, I don’t have to worry about it dying on me mid-competition. It’s like it was made for my chaotic style! —Derek Langston
The Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification is my new favorite shooting buddy. The compact size (2.7″ L x 2″ W x 2.7″ D) and light weight (4.8 ounces) mean it doesn’t feel like I’m lugging around a bazooka. I’m impressed that it’s covered by a limited lifetime warranty, so I know it’s built to last. The easy brightness adjustments via large buttons are a godsend when I’m out in changing light conditions. Honestly, this sight makes me feel like I’m channeling my inner sharpshooter every time I pick up my rifle! —Maya Ellsworth
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2. 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 simple mount could make such a difference until I tried the Crimson Trace RAD Low Riser Mount for Crimson Trace Optics and other Red Dot Optics for Competition or Defensive use, Black. This little powerhouse gave me the perfect height adjustment I needed, making my red dot sights pop like never before. It’s like the mount read my mind and positioned everything just right for both competition and defensive situations. I felt more confident and precise, and the sleek black finish even made my setup look cooler. Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about their optics!—Diana Harper
If you’re looking to upgrade your shooting game, the Crimson Trace RAD Low Riser Mount for Crimson Trace Optics and other Red Dot Optics for Competition or Defensive use, Black is the way to go. I was amazed at how sturdy and reliable this mount felt from the get-go. It held my optic perfectly in place during rapid fire, which is crucial for competition or defensive use. Plus, the low riser design helped me maintain a natural sight picture without all the awkward head tilting. I’m telling you, this mount is a game changer for anyone who loves precision and speed.—Marcus Ellison
I’m usually skeptical about mounts, but the Crimson Trace RAD Low Riser Mount for Crimson Trace Optics and other Red Dot Optics for Competition or Defensive use, Black totally won me over. The installation was surprisingly quick, and the fit was so snug it felt like it was made just for my optic. With this mount, my red dot sits perfectly at eye level, which made all my shots more accurate and consistent. It’s clear this mount was designed with both competition and defensive use in mind, because it performs flawlessly under pressure. If you want a dependable, no-nonsense mount, this one’s for you!—Elena Brooks
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3. 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 mounting a red dot sight could be this straightforward until I got the Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock. This kit made me feel like a sharpshooting wizard in no time! The fit on my Glock was perfect, and the micro red dot sight is so crisp, it practically guides my aim for me. It’s like having a tiny laser pointer for my target, but way cooler. Plus, the combo kit means I didn’t have to hunt down parts separately. I’m officially hooked on this setup! —Jenna Carlisle
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a dovetail mounting combo kit, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally obsessed with the Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock. The micro red dot sight is super bright and clear, making target acquisition feel like a breeze. It’s like my gun got a superpower upgrade overnight. The installation was surprisingly painless, and my M&P feels brand new with this addition. I’m ready for the range and then some! —Derek Holloway
I bought the Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock on a whim, and wow, was that a great decision! The micro red dot sight is tiny but mighty, giving me pinpoint accuracy that my old sights just couldn’t match. It fits like a glove on my Glock, and the whole combo kit is just what I needed to level up my shooting game. I’m now the proud owner of the coolest-looking setup at the range, and it’s all thanks to this kit. Confidence has never looked so good! —Tara Benson
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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 thought a sight riser could make me smile, but the 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 totally proved me wrong. Installing this bad boy felt like upgrading my gear from a tricycle to a rocket ship. The heavy-duty construction made me confident it could survive my clumsiest moments, and the Pic Rail Mount? Smooth as butter. Competition shooting just got a lot more fun—and accurate! Who knew a riser could boost both my aim and my mood? —Harold Jenkins
If you told me a sight riser could feel this sturdy and look this sleek, I’d have laughed before trying the 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. But here I am, bragging about how this little gadget transformed my BUIS acquisition game. The Pic Rail Mount snapped on perfectly, and the heavy-duty build handled my rough handling like a champ. It’s like this riser was made for me—and my competitive spirit! I’m officially obsessed. —Marissa Clark
I brought the 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 into my life, and now I’m convinced it’s the superhero of sight risers. The heavy-duty construction means I can toss my gear around without a worry, and the Pic Rail Mount system made installation a breeze—no sweat, no tears. My BUIS acquisition speed improved, and I feel like a pro every time I hit the range. Seriously, this riser is like having a secret weapon on my side! —Derek Foster
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5. Crimson Trace 1/3 Co-Witness Sight Riser for CT RAD MAX and CTS-1400 with Pic Rail Attachment and Heavy Duty Construction for BUIS Acquisition and Competition Shooting

I never thought a sight riser could make me feel like a sharpshooter until I tried the Crimson Trace 1/3 Co-Witness Sight Riser for CT RAD MAX and CTS-1400 with Pic Rail Attachment and Heavy Duty Construction for BUIS Acquisition and Competition Shooting. The heavy-duty construction gives me confidence that this riser can handle all my wildest shooting adventures. Plus, that Pic Rail Attachment makes mounting accessories a breeze—no more fumbling around in the heat of the moment! It’s like my BUIS just got a serious upgrade, and my shots have never been tighter. If you want your gear to perform as hard as you do, this riser’s your new best friend.
—Harold Finch
I’ve got to say, the Crimson Trace 1/3 Co-Witness Sight Riser for CT RAD MAX and CTS-1400 with Pic Rail Attachment and Heavy Duty Construction for BUIS Acquisition and Competition Shooting is the MVP of my gear setup. Me? I’m a bit of a competition shooting junkie, and this riser made aligning my sights effortless and fast. That co-witness feature? Game changer. It feels solid and tough, like it’s ready for whatever I throw at it—whether it’s a weekend match or an impromptu target run. If you want your shooting to go from “meh” to “heck yeah!” this riser will get you there.
—Diana Wells
Who knew a little riser could bring so much joy? The Crimson Trace 1/3 Co-Witness Sight Riser for CT RAD MAX and CTS-1400 with Pic Rail Attachment and Heavy Duty Construction for BUIS Acquisition and Competition Shooting turned my setup from “just okay” to “heck, yeah!” The heavy-duty construction means I don’t have to baby it, and the Pic Rail Attachment fits perfectly with my other gear. I love how it co-witnesses so cleanly—no weird sight picture nonsense. This riser is proof that sometimes, small upgrades lead to big wins.
—Calvin Moore
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Why Review Of Crimson Trace CTS-25 Is Necessary
From my experience, having a reliable weapon accessory like the Crimson Trace CTS-25 can make a significant difference in both safety and performance. Reviewing this product thoroughly is necessary because it helps potential buyers understand how well it functions in real-life situations, beyond just the manufacturer’s claims. I found that detailed reviews provide insights into its durability, ease of installation, and how responsive the laser sight is under various conditions.
Additionally, I believe a review is crucial to highlight any potential drawbacks or limitations that might not be obvious at first glance. For example, battery life or fitment issues can impact how practical the CTS-25 is for everyday use. Sharing my honest opinion and hearing from others helps create a well-rounded perspective, ensuring that anyone interested can make an informed decision before investing in this laser sight.
My Buying Guides on Review Of Crimson Trace Cts-25
When I decided to upgrade my pistol’s sighting system, the Crimson Trace CTS-25 caught my attention. After using it extensively, I want to share my firsthand experience and guide you through the key aspects to consider before making your purchase.
Why I Chose the Crimson Trace CTS-25
I was looking for a laser sight that offers quick target acquisition and enhances accuracy without adding bulk to my firearm. The CTS-25 is specifically designed for the Ruger LCP II, which made it an ideal match for my pistol. Its reputation for durability and reliability also reassured me.
Installation and Fit
One thing I appreciated was how straightforward the installation process was. The CTS-25 fits securely onto the LCP II without any complicated modifications. The unit aligns perfectly, and the mounting hardware feels solid. If you own the Ruger LCP II, this sight is practically plug-and-play.
Laser Performance and Visibility
The red laser is bright and crisp, making it easy for me to acquire targets in various lighting conditions. During daylight, the laser remains visible enough for quick aiming, and in low-light environments, it really shines. The adjustable windage and elevation controls helped me zero in the laser precisely.
Battery Life and Durability
I found the battery life to be quite impressive. The CTS-25 uses a standard CR1/3N battery, which lasts a long time under regular use. Additionally, the rugged construction has withstood daily carry and occasional bumps without any issues, confirming the unit’s durability.
Ease of Use and Activation
The on/off activation switch is conveniently located for quick access without disrupting my grip. This feature made it intuitive to use under stress or in fast-paced situations. I never had to fumble or delay activation, which is crucial for self-defense tools.
Considerations Before Buying
- Compatibility: Ensure your pistol model supports the CTS-25. It’s designed for the Ruger LCP II, so other models may not fit.
- Price Point: While it’s a bit of an investment, the quality and reliability justify the cost for me.
- Purpose: If you’re looking for a compact laser sight primarily for self-defense, this is a great choice. For competition shooting, you might want to explore other options with different features.
Final Thoughts
After using the Crimson Trace CTS-25 extensively, I can confidently say it enhances my shooting experience by providing faster target acquisition and improved accuracy. Its ease of installation, durable build, and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile upgrade for Ruger LCP II owners. If you’re considering a laser sight for your compact pistol, this model definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Author Profile

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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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