Crimson trace cts-1500 red dot review

Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022

Bought CTS-1550 red dot for my Kimber R7 Mako. It fits my Mako perfectly: it took less than 5 minutes to install.
As advertised, it is a co-witness sight, I can use either the red dot or the “iron” sights the pistol came with.
Contrary to another review that claims the red dot is not visible in the the dark, I can see the dot very clearly in the dark on my sight. Check out my photo, showing the red dot from this sight, as well as the green dots from my tritium night sights. This picture was taken in a totally dark room, lights off, no windows in the room.
This sight should always have the cover installed when not in use to conserve battery power. It does not have an On-Off switch, nor is the dot brightness manually adjustable. A built-in light sensor automatically adjusts dot brightness based on ambient light level. In bright light/daytime, the dot is very bright. In the dark or low light, the dot is dim, but still very visible.
If you’re looking for a value priced co-witness red dot with a J-point mounting interface, this is just what you need. If you have a Kimber R7 Mako, it is a perfect fit. If you have a different pistol and aren’t sure if it will fit, go to a local gun shop or contact your pistol manufacturer.
I highly recommend this red dot sight.

5.0 out of 5 stars Co-witness red dot works great in low light
By Papadog on March 24, 2022

Bought CTS-1550 red dot for my Kimber R7 Mako. It fits my Mako perfectly: it took less than 5 minutes to install.
As advertised, it is a co-witness sight, I can use either the red dot or the “iron” sights the pistol came with.
Contrary to another review that claims the red dot is not visible in the the dark, I can see the dot very clearly in the dark on my sight. Check out my photo, showing the red dot from this sight, as well as the green dots from my tritium night sights. This picture was taken in a totally dark room, lights off, no windows in the room.
This sight should always have the cover installed when not in use to conserve battery power. It does not have an On-Off switch, nor is the dot brightness manually adjustable. A built-in light sensor automatically adjusts dot brightness based on ambient light level. In bright light/daytime, the dot is very bright. In the dark or low light, the dot is dim, but still very visible.
If you’re looking for a value priced co-witness red dot with a J-point mounting interface, this is just what you need. If you have a Kimber R7 Mako, it is a perfect fit. If you have a different pistol and aren’t sure if it will fit, go to a local gun shop or contact your pistol manufacturer.
I highly recommend this red dot sight.

Images in this review

5.0 out of 5 stars Co-witness red dot works great in low light
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022

Bought CTS-1550 red dot for my Kimber R7 Mako. It fits my Mako perfectly: it took less than 5 minutes to install.As advertised, it is a co-witness sight, I can use either the red dot or the “iron” sights the pistol came with.Contrary to another review that claims the red dot is not visible in the the dark, I can see the dot very clearly in the dark on my sight. Check out my photo, showing the red dot from this sight, as well as the green dots from my tritium night sights. This picture was taken in a totally dark room, lights off, no windows in the room.This sight should always have the cover installed when not in use to conserve battery power. It does not have an On-Off switch, nor is the dot brightness manually adjustable. A built-in light sensor automatically adjusts dot brightness based on ambient light level. In bright light/daytime, the dot is very bright. In the dark or low light, the dot is dim, but still very visible.If you’re looking for a value priced co-witness red dot with a J-point mounting interface, this is just what you need. If you have a Kimber R7 Mako, it is a perfect fit. If you have a different pistol and aren’t sure if it will fit, go to a local gun shop or contact your pistol manufacturer.I highly recommend this red dot sight.

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Top reviews from the United States

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Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2022

Easy to install on my PSA Dagger with Docter cut. I wasn't able to mount it directly on the slide because the holes at the bottom didn't quite line up with the nubs at the front of the slide's mounting area, but using the mounting plate that came with the pistol solved that.

I guess it's accurate; I was able to zero it in easily, but I'm a terrible shot - I need to work on my flinching because I shoot low no matter what pistol I'm using.

Nice and bright.

UNWARRANTED CRITICISMS:

1) People complaining it's flimsy because it's polymer and not aluminum. Chances are the the entire lower of your gun is polymer, so why is having a polymer sight a problem?

2) "Argghh, it stays on too long! The battery will die!" The battery is supposed to be good for 20,000 hours. If you carry it around 20 hours a day - and I bet you don't - the battery will die in 1,000 days. That's about 2-3/4 years. So you shouldn't buy it if you have to spend $5 on a battery and re-zero every 32 months or so?

I think some people just like to complain.

Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2022

Took me a while to true up the bright red dot and learn the stance to acquire it. I fire the Canik TP.9 sc 9mm with both eyes on the target and get solid center-line hits all the time. You get good eyes on the target and put your shots where you want them to go.

Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2022

I have this installed on my Sig P320 as a test setup. Compared to the Romeo that came on the gun, I'd prefer this one for the simple fact of the housing. It's not polymer. Accuracy is on par with the Romeo and the design is kinda close so it's not much of a learning curve to use. For it's price, it's the best red dot sight for your handgun

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2022

I love this, consider this more on the "budget" end of red dots, but It works super well. battery is on the bottom so that is a little tough to get to if needed to swap battery. The base does extend ever so slightly past the width of the slide neither end. I dont really notice it and it doesn't bother me. It is bright, clear and clean.

Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2022

I bought a used like new version and it came practically brand new nothing was wrong nothing was missing I was very satisfied with this product I would highly recommend Especially if you want a red dot on a budget

Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2022

There are tons of these on the market at various price points. I've used crimson trace for years and they have never let me down. This one is no different. It's a perfect fit on my xds mod 2 and luckily I've been about to find holsters to support this and a flashlight attachment and continue to EDC this unit.

Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2022

When compared to a DPP that I previously owned, this sight is a lower quality since it’s made of polymer. But it works beautifully and if you consider what you’re using it for, it’s a great deal. If you’re not an operator or in LE, do you really need a a $500+ sight for a $400 pistol? This is perfect for those who aren’t on missions in the jungle and involved in CQB in the Middle East.

Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2022

This is a very good optic and I have it on several small pistols. I purchased this for my Shadow Systems CR920 but it will not fit due to the hump in the rear of the optic. I switched my Romeo Zero to the CR920 and put this one on a Canik TP9 elite sc

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