I like my LG-445, i have it on an XD45 5" Tactical. I have small hands, and the slight palm swells really help me with my presentation and make it more comfortable.
Crimson Trace Lasergrip For Springfield Armory XD 45 ACP LG445 FREE S H LG-445. Crimson Trace Red Laser Sights.
I have no fantasies about putting a dot on a home invader and having him drop to his knees and wet his pants - heck, i could have a dot on my chest right now and wouldn't know unless someone pointed it out to me (which happens a lot at work, actually). What it has been invaluable for is improving my trigger pull (it amazed me how much the dot danced around, with what I thought was a smooth pull) and also point shooting. With an UNLOADED GUN, I will point at something, and then activate the laser to see if I was really pointing the XD where i thought i was. Over time, it develops muscle memory, like reaching for the light switch in the dark when you're going for the leftover pizza at midnight.
There are a couple of reasons I like it over the Lasermax guide rod lasers- the Lasermax in not adjustable for elevation or windage. Lasermax guarantees 2" at 50 yards, which is more than adequate for self defense distances, but I like to fine tune my lasers for specific distances and loads. The Crimson Trace is adjustable for elevation and windage.
Activating the Lasermax requires pushing a button that replaces the take-down lever. The Crimson Trace activates when you grasp the grip firmly. In a self defense situation, fine motor skills (like pushing s tiny button) deteriorate quickly. Gross motor skills (like grasping your gun) still function.
I agree that a light is more useful.
Mark H.