Crimson Trace®, an Oregon Company, has produced many innovative light and laser aiming devices over the last couple of decades. Lasergrips® are available for just about any handgun on the market including the polymer framed models such as M&P®, Glock®, and the XD®. Laserguard® bolt on laser sights give the compact and sub-compact carry guns a much improved sighting system. In addition, the Railmaster® series add to the capabilities of numerous firearms and their applications. The company even offers green lasers in some of the above named series.

Now, Crimson Trace® is moving into “smart” technology with the upcoming introduction of the LiNQ system. It is based on the Railmaster Pro® series of grip, laser, and light combinations. What is really cool about LiNQ is it is wireless; it operates on a system akin to Bluetooth, but it is not the same as Bluetooth.

The LiNQ system consists of two units, a laser-light module that attaches to a Picatinny or Weaver-style rail, and a hand grip that has the instinctive controls that Crimson Trace® users will be familiar with. The laser is green, more seeable in daylight, and the light is a 300 lumen unit that will pretty much blind any assailant. The grip controls the module functions that include functions include laser, light, laser/light and laser/strobe modes. Mounting and pairing takes just a few minutes and an LED shows that pairing is complete and the units are operational. The LiNQ system uses CR123 batteries and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $ 549.00

The LiNQ system eliminates the wires and pads needed to run laser-light handgrip combos. It really makes for a much cleaner, neater accessory and I’m sure LE and military organizations will really find the system a great upgrade for their operatives. In fact, I predict that other manufacturers will follow suit and produce similar product, and with that production the costs will come down.

The LiNQ system is a great idea and a natural evolution in laser-light technology. I’m willing to trust a system like this for laser and light applications, but I will never trust “smart” technology when it comes to my personal defense firearms. I’ll only use the springs, slides, and triggers that have been reliable lifesavers for hundreds of years.

Be safe and good shooting.

Colonel Smoothbore

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