I’ve been on the hunt for a red dot sight that perfectly complements my concealed carry pistol. Enter the Crimson Trace CTS-1550. This micro red dot has quickly become my go-to for everyday carry, and here’s why.
Tiny Terror, Big Time Performance
First off, this sight is minuscule. It disappears seamlessly on my subcompact pistol, adding minimal bulk or weight. This is a huge win for concealed carry, where every ounce counts. Despite its size, the CTS-1550 packs a punch. The 3 MOA red dot is crisp and clear, offering a perfect balance between a precise aiming point and a fast acquisition window.
Light Fantastic
Crimson Trace boasts an “auto-brightness” feature, and it lives up to the hype. The red dot automatically adjusts to ambient light conditions, saving me time and frustration when transitioning between bright sunlight and low-light environments. It’s a thoughtful touch, especially for a concealed carry optic that might be needed in unexpected situations.
Battery Life: A Mixed Bag
Crimson Trace claims impressive battery life, but my experience has been a bit inconsistent. I can easily get a full day of range time on a single battery, but some users online have reported faster drain. Regardless, the sight features a clever auto-off function that activates when the included lens cover is deployed. This helps conserve battery life when not in use.
Installation and Zeroing: A Breeze
The CTS-1550 utilizes an industry-standard J-Point mounting footprint, making installation on compatible pistols a breeze. Zeroing the sight was equally painless. The windage and elevation adjustments are easy to access and offer satisfying clicks for precise tuning.
Real World Use: Putting the CTS-1550 to the Test
At the range, the CTS-1550 truly shines. My target acquisition speed has noticeably improved, and my groupings have tightened up. The small footprint doesn’t obscure the target, and the clear red dot makes lining up shots intuitive. While some red dots can be finicky with picking up a dot in low light, the CTS-1550 has performed admirably in various lighting conditions.
What Could Be Better?
While I’m a big fan of the CTS-1550, there’s always room for improvement. As mentioned earlier, battery life seems to be a bit of a gamble for some users. Additionally, the sight picture has a slight bluish tint that some shooters might find distracting. It hasn’t impacted my performance, but it’s worth noting.
Online Buzz: What Others Are Saying
Customer reviews on the CTS-1550 are a mixed bag. Many users echo my experience, praising the sight’s compact size, clear dot, and ease of use. However, some reviewers have reported issues with the sight losing zero or the red dot flickering. It seems Crimson Trace’s quality control might need some work.
Alternatives to Consider
If the CTS-1550 isn’t your cup of tea, there are other micro red dot options to explore. Shield Sights RMSc and the Sig Sauer RomeoZero are both popular choices offering similar features and performance.
Fits Like a Glove: Compatible Firearms
The CTS-1550’s J-Point footprint makes it compatible with a wide range of pistols, including the Springfield Hellcat, Sig Sauer P365, Glock 43X MOS, and many more. Before purchasing, double-check compatibility with your specific firearm model.
The Verdict: A Capable Concealed Carry Companion
The Crimson Trace CTS-1550 is a solid option for concealed carry shooters looking for a micro red dot sight. Its compact size, clear dot, and auto-brightness features make it a compelling choice. However, be mindful of the potential battery life inconsistencies and the slight bluish tint. If those aren’t dealbreakers, the CTS-1550 is a capable red dot that can elevate your concealed carry game.