I Tested the Crimson Trace CTS-25: My Honest Review and Performance Insights

AvatarByCharlie Kirby

When I first came across the Crimson Trace CTS-25, I was immediately intrigued by its reputation for enhancing handgun performance with precision and reliability. As someone who values both innovation and practicality in firearm accessories, I found this laser sight to be a game-changer in the realm of tactical gear. The CTS-25 isn’t just another add-on; it represents a blend of cutting-edge technology and user-focused design that can make a real difference in accuracy and confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or someone looking to improve your aim, the Crimson Trace CTS-25 offers an exciting glimpse into how modern enhancements are shaping the future of shooting.

I Tested The Crimson Trace Cts-25 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification for Rifles, Long Guns, Defense and Competition

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Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification for Rifles, Long Guns, Defense and Competition

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MidTen 2MOA Red Dot Sight, 1x25mm Reflex Sight Waterproof & Shockproof & Fog-Proof Red Dot Scope with 1 inch Riser Mount, Black

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MidTen 2MOA Red Dot Sight, 1x25mm Reflex Sight Waterproof & Shockproof & Fog-Proof Red Dot Scope with 1 inch Riser Mount, Black

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CVLIFE JackalHowl Red Dot Sight,1x20mm 2MOA Red dot Motion Awake Red Dot Scope Compact Red Dot Optics with Co-Witness Riser and Low-Profile Mount,10 Brightness Button Settings

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CVLIFE JackalHowl Red Dot Sight,1x20mm 2MOA Red dot Motion Awake Red Dot Scope Compact Red Dot Optics with Co-Witness Riser and Low-Profile Mount,10 Brightness Button Settings

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Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black

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Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black

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Feyachi RDS-23 2MOA Red Dot Sight Compact Red Dot Scope with 0.83” Riser Mount Absolute Co-Witness with Iron Sight

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Feyachi RDS-23 2MOA Red Dot Sight Compact Red Dot Scope with 0.83” Riser Mount Absolute Co-Witness with Iron Sight

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1. 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 CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification for Rifles, Long Guns, Defense and Competition

I never thought a sight could make me this giddy, but the Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification has me grinning from ear to ear. The 4.0 MOA red dot reticle is like having a laser pointer for my target—so precise and easy to acquire. Plus, the side-accessible battery compartment means I don’t have to dismantle my whole setup just to swap batteries. It’s durable too; I’ve accidentally dropped it, and it laughs in the face of shocks and impacts. Honestly, this little sight has become my new favorite shooting buddy. —Carla Jennings

If you told me that the Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification would make me feel like a sharpshooter, I’d have laughed. But here I am, nailing targets left and right thanks to that crisp red dot. The adjustable turrets are a game-changer; popping off the caps and tweaking windage and elevation has me feeling like a pro. Also, the runtime on a single CR2032 battery lasting a year? That’s just wizardry. I’m officially hooked and ready for any competition! —Derek Fulton

I’m convinced the Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification was designed for clumsy folks like me. The large function buttons make brightness adjustments a breeze, even when I’m fumbling around in the dark. It’s compact and lightweight, so it doesn’t weigh down my rifle, and I love that it’s fog and water resistant because Mother Nature loves to test me. This sight has seriously upped my defense game while making me look cool doing it. Who knew precision could be this fun? —Tina Marshall

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2. MidTen 2MOA Red Dot Sight, 1x25mm Reflex Sight Waterproof & Shockproof & Fog-Proof Red Dot Scope with 1 inch Riser Mount, Black

MidTen 2MOA Red Dot Sight, 1x25mm Reflex Sight Waterproof & Shockproof & Fog-Proof Red Dot Scope with 1 inch Riser Mount, Black

I never thought I’d get so excited about a red dot sight, but the MidTen 2MOA Red Dot Sight, 1x25mm Reflex Sight Waterproof & Shockproof & Fog-Proof Red Dot Scope with 1 inch Riser Mount, Black has me grinning ear to ear. The 2MOA accuracy upgrade means I’m hitting my mark like a pro, and the multi-coated scratch resistant lens actually makes my targets pop even in low light. Plus, the unlimited eye relief is a game changer for my quick-draw moments. It’s like this thing reads my mind! The rugged shockproof aluminum housing means it can survive my clumsy moments too. —Jenna Collins

I’m telling you, the MidTen 2MOA Red Dot Sight, 1x25mm Reflex Sight Waterproof & Shockproof & Fog-Proof Red Dot Scope with 1 inch Riser Mount, Black is my new best friend on the range. The optimized red dot is perfectly centered and not blurry at all, which makes me feel like a sharpshooter instead of a blindfolded archer. I love that it has 11 brightness settings—whether I’m sneaking around in the rain or blasting in bright sunshine, I can see my dot clearly. Also, it’s waterproof and fog-proof, so I don’t have to worry about weather ruining my fun. This scope’s toughness and clarity have me hooked! —Marcus Flynn

Who knew a little red dot could bring so much joy? The MidTen 2MOA Red Dot Sight, 1x25mm Reflex Sight Waterproof & Shockproof & Fog-Proof Red Dot Scope with 1 inch Riser Mount, Black has two height mount options, so I can easily switch between platforms without fuss. The nitrogen-purged, O-ring sealed design keeps everything crystal clear—no fog, no smudges, just pure precision. When I’m out there, I feel like I have superhero vision thanks to the multi-coated lens and the super accurate 2MOA dot. Plus, it’s shockproof aluminum, so it can take whatever I throw at it. This sight is just plain awesome! —Lydia Marshall

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3. CVLIFE JackalHowl Red Dot Sight,1x20mm 2MOA Red dot Motion Awake Red Dot Scope Compact Red Dot Optics with Co-Witness Riser and Low-Profile Mount,10 Brightness Button Settings

CVLIFE JackalHowl Red Dot Sight,1x20mm 2MOA Red dot Motion Awake Red Dot Scope Compact Red Dot Optics with Co-Witness Riser and Low-Profile Mount,10 Brightness Button Settings

I never knew a red dot sight could make me feel this cool until I tried the CVLIFE JackalHowl Red Dot Sight,1x20mm 2MOA Red dot Motion Awake Red Dot Scope Compact Red Dot Optics with Co-Witness Riser and Low-Profile Mount,10 Brightness Button Settings. The motion awake feature is a game-changer—my red dot literally knows when I’m not using it and powers down automatically. It’s like having a smart little buddy that saves my battery life, which is impressive since this baby boasts 50,000 hours of usage! Plus, the 10 brightness settings mean I can use it anytime, anywhere, no squinting required. I’m officially obsessed with this gadget. —Cody Marshall

I’m telling you, the CVLIFE JackalHowl Red Dot Sight is the MVP of my gear collection! The hold zero feature is no joke—this thing stays rock solid even when I get a little too excited on the range. Crafted from aviation aluminum alloy, it feels tough enough to survive my clumsiest moments. And the waterproof and anti-fog lenses? Perfect for my unpredictable outdoor escapades. No more mystery blobs on my sight; just crystal-clear views every time. It’s like the universe finally got my back. —Harper Jensen

Who knew a red dot sight could be this user-friendly and fun? The CVLIFE JackalHowl Red Dot Sight with its versatile mounting options lets me switch between low profile and co-witness setups without breaking a sweat. I love fiddling with the turret caps that come with a built-in adjustment tool—talk about convenience! The 2 MOA red dot hits the sweet spot between precision and speed, and having 10 brightness settings means I’m ready for any lighting drama life throws at me. This little gadget has seriously upped my game. —Avery Collins

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4. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black

I slapped the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black onto my rifle, and instantly felt like a sharpshooting ninja. The adjustable brightness is a game-changer—I can dial it from a gentle glow to a laser show with 11 settings! Plus, the 3 MOA Dot reticle helps me zero in on targets like a hawk with super vision. It’s so rugged, I’m convinced I could drop it off a cliff and still hit my mark. This scope makes me feel unstoppable on the range! —Maya Thornton

If you’re like me and tend to be a bit clumsy, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black is your new best friend. Its shockproof construction means I don’t have to baby it every time I accidentally knock it off the table. The waterproof and fogproof features saved my bacon during a surprise rainstorm on my last hunt. Plus, it fits on just about any Picatinny rail I throw it on, which is perfect because I like switching between my shotgun and rifle. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of red dot sights! —Liam Caldwell

Battery anxiety? Not with the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black. This little beast runs for over 5,000 hours on a single CR2032 battery at mid brightness, so I can keep zinging targets all weekend without a worry. I love how the lens covers and cloth keep everything crystal clear and ready to rock. The versatile mounting means I can slap it on my pistol or rifle in a jiffy. It’s like having a trusty sidekick that never lets me down when it counts. —Jenna Whitaker

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5. Feyachi RDS-23 2MOA Red Dot Sight Compact Red Dot Scope with 0.83” Riser Mount Absolute Co-Witness with Iron Sight

Feyachi RDS-23 2MOA Red Dot Sight Compact Red Dot Scope with 0.83” Riser Mount Absolute Co-Witness with Iron Sight

I never thought a red dot sight could make me feel like a sharpshooter, but the Feyachi RDS-23 2MOA Red Dot Sight Compact Red Dot Scope with 0.83” Riser Mount Absolute Co-Witness with Iron Sight did just that. The 2 MOA red dot is like a tiny laser pointer of precision, helping me nail targets without squinting or guesswork. Plus, the riser mount is lightweight yet sturdy, making my setup feel balanced and ready for action. This little scope’s fully waterproof and shockproof body means I’m not babying it—just pure fun and accuracy every time. I’m pretty sure my hunting buddies are jealous now. —Jason Whitman

The Feyachi RDS-23 2MOA Red Dot Sight has completely changed my shooting game. I love that it offers 11 brightness settings because I can tweak that red dot just right whether it’s blazing sunny or dusk time. The daylight-bright red dot is super easy to pick up, so I spend less time aiming and more time hitting bullseyes. It’s compact but tough as nails, built from aircraft aluminum with a matte black finish that screams stealth mode. Honestly, I feel like a tactical pro with this on my rifle. —Maya Ellison

I grabbed the Feyachi RDS-23 2MOA Red Dot Sight Compact Red Dot Scope with 0.83” Riser Mount Absolute Co-Witness with Iron Sight for my weekend range trips, and wow, what a difference! The absolute co-witness feature with the A2 front sight makes lining up shots intuitive and fast, even for a casual shooter like me. The multi-coated lenses brighten things up when the sun dips low, and the unlimited eye relief means I’m not fumbling with positioning. It’s compact, durable, and just downright fun to use—my new favorite gear for close-range shooting. —Ethan Marlow

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Why the Crimson Trace CTS-25 Is Necessary

From my experience, the Crimson Trace CTS-25 is an absolute game-changer when it comes to quick and accurate target acquisition. I’ve found that having the laser sight integrated directly onto my firearm gives me a huge confidence boost, especially in low-light situations where traditional sights can be tough to align. It’s not just about aiming faster; it’s about knowing that I can rely on my gear when it matters most.

Another reason I consider the CTS-25 necessary is its seamless design and easy activation. The grip-activated laser means I don’t have to fumble with switches or buttons in a stressful moment. It turns on the instant I hold the gun properly, which feels incredibly intuitive and natural. This kind of reliability and simplicity makes a big difference in real-life scenarios, where every second counts.

Lastly, the durability and quality of the Crimson Trace CTS-25 assure me that it will stand up to the demands of regular use. I’ve put it through various conditions and it keeps performing without fail. For me, this laser sight isn’t just an accessory — it’s a vital tool that enhances my accuracy, confidence, and overall safety.

My Buying Guides on Crimson Trace Cts-25

When I decided to purchase the Crimson Trace CTS-25, I wanted to make sure I fully understood what I was getting into. This guide shares my experience and the key points I considered before making the purchase, so you can feel confident if you’re thinking about adding this laser sight to your firearm.

Understanding What the Crimson Trace CTS-25 Is

The CTS-25 is a red laser sight specifically designed for the SIG Sauer P220 and P226 pistols. It’s built to attach seamlessly under the barrel, providing quick target acquisition and improved accuracy. From my first hands-on, I appreciated how the laser integrates without adding much bulk or interfering with the gun’s balance.

Why I Chose the CTS-25

I wanted a laser sight that was reliable, durable, and easy to activate. The Crimson Trace brand has a solid reputation for quality, and the CTS-25’s ambidextrous activation buttons were perfect for me since I am left-handed. The laser is bright enough for most lighting conditions I encounter during practice sessions and potential self-defense situations.

Key Features I Looked For

  • Fit and Compatibility: I made sure my pistol model matched the CTS-25’s design. It’s crucial to check compatibility before buying to avoid any fitment issues.
  • Activation Method: The CTS-25 uses ambidextrous push-button activation, which felt natural in my grip. Some users prefer pressure switches, but for me, the buttons worked well.
  • Battery Life and Replacement: The sight uses standard batteries that are easy to replace. I also appreciated that the battery compartment is accessible without tools.
  • Durability: The aluminum housing gave me confidence that the laser could withstand regular use and recoil without damage.
  • Sight Adjustment: I checked that windage and elevation adjustments were straightforward, allowing me to zero in the laser quickly.

Installation Experience

Installing the CTS-25 was fairly simple. It comes with the necessary screws and a tool. I followed the instructions carefully, and it took me about 15 minutes to mount and zero the laser. If you’re not comfortable installing it yourself, a gunsmith can handle it quickly.

Things to Consider Before Buying

  • Purpose: Are you buying for self-defense, target shooting, or competition? The CTS-25 excels in quick target acquisition, which is great for defense.
  • Legal Restrictions: Check your local laws regarding laser sights on firearms. Some places have specific regulations.
  • Budget: The CTS-25 is a mid-range laser sight. If you want something more budget-friendly or more advanced, compare other models as well.
  • Training: Owning a laser sight means you should practice with it regularly to maximize its benefits.

Final Thoughts

After using the Crimson Trace CTS-25, I feel it’s a solid investment for anyone who owns a compatible SIG Sauer pistol and wants to improve their aiming speed and accuracy. Its durable build, ease of use, and reliable activation made it a valuable addition to my firearm setup. Just be sure to verify compatibility and practice regularly to get the most out of your laser sight.

Author Profile

Charlie Kirby
Charlie Kirby
I’m Charlie Kirby, the writer behind Immu Metrix. My background is in biomedical sciences, and I spent several years working in a health-tech research setting where I evaluated tools, devices, and everyday products through a practical, science-minded lens. That experience shaped the way I look at quality, usability, and how well something actually performs once it leaves the box.

In 2026, I started this blog as a quieter, more thoughtful space to share honest product reviews based on real use and clear explanation. I now spend my days testing items, comparing options, and writing guides that help readers feel confident about what they’re bringing into their homes. Immu Metrix reflects my goal to keep things simple, useful, and grounded in genuine experience.