For some, a laser sighting device is simply an affectation. In the early days of elaborate mounts and bulky lasers, that belief might have been forgiven.

Times have changed. Technological advances have made lasers smaller and better. An excellent example is Crimson Trace's LG-305NRA Lasergrips for Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers.

At first glance, the Lasergrips would appear to be simply a set of aftermarket synthetic stocks. Described as a "rubber overmold," the stocks weigh a mere 2.5 ozs. with batteries installed. They are embossed with the NRA logo and fully encompass the grip frame of the revolver. Additionally, they extend the length of the gripping surface down approximately 1⁄2", allowing for a four-finger hold.

Two specific features betray the Lasergrips' true nature-a "button" on the frontstrap and a "housing" on the upper right section of the stock. Activation is accomplished by simply tightening the shooting grip over the pressure-activated button and the Class IIIa visible laser diode unit produces a non-pulsating red dot. The laser unit itself is located in the roughly 1" long housing and protrudes a scant 1⁄4". It runs off either two CR2032 or DL2032 lithium cells and, in our tests, ran for nearly five hours of constant use. A master on/off switch is located on the base of the unit.

The stocks installed easily on a Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight. The manual states Lasergrips are pre-sighted at the factory and often require no adjustment. To adjust the laser, two Allen head screws are turned for windage and elevation adjustment. Insert the supplied Allen wrenches and turn them in small increments until the laser dot moves to the desired point.

We fired the 642 with Speer's excellent .38 Spl. +P 135-gr. GoldDot hollow-point ammunition. Fired from an Airweight, this cartridge can produce noticeable recoil, but the Lasergrips allowed for a solid hold.

The NRA Lasergrips offer the shooter a unique accessory that adds almost no bulk or weight. Also, the NRA emblem isn't merely for show-it represents a partnership between NRA and Crimson Trace. For every set sold, Crimson Trace will donate 10 percent of the total sale price-one half to the NRA Disabled Shooting Services Endowment and the other to the NRA Firearms & Marksmanship Training Endowment. Additionally, NRA members receive a discount off the $330 suggested retail price. www.crimsontrace.com