CRIMSON TRACE CTS-1100 ILLUMINATED 3.5X BATTLESIGHT

FOG HORN

June 2020 Twobirds Flying Publications

CRIMSON TRACE CTS-1100 ILLUMINATED 3.5X BATTLESIGHT By: Sal Palma

2020

So how well does the CTS-1100 do against the $1,250 ACOG? To begin, let me touch on robustness. The CTS1100 is built like a tank. Quite unintentionally, I dropped the mounted optic on concrete from a height of approximately 3 feet. Crimson Trace has encapsulated this sight in a suit of armor contributing to its robustness. The optics as well as wind and elevation turrets are shielded from potentially damaging external shocks. Other than some light finish nicks, the sight went on to deliver this level of accuracy consistently.

This is a review that should have been done in February but it deserves a range session and the COVID-19 lockdown made that impossible, but here is June and we’re finally coming out of lockdown. Crimson Trace formally introduced the CTS1100 3.5X Battlesight during Shot Show 2019. The company, now recognized as a global leader in laser sighting systems, made a well calculated business decision to enter the electronic sight and magnified optics space. We’ve all heard the hackneyed cliché “go big or stay home”, and that was precisely what the Oregon Company did. Their focus was enhancing the value proposition by delivering an outstanding product at a competitive price point. This is the case with the CTS-1100 3.5X Battlesight. I believe Crimson Trace saw an opportunity to compete with the ubiquitous Trijicon ACOG TA01 a 4x-32 fixed magnification optic.

Like its competitor, the CTS-1100 is adjustable for windage and elevation in 0.5 MOA increments with an adjustment range of approximately 70 MOA. Optical clarity can only be described a superb. As I look through a TA01, I get a very subtle fish eye lens effect, not the case with the CTS-1100. The coated 30 mm objective has excellent clarity; color rendition and resolution are also excellent.

CRIMSON TRACE CTS-1100 ILLUMINATED 3.5X BATTLESIGHT

2020

Although Crimson Trace recommends a 100 yard zero, I chose to zero at 25 yards. Using this range allows me to maintain a dead hold on any target out to 190 yards with point of impact vs. point of aim variability not more than three inches.

The CTS-1100 is a battle sight and is not intended to replace a variable power long range optic. The battle sight employs a hybrid BDC (bullet drop compensator) that is caliber agnostic. Choose the range at which you want to zero the sight then use the appropriate holdover points to match your ammunition and target range.

As you can see from the graph, with this ammunition it’s at a range of approximately 205 yards where I need to add elevation over my 25 yard zero. The BDC reticle is illuminated, but interestingly there’s been some criticism suggesting that it’s not sufficiently bright for use in direct sunlight. I’m not sure that I agree with that assessment. The illuminated reticle comes in handy in lowlight and when you’re aiming at a dark target but in bright light I found that illumination was not necessary. The picture below and on the left is a through the optic photograph of the BDC against a bright surface.

CRIMSON TRACE CTS-1100 ILLUMINATED 3.5X BATTLESIGHT Activating illumination is done by pressing and holding the power on/off button for 3 seconds. There are two additional buttons marked + and – and they are used to increase or decrease reticle brightness respectively. The CTS-1100 does not have a night vision illumination setting. The adjustable diopter produced a very sharp and crisp reticle image.

2020

If the Crimson Trace CTS-1100 Battlesight is an example of the Company’s new line of magnified optics, its competitors should be rightfully concerned. This sight is ruthlessly accurate with superb optical clarity, a 3 Year Limited Warranty and CTC’s Free Batteries For Life program. At an M.S.R.P. of $549.99 it is an unrivaled value; however, at an average street price of $450 it’s a bargain. Pick one up; you’ll be as impressed with the CTS-1100 as I am.

-SP Manufacturer Specifications

Mounting the sight was straight forward using the Crimson Trace mounting clamp which sits on the Picatinny Rail nicely. I mounted the optic to a rifle configured with the A2 style stock so I found its 3.5” eye relief a bit too short. The optimal host is a platform configured with an adjustable stock. The CTS-1100 is powered by a single CR-2032 battery which should provide you with thousands of hours of use. The sight is also equipped with intelligent power management to extend battery life when the sight is not in use. After a period of ninety minutes, the sight will automatically shut off to prolong battery life. To reactivate the sight, press and hold the power button to return the previously selected intensity setting.

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BDC Reticle Magnification: 3.5x Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm Battery Type: One (1) CR2032 Shock, dust, impact, fog, water and recoil resistant Material: Aircraft Grade Anodized Aluminum Height: 3" Length: 5.4" Width: 2.3" Weight: 16 oz. Illumination Settings: 10x Adjustment Range: >70 MOA Adjustment Graduation: .5 MOA Operating Temperature: -10 to +50C Eye Relief: 3.5" Field of View: 35' at 100 yards*

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