The Crimson Trace Rapid Illumination Grip (RIG) provides a consistent grip for optimal control of a long gun, and it produces 500-lumens of light. The RIG mounts to M-Lok slots or Picatinny rails, which means that it is useful on AR-pattern pistols, carbines and rifles, as well as any other firearm with an M-Lok attachment point underneath the forend. A remote switch and 5-inch cable can be used in place of the ambidextrous on/off switch. The RIG comes with two rechargeable batteries, and each provides 1 hour of peak-lumen output. $175
August 14, 2022
By Richard Nance
Dominate the dark Crimson Trace was first known as an innovator in laser-aiming category, but the company now produces much more than lasers. Case in point: The Rapid Illumination Grip, or “RIG.” This clever design is a user-friendly accessory that combines an angled foregrip for safe and consistent hand placement with a 500-lumen light.
Constructed of an aluminum and polymer housing, the RIG is compatible with both M-Lok slots and Picatinny rails. The two supplied lithium-polymer, 3.7-volt, rechargeable batteries power the unit for 1 hour of peak output. The batteries are quick and easy to swap from a compartment located on the left side of the unit. A USB-C-to-USB power cord to recharge them is provided along with all the required mounting hardware.
The RIG comes with two 3.7-volt rechargeable batteries so that users are never without a backup. Activation options include both a direct switch as well as a tethered pad for customized placement. You can charge the battery in or out of the RIG. When fully charged, the battery LED will change from red to green. The “Smart Charger” batteries will shut off automatically when the battery is charged.
The RIG has five preset brightness settings: 5, 100, 200, 350, and 500 lumens. Pressing the “-” button on the left side of the unit dims the light, while the “+” button on the right increases brightness.
The on/off switch can be oriented on either side of the unit by simply lifting it from the housing and rotating it 180 degrees, too. A remote switch with a 5-inch cable is included as an alternative activation method. The remote switch replaces the standard switch and enables the user to dictate where the on/off button is situated.
Momentary-On mode is achieved by lightly pressing and holding the on/off button. When released, the light will turn off. After 45 seconds in Momentary-On mode, the light will time out. Simply press the button again to re-activate.
Changing the activation method between the integrated forend push button to the pressure pad is a simple procedure. The preferred control simply plugs in to the RIG’s power switch ports. For Constant-On mode, firmly press and release the on/off button. In this mode, the RIG will time out after 5 minutes, causing the light to turn off. Pressing the button again will turn the light back on.
In addition to the five output settings, the RIG has a dimming feature. By holding the “+” or “-” buttons, you can achieve the desired light output. When you reach 500 lumens, the light will blink three times to alert you that you have achieved the brightest setting.
The RIG also has a strobe feature. While some relegate the strobe as a mere gimmick, I beg to differ! A bright strobing light can be disorienting to an adversary by inhibiting balance, depth perception and peripheral vision. Strobe mode is achieved by holding both “+” and “-” buttons for 1 second. When released, the light will default back to normal (non-strobing) mode.
Crimson Trace’s RIG combines the benefits of an angled foregrip with an intuitive, 500-lumen light. Pistol, carbine or rifle, adding a light and comfortable grip are two of the most common post-purchase upgrades. With the RIG, both features are in one. Buy now at crimsontrace.com .
A USB-C-to-USB charging cord is included with the RIG. Thanks to the protected side-mounted charging ports, the batteries can be recharged while in or out of the RIG.
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