SIGforum
Weapon mounted light
January 13, 2021, 09:48 PM
Jim1970Weapon mounted light
Hello!
What brand of light is affordable and reliable to mount on my handguns using the standard rail system - like that found on a Glock or Springfield xD?
I was trained to hold a flashlight in one hand and a gun in the other, not use a weapon mounted light, so this is all new to me.
Thank you,
Jim
That which doesn't kill you only makes you stronger
January 13, 2021, 09:50 PM
jljonesFor “affordable” I recommend a Streamlight TLR-1.
Other than that, it’s Surefire X300 all the way.
January 13, 2021, 10:09 PM
NismoStreamlight TLR-7A.
Safety, Situational Awareness and proficiency.
Neck Ties, Hats and ammo brass, Never ,ever touch'em w/o asking first
January 14, 2021, 12:04 AM
Excam_ManOLight
January 14, 2021, 07:28 AM
AnubismpTLR1HL or X300U. I like the Olight for smaller stuff but those are the names for the larger guns I run (G19 and above). The TLR-1 has flippy switches that are easier to activate but thats a double edged sword. I've seen more light-NDs with the TLR.
The X300 is the Aimpoint of lights. It has a push to activate with hard stick constant on up and down. That may not make sense until you play with the switches. I'd say test out which method of switch you like and plop down your cash. My last new X300U came from arms unlimited for like $200 to put you in the right ballpark pricewise.
I also like the rail interface of the -A series vs the -B and TLRs thumbscrew.
January 14, 2021, 10:22 AM
copaupSurefire x300 if you don't mind the size. Phenomenal light. For me it's not so much the issue of the size added to the pistol as it is the length of the holster. I had one on my duty weapon for awhile and it got in the way while seated. Again, the light itself is top of the line and I've got several on long guns at the house.
TLR 7A is my current choice for my duty weapon. It isn't quite as bright, and the build quality doesn't feel quite as solid, but I've not had any issues with the 3 I own and they add no appreciable bulk. I wasn't a fan of the switches on the original TLR 7, but the new switch for the 7A is pretty decent.
January 14, 2021, 12:17 PM
RogueJSKquote:
Originally posted by jljones:
For “affordable” I recommend a Streamlight TLR-1.
Yep. A TLR-1, or a TLR-7 if it's a compact or subcompact pistol that can't accommodate the full-sized -1.
There are a few different models under each type, with different features, switches, brightness, etc.
I like specifically the TLR-1HL and the TLR-7A models.
January 14, 2021, 12:48 PM
T.Webbquote:
Originally posted by Jim1970:
Hello!
What brand of light is affordable and reliable to mount on my handguns using the standard rail system - like that found on a Glock or Springfield xD?
I was trained to hold a flashlight in one hand and a gun in the other, not use a weapon mounted light, so this is all new to me.
Thank you,
Jim
I was trained as you. But too many tell me that Dot RMR's and firearm mounted lights are the wave of the future, along with an appendix holster with spare mag. So, I brought a P320C with a Romeo I Pro and put on a Streamlight TLR7. I haven't done much more than "play" with this gun. No RMR training, no WML training, but thusfar I'm not impressed. Maybe I'm too old a dog to learn a new trick. Right now, I'm leaning to removing the RMR and leaving the light on. I'm not crazy about the holster at all.
************************************************
"Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done". {George W. Bush, Post 9/11}
January 14, 2021, 12:51 PM
RogueJSKI feel you. I guess I'm a middle-aged dog. I like WMLs a lot, and am warming up to RMRs on handguns in some circumstances, but I can't get appendix carry to work for me despite several tries over the years.
So dumping the RMR and the appendix holster and keeping the WML is a great option. That's where I'm at currently.
(But if you plan to carry with a WML, you really owe it to yourself to get some WML-specific training, and practice with it beyond just playing around with it.)
January 15, 2021, 07:27 AM
NickI have a WML on my home defense pistol, but choose to carry a hand held light for CCW. I’ve never been anywhere in public that was so dark I would need a light to identify Someone needing to be shot.
"Escaped the liberal Borg and living free"
January 15, 2021, 08:53 AM
njautoI sent you an email. I have a nice Surefire XC1 I would sell you.
January 15, 2021, 10:51 AM
pedropcolaIf you go XC1, make sure it’s the XC1B. The switchology is better and the A’s had issues. Ask me how I know. (I had 2)(have)
January 15, 2021, 11:25 AM
njautoThis is the original XC1A. I have had zero issues with mine and it works great. I’m only selling because I do not need 2 anymore.
January 15, 2021, 12:27 PM
Jim1970Hello!
Thanks for the comments everyone! Looks like I’m buying my first WML!
Thank you again,
Jim
That which doesn't kill you only makes you stronger
January 15, 2021, 07:11 PM
corsairquote:
Originally posted by copaup:
Surefire x300 if you don't mind the size. Phenomenal light. For me it's not so much the issue of the size added to the pistol as it is the length of the holster. I had one on my duty weapon for awhile and it got in the way while seated. Again, the light itself is top of the line and I've got several on long guns at the house.
TLR 7A is my current choice for my duty weapon. It isn't quite as bright, and the build quality doesn't feel quite as solid, but I've not had any issues with the 3 I own and they add no appreciable bulk. I wasn't a fan of the switches on the original TLR 7, but the new switch for the 7A is pretty decent.
Ditto.
x300 goes on my full-size blasters, the TLR-7A goes on my G19. I'm not crazy about Surefire's compact lights but, their full-size and rifle lights are hand-down fantastic...so long as your checking account can handle it.
Seeing my comments in the older thread, I've since removed Inforce from my list of recommended, I had a APLc that just couldn't handle the recoil impulses, the board and/or the soldering was coming loose which made the switch not work correctly. Very disappointing as their design is the best for for conceal carry; some thoughtful design lines. Hope they get their act together.
January 16, 2021, 06:10 AM
Blume9mmI've said it many time, so feel free to flame me, but I think putting a light on a gun is a bad idea.
My Native American Name:
"Runs with Scissors"
January 16, 2021, 10:26 AM
PhredWeapon mounted lights don’t make guns dangerous.
I have really come to appreciate Streamlight’ TLR-7a. The TLR-1HL certainly has more output, but I like the switches of the -7a much more. For a full size gun, I’d be inclined to try the new(ish) TLR-9. It is a longer light than the TLR-1, but keeps the switches of the -7a. My only concern would be the length of the light impacting holster compatibility.
https://www.streamlight.com/pr...s/detail/index/tlr-9January 16, 2021, 10:41 AM
jljonesIgnore him. He’s just a troll that spews the same dumbassery every time he gets the chance.
He loves the attention he gets from popping off about weapon mounted lights and Trump hating. It’s just drive by posting because he knows people will react to his comments.
January 19, 2021, 05:46 AM
Blume9mmquote:
Originally posted by jljones:
Ignore him. He’s just a troll that spews the same dumbassery every time he gets the chance.
He loves the attention he gets from popping off about weapon mounted lights and Trump hating. It’s just drive by posting because he knows people will react to his comments.
No, that is my honest opinion. If you don't like it that is your right.
My Native American Name:
"Runs with Scissors"