On-gun illumination

[Obiwankabaldi]

Alright guys, looking for recommendations for an on-gun light / laser. This is for an M&P 40c that is a primarily a nightstand gun so I'm not too concerned about holster compatibility or anything like that.

Both have some great reviews and a lot comes down to personal preference and what you feel you can afford. Training is still the most often neglected part of owning a firearm. With a weapon mounted light training is as important as ever. Wherever you point that gun to see, you are pointing a loaded gun. Remember rule #2. Never point a gun at anything you do not want to kill or destroy. Equipment can enhance our skills and give us some edge, but training to use our equipment is most important. Just like owning a hammer does not make you a carpenter neither does owning a gun with all kinds of gadgets on it make you a gunfighter. Just saying....

 

[Darth]

Here is what's sad. A good guy getting killed because of a negligent discharge of weapon mounted light.

Didn't even bother to see the evidence presented in the video? Sounds like maybe a forum member here is talking out of his ass and wants to justfy being a cheapskate.

Why anyone would buy the very best handgun, the very best ammo, then try to save a hundred bucks on a light is beyond me. We all spend thousands in guns and ammo. There is a reason military/LE use Surefire.

Not only is that not true, using "the cops/military" use it is one of the worst justifications possible. Ever hear of contracts?

Yep, talking out of the ass.

 

[Robin]

I guess I don't see the point of it. A light in the dark is a helluva target.
Robin

 

[Darth]

I guess I don't see the point of it. A light in the dark is a helluva target.
Robin

Not seeing your target before he takes a baseball bat over you wife's head is a bit of a downer too.

 

[Robin]

I suppose there are any number of what if scenario's where it would be to your advantage to have a light fixed to your hand gun, and just as many where it would be a bad idea.
Robin

 

[Darth]

I suppose there are any number of what if scenario's where it would be to your advantage to have a light fixed to your hand gun, and just as many where it would be a bad idea.
Robin

Maybe, but target identification isn't really a "what-if" IMO...

 

[Robin]

Neither is being one.
Robin

 

[Darth]

Neither is being one.
Robin

Take a chance at them being able to aim at and hit the blinding light, or shoot in the dark?

 

[Robin]

IF
Robin

 

[Darth]

IF
Robin

If a frog had wings, it wouldn't bump it's ass every time it hopped.

 

[Robin]

Another concept that won't fly.
Robin

 

[minderasr]

I love my Streamlight TLR-1 HL, but understand the points made in the video. However, the light is on my nightstand gun. So I won't be drawing it from a holster, which eliminates one source of the alleged accidental light discharge. Nor am I a LEO clearing a house. I live in a small apartment and have no problem giving away my position as I blind the living f*&k out of someone breaking in. Not much in the way of cover anyway. No issues with the light falling off the gun while firing either.

 

[freddy]

I love my Streamlight TLR-1 HL, but understand the points made in the video. However, the light is on my nightstand gun. So I won't be drawing it from a holster, which eliminates one source of the alleged accidental light discharge. Nor am I a LEO clearing a house. I live in a small apartment and have no problem giving away my position as I blind the living f*&k out of someone breaking in. Not much in the way of cover anyway. No issues with the light falling off the gun while firing either.

Well, look at this! A person willing to examine a contrary viewpoint and actually examine the evidence presented. Good show.

 

[Defilade]

Not only is that not true, using "the cops/military" use it is one of the worst justifications possible. Ever hear of contracts?

Yep, talking out of the ass.

I'd have to disagree about that. Military/LEO run a strict series of tests before selecting a firearm. Walther just didnt make the cut in most cases.

 

[Darth]

I'd have to disagree about that. Military/LEO run a strict series of tests before selecting a firearm. Walther just didnt make the cut in most cases.

Maybe if their slides cracked at M9 rates they'd have gotten in.

 

[MikeyCNY]

The 300 lumen version of the Streamlight TLR-1 is on sale at Amazon.com for $80 (need to have Prime though) - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JWD16E/

Picking one up at this price. As I said before, I think 800 is a bit much for my needs; 300 should be perfect.

 

[MikeyCNY]

First impressions on my TLR-1 (300 Lumen model); not yet range-tested -

Installs super easy on my M&P9 M2.0 (the Glock 'key' comes pre-installed, ha!) and seems secure. Activating the light is very intuitive, just a slight downward motion with my left thumb. They may have adjusted the activation lever tension some as I don't get the super sensitive activation from the video above. The light does not turn until you push down a few millimeters. I do not have a compatible holsters to test it with yet.

Construction is very solid and seems well built.

As for the level of brightness.. on a cloudy morning with the blinds closed it offers an acceptable level of illumination in my house. In the bedroom with blackout curtains it is sufficiently bright to light up most of the room. I would think in the middle of the night, at the ranges expected for my house, 300 Lumens would be nearly perfect for my needs. If I were clearing outside, or in a larger house, maybe a bit more Lumens would be a good idea.