I am wanting to get a light for my M&P 45 and I don't want it to go past the end of the gun. Can you all tell me what is the best light.

I've got a couple of Streamlight TLR1s lights on my M&P's. I bought them when Police Express had them on sale for $89 with free shipping. For my money they were the best I could find.

I just read an article where the author said any light brighter than 90 lumens was too much, and could affect your night vision. I don't know how much I agree with that statement. Sure if you turn the light on against a white wall your eyes will be affected. But they will be with a 90 lumen light also.

But what if you are confronted in a dark alley and the perp is wearing dark clothes, and their are multiple perps at varying distances, maybe 25, 35, 75 feet away? I want a brighter light!!

The TLR1s is very bright at 160 lumens. It has a lifetime warranty, is small and light, and has a strobe if you would ever want to use it. I like the ease that I can turn it on and leave it on.

SureFire X300 is probably the best there is. But they are priced that way too. Of course, I have an old Streamlight at home, which was (back in '01) a pretty ok light. It'll still do.

I also use the Streamlight TLR1s lights on my guns with rails.

You DO want it to go past the end of the gun for self-defense reasons.

TLR-1.

Why the TLR 1? It's not nearly as bright.

The OP specifically asked for lights that don't go past the muzzle of the gun. Something like the insight m2 or TLR-3. May I ask why you don't want it to go past the muzzle? Is it for holster considerations, concealment, looks? Just curious.

Most of the top choices, which are also a lot more powerful, are going to extend past the muzzle.

I'm not sure why someone stated that the TLR-1 is not nearly as bright? Not as bright as what?

I have both the TLR-1s and Surefire X300 (both the latest models) and I will admit the streamlight is the better value imo. The x300 is 170 lumens vs. the TLR-1 160 lumen. The difference in power is negligible. They are both plenty bright. I prefer the switch system on the TLR-1. It feels smoother and the rotation of the switch is spring loaded and just feels better to me. The Surefire switch is harder to rotate and the momentary on is activated by pushing on it vs TLR you rotate it. (personal preference)

The mounting if it matters to you. The surefire you have to slide it on. The TLR you can mount it anywhere on a rail without sliding it on, but you do have to turn a spring loaded thumb screw.

Overall, you can't deny the value of the TLR at almost 1/3 the msrp of the surefire. However the surefire is built like a tank. Is it worth the extra cash? hmmmmm. I can't say for certain.

smith and wesson micro 90.

Smith & Wesson Micro 90 Tactical Weapon Mounted Flashlight White LED with Battery (1 CR2 lithium) Polymer Black - MidwayUSA

Here's a TLR-1 on my 45...but it sticks out 3/8" from the muzzle, The TLR-3 is shorter...it may be what you're looking for

http://www.streamlight.com/product/p....aspx?pid=165#

You honestly believe you need something brighter than a TLR-1? Think about it. You're going to shoot a person 75 feet away down a "dark alley"?

Wow, stop the beating already....

Lumens:

TLR-1 / 80 lumens with older bulb, 135 with new C4 bulb
TLR-1s / 160 lumens
Surefire X-300 / 170 lumens

I am not shooting anyone down a dark alley. However it is 75 feet from my house to my shop. If someone is in my shop I'd like to light at least that far. And maybe you have a group of people you are keeping under control.

Here's another classic case of 'I own brand X and it has 90 lumens and anyone that has a light with more lumens than I have is WRONG! I am right! Nobody ever needs a more powerful light than what I own!'

If someone made a weapon light with 10 bazillion lumens for under 200 bucks I'd strap it on my gun.

If the strength of the light popped corn at 200 yards I'd own it.

If the light was so bright I could point it at the moon and reflect light back to earth causing instant daylight I'd own it!

So yes, I think brighter is better, and please everyone who thinks 84.6739 lumens is ideal under every situation, please tell me I am wrong wrong wrong and your light is better.

In the meantime, I offered my experience with my lights that I bought for $89 each.

I'd take a look at the Micro 90 or the TRL 3. I've seen the TRL 3 and didn't think it was a bad piece, although I'm not as fond of the TRL switches as I am of the switches on the Surefire. The Micro 90's supposed to have momentary switches and I'm thinking about placing an order for one to give it a run-down.

Now... if the concealment holster industry can create a really slim design that enhances the compact light features without feeling like you're carrying a piece of Samsonite on your hip/....

My Insight Tech. M3 light has given me great service for Nearly 10 years. I have never changed the bulb. I would like to try one of their newer LED products.

I don't know whether this is gun-magazine hyperbole, but I've read in a number of cases that having the light extend beyond the muzzle is useful at muzzle-contact distances (i.e., while grappling for control of the firearm) because it keeps the slide in battery. That is, if the pistol is pressed into an assailant, the light (rather than the muzzle) makes contact, preventing the slide from being partially retracted & rendering the gun inoperable.

Probably a good reason for using a revolver up close & personal, but that's a whole 'nother can of worms!

I have an Insight M6 LED/Laser in tan on my M&P 45. It's 1/4" past the barrel when installed.

I have a TR3 on an MP .45

It's just a tad short of the barrel length...

On my MP .40 its even with the barrel.

Ernie

I am digging the TLR3. Its a nice little LED unit that is lightweight, compact and waterproof. It is also very reasonably priced.

Can't say for sure if it will stick out past the muzzle on an M&P45...

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1343531120.182247.jpg
TLR3 on a 45c

CT makes the 100 lumen LTG-760 for the FS M&P and for the compact. It integrates very well with the weapon and adds very little to the form factor, weight and balance of the gun. Operation is very intuitive by a pressure switch. I use a tactical flashlight with a Surefire CR combat ring handy as my primary light source.

I have TLR-3 on mine and love the hell out of it. the 110 lumens is plenty bright enough and the small size fits the gun really well. The best money I ever spent on a light. This light coupled with the Trijicon night sights make for one hell of a HD gun.

This thread may help.

Who used a tactical light on HD gun