I want to put a tactical light on the rail of my M&P 40... any "best value" recommendations?

I can only recommend a light that my son uses on his M&P40 as a LEO. It's a Streamlight TLR-1. The list price at Streicher's Police Supply is $110. Add a $150 if you also want it equipped with a laser. You'll also have to buy a holster designed for a light.

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Former USN, Retired US Army

TLR

.........

Streamlight TLR1
They are truly a "best value "
They are bright, durable lights

TLR-3 is a lower priced and more compact/shorter option. I use it on my HD pistol. I use a TLR-1s on my duty pistol.

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MSP - Retired

Check out the Inforce APL. I have one and it is a nice piece. Compact with very intuitive switches and lock out bezel.

The Streamlight TLR-3 is a good light. I have one on my M&P9L and one on my M&P15.

I would say it all depends on his intended use.

For best value the Streamlight TLR series is a great family of lights.

For outdoor use I recommend the TLR-1 HL. This is a higher lumen (600+ can't quote exactly but I'm pretty sure it's 650) that will be great outdoors. I don't usually recommend these indoors as they have the possibility of reflecting off of picture frames, clock faces, windows, and mirrors in a home defense scenario and incapacitate the user's sight.

For home defence I would recommend the TLR-1 or TLR-1s. Both fall under the 300 lumen mark and pose less of a threat to your eyesight for home defense. Alternately they are less bright for use outdoors.

From Surefire you will get a very well built light but will probably pay over $200 for one.

The x300 ultra falls into the same category and description as the TLR-1 HL and the x300 falls in with the TLR-1 and TLR-1s.

Personally I use an Insight M3 which is listed as 99+ lumens. This is an LED weaponlight that adequately lights up the rooms and hallways of my home and does not hinder my eyesight much when looking directly at it in a mirror. I bought mine at a local shop for $50 used and can't argue too much. I do own variants of the other lights I mentioned as well. I have a TLR-1 HL, TLR -1 HPL, and a Surefire X300 ultra.

All of the lights are great and perform their intended functions well. Also they all fit both my M&P 40 full size and Glock 17 with their respective Safariland ALS holsters.

I should have mentioned that the intended use is for indoors, bedside. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Take a look at the Crimson Trace Light Guard.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I am going with the TRL-3 -- on order from eBay for a mere $70. Will let you all know how it works out when I get it and try it out.