suggested lights for M&P 9...home defense
- Thread starter memphisto
- Start date
Which M&P 9 are you asking about? Full-sized, Compact, etc? Compacts work well with TLR7 & TLR8, Full-sized don't really have a size restriction, so TLR1 should work. Be careful about the TLR1HL indoors, 1000 lumens seems like "if some is good, more is better", but that will change the first time you pop the light on in total darkness and those 1000 lumens reflect off the wall and leave you seeing sunbursts for the next 15 minutes. Especially on white walls....Trust me.
Maddog 521
Member
I have a TLR1s on a M&P40FS and it works out great. The 300 lumens is plenty of light.
OP, do you have any other people living with you?
If yes then I would definitely think about also getting a handheld light because you do not want to be muzzle sweeping something you don't want to shoot. Pretty much common sense here.
If yes then I would definitely think about also getting a handheld light because you do not want to be muzzle sweeping something you don't want to shoot. Pretty much common sense here.
^^^ This.
Before getting a weapon mounted light in order to search for intruders, take a look at this Massad Ayoob video.
Why you shouldn't search with a weapon-mounted light on a handgun - Massad Ayoob Critical Mas EP40 - YouTube
Before getting a weapon mounted light in order to search for intruders, take a look at this Massad Ayoob video.
Why you shouldn't search with a weapon-mounted light on a handgun - Massad Ayoob Critical Mas EP40 - YouTube
dbarale
Member
Yep. We issued HL’s for our dept., then swapped those to rifles and purchased regular TLR1’s for the handguns for that reason.
I also hate the strobe function. People activate it by accident and spend time trying to turn it off. It’s a distraction without real practical application in my opinion.
I like the Olight Baldr and Baldr Mini lights.
Flashlights, Tactical Light, Outdoor Tools - Olight Official Store
Flashlights, Tactical Light, Outdoor Tools - Olight Official Store
Rpg
Member
Forgot the gun mounted light.
Get a C sized flashlight (2 batteries). Learn how to use it with your off hand using your strong side hand to shoot your gun.
This was Jeff Cooper’s preferred method. As in many things, he’s often worth listening to.
Get a C sized flashlight (2 batteries). Learn how to use it with your off hand using your strong side hand to shoot your gun.
This was Jeff Cooper’s preferred method. As in many things, he’s often worth listening to.
Doug M.
Member
Remember that Col. Cooper did not have access to some of these options, like WML. I have small hands, and so small barrel lights or WML are a real advantage for me. My serious long guns all have a bright WML. My pistols do not because most of mine predate the mounts and I have not trained with one.
The point made above about having a hand held for actually searching is valid, too. I have to admit I am really biased in favor of big dogs as a home protection layer - they are both alert and good company. My favorite are the big molloser types; rotts and the various mastiffs.
The point made above about having a hand held for actually searching is valid, too. I have to admit I am really biased in favor of big dogs as a home protection layer - they are both alert and good company. My favorite are the big molloser types; rotts and the various mastiffs.
CGhelofxr
Member
M&P 9 5" has a TLR1, 9c has a TLR3, Shield TLR6 (no laser).
The TLR1 is on my bedside pistol, more than enough
lumens for my house, handheld light sits on the nightstand for use in conjunction with.
The TLR1 is on my bedside pistol, more than enough
lumens for my house, handheld light sits on the nightstand for use in conjunction with.
Take a look at the Nightstick weapon lights. I have a couple, including the TWM-850XL on my S&W M&P 10mm 2.0. Interchangeable with Streamlight models for much less money. They fit in the same light-bearing holsters, too. Nightsticks are very dependable and long-lasting lights, and they have a wide selection for just about any handgun.
mscampbell2734
Member
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2012
- Messages
- 766
- Reaction score
- 837
Absolutely 100% DISAGREE with Ayoob on this. While he does have a vast wealth of knowledge his OPINION is not holy writ.
STORMINORMAN
Member
I have found the Crimson Trace CMR-208 to be an excellent light and perhaps the be$t value available under $75. It is in a metal housing and fits the M&P perfectly.
Cheers!
Cheers!
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2007
- Messages
- 27,660
- Reaction score
- 21,267
The usual issues stated:
Pros - you have a light when you need it, it takes less training (in theory) to use than a separate gun/light combo and you have both hands on the gun.
Cons - takes a different holster than without the lights, adds bulk and weight, the muzzle is pointed at the lighted target, and an opponent has your head in their sights if aiming at your light.
I've probably missed some.
Agreed. He is a old, er senior citizen trying to keep up with improving technology and equipment.
As a leo I was first trained to hold my flashlight in my weak hand away from from body. The theory being is the bad guy will aim for the light meaning the bullets will strike away from me. The problems with the technique is;
1) it meant shooting one handed
2) it is difficult to see the sights.
Later I learned to crossover my hands so they were back to back holding the gun in one hand and flashlight in the other. But still was basically one hand shooting and of course seeing the sights was a problem. I guess trainers decided most bad guys were such bad shots they would miss hitting the light.
I worked mostly nights as a leo so if it had been available back then I would carry a WML. For best control and accuracy it should be called a handSgun meaning a two hand grip.
Last edited:
I have never had the bad luck of a home intruder waking me from a dead sleep. I do believe my dog's barking (she's big and has the big dog bark) could be enough buffer between me waking up and an active intruder. About the light, though, I would prefer to have it in one hand away from my body while I work the gun with the right hand; let them shoot at the light, not my gun. I've had no professional training like they do on TV, but if I were the bad guy I'd probably aim at the light. OR, I'd hide under my bed and pray to my higher power!
I've been very happy with a couple different versions of the TLR1. Go for one with a LED, the light is much brighter and the batteries last longer. I'm not up on the Shield series, but some of the smaller handguns need a smaller light, largely because of the limited rail space. Read the product information carefully. Keep it simple, you want a light, not a laser, strobe light, rotating beacon, siren, etc.
Now then, the ancient "hold the light high and to the side & forward of the body" concept was for searching-in the open. If you've never tried it for shooting, it's far, far less than optimal (Been there, done that, the T shirt didn't fit). That's why the various other techniques where the light is right by the handgun were developed. And, why the later concept of the gun mounted light was developed.
Also, within the home/office/school and so forth, you have many reflective surfaces- mostly your light colored walls. It doesn't much matter where you hold the light, there's enough reflection to make you clearly visible to any potential adversary. It's your cotton picking house. Turn the bleeping lights on!
Mas is making fine legal points that also involves human performance issues. [BTW, if you live in Virginia, there's case law that says you can't assault someone with a firearm (point it at/near them) for mere trespass.] I happened to be watching an episode of On Patrol (live) last night and watched an officer who was using a hand held light to search for an suspect in a stabbing. His gun hand held his service pistol-with light attached down at his side. If necessary, he'd drop one and use the other. Outstanding use of resources.
Now then, the ancient "hold the light high and to the side & forward of the body" concept was for searching-in the open. If you've never tried it for shooting, it's far, far less than optimal (Been there, done that, the T shirt didn't fit). That's why the various other techniques where the light is right by the handgun were developed. And, why the later concept of the gun mounted light was developed.
Also, within the home/office/school and so forth, you have many reflective surfaces- mostly your light colored walls. It doesn't much matter where you hold the light, there's enough reflection to make you clearly visible to any potential adversary. It's your cotton picking house. Turn the bleeping lights on!
Mas is making fine legal points that also involves human performance issues. [BTW, if you live in Virginia, there's case law that says you can't assault someone with a firearm (point it at/near them) for mere trespass.] I happened to be watching an episode of On Patrol (live) last night and watched an officer who was using a hand held light to search for an suspect in a stabbing. His gun hand held his service pistol-with light attached down at his side. If necessary, he'd drop one and use the other. Outstanding use of resources.
Last edited:
I have an 800 lumen TLR1-HL on my duty M&P 40. They didn’t make the 1000 lumen ones yet. Never had an issue with being too bright doing house or building searches.
I also disabled the stupid strobe feature, it’s easy to do and they give you instructions.
I also disabled the stupid strobe feature, it’s easy to do and they give you instructions.
I try not to be out late at night in places where I feel the need to carry a concealed handgun. However, I do have a couple of WMLs (Nightstick and Streamlight) just in case my wife and I are traveling or socializing "after hours". I also carry a small tactical light in my pocket if my carry handgun is not equipped with a WML. My primary purpose for WMLs is for home defense. I want to be able to identify the threat before I shoot, just in case the intruder might actually be one of my adult children (although they know better than to come into the house unannounced!), or an unarmed robber, or a stupid neighborhood kid. I think that using a WML with just very brief beam activations is a safe choice. Although I feel capable of performing house clearing (using cover, slicing the pie, etc.) in the event of a break-in, my actual plan is for the wife and I to "Alamo" in the bedroom behind the bed and a locked door, and call 911.
