I'm considering utilizing the rail on my new M&P bedside / safe stored gun and attaching a "tactical" light to it. I don't want to break a $100 and am not planning to go into combat/field or even routine use with it. I just want something reasonably bright and (mostly) reliable. I know price and quality are often mutually exclusive but I'm thinking that flashlight technology isn't rocket science in 2009. Any suggestions welcome.

p.s. I don't need /want a lazer. I can shoot fine providing I can see :-)

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Dave

I'm thinking about buying the Insight M3 for my M&P. Optics planet has it for about $105, but you can get it for under 100 shipped on ebay.

streamlight tlr-1 C-4 led 90 lumen you see them all the time used and mine was 95 new shipped I had it on my M&P 9mm but sold it so its on my Sig 1911

Thanks Gents. How is the longevity on these lights for storage/ once turned on? Those little watch batteryies make me nervous.

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Dave

Wee,
I have had an Insight M3 for several years. Works great. I use it
on all my MP's. It is on my FS 40 for home protection.
Good Luck
8th

Try the Streamlight. It fits on the rail and uses a virtually unbreakable LED. The last I checked they could be bought for under $100.

I won a Safariland light that takes 3 AAA batteries with LED bulb in 08 at a S&W sponsored shoot at my Dept range. It is a fit-all style and it mounts to the rail and swings over to the left side to lock in. I forgot about it until I saw this thread, so I put it on my M&P45. Decent amount of light, I think 65 lumens.

Thanks again. Good advice.

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Dave

Update: So I was hunting for a stream lite unit at a local gun show the other day when I ran into a table selling Chinese NcStar brand lights and optics. There was a guy there buying a NcStar, 1W quick detach light for $39. He said he has another that has been on his AR for a year and wanted another for his house gun. He liked it that much. I finished the show (and found nothing in a stream lite) so decided to take a chance. So far, I'm impressed. Very bright using 1, CR123 lithium battery. Nice spot right in front of the sights and a wide ring that fills the room or back yard. All the light these old eye need anyway. Fit is tight/slop free, switch is positive. Seems well built but time and recoil will tell :-)

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Dave

I've got an Insight and a new Streamlight TLR-1. They were the same price but the Streamlight is vastly superior. They both take AA batteries.

I've had the safariland ALS for over a year and the batteries are still running strong. Great light.

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S&W M&P and 3rd Gen Armorer