New light for my M&P45

[Sinkhole30]

Hello all. I pick up my M&P45 a little over 2 weeks ago now. I took a ride out to my LGS with nothing in particular in mind to buy. I was thinking maybe some night sights, when this little tac light caught my eye.
The Streamlight TLR-3. So asked to look at it. As soon as it hit my hand I had a feeling I'd be walking out with it. The size and weight are nice. It's extremely compact, only weighs 2.32 oz., with the battery installed, and puts out 110 lumens. For $99.00 I figured I couldn't go wrong so it came home with me. It fits the gun remarkably well. I was considering the Insight X2 but this is actually smaller and nearly 3x as bright and longer battery life. It's a no brainer in my eyes.
So here are a couple of pics.

[Lost Lake]

It looks smaller than my TLR1s's that I have.
I like the TLR1s because it has 160 lumens and a strobe feature, and I picked up a couple when Express had them for $84. The 3 looks small enough to almost carry on the gun though.... Maybe I'll get one and try it out.

[Rangel]

Looks pretty good. I don't like the looks of a lot of tactical lights or laser/tact. light combos that stick out--they look too much like science fiction ray guns to me. Plus holstering options are limited and they can make conceal & carry problematic.

I have the very small laser, tactical light combo from Veridian on my 40 c, as it's squared off a bit like the gun is and looks almost 'stock' when on the gun: Viridian C5L Gun Laser Sights | Viridian Green Laser Gun Sights

I like how they also make a security holster just for that set up for about $45 more. (prices vary on-line) The amount of lumen power different companies claim isn't always accurate, but the 100 lumens claimed on this seems good.

I think a strobe function is very important and with anything above 90 (true) lumens used within 10-12 feet or so, you can really disorient an intruder, leaving him seeing spots. If you're silly enough to look at it for a few seconds, it can give you a nasty little headache.

That Streamlight TRL-3 would've saved me a couple hundred bucks and looks quite nice. Streamlight has an excellent reputation as well.

If you're buying something like this, shop around on the batteries. While they're typically a bit expensive, you can find good buys, especially on multipacks. Perhaps you can find a reasonably priced high lumens hand flash light (Think Fenix) that also uses the same batteries.

These types of batteries last in storage for a long time. Just make sure the batteries aren't some cheap no-name Chinese brand--check on their reputation.

[SoleShtr]

Crimson Trace just came out with a new light that is integrated into the grip and controlled by finger pressure similar to how the rail mounted laser works. I know a little late for you that you already bought a light but I thought I would share.

Lightguard Tactical Light for Smith & Wesson M&P LTG-760 | Crimson Trace Lasergrips

[mlk18]

The TLR-3 is a very good light. It is lighter and smaller than the TLR-1, which can be a good thing depending on your application. For my money anything from the TLR series is the way to go.