Was hoping for some insight on tactical lights. For ease of discussion let's assume this is a HD gun. I have a fullsize M&P .40

I am mainly looking at Streamlight:

• TLR1/TLR1s - Is the strobe worthwhile? Does it take away from ease of use?
• TLR3 - Does the polymer clip break to easily? Does the light get more or less dirty (than the bigger TLR1) from gun powder?

I've been looking too for my 40c and I think I will go with the TLR1 nice looking light. I dont think the strobe is something I need for a hd gun but thats just me.

There's like a $5 difference between the TLR-1 and TLR-1S so I don't mind spending the extra money just wondering if the strobe feature would be nice to have or it'd be something that would get in the way in a HD situation.

Also, I'd think that the TLR-1 would be too big on a compact... See pic below:

I have used the TRL1, TRL3, and Surefire. I prefer the Surefire X200/300 series because they are much easier to install and remove that the TRLs. As far as how they work, neither brand is bad - both produce some very good weapons lights. In terms of reliability on a S&W M&P 45, never had a malfunction related to the light being installed.

Have somebody strobe you in a dark room and it will become very apparent why a strobe light is good In a defensive situation

I hear you... 100-160 lumens lights on their own can be very paralyzing.

In the way. It has no functional value other its capacity to disorientate you as well as an attacker. For $5 it's irrelevant but an unnecessary addition.

TLR-3 for compact rail guns. TLR1 or M3 for full sized. No the plastic doesn't break and it has a lifetime warranty.

I've got a TLR-1s on my 9FS. My wife has a TLR-3 on her 9c. She did manage to break the polymer clip by throwing her purse in the car. The gun was in a holster inside the purse. Streamlight replaced it, no questions asked.

Crimson Trace makes a light that custom fits the M&P. It is lightweight, very bright (100 Lumens), and integrates with the gun such that it looks like it is part of the gun, not a bulky add-on. Better yet, its operation is completely intuitive, with no switches to fumble with at 3:00 AM. The pressure switch is located at the front of the grip just below the trigger guard, making one-handed operation easy when necessary. There is also a master switch to prevent unwanted operation. Granted, like any other firearm mounted light, it should not be used for searching as this unsafely sweeps everything the gun is pointed at, and a handheld flashlight should always be used when possible. In combination with the CT Laserguard, also intuitively operated from the back of the grip, they make for a deadly combination and a distinct tactical advantage over any foe, with adequate training.
M&P_CT-LTG760.jpg

Good to know about the warranty. I ended up going with the TLR1s. Probably would never use the strobe but the TLR1s has more lumens and it was like a $1-3 price difference. Paid $104 from Amazon so it'll be here in about a week.