I wanted a compact and lightweight light for my .45 Shield, as it doubles as a nightstand pistol and a desert/mountain camping and hiking gun.
I have had a couple Streamlight TRL-6s, but they don't yet make one for the .45 Shield, just the 9mm and .40. I've heard of guys taking a Dremel and file to the TRL-6 and getting them to fit on the .45 though.
I ordered one of the Lasermax light/lasers with Grip Sense, It was about $160 from Amazon. They make these in a red or green laser, and to fit the Shields of all calibers, the Ruger LCP and a couple different Glock models that don't come with a rail.
These clamp to the trigger guard like the TRL-6.
The LaserMax Centerfire has a 100 lumen light with a "mint green" tinge to it. Green is the most visible wavelength in the color spectrum. It is supposed to provide rapid target identification without the harsh washout seen in standard white lights. It does seem easier for your eyes to adjust when you turn it on.
100 lumens is on the weak side, but I'll have a 600 Lumen Surefire handheld with me as well, if I need to light up the countryside.
The 100 lumen light is tiny and doesn't overwhelm the small Shield like a bigger light would, and for the closer ranges it is meant to be used, will be adequate.
Mine has the green laser, and while I probably won't ever use it in the daytime, it is visible on the target in sunlight.
The Grip Sense, when turned on, will activate the light as soon as your second finger touches the bottom of the trigger guard. It is very sensitive, most of the time I'll leave it turned off, and engage the light with one of the side buttons.
The modes you can cycle through are, steady laser only, light only, light and laser together, pulsating laser, and light and pulsating (strobe) laser.
I also was looking for a light for my Fullsize MP9, and was eyeing the TRL-8 2G, but at $300 it was a bit rich for my budget.
I decided to order a Olight Baldr Pro. It is a bit heavy at 4.5 ounces, but it is something that I will not leave on the pistol all the time but keep in a pouch on my web belt, or maybe use it on my PC carbine.
It is rated at 1350 lumens and has a green laser. Man, it is bright. Probably not a full 1350 but it is up there.
The green laser is so intense at night it looks like a mouse could walk along the beam to the target.
I know it isn't Streamlight quality but lots of good reviews, including one by Sootch00. And a $140 price.
With both of these lights you can tone down from full brightness by holding the button on.
The Olight will go from 1350 to 300 lumens, and the Lasermax will dim to just a few lumens.
The downside is you have to get new holsters. I am waiting on a Gunner Custom holster for the .45 Shield, but I have an OnYour6 designs holster made for my Glock 48 with TRL-6 that will work in the meantime.
Here is the .45 Shield with the Lasermax:
LaserMax with Grip Sense
Linear Mode
