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Which model M&P do have ?
Flyingfool
Member
I recommend a separate flashlight and get training to use it properly.
Mounting a light to a gun reaults in the eventual temptation and use of the gun as a flashlight. And ponting a loaded gun around.
Once you start regularly carring a separate flashlight, you will find endless uses and "need" for the flashlight and be happy you have it. Something that you cannot so if the light is attached to the gun.
Just my opinion.
Mounting a light to a gun reaults in the eventual temptation and use of the gun as a flashlight. And ponting a loaded gun around.
Once you start regularly carring a separate flashlight, you will find endless uses and "need" for the flashlight and be happy you have it. Something that you cannot so if the light is attached to the gun.
Just my opinion.
SoCalDep
Member
Use a handheld AND a weapon light. Mounting a light to the gun helps you not do what many people do every year... shoot people in the dark who shouldn't be shot. I would also recommend good low light training so your understanding of techniques and tactics is based on real-world sound principles rather than random internet opinion.
SoCalDep
Member
I guess I should answer the OP's question as well. I strongly recommend the Surefire X300 series of weaponlights. Having trained thousands of law enforcement officers from dozens of law enforcement agencies and having attended extensive low light training courses, I find the switching system on the light itself is the most applicable to a wide variety of people as it's truly ambidextrous and lends itself well to what I consider the most effective and safe techniques. Doing it wrong with a handheld or weaponlight can result in negligent discharges but doing it right won't and facilitates better decisions under stress.
I also recommend pressure switches. Both Surefire and Streamlight have them and I like the Streamlight version more though it does change the feel of the grip more so it takes some getting used to. As with anything one needs some training to use the pressure switch effectively and safely. If you're going to use a pressure switch then I think both Surefire and Streamlight are great options - the Streamlight is a bit cheaper and a bit better for removing without having to move it forward of the muzzle. That said, I don't recommend installing or removing a weaponlight from a loaded pistol.
I also recommend pressure switches. Both Surefire and Streamlight have them and I like the Streamlight version more though it does change the feel of the grip more so it takes some getting used to. As with anything one needs some training to use the pressure switch effectively and safely. If you're going to use a pressure switch then I think both Surefire and Streamlight are great options - the Streamlight is a bit cheaper and a bit better for removing without having to move it forward of the muzzle. That said, I don't recommend installing or removing a weaponlight from a loaded pistol.
The Streamlight TLR1 fits nicely and is easy to remove.
Real Old Navy
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Flashlight on a handgun? And how about a flashing red beacon on your head too, so they can really see you coming. Most flashlights for handguns don't put out much Lumens anyway. Pretty much useless outdoors at night at any distance over 30ft. Use a separate flashlight...get one with a serrated bezel...fun to poke people in the forehead with those when they're not paying attention....also leaves a nice mark that looks like a space alien emblem if you whack em hard enough! Yeah...and get one with a strobe mode so you can make em do a disco dance while your waiting for the cops to show up. JMO
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SoCalDep
Member
Are you kidding? So a weapon-light is a beacon but a hand-held isn't? An 800 lumen Streamlight TLR-1HL, 500 lumen TLR-7, 1,000 lumen Surefire X300U, or 300 lumen XC-1B "isn't much" lumens?
Once my students get trained on the use of weapon-lights and see how strobe works when really running the gun they universally hate it. If it can be programmed so as to remove the strobe feature they will always ask that it be removed, especially with weapon-lights.
I am looking at the OLIGHT PL-MINI valkyrie 400 Lumen. Manual quick attach and release mounting system. I already carry a handheld light every where I go.
Luger9x19
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I don't have any experience with it, but the Olight has a quick detach mount. Someone just sent me an email a few days ago telling me about their flash sale coming up on Monday.
Olight Flash Sale | Olightstore.com
Olight Flash Sale | Olightstore.com
Rastoff
US Veteran
I like the Streamlight TLR-1. In most situations it's plenty bright, maybe even too much.
The biggest mistake most make with flashlights and self-defense is having too bright a light. Remember, when that light comes on in a dark place, you're going to have to deal with it as well. I've been in several low light trainings. The first time I thought I needed max illumination. I used a light that had about 400 lumens. As soon as I turned it on, I blinded myself and than needed it for every subsequent movement/action. The next time I used a 40 lumen light. Plenty bright enough to blind the bad guy when shined in his face, but not so bad that reflection off the walls blinded me.
I carry a Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA every day. The 40 lumen setting is perfect for normal use. The 350 lumen setting is great for outside.
The biggest mistake most make with flashlights and self-defense is having too bright a light. Remember, when that light comes on in a dark place, you're going to have to deal with it as well. I've been in several low light trainings. The first time I thought I needed max illumination. I used a light that had about 400 lumens. As soon as I turned it on, I blinded myself and than needed it for every subsequent movement/action. The next time I used a 40 lumen light. Plenty bright enough to blind the bad guy when shined in his face, but not so bad that reflection off the walls blinded me.
I carry a Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA every day. The 40 lumen setting is perfect for normal use. The 350 lumen setting is great for outside.
SiGfever
Member
I have the streamlight TRL-1s on my G17 Gen 3, but as stated the strobe is tough to use. I only use the single beam.
ScaryWoody
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Olight PL mini on my night time Glock. Olight has flash sales frequently and I saved 40% over regular price.
HardToHandle
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Generally I use Streamlights, both on the price and functionality. Presently I have a TLR1 and 6 mounted as well as a Surefire forend on an 870. I also have an older M3X and a few others, originally starting with AA maglights 20+ years ago.
There is a weapons light on my two primary carry guns, which I do not remove. My thought, borrowed from the last two decades of law enforcement tactics, is a weapons light needs to be available at all hours, in case of being needed in a basement, etc. look at the holsters of many cops these days... WML lights are the present and future standard.
Mostly good comments above, excepting the strong disagreement I have with the fear of using a weapons light as a general flashlight. I carry a small AAA flashlight clipped to my spare magazine carrier. That provides an alternative light source. On top of that, I also have Surefire Sidekick light on my keychain (small bright, rechargeable light). Personal responsibility and a bit f foresight is all that is needed. That and training.
I am still looking for a weapon light that doesn't have compromises however. Recently I have warmed to the under-trigger Guard pressure pads from Surefire and Streamlight - just most available. A few NDs have been linked to that type of WML but after some experience that becomes easy to address with training. Hopefully the pressure switches become standard over time.
There is a weapons light on my two primary carry guns, which I do not remove. My thought, borrowed from the last two decades of law enforcement tactics, is a weapons light needs to be available at all hours, in case of being needed in a basement, etc. look at the holsters of many cops these days... WML lights are the present and future standard.
Mostly good comments above, excepting the strong disagreement I have with the fear of using a weapons light as a general flashlight. I carry a small AAA flashlight clipped to my spare magazine carrier. That provides an alternative light source. On top of that, I also have Surefire Sidekick light on my keychain (small bright, rechargeable light). Personal responsibility and a bit f foresight is all that is needed. That and training.
I am still looking for a weapon light that doesn't have compromises however. Recently I have warmed to the under-trigger Guard pressure pads from Surefire and Streamlight - just most available. A few NDs have been linked to that type of WML but after some experience that becomes easy to address with training. Hopefully the pressure switches become standard over time.
