Looking For A Rail Light For My...

timn8er

Absent Comrade
Joined
Oct 31, 2012
Messages
8,358
Reaction score
21,083
Location
TEXAS!!!
40C. It has become my nightstand gun since I carry a Shield 40. Does anyone have any recommendations for a light that's good & bright, easy to access, & won't break the bank? Thank you for your help!
 
Register to hide this ad
40C. It has become my nightstand gun since I carry a Shield 40. Does anyone have any recommendations for a light that's good & bright, easy to access, & won't break the bank? Thank you for your help!

Streamlight makes a very small light that is suitable for the 40C. I believe it is called the TLR-3. Make sure you get the one with the LED bulb, if there is a choice.
 
I've used the TLR-3 (The TLR-4 is the same light with laser) and it works very well. I gave mine to a partner who really wanted a compact weapon-light.

Make sure the locking screw is tightened but not too tight, as I've heard of some of the rail portion of the light cracking if tightened too much. No personal experience there, however.

I believe Crimson Trace has a "Rail-Master" light that would fit the M&P compacts, but based on the models I've tried I prefer the switching of the Streamlight...though the CTC does seem to fit a bit better and I think it's a bit more compact overall. I think they may have some new units, so some of my concerns may no longer apply and I'd check them out as well for a comparison.

Viridian has some models that fit the M&P compact but I have no experience with them at all.

Ultimately I'd love to see CTC come out with a "Lightguard" model for the M&P compact line. I've bugged them several times, but it seems there hasn't been much of a call for such an item.
 
Streamlight is absolutely awesome. My Father carried Streamlight on the job (a handheld) for many years, we then bought several handheld Streamlights I use on and off a daily basis, depending on what I'm doing/what I need etc.

Their deal is the highest qual for lower prices ... Surefire is sort of the Bling Brand, Streamlight is all about top quality for a more value.

Their weapon lights are basically the TLR-1 series, full size light, TLR-2 which is full size w/ red laser, TLR-2G w/ green laser , TLR-3 which is a compact sized light (for smaller than full sized frames etc.) and TLR-4 w/ red laser, TLR-4G w/ green laser.


There are of course specific submodels like the HL/HL/S/models etc. They make great great stuff.



Just to throw this out there- there is a light @ Walmart called the Nebo PROTEC Elite HP190 ... it's $39.99 for a 190 lumen light w/ strobe feature. I bought one for the M&P22C .. but it just didn't like the rail, it couldn't stay grabbed on that gun. When I put it on it was fine, but during firing it would come off, so I had to return it. Otherwise it was a fine light for 40 bucks, I recommend it!
 
Currently running a Surefire X300U on a 1911TA and swap it over to my M&P AR as well, so it works well in that role.

But for a dedicated light for the M&P I like the TLR-3 as others have suggested - For one it's smaller, and you don't need the extra mounting options, etc so can save some money as well.
 
I'll give another positive vote for Streamlight. I have a TLR-1S on my XD40. The "S" adds a strobe light feature.

I keep the XD40 on the nightstand for when things go bump in the night.
 
rail light

You cannot go wrong with the Steamlight TLR-1. I have one for my Springfield XD-40. They are very well made and the warranty is for the life of the light. Recently, the battery locking piece broke, due to my dropping it on the hardwood floor several times, and they repaired it with a ten day turn around shipping time at no charge.

Nick
 
On a mid-full-sized pistol, I'd recommend a Surefire X300U above all others. Size wise, it might be overkill on a compact. No experience with the Streamlight's, but depending on how much light you want to throw, you might be able to find a good deal on a used SF 200 or 300 as they last forever (well, a long time).
 
I want to thank everyone for their suggestions. I've pretty much decided to go with the Streamlight TLR-3. So many people have recommended it, & also, I have had good experiences with the company. Once again, Thank You!
 
I just wanted to say thank you again to everyone that recommended the Streamlight TLR-3 unit for my 40C. I received it today & installed it without any problems. I think its going to work out fine!
 
Back
Top