Please help me select a weapons light

[casey k frame]

Ok first off im a revolver guy first and foremost. But...... a snubbed 29 is kinda hard to conceal in the summer(i printed in walmart) im going to get a few smaller/flatter 40 cals. smithy and maybe a Kahr i want a weapons light to go it either a mounted or like a surefire light i seen one that pulsed like a strobelight i liked that one if a threat did occour i could blast them in the face and disorient them with a pulsing light.

MY WANTS: Reliability, strenght, High output, pulsing option, mounted system and a standard Flashlight,

Good people of this forum school me Thanks Casey

 

[LWCmdr45]

My choice for a weapon light with strobe capability would be the Streamlight TLR-1s. Multiple adapter plates make it suitable for just about anything with a rail. However, it would not be my first choice for a hand-held light.

After carying a SureFire 6P (converted to LED) for years, I relegated it for jacket/vest carry and went to their smaller E1B in a pants pocket for EDC. If I were to lose the 6P, I'd probably upgrade to one of SureFire's newer "full size" models that is strobe capable.

N.B.: Which ever model you choose, buy a *bunch* of spare batteries! The manufacturers routinely offer them in bulk at considerable savings.

HTH!

Steve

 

[SF180A]

casey K frame,

You may find two schools of thought on this.
1.Those that prefer a mounted light, as there are various options for frame mounted lights that can suit your needs. Understand that this set up will be a comprise in extra bulk and the need for a holster adapted for the mounted light, but once mastered is a fast set up to have. You still may wish to have back up tac light some where nearby.

2. There are those that prefer a hand held tac light and shoot with a supported hand held position.

After trying both, I lean towards carrying a tac-light for multi-purpose work to include pulsating the pressure switch as a non lethal disorienting flash. Unless you are very comfortable with the thought of muzzling everything you are illuminating (good guys/strangers, family members/pets, as well as bad guys) I would stay away from them. In my humble opinion, I would tend to go with a hand held tac light, unless you are in a a line of work that requires a weapon mounted light. I grew up in an environment that taught never point your weapon at anything you are not prepared to shoot.

As mentioned above remember to carry extra batteries and practice night shooting with what ever light you choose.

Stay safe,

SF180A

 

[J.P.60]

i want a weapons light to go it either a mounted or like a surefire light i seen one that pulsed like a strobelight i liked that one if a threat did occour i could blast them in the face and disorient them with a pulsing light.

Or, on the other hand, you could simply become a well marked target.

 

[Chili Vega]

Personally I find the strobe function only mildly interesting. A non flashing light in their eyes will disorient them as well. The Streamlight TLR-1 and the Surefire X200 and X300 are tough as Hell. I have used all three extensively and really don't have a favorite. I have one of the first TLR-1's sent to my team for T&E about 4 years ago (I think) I routinely throw it across the range to demo the durability. The lens is cracked, the body is beat up and dented but it keeps working. You will also find the TLR-1 a little cheaper price wise. There are others out there but these are the light I have the most experience with.

 

[chief38]

I never liked the flashlights that mount to a firearm. My fear is that it is just a natural instinct for a "bad guy" to shoot at the light when in a dark environment, especially if they are being blinded by it. If that light is mounted to your weapon, and the weapon is at the ready position, wouldn't the light be right between your eyes? Wouldn't it be a whole lot better to have a flashlight held in your other hand as far and away from your head and body as possible? Wouldn't it also be beneficial to illuminate a person or object without pointing the weapon at them, just in case you illuminate an innocent person?

I never quite GOT the weapon mounted lights!!???

Chief38

 

[Dusty Miller]

I never liked the flashlights that mount to a firearm. My fear is that it is just a natural instinct for a "bad guy" to shoot at the light when in a dark environment, especially if they are being blinded by it. If that light is mounted to your weapon, and the weapon is at the ready position, wouldn't the light be right between your eyes? Wouldn't it be a whole lot better to have a flashlight held in your other hand as far and away from your head and body as possible? Wouldn't it also be beneficial to illuminate a person or object without pointing the weapon at them, just in case you illuminate an innocent person? I never quite GOT the weapon mounted lights!!??? Chief38

Whut da Chief sed.

 

[Cheyenne WYO]

I've been carrying a Sure Fire LX2 Lumamax for almost a year, and it is the coolest flashlight I have ever owned. A light push on the button gives me 15 lumens and a heavier push gives me 200 lumens, which is just about the power of a full size rechargeable MagLite. In a jam it is natural to push the button all the way and get full power without any thought. (You get to adjust the sensitivity of the button just like most Sure Fires.) In a real tactical light you do not want to be cycling through click switches or waiting for the illumination to gradually ramp up. You want it on NOW. The light is expensive but worth it to me, and the battery life is very long if you use it on low power for ordinary chores and preserving night vision. Lower cost alternatives are the 6PX or G2X single output Tactical lights, which are rated at 200 lumens, but which do not have the lower power option.

 

[Lost Lake]

My choice for a weapon light with strobe capability would be the Streamlight TLR-1s. Multiple adapter plates make it suitable for just about anything with a rail.

Steve

+1. Put one of these on my M&P .40 and love it. BRIGHT!!!! To carry I leave the light at home (pops off easily). I like the light on the gun. Try to keep a gun and a handheld light on a BG while you dial 911.

The Streamlight TRL1s is on sale for $84 at Express Police, that's a price good for everybody, not just LEO's. For $84 these are a steal..... In fact, I think I'll go order another right now.....

 

[Lost Lake]

Yup, just called and added another TRL1s to my current order. These things are awesome.

I checked on my BG380 and was told they ship out 60 - 90 days after ordering. Smith is pretty backordered on these buggers.... Mine was ordered Jan 12th.

As for the M&P .22, not expected to ship until April....

 

[Turx]

I have used a few of Insight Tech products, their X2 which is fairly compact, and the M6. Both are light / laser combos. Both have 100% reliable.
Just thinking.... if your looking for a thinner CCW, the addition of almost any light is going to put you right back to "printing".