Thoughts on HD handgun light / light & laser combo

[USAF385]

I've never been one for lasers on my handguns. I've had them on both the .380 and .38 bodyguards (pre M&P line) but never really used them, partially due to the less than perfect activation methods. I don't own either anymore.

The other day I was playing with my Sig P250 FS .45 and put my maglite XL 200 in a mount and attached it to the rail.

Huh.... I liked the light. So that got me thinking that I would like to purchase a light to mount on my Sig which is my current nightstand handgun.

I am looking for opinions on handgun lights or laser / light combos. The flashlight itself worked nice and I was able to use the night sites perfectly, so I don't know if I "need" the laser.

Thoughts and opinions / recommendations?

All input is appreciated!

 

[Watchdog]

I like the idea of a light on a semi-auto, but it'd be strictly for home defense, not something to carry around. And if I put a light on one, I'd get a light with a strobe setting...those things will disorient someone in a hurry. I have one that used to be on one of my shotguns, and believe me, that strobe is not something you want hitting you in the eyes.

 

[Motorsporting]

I use either the Surefire X300 or the Crimson Trace LightGuard. The Surefire is more rugged, brighter, and easy to put on/off as wanted. The CTLG is less powerful, less rugged, and more "permanent" (uses screws), but it is MUCH slimmer and can easily be installed and carried. I do not have a light and laser combined, but I do also have CT LaserGrips on a few pistols with lights. I think a light attached to a home defense weapon, is a good supplement to a nice flashlight on your nightstand (so you can use traditional flashlight and weapon techniques and avoid "covering" people/things as you use your light).

 

[Old cop]

When I was trained, admittedly a long time ago (late '60s), we held our .38 in one hand and the light in the other. We were taught to hold the light away from our body so when the bad guy shot at the light it would not hit us.

I still cannot get with the idea of a light attached to the front of a handgun, let alone a laser. I've been out of the business since '97 but still cannot get myself to accept the idea of using a light like this.

 

[Lt.cap'nadmiral jeeves]

I'm not a fan of lasers but they are good for people who don't shoot as much as they should. A light on a home defense pistol is a plus though, as it can free up a hand. I really like streamlight weapon lights. The tlr-1 is a great light and can be picked up for about $120. Viridian makes a light/laser combo called the x5l-rs which has every option and it's pushbutton activated so if you have slow or weak fingers turn it on easily. The viridian does not ave a quick mount so it's a pain if you have a couple guns that you're going to switch the light between and the battery does slowly drain because of the power button.

I would recommend the streamlight over the viridian since I have no use for a laser and the streamlight is waterproof and I just think it looks nicer. As far as something with a strobe function, my personal feeling is it's not necessary. It is very disorienting when it's shined at you but it can be somewhat disorienting for the user too depending on the surfaces it reflects off of. Besides 200 lumens of constant bright white light will blind the heck out of anyone anyway.

That's my $.02 gained from personal experience from owning those two lights. Hope it helps.

 

[tbgunner88]

I think every home defense gun should be equipped with a good flashlight, we can't shoot what we can't see. I can't recommend a flashlight/laser combo, but for a light you can't go wrong with surefire.

 

[307-Niner]

The Streamlight TLR-1S has a strobe feature. I'm happy with mine.

 

[MichiganScott]

I've got Streamlight weapon lights on a couple of my house guns. I don't use a laser. People tend to track the target with a laser and forget about the sights.

 

[Erion929]

+1 on the Streamlight TLR-1s....plenty bright, easy to attach to rail, easy activation, comes with strobe if you want it, 1/3 price of a Surefire. I got mine in fall '14 for ~$85 shipped...easy to find for $85-105.

 

[ATF]

Isn't it better just to leave some lights on in the house at night? This also discourages bad guys from entering. If my alarm system goes off first thing I'm going to do is get my wife call the Cops and secure the bedroom areas. No way would I go hunting a perp or perps all over the house or on my property with a flashlight and/or laser. Ok if you're in a remote area it's different, but for most people not necessary.

 

[moxie]

I'm with old cop, post #4, on this. I don't like gun-mounted lights. And, they just won't attach properly to my revolvers and older autos. I leave enough ambient light on in the house, and have switches placed so that I can activate ceiling lights if desired.

But, if you must have one, the Streamlight TLR-3 69220 is compact and bright and under $80 on Amazon.

 

[Watchdog]

Isn't it better just to leave some lights on in the house at night? This also discourages bad guys from entering.

I think this is a good point. I went to a discount store and bought three little cheap gooseneck desk lamps. I put a low wattage flourescent bulb in each, then put them where they'll shine on different windows. Leave 'em on all night. I guess it costs me a few cents a month, I don't know.

No way would I go hunting a perp or perps all over the house...

Not trying to turn this into a home defense thread, but I think this is where a lot of homeowners find themselves in a quandary. You're suddenly in the position of having to make a quick (and possibly life or death) decision. If the room you sleep in is close to the entrance doors, you have to decide if you want to quickly confront intruders to stop them in their tracks. If your sleeping quarters are towards the rear of the house, or upstairs, you have the option of waiting on the intruders to find you. If you're armed as you should be, waiting on them to find you could work to your advantage. And having a good strong light is another good card in your hand.

Check out Elzetta. I have one of their lights, and couldn't be more pleased with it. What I like about Elzetta is that you can configure your own light. You get a light the way you want it, not a product already made and packaged for sale down at the LGS or sporting goods store. Their lights are made completely in the good ol' USA, too. They aren't cheap...but then again, what's it worth to you to see some thug housebreaker before he sees you?

 

[Donn]

Never been a fan of gun mounted lights. Don't like the idea of sweeping friendlies. MHO you understand.

 

[ClayCow]

I have white night lights aroubd every room and hallway ijbmy house plusba light kn my gun trl 1 HL to blind the **** out of them

 

[Faulkner]

I find gun lasers to be facinating toys. They're fun to plink with and for helping my .22 take out critters at night around the chicken coop. I find they have very limited use as tactical tool.

On the other hand, I find a gun mounted light on my duty weapon and home defense firearm to be a very valuable tool. Like any tool in the toolbox you need to train with it for best effectiveness and not any one tool does the job for everything.

Interestingly, I was teaching a class for our reserve deputy program recently and the topic of lights came up. I shared with the class that I typically have at least four flashlights on my person when I'm on duty; Streamlight Stinger on my duty belt, Streamlight M3 on my Glock 23, Surefire E2 in my cargo pocket, and 5.11 Tactical PLx in my shirt pocket. One of the students in the class raised his hand and asked tongue in check, "Deputy Faulkner, are you afraid of the dark?"

"Yes," I answered.

 

[Jessie]

I have one with strobe/laser. I can keep it pointed down or up and light the area pretty well from just the wash without pointing the weapon.
If its set on strobe, I don't think it's going to help someone to get a good location on me since its pretty disorienting.
The laser is good for unusual positions where you can't use your sights.
I figure its best to have all the options I can have. Don't have to use them all the time. I also have a second hand held light for the same reason.

 

[hooksnatcher]

I'm using a Streamlight TRL-1 on a Beretta 96a1 for my HD pistol. I continue to be amazed a just how bright that light is. It mounts on the pistol, rock solid, and is easy to use/activate.

 

[Dogfish357]

Having experienced multiple electricity outages due to hurricanes, I see the need for a flashlight. And having that flashlight mounted to my pistol means that I have a free hand.

I have an x300 mounted on my G23 and love the pairing. I find that I can see anything in front of me by simply pointing the light at the floor. The spill of the light really lights up everything around me.

As far as lasers go, I've only used one on my carry revolver and I love it for that application. Might look into one for my HD pistol.

 

[MichiganScott]

Never been a fan of gun mounted lights. Don't like the idea of sweeping friendlies. MHO you understand.

I probably should have mentioned that each of my house guns with a mounted weapon light has a Streamlight Polytac HP flashlight right next to it for target identification. The weapon lights will be used for aiming once the target is identified.

 

[soccerguy83]

Streamlight TLR-4 laser light combo