So what's the best pistol mounted light these days?

Hawkeye · Nov 14, 2015

Hi all:

I have a SIG P229 E2 with a rail on it that I want to transition into being my HD pistol. It's got night sights and such, but for HD I believe in the value of a weapon mounted light.

Right now I have an HK USP .45 Tactical that I use for that purpose, but it's my only .45 and I shoot the SIG better anyhow, so I'm transitioning over. The HK UTL I have on the USP has a switch I can tap with my support hand fingers for either instant on or constant on, and I'd like the same again - no grip pads or whatever.

I'd like to put a light on the SIG, but it's been a while since I looked at weapon mounted lights. What's the best one of those these days for my purpose?

Inforce? Something else?

Thanks!

BenL · Nov 14, 2015

I have a few Inforce lights (pistol and rifle) and have been happy with them.

GlockMafia · Nov 14, 2015

Just from experience, make sure you choose a brand that will back their product (warranty)...that's why I've always stuck with Streamlight.

Has anyone dealt with Inforce as far as warranty issues? Just curious...

RoadDawg · Nov 14, 2015

I know I'll get flamed for this but...

I've never believed in "gun lights" for pistols.

Let's say...
You're going through the house and trying to find the BG...
The BG is hiding and waiting in the dark...
He knows where you are because he watches the beam from your gun light...
As you enter the room where he is hiding... He shoots at your gun light...

[STOP AND THINK]

What is directly behind your gun light?

Your head
Your hands
Your torso
Your gun
Your life

What gets hit by his bullet that was fired at your gun light?

(see above list)

I was trained with a two handed search mode...
Hand gun in strong hand...
Flash light in weak hand with thumb on switch... Only turned on for brief periods and held out a bit forward, to the side and away from my face and body.

Bullets, like moths, are usually coming for the light... Don't be standing behind the light.

Indiana Jones · Nov 14, 2015

For my Mk25 Sig I use a Streamlight TLR-1 HL. THE surefire was just way too big for me. Nothing but good things to say about this light...and the pistol!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tactics · Nov 14, 2015

Used a few, but for my budget and ease of finding holsters I like the TLR 1S.

I've found Streamlight's offer a few advantages to a lefty.

rouchna · Nov 14, 2015

I have the Streamlight TLR1s and it's been extremely durable thus far.

Blaster229 · Nov 14, 2015

RoadDawg said:
I know I'll get flamed for this but...

I've never believed in "gun lights" for pistols.

Let's say...
You're going through the house and trying to find the BG...
The BG is hiding and waiting in the dark...
He knows where you are because he watches the beam from your gun light...
As you enter the room where he is hiding... He shoots at your gun light...

[STOP AND THINK]

What is directly behind your gun light?

Your head
Your hands
Your torso
Your gun
Your life

What gets hit by his bullet that was fired at your gun light?

(see above list)

I was trained with a two handed search mode...
Hand gun in strong hand...
Flash light in weak hand with thumb on switch... Only turned on for brief periods and held out a bit forward, to the side and away from my face and body.

Bullets, like moths, are usually coming for the light... Don't be standing behind the light.

So you prefer shooting 1 handed then. Only in places where there are no doors to open or things to hold on to.

swinokur · Nov 14, 2015

Streamtlight
Surefire
Inforce
Insight also a choice

all dependable. preference depends on the switch setup, brightness required, and your budget

Dave Greenberg · Nov 14, 2015

Hawkeye said:
Hi all:

I have a SIG P229 E2 with a rail on it that I want to transition into being my HD pistol. It's got night sights and such, but for HD I believe in the value of a weapon mounted light.

Right now I have an HK USP .45 Tactical that I use for that purpose, but it's my only .45 and I shoot the SIG better anyhow, so I'm transitioning over. The HK UTL I have on the USP has a switch I can tap with my support hand fingers for either instant on or constant on, and I'd like the same again - no grip pads or whatever.

I'd like to put a light on the SIG, but it's been a while since I looked at weapon mounted lights. What's the best one of those these days for my purpose?

Inforce? Something else?

Thanks!

Something that says surefire on the side of it.

BigT5g · Nov 14, 2015

I quite like the TLR-1. I also like the old glock incandescent lights especially for bedside home defense where you don't need massive lumen output.

fred333 · Nov 14, 2015

RoadDawg said:
Flash light in weak hand with thumb on switch... Only turned on for brief periods and held out a bit forward, to the side and away from my face and body.

Which light? Whatever feels comfortable and provides sufficient light. I have a small Fenix E15 affixed to my key-ring. It goes everywhere I do and gets used often. That's what I use.

5cary · Nov 14, 2015

FWIW, I've settled on Surefire x300's for all my pistols and rifles. Pricey, but durable and they just work for me. Small enough to fit on the top rail of a carbine and be out of the way of sights, and perfect for the rail under an M&P. And I can just throw one in my pocket or outside pocket on a backpack and always have it handy.

Oh...and bright as F****

Name Taken · Nov 14, 2015

TLR or Surefire Ultra.

Honestly I'm not sure what type of training you have or what ability you have. But the idea of you "clearing" a house is kind of silly. Unless your family members are on separate floors and you need to get through the house to get to them your plan will likely be better served staying in your room aimed at the door. At that point does a light matter? Is there an actual light by your bed to turn on?

I like a weapon mounted light for those who know what they are doing. For Harry Home Owner trying to protect himself it doesn't have much of a roll. In your house just turn on the lights. I don't care about giving up slight tactical advantage in most home self defense situations I can dream up.

Hawkeye · Nov 14, 2015

RoadDawg said:
I know I'll get flamed for this but...

I've never believed in "gun lights" for pistols.

Yeah, it's a neveending debate, and for some people a nearly religious issue (like many things with shooting...

). In my case, I've made the decision that I want my HD gun to have a light on it. I know the arguments and techniques both ways, and I've made my personal call on it.

Let's say...
You're going through the house and trying to find the BG...

Not going to be doing that. This gun lives in my bedroom, and if it comes out I stay at the top of the stairs with it while the police get called. I'm not Operator enough to go try to clear my house if I think there's someone downstairs. My wife and son are upstairs, and that's where I'm staying.

As to the gun in one hand light in the other hand deal, I've shot that way, and I do significantly better when I hold the gun with two hands. Plus I don't want to fumble for a light and a gun in the dark or whatever.

Like I said, I've made my call.

Indiana Jones said:
For my Mk25 Sig I use a Streamlight TLR-1 HL. THE surefire was just way too big for me. Nothing but good things to say about this light...and the pistol!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Streamlight was another one I was looking at. Does anyone have a guide to deciphering the 8 jillion different models they offer?

At least with Inforce that part is simple - there is one pistol light.

GottaEat · Nov 14, 2015

I have a TLR-1 HL on my CZ HD handgun. Even though it's still mounted on my handgun, I'm still not sure if I like it there. I think it has three settings, high , low and strobe. It's on the low setting. Going from complete darkness to the high setting would be way too bright and take a second to get ones bearings back. Panic and use the strobe unintentionally and you and any other person in the room would be F'd. I might end up putting it on my SBR where it doesn't have the primary HD role. Hope I decide before I need it!

Indiana Jones · Nov 14, 2015

Hawkeye said:
Yeah, it's a neveending debate, and for some people a nearly religious issue (like many things with shooting... ). In my case, I've made the decision that I want my HD gun to have a light on it. I know the arguments and techniques both ways, and I've made my personal call on it.

Not going to be doing that. This gun lives in my bedroom, and if it comes out I stay at the top of the stairs with it while the police get called. I'm not Operator enough to go try to clear my house if I think there's someone downstairs. My wife and son are upstairs, and that's where I'm staying.

As to the gun in one hand light in the other hand deal, I've shot that way, and I do significantly better when I hold the gun with two hands. Plus I don't want to fumble for a light and a gun in the dark or whatever.

Like I said, I've made my call.

The Streamlight was another one I was looking at. Does anyone have a guide to deciphering the 8 jillion different models they offer?

At least with Inforce that part is simple - there is one pistol light.

I dont know their models, i just grabbed the one that was in stock.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

stank · Nov 14, 2015

I like the Viridian X5L green

Blaster229 · Nov 14, 2015

stank said:
I like the Viridian X5L green

Isn't this a laser?

swinokur · Nov 14, 2015

yes, and I think the OP was only asking about lights, not combos.

So what's the best pistol mounted light these days?

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