Weapon lights - Any thoughts?

[Jeff290]

I'm reviewing weapon lights for HD use. The Streamlight TLR-3 seems to be the right fit for the P95 that I'll be picking up soon, but the cheapest I've seen them are in the $90+ price range. I know that isn't a bad price, but I would like to explore a less expensive option - without sacrificing reliability, of course. So I did a little more research an found a Nebo ProTec Elite HP190. The price range is around $30 - $35.

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this light. Not many reviews on it. Thanks.

 

[Sinkhole]

I have a TLR-3 on my S&W M&P45, I love it. It's light, compact, great battery life, and very bright, I'd recommend one to anyone.

 

[Boge]

They are a bad idea and few real pros use them as such. If you have to ask why then even moreso. :wink:

 

[Sinkhole]

That would be true if you walked around with it constantly on, but who does that? This is real life not the movies. Have you ever had a 110 Lumen light flashed in your face,in a very dark room. Just a quick flash screws your night vision up for a good 3-7 seconds. I'd call that an advantage.

 

[Jeff290]

I have a TLR-3 on my S&W M&P45, I love it. It's light, compact, great battery life, and very bright, I'd recommend one to anyone.

Nice pic - I do like compact size of the TLR-3. Maybe I shouldn't let price sway me so much as I tend to let it... thanks for your input.

Jeff

 

[Boge]

Gun Safety Rule No. 1

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.


No matter how seasoned you are or how many "tacticool" classes you've taken you WILL violate this rule in a touch & go night scenario with a weapon mounted light. No exceptions. When the pucker factor is high nerves are strung tight. Period.

What if your weapon light stops working or better yet your gun jams? You're screwed. Also, don't you think a bad guy will be shooting at the light source?

Sure, they look cool on an MP5 being used by Delta but they are HIGHLY trained and prisoners are not high on their list of priorities. :wink:

 

[Sinkhole]

Gun Safety Rule No. 1

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.


No matter how seasoned you are or how many "tacticool" classes you've taken you WILL violate this rule in a touch & go night scenario with a weapon mounted light. No exceptions. When the pucker factor is high nerves are strung tight. Period.

What if your weapon light stops working or better yet your gun jams? You're screwed. Also, don't you think a bad guy will be shooting at the light source?

Sure, they look cool on an MP5 being used by Delta but they are HIGHLY trained and prisoners are not high on their list of priorities. :wink:

You didn't even read my post did you?
Rule No.2 Never point your gun at something you don't intend to shoot. If you can identify your target you shouldn't point your gun at it. right?
And as an example: how does the light mounted on my M&P make me screwed if it jams? Hell I could completely remove the slide if I had to with the light in place. Just to clarify having a weapon mounted light does not make you a Mall Ninja.

 

[freedomcosts]

Many 'experts' have said out and out that weaponlights can be very useful. There are obviously two trains of thought, and the answer lies in personal preference- and practice- and practicing keeping your finger off the trigger. Nothing new. I have one from S&W, the Micro90, 90 lumens, temporary-on buttons on each side easily reached with trigger finger- and a constant-on also reachable. Cheaper than others I've seen, and S&W quality. I have seen cheapER ones online, but have no idea of quality. If you had a handheld light you'd have the same issue with the BG shooting at the light source, thus the flash-on and move tactic. I even use mine at the range, cause sometimes the lights aren't shining on the target and I can't see where my rounds are going. Oh, have one on my HD shotgun, too.

 

[Jeff290]

I appreciate all of your comments. I wasn't aware that this topic was so controversial...

All cautions and advise taken - thank you. But, I am not looking for a weapon light for some "tacticool" feature. Rather, my house is very dark at night and I have a genuine concern that I might not be able to identify what might go "bump" in the night - an intruder, family member... I hope I never have to find out... just want to be prepared.

 

[Boge]

...Rather, my house is very dark at night and I have a genuine concern that I might not be able to identify what might go "bump" in the night - an intruder, family member... I hope I never have to find out... just want to be prepared.

Which is EXACTLY why you do NOT want to be pointing a weapon mounted light at what you are not sure of!! :wink:

 

[Jeff290]

Many 'experts' have said out and out that weaponlights can be very useful. There are obviously two trains of thought, and the answer lies in personal preference- and practice- and practicing keeping your finger off the trigger. Nothing new...

... If you had a handheld light you'd have the same issue with the BG shooting at the light source, thus the flash-on and move tactic. I even use mine at the range, cause sometimes the lights aren't shining on the target and I can't see where my rounds are going. Oh, have one on my HD shotgun, too.

Another reason that I am considering a weapon light - using a handheld light would seem to be more compromising (at least for me), having both hands busy... just one more thing to master in a bad situation...

Since I am relatively new to firearms - especially handguns I am glad to hear any advice or criticism. That's why I joined this forum. Thanks again for all of your comments and giving me more to think about.

 

[sargents1]

I'm reviewing weapon lights for HD use. The Streamlight TLR-3 seems to be the right fit for the P95 that I'll be picking up soon, but the cheapest I've seen them are in the $90+ price range. I know that isn't a bad price, but I would like to explore a less expensive option - without sacrificing reliability, of course. So I did a little more research an found a Nebo ProTec Elite HP190. The price range is around $30 - $35.

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this light. Not many reviews on it. Thanks.

I have no experience with the Nebo light. I did just pick up this the other day:

115$ for the TLR-4. Its a light/laser combo and in my book, its the best deal going. At 115$ its about the same price as the older (maybe nicer) TLR-1 (light only)...and it comes with the laser.

So far it seems decent. I dont think its quite as robust as the TLR1 & 2. But for nightstand duty, its all you need and more.

Spend a little extra (if you can). Good gear is worth it.

 

[sargents1]

Many 'experts' have said out and out that weaponlights can be very useful. There are obviously two trains of thought, and the answer lies in personal preference- and practice- and practicing keeping your finger off the trigger. Nothing new...

... If you had a handheld light you'd have the same issue with the BG shooting at the light source, thus the flash-on and move tactic. I even use mine at the range, cause sometimes the lights aren't shining on the target and I can't see where my rounds are going. Oh, have one on my HD shotgun, too.

Another reason that I am considering a weapon light - using a handheld light would seem to be more compromising (at least for me), having both hands busy... just one more thing to master in a bad situation...

Since I am relatively new to firearms - especially handguns I am glad to hear any advice or criticism. That's why I joined this forum. Thanks again for all of your comments and giving me more to think about.

I was running a separate handheld light. Then one night my wife was in feeding our baby and we heard a crash in the garage. I got out of bed to investigate. I grabbed the gun, grabbed my flashlight and went to check it out. Opening the door from the kitchen to the attached garage was a problem because both my hands were full.
Which do you put down the gun or the light? I really wanted both so I could both see what I was doing and defend my self.

It turned out to be a false alarm, the garage door spring had let go and rebounded off the door....not a burglar. But that experience sold me on weapon mounted lights. If I find myself in a situation where I want a separate flashlight, I can easily remove the light from the gun.

I really feel that the weapon-mounted light is the way to go. That way you light is Always with your gun. Its also more likely to work because no one is borrowing it to do normal flashlight tasks. It simplifies your tasks in a stressful (or potentially stressful) situation.

That's my opinion. YMMV.

 

[edgalang]

http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wesson-Flashlights-Miniature-Mounted/dp/B0044XL508/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333575736&sr=8-1

 

[Jeff290]

I was running a separate handheld light. Then one night my wife was in feeding our baby and we heard a crash in the garage. I got out of bed to investigate. I grabbed the gun, grabbed my flashlight and went to check it out. Opening the door from the kitchen to the attached garage was a problem because both my hands were full.
Which do you put down the gun or the light? I really wanted both so I could both see what I was doing and defend my self.

It turned out to be a false alarm, the garage door spring had let go and rebounded off the door....not a burglar. But that experience sold me on weapon mounted lights. If I find myself in a situation where I want a separate flashlight, I can easily remove the light from the gun.

I really feel that the weapon-mounted light is the way to go. That way you light is Always with your gun. Its also more likely to work because no one is borrowing it to do normal flashlight tasks. It simplifies your tasks in a stressful (or potentially stressful) situation.

That's my opinion. YMMV.

Sargent1 - Thanks for validating my concerns!

 

[RelativeAsh]

Put me in for a vote on the TLR series weapon mounted lights. I have a TLR-1s on my Walther P99. I love how bright it is and how easy it is to operate.

 

[Verndog]

No matter how seasoned you are or how many "tacticool" classes you've taken you WILL violate this rule in a touch & go night scenario with a weapon mounted light. No exceptions.

+100

I looked into this and came to the conclusion that a separate small high powered flashlight (mine is 220 lumen) was the wiser choice. I can easily hold it in my off hand and still steady/control my weapon fine (practice with it). I do NOT have to sweep my loaded weapon past objects I don't intend to shoot, and have a free hand to operate turn light on / off ect.

 

[sargents1]

No matter how seasoned you are or how many "tacticool" classes you've taken you WILL violate this rule in a touch & go night scenario with a weapon mounted light. No exceptions.

+100

I looked into this and came to the conclusion that a separate small high powered flashlight (mine is 220 lumen) was the wiser choice. I can easily hold it in my off hand and still steady/control my weapon fine (practice with it). I do NOT have to sweep my loaded weapon past objects I don't intend to shoot, and have a free hand to operate turn light on / off ect.

This is a very valid concern with WML's (weapon mounted lights). Everything is a trade-off. Separate lights mean you can have your light and gun pointed in different directions.

On this subject (and others) there is no one right answer that works in every situation.

Of course, you can always have a WML and a stand-alone light to have all your bases covered.

The scenario I foresee for my usage of a WML is a "bump-in-the-night" kind where the Family and I are tucked in and something wakes us up and I go to investigate, such as the example I gave earlier. In this scenario, I know where my family members are (Although its always a good idea to verify that before you go to investigate), so anyone that gets lasered (muzzled or whatever you want to call sweeping the muzzle of the gun over them) is someone that likely does not belong in my house.

As I said, there is more than one right answer. But for me, based on my (admittedly limited) experience, a WML is the best answer.

 

[shocker]

I looked into this and came to the conclusion that a separate small high powered flashlight (mine is 220 lumen) was the wiser choice. I can easily hold it in my off hand and still steady/control my weapon fine (practice with it). I do NOT have to sweep my loaded weapon past objects I don't intend to shoot, and have a free hand to operate turn light on / off ect.

I can understand this theory and was hesitant to add a wml myself. I did however put a light on which frees up a hand if needed. Any of these lights are bright enough to light up any room in your house and then some, negating the need to sweep with a light in one direction and weapon in another. My light illuminates 80% of my 1/4 acre backyard so you know any room in the house is lit up well!

 

[DaGrinch]

No matter how seasoned you are or how many "tacticool" classes you've taken you WILL violate this rule in a touch & go night scenario with a weapon mounted light. No exceptions.

+100

I looked into this and came to the conclusion that a separate small high powered flashlight (mine is 220 lumen) was the wiser choice. I can easily hold it in my off hand and still steady/control my weapon fine (practice with it). I do NOT have to sweep my loaded weapon past objects I don't intend to shoot, and have a free hand to operate turn light on / off ect.

Just my $.02 - I was taught from an early age, as I'm sure most, if not all here were - NEVER point a weapon at someone unless there is a possibility (actually it was INTEND to shoot - but times change) you are going to shoot. With a weapon mounted light, there's always that possibility your son may be the person making the noise in the kitchen. To even scan the barrel at a family member to illuminate them is a HUGE no-no in my book. Handheld light is a must for me. I had a wml on an issued weapon - but it never was used around the house for HD. It had a use, but it was for a specific duty.

 

[freedomcosts]

I have one on my HD shotgun and on my bedside gun- both would most probably be used in low-light. I am aware of the probability that I will point my gun at someone when I shine the light at them- but, I also keep my finger off the trigger until I know- I also practice flashing the light across a dark room, and not holding the beam in any one position for more than a flash. As said, this is a personal decision- I figure, personally, at my age, considering my family members don't get drunk and pop in at unreasonable hours, basically that there is no reason to think anyone other than a bad guy would prompt me to even GRAB my guns- so I feel pretty safe doing it this way. I am not eager to shoot ANYbody, and do practice quite a bit, and faithfully keep my finger off the trigger. So, if anyoone wishes, you may tell me how dumb I am.

 

[kjk200]

http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wesson-Flashlights-Miniature-Mounted/dp/B0044XL508/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333575736&sr=8-1

Where did you get the SR9C mat?

 

[edgalang]

...Where did you get the SR9C mat?

http://shopruger.com/Cleaning-Supplies/products/40/

GUess they ran out.

 

[shocker]

I have one on my HD shotgun and on my bedside gun- both would most probably be used in low-light. I am aware of the probability that I will point my gun at someone when I shine the light at them- but, I also keep my finger off the trigger until I know- I also practice flashing the light across a dark room, and not holding the beam in any one position for more than a flash. As said, this is a personal decision- I figure, personally, at my age, considering my family members don't get drunk and pop in at unreasonable hours, basically that there is no reason to think anyone other than a bad guy would prompt me to even GRAB my guns- so I feel pretty safe doing it this way. I am not eager to shoot ANYbody, and do practice quite a bit, and faithfully keep my finger off the trigger. So, if anyoone wishes, you may tell me how dumb I am.

+1 on all that!!

 

[freedomcosts]

Thanks for that link, going to the Ruger Store right now.

 

[Verndog]

...basically that there is no reason to think anyone other than a bad guy would prompt me to even GRAB my guns- so I feel pretty safe doing it this way.

I'm not about to condemn anyone for their practice if it's safe for them, if they spent time and thought out what works for them great. But here is a scenario that I came across 2 times last year alone. I live on a little over an acre, and there are a few 4 legged predators that can get to our pets if we are not careful. So, I need to go outside with weapon on occasion after hearing a noise, and I need a good light also. A WML is not a great choice for me in that scenario IMO. 2 times last year I was outside investigating with light and weapon, once was something that fell over in the wind, another was our dogs going nuts over something I never found, prob. a possum or racoon.

 

[freedomcosts]

I totally agree, the WML has its places, as does a handheld. I have 5 handhelds, my car, my wife's car, by my den chair, and on each side of our bed. The one by my bed is in a basket, in my drawer, right beside my bedside pistol with an extra mag. My shotgun is 4 steps away with a WML on it, too.
We use the 'tactical' flashlights all the time- just for finding a needle, looking under couches, the really bright lights are so much better than regular flashlights. Kinda hate to use the word 'tactical', I ain't no ninja

 

[Verndog]

Not really on WML topic but on a handy light and possible safety issue. I got an awesome handsfree headlamp for Christmas that is very handy. Walking at night, working hands free on cars and hobbies or low light area's, ect. I find I use this all the time, especially during winter with low daylight hours. Takes 1 aa battery (I use rechargables) and I highly recommend. Fenix lights are very high quality and good prices also. 8)

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-HL21-He...5MBW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334333825&sr=8-1

 

[Volusianator]

I couldn't agree more. The first couple machines I bought for my wood shop I bought when I had enough money to get one that would work. Both times after 6 mos, I ended up selling it at a loss only to buy the one I really wanted to begin with.

Spend a little extra (if you can). Good gear is worth it.

 

[vanbsnepdx]

are we using the WML for the purpose of indentifing the perp or just using it for low light? i agree with Verndog, the use of a seperate source of light is a better idea, then you can mount a laser instead of a light, and find the target with the light and pinpoint the target with the laser. my weapon of choice, in the light decision, is a
http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=200
and have used it for two years and no failures