Handgun lights?

[titsonritz]

Steve what do you recommend (and run) for both pistol and rifle?

I know I'm not Steve, and I look forward to his response. But I dont think there is an appropriate light for both.

IMO, Surefire X-series is about as close as it comes to one light for both, 12 o'clock on the rifle and enough power for rifle use. While I do still a X200 on one of my pistols and it does find for it's intended job, I still I want as many lumens I can get. I have a KISS carbine with a X300U on a Mossie Midnight rail (now being made by Arisaka, BTW) which attaches to the standard FSP.

Surefire Scoutlights or Arisaka/Malkoff Devices combination are my preferred long gun lights given the choice. I have one that put out 1500 lumens and I plan to get another along with the hand held version, which BTW should be used for searching over a WML.

Just stay away from those damn disco ball strobe things, talk bout disorientating yourself. Some one should get kicked in the sack for coming up with that.

As far as holsters go, Safariland ALS if concealment is a low priority, RCS Phantom (no longer made) if low-profile are what I use.

One thing about the X-series I have always liked over similar lights is the switch is more ambidextrous compared to others. With the Surefire the switch is constant on when the toggle is in the up or down position, the toggle is depressed toward the bezel for momentary on either side. I've had other lights where in the right hand up is on and down is momentary, the left hand it is opposite. I don't like that.

 

[Phather]

While Surefire has a solid reputation, in my experience the Streamlight TLR series is excellent. I have used both the X300 and the TLR in 500 lumens and in a side-by-side comparison I have found them to be very similar. The Surefire casts a larger usable circle of light, while the Streamlight has a brighter, yet smaller center. I prefer the warmer light of the Surefire to the cooler Streamlight. If I were to buy one again, my only concern would be affordability, as they have both been extremely reliable.

 

[Kruel J]

While Surefire has a solid reputation, in my experience the Streamlight TLR series is excellent. I have used both the X300 and the TLR in 500 lumens and in a side-by-side comparison I have found them to be very similar. The Surefire casts a larger usable circle of light, while the Streamlight has a brighter, yet smaller center. I prefer the warmer light of the Surefire to the cooler Streamlight. If I were to buy one again, my only concern would be affordability, as they have both been extremely reliable.

I have lights in both brands and find them both to be reliable and competent options.

 

[Meaty]

the hand held version, which BTW should be used for searching over a WML..

Disagree entirely.

 

[No_Regerts]

Disagree entirely.

In what way? I wouldn't search with a WML if there was any possibility of someone being present that I wouldn't shoot. Everything you shine it on has a loaded gun pointed at it.

 

[Kruel J]

In what way? I wouldn't search with a WML if there was any possibility of someone being present that I wouldn't shoot. Everything you shine it on has a loaded gun pointed at it.

I have several WML's. But in my house I use a handheld.

 

[Meaty]

In what way? I wouldn't search with a WML if there was any possibility of someone being present that I wouldn't shoot. Everything you shine it on has a loaded gun pointed at it.

And if your light illuminates something you were hoping was not there?

I assume you never go on the second floor of a building while carrying?

 

[Kruel J]

And if your light illuminates something you were hoping was not there?

I assume you never go on the second floor of a building while carrying?

Since his job requires he carry all the time, I think your assumption would be incorrect.

 

[bbbass]

Disagree entirely.

One of the advantages of a handheld is in searching close quarters. You can hold the light away from your body, decreasing your chances of being hit behind the light.

I personally don't search my house... that's not the plan. But I do have training in use of a handheld light. YMMV

 

[Meaty]

One of the advantages of a handheld is in searching close quarters. You can hold the light away from your body, decreasing your chances of being hit behind the light.

I personally don't search my house... that's not the plan. But I do have training in use of a handheld light. YMMV

There is certainly some merit in this, and I can see the benefit of this type of thought, but I don't believe this would be beneficial in a close quarters type situation. You would be lighting yourself with the wash either way.

 

[bbbass]

There is certainly some merit in this, and I can see the benefit of this type of thought, but I don't believe this would be beneficial in a close quarters type situation. You would be lighting yourself with the wash either way.

Perhaps indirectly, off walls. One uses the tactic primarily at corners. Once you get the light on the intruder I don't think they are going to see anything except that bright spot!

 

[titsonritz]

Disagree entirely.

It's a free country, or at least use to be, please feel free not to search for me.

 

[Meaty]

It's a free country, or at least use to be, please feel free not to search for me.

That's a solid attitude

 

[No_Regerts]

And if your light illuminates something you were hoping was not there?

I assume you never go on the second floor of a building while carrying?

I do lots of entries and do lots of low light training as an LEO. Bad guys always seem to hide in dark places. Generally, I dont search by pointing my light at things and living in the 3 or 4 foot circle of light. I usually point it up at the ceiling. The light reflects downward like it would from a fixture and I now have the entire room aluminated without giving a bad guy a white light to shoot at. I also keep the handheld away from my body in that event. Gun is still in my hand and I can shoot. I can even transition to the WML if needed. A handheld shined into the eyes is a good way to disorient. I have no reason to point my gun at everyone, but I still need to get light on them.

 

[titsonritz]

In what way? I wouldn't search with a WML if there was any possibility of someone being present that I wouldn't shoot. Everything you shine it on has a loaded gun pointed at it.

I'll take it a step further, if I was forced to choose between a handheld or a WML, I'd take the handheld every time and that was even before @Cerberus Group turned me onto his key ring trick. Need tactical flashlight

I always, as in always, have a hand held light with me, I don't care if it's broad daylight. Sometime I'll have two hand helds and zero WMLs

 

[bbbass]

I'll take it a step further, if I was forced to choose between a handheld or a WML, I'd take the handheld every time and that was even before @Cerberus Group turned me onto his key ring trick. Need tactical flashlight

Brilliant trick! Thanx to both!!!

 

[edzz]

As a civilian if I sweep someone with a weapon mounted light I could be charged. If said person is a LEO responding I could be justifiable shot. If I sweep someone with a handheld light no crime no foul.

 

[uberguy]

surefire if ur life depends on it
olight/streamlight/inforce or anything else if ur dicking around

I have a Surefire X300 handgun light, a couple of Streamlights and an Inforce/rifle type.
My life feels secure with any of the 3 types, I assure you or anyone.
In fact, if anyone wants to buy the Surefire or my Streamlight (TLR-1 w/o strobe), feel free to ping me for a deal.

 

[uberguy]

As a civilian if I sweep someone with a weapon mounted light I could be charged. If said person is a LEO responding I could be justifiable shot. If I sweep someone with a handheld light no crime no foul.

If said person is a LEO and you sweep them, you easily might still be shot.

 

[edzz]

If said person is a LEO and you sweep them, you easily might still be shot.

That goes without saying. For that reason I always hope the LEO's I encounter are well trained.