Compact handgun weapon light? EDC light?

[timbo399]

I owned a couple Surefire X300's past 5 years. One of them fits perfectly on my SA TRP Half Rail.

That being said, it seems that Olight has some great rail mounted light options with their Valkyrie and the mini smaller size version.

I think my next weapon light purchase will definitely be an Olight-- great price point too.

[Quiet]

Good article on weapon lights on conceal carry handguns

[L84CABO]

Consider the role and/or future needs of the weapons. If you ever intend on carrying either of these guns, then keep in mind that finding a holster to fit a specific light can be challenging. Most holster makers make holsters for Surefire and SOME Streamlights. After that things drop off quickly.

Also, if this is a defensive gun that I had to bet my life on, my preference would be for either Surefire or Streamlight. I wouldn't entertain anything else. But that's me. YMMV.

For handheld lights I tend to go with either Surefire or Fenix in the bigger brands or one or two of the small custom houses like HDS Lights (they're really expensive though). But here are some things to consider...

I like quality and lumens as do most people. And there's no reason at this point why you can't have both. You don't have to settle for a low power light...so don't.

I won't buy a light these days that can't run on BOTH primary cells and re-chargeables. It's nice to have options. I use rechargeable batteries for my high use lights and primary cells for the car flashlight that will likely be sitting for quite awhile but when you need it, it has to work.

I need lights that will do everything. That means there needs to be high output settings but also some lower levels for tasks and a VERY low "moonlight" setting.

For a tactical light it needs to have a clicky tail-cap that can be depressed intermittently or a hard press for constant on. Rotating lights or a light that requires two hands just don't work for me.

You also want a light that you can set so that when it comes on, it comes on at it's brightest setting. In a defensive situation you don't have time to be working through the levels.

Note that Fenix offers several lights that can be charged off of a USB cable. And they make rechargeable batteries that have a built in USB charge port. They are wonderfully convenient and make charging from a car cigarette port, possible without having to lug along a charger. Check out the UC35 v2.0. It's got the characteristics I've outlined above and could be a good candidate for a car light or EDC light...although it is a 2 cell light (2 CR123's or 1 18650)

[teflondog]

My bedside Glock 21SF has a Streamlight TLR-1 on it. It was the first weapon light I owned and it's proven itself reliable over the years.

My Glock 19 has a Surefire XC-1 on it. I'm not a big fan of the controls but I got it because it was the smallest light out there when it first came out. The wide flood of the beam is nice too.

[Lead Waster]

In the fall/winter, my club shoots night matches. The first one I went to I used a $20 amazon "weapon light" with every shot I took, the light would turn itself on and off. Just racking the slide would cause the light to flicker. After that I bought a Streamlight TLR-1 (not the high intensity one, the reflection of those on close targets is pretty annoying), and I've used it in many night matches without it flickering or turning itself off, but I expect that of a $100+ light.

For an EDC .. well, I went to Costco and bought their Duracell 3 pack of LED lights, and stick one in every car and around the house. Much better than their original "tactical" flashlights that would drain their own battery idiotically with the battery monitoring electronics. Otherwise I don't "EDC" anything really, except an iPhone, who's (whose?) flashlight feature is awesome, but not if you have to put it down to change a tire (because the light points straight up then if the phone is laying flat).

As a nightstand light ... I still have my 4 D-cell Maglite, because let's face it .. it's more than just a flashlight isn't it?

[Griffdog]

I have 2 TLR-1 HLs for HD guns (1911 and Glock) and a TLR-6 for a Shield and it fits like a glove. Good company and good products IMO.

[mansysinatra]

Streamlight TLR-8.