Weapon lights

[Agent Akin]

Greetings all!

I'm not positive if this is the correct place for this, so if I should be asking somewhere else, kindly avoid flaming while directing me to the proper thread...

Anyway, some months back I started using a Streamlight X300 on my Glock 21. While this light is bright as hell, and it throws a perfect spot, I have decided that I don't really like it.

In order to use the momentary-on feature, which is what is needed most on a pistol light IMHO, you need to push forward on the lever. While I can use my trigger finger to do it, I obviously may need that; and my off-hand thumb can't reach it unless I seriously mess up my firing grip. So, I can't really use the momentary on...

I also recently discovered that the batteries were dead. It worked last week, but yesterday it was dead. These lithium batteries are supposed to last damn near forever while they're not being used... so I would have expected them to last more than six months with maybe fifteen or twenty minutes of being used. Assuming that this light isn't defective, my only conclusion is that the light somehow gets activated while it's in the holster and it has drained itself.

Soooo... I'm looking for a bright light that I can effectively utilize while maintaining a proper firing grip, and that won't turn itself on and drain the batteries. It'd be a plus if it were X300-sized, so I could use the same holster...

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[savasyn]

Have you tried a Streamlight TLR-1? Great light and a great price.
Not sure if it'll help you with your grip problem though. You can get a new tail cap what allows the use of a pressure pad on the grip frame, if needed.

[djleisure]

Yeah, I'd recommend the TLR-1 as well. I have one on a Baby Eagle and it works perfectly with my support hand thumb - it's more of an up/down toggle switch (instant/constant) and works out great!

[quick draw mcgraw]

I have an Insight M6X on my Glock 22 and have never had any issues with it.

[Juice5610]

I'll take that horrible horrible x300 of your hands seriously though how much you want for it? pm me

[djleisure]

Looks like the Streamlight TLR-3 is on sale at Midway for $77.31 - this would be a good option as well.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=255347&eblastid=119201016&custnum=102154873&utm_source=streamlighttlr3light&utm_medium=eblast119201016

[evidens83]

Another TLR-1 vote here.

[Leesan82]

Isn't most pistol mounted lights have their control group around the same area and function more of the same? OP stated he can't reach the control with his weak hand without effecting accuracy and using strong hand is not an option. I guess what I'm getting at is switching to TLR or other lights won't help the OP.

To OP, you might want to look into one of those pressure switch that connect to the lights from Surefire, and call them if you think your light might be defected.

[word2smoth]

I too love the TLR-1. Some people think it's a tad heavy but I prefer the all metal housing. It stays on my 1911 and though I've only used the light sparingly, I have yet to change the batteries and I've had it for almost a year.

I also have the Insight M3 and it also is a great light. But if it matters to you, it is non-LED and it has a polymer body.

[Agent Akin]

Isn't most pistol mounted lights have their control group around the same area and function more of the same? OP stated he can't reach the control with his weak hand without effecting accuracy and using strong hand is not an option. I guess what I'm getting at is switching to TLR or other lights won't help the OP.

To OP, you might want to look into one of those pressure switch that connect to the lights from Surefire, and call them if you think your light might be defected.

Actually, I've used lights before without problems. I need to check with my buddy and see what kind he has... it had a similar rocker switch, but "up" turned it on and "down" was momentary... it worked much better than the X300's method of pushing forward for momentary...

The folks at Galls recommended a pressure switch assembly, but I'm not excited about having to get an add-on to make this work. I'm also not convinced about how secure it would be... on the package, it almost looked like the strip wasn't flushly mounted on the grip, but kind of hanging loose... and if I had to draw quickly I wouldn't want to have to mess worry about it...

[Grakken]

i have the X300 with remote switch. tis great.

[Call_me_Tom]

Those lithium batteries need to be used sparingly. They do not last very long. Tactical lights are designed for quick bursts of light, seconds at the most, to startle and illuminate your opponent for target acquisition.

[cal3gunner]

get this and solve your problems with reaching the controls. Its pressure activated and you don't have to shift your grip at all.

http://www.surefire.com/DG-Remote-Tailcap-Switch-X-Series

[fullspeed1]

The TLR-1 seems like your best option. I have it mounted on my G17, and have no problems maintaining a good grip and activating the monetary switch.

[NOTARPilot]

The folks at Galls recommended a pressure switch assembly, but I'm not excited about having to get an add-on to make this work. I'm also not convinced about how secure it would be... on the package, it almost looked like the strip wasn't flushly mounted on the grip, but kind of hanging loose... and if I had to draw quickly I wouldn't want to have to mess worry about it...

The Remote Tailcap Switch for the x-300 is very rigid and secure. I have been using one on my P-226 Duty Gun for about the last 3 years with no problems at all. It should solve all your problems.