Surefire X300 or Streamlight TLR-1 for 1911

[Rocket Man]

My 1911 TLE/RL is in government lockdown for 9 more days
But in the meantime I've been doing some shopping of the EBA (Evil Black Accessories ) Like a couple CMC mags, a case of 45, price shopping for Wilson mags. Besides target shooting it will used for HD and CD (Camper Defence), as I get older my night vision is'nt as good as it once was so I've been looking into these weaponlights;

Surefire X300: http://www.opticsplanet.net/surefire...ight-x300.html

Streamlight TLR-1s: http://www.opticsplanet.net/streamli...lashlight.html

Streamlight seems the better value, anyone have these lights?

[i1800collect]

get the tlr-1. they work great at a fraction of the price of the x300.

[Shawn L]

Get the X300 it's better.

[Old4eyes]

I've got the TLR-1 (not the strobe model). Actually have two of them.
The TLR-1s is brighter (160 lumen) vs the X300 at 110 lumen.
The TLR-1s has the strobe function.
It's a lot less expensive. If the TLR-1s is built to the same quality as the TLR-1, it should be a good light. I'd go Streamlight.

[Rocket Man]

Shawn L; Why is it better? higher cost?, lower lumens? no strobe?

[mxadam579]

people just see the name surefire and think its the best lil do they know or not have any idea go with the tlr-1

[dchang0]

If you plan on attaching various remote switches like the DG pressure switches or tape switches, you'll want to go with Surefire.

[Rocket Man]

Old4eyes; your screen name is why I need the light heh heh. The TLR-1's spec's sounded better on paper & just wanted some conformation, thanks!

[L-2]

I have both the X300 and TLR-1 (not the TLR-1s). Neither has broken. There were stories of lights malfunctioning at one time. I'm not hearing these stories any longer.

Both put out adequate light. Both have adapters for Glock/universal or Picatinny, although the Streamlight TLR-1 has adapters for other guns which may work out better due to its mounting method.

The Surefire has two different mounting options; the Streamlight has a mounting method which clips the light on from the side, with a thumb screw which can be further tightened.

I don't use any of Surefire's aftermarket switching accessories. If you think you'll need them, now or in the future, the Surefire is the way to go.

Without considering aftermarket accessories, if you like one mounting method over the other, get that one. Otherwise, either light is good.

Holsters for the handguns with either of these lights attached generally aren't interchangable as the lights have different dimensions; something to consider.

[Old4eyes]

Yes, Old4eyes needs all the light he can get to see clearly.

You can get external pressure switch for the TLR-1. You replace the back switch plate (not cheap) and add the remote switch (again, not cheap). So you can pull this off your pistol and put it on your shotgun, but not with changing that back plate.

L2 makes a good point about getting a holster with the light mounted on it. You may want to look at different holsters and see if one is made for the gun/light combo. It's kind of a crappy way to do things, force you to make a decision as to what light based on what holster you can get for it, but take that into consideration.

My TLR-1's are mounted on my XD pistols. They will mount onto my S&W 1911 and onto my HK P2000. I didn't have to change the keys on it to swap between those platforms. I have a Bladetech holster for the XD with the light, but not for the others.

I keep my lights mounted on my pistols when I shoot them at the range so I have a feel of the weight/balance of the pistol with the light on it. That's the way it's going to be used at 0 dark thirty. They get dirty, I clean them up and they still work. I have not seen a compelling reason to jump from the Streamlight to the Surefire, especially for the price difference.

Back to squinting.

[cineski]

TLR-1 is a great light (I had the TLR-2 and sold it for a non-laser version). I'm holding out for the X300 for the remote pistol switch. Also, the X300's 110 lumens is rated from the front of the light, not the bulb itself. Not sure if the Streamlight is rated this way?

[joefrank64k]

I've always been a Surefire guy...used them at work where I (literally) staked my life on them...BUT the Streamlights are priced lower, and seem to deliver equivalent specs.

You can get the TRL-1 (non-strobe) for $89.99 and the TRL-1s (strobe) for $109.99 at Proforce in Brea or through their web site. The X300 is, IIRC, about $170 in store (they have to observe MAP on the web site).

Either way, you'll have a good set-up!

[Rocket Man]

Well I guess we can close this thread for my purchase is complete,
I chose the TLR-1s plus found a holster for my gun/light combo & even ordered the Black Widow holster for the Mrs!

Thanks for the input!

[evidens83]

Good choice. Now post pics of that baby!