Handguns and Weapon Lights

[FUBAR]

I've got a S&W M&P9 Fullsize, S&W M&P9 Compact, and I got a Sig 1911 TacOps coming home in about a week. I decided on a Sreamlight TLR-1 over the Surefire X300 because it's half the price. I was gonna use this on my nightstand gun, S&W M&P9 Fullsize or Sig 1911 TacOps. But then, I started to look at the Streamlight TLR-3 and like the fact the flashlight doesn't protrude pass the muzzle, reducing the amount of fouling during range sessions. As a bonus, I can also run it on my S&W M&P9 Compact.

If I got the TLR-1, it would just be for house clearing but if I got the TLR-3, I might also take it out with me when I carry my S&W M&P9 Compact. I know the TLR-1 has an aluminum housing versus the TLR-3 which is made from polymer and is much brighter (160 lumens vs. 90 lumens).

Should I get the more robust TLR-1 and just carry a flashlight when I go out with the S&W M&P9 Compact or get the TLR-3 and have the option to mount it on all my guns? What are your thoughts and opinions?

[Hilldweller]

Sorry, I'm old school and know my dark house very well. Wouldn't any light on a gun be like sayin' "here I am"?? Just sayin'......

[Sturnovik]

I've got a S&W M&P9 Fullsize, S&W M&P9 Compact, and I got a Sig 1911 TacOps coming home in about a week. I decided on a Sreamlight TLR-1 over the Surefire X300 because it's half the price. I was gonna use this on my nightstand gun, S&W M&P9 Fullsize or Sig 1911 TacOps. But then, I started to look at the Streamlight TLR-3 and like the fact the flashlight doesn't protrude pass the muzzle, reducing the amount of fouling during range sessions. As a bonus, I can also run it on my S&W M&P9 Compact.

If I got the TLR-1, it would just be for house clearing but if I got the TLR-3, I might also take it out with me when I carry my S&W M&P9 Compact. I know the TLR-1 has an aluminum housing versus the TLR-3 which is made from polymer and is much brighter (160 lumens vs. 90 lumens).

Should I get the more robust TLR-1 and just carry a flashlight when I go out with the S&W M&P9 Compact or get the TLR-3 and have the option to mount it on all my guns? What are your thoughts and opinions?

TLR1s is better. Strobe feature, tons more lumens and more battery life at just a tiny bit more in length. The fact it doesnt get as dirty is nice but its a overall better light for just a tad more. The TLR3 is good though dont get me wrong.

It helps to know how to hold the flashlight with a pistol in one and/or using a rail too.

[FUBAR]

Sorry, I'm old school and know my dark house very well. Wouldn't any light on a gun be like sayin' "here I am"?? Just sayin'......

I've been trained to always identify my target before engaging whether it's in my house or out on the street. The light stays off until I engage my target.

The light is also another tool to blind or disorient my assailant so I wouldn't have to resort to lethal force.

[tbc]

Sorry, I'm old school and know my dark house very well. Wouldn't any light on a gun be like sayin' "here I am"?? Just sayin'......

Very good point, but I rather have one attached to my sidearm just because it gives me an option.

I vote for TLR-1.

[Sturnovik]

Sorry, I'm old school and know my dark house very well. Wouldn't any light on a gun be like sayin' "here I am"?? Just sayin'......

thats why they teach to use the momentary latch as opposed to snapping it on the constant "on" side. It keeps you safer than having it on all the time and if you finally do see them, you can control it.

[discoed]

Having one attached to your pistol is a great idea. I carried one on my M4 at all times in Iraq and I never turned it on unless I had to. There are ways to be smart about having a light attached to your weapon.

Your TLR-1 will be a good choice. I bought the X-300 because I have carried surefire product before and I know they can take a beating and still function properly. To the everyday civilian, something as rugged as a surefire might be too much and a TLR is just fine.

[FUBAR]

Does anyone have any experience with the TLR-3? How durable is it?

[Can't buy anything here]

I have one for my P2000...it seems pretty well made, and gets good reviews on most gun boards...although my switch did break a while back..but Streamlight took it back and sent me a brand new one no questions asked. I would not hesitate to recommend this ight...I like it's size too (only takes one battery. It doesn't have a strobe but I find the normal mode pretty blinding in the dark...and that's a big feature of having a light on your weapon. Shooting with a flashlight in your other hand is not easy to do accurately..I like the light on my light for bumps in the night.

[FUBAR]

Nice HK. The TLR-3 looks good on it.