recommendations on Tac. lights?

[Porscheguy]

I've looked at a ton of them, read up etc. etc. and I think although I'm not 100% convinced of just getting a tac light and not the included lazer sight for a hundred or 2 more.

So, I have searched and read, yet, I'd still like to hear opinions on lights. For instance, I see the LED lights that are similar in price to halogen yet put out far more lumens.

I'd be putting this on a Glock 19 btw. I'm just wondering before I purchase, what are the most important factors I should be looking for? As it is, I'm looking for small size, high lumens, price etc. I'm not too concerned with battery life as I doubt I'd be using it for more than several minutes at a time right? Id rather have very powerful lighting than long term battery life?

Do you agree?

Thanks for any input.. I appreciate all advise. BTW, as for not choosing a laser as well, I figure I'll likely be so close to the target in Home defense or whereever else I might find myself, that I should be able to hit center mass without the laser.

Thanks again.

[NapaCountyShooter]

Reliability is THE key with every aspect of your HD weapon. Do yourself a favor and buy a quality product like a Surefire X series or a Streamlight TLR 1 or 3. Practice using it until it's second nature and be safe out there.

[Jon Se]

Reliability is THE key with every aspect of your HD weapon. Do yourself a favor and buy a quality product like a Surefire X series or a Streamlight TLR 1 or 3. Practice using it until it's second nature and be safe out there.

These are great recommendations. LED has pretty much replaced halogen lights as they provide brighter illumination with less power draw.

Go with a proven brand. What I've noticed is that even though lights may look similar on the outside and even put out the same amount of light, they are not all created equal. For example I have a Solarforce L2, a Chinese copy of a Surefire 6P which is about twice as bright as the original and yet costs less than half the price. The exterior is machined just as well as the SF and even has a Stainless strike bezel. It runs on anything ranging from 3.0 - 18v while the SF is strictly limited to 6.0v, meaning no rechargeable lithiums. The only downside to the flashlight was a Type II Anodizing compared with SF's Type III, or so I thought.

As an EDC light the motion of walking eventually caused enough wear on the cap and light springs so that the light works intermittently. I've since switched to a SF G2 and have had no issues.

As the above poster has mentioned, reliability is key. And on that note I'm using a Streamlight TLR 1 on my HD wep.

[Kanoodler]

Surefire weaponlights

I am a HUGE fan of the Surefire X series (X200 / X300) of dedicated pistol lights with remote switches!!

The LED throws a surprisingly bright white light, and it works every time you hit the "go" button. The units are about as sleek and slim as you will find, and work well as a bedside pal for your favorite home defense firearm.

I do happen to own a couple of very inexpensive overseas made LED compact lights for the "junk drawer" in the kitchen or garage, but I would not trust one of those for personal defense.

The Surefires are NOT cheap, but they ARE worth the money!

[tomd1584]

another fan for the Surefire X200/X300 series.


I have an X200a for my G23 and G21, and rotate a X300 for my rifles.

[FuzzyBrows]

i have a streamlight tlr-3 on my xd45 compact and im telling you, that small light attachment shines something bright (90 lumens?) no joke it will blind anyone within 10 foot and leave a black circle in their vision for a few seconds. you can get it for around 100 bucks give or take. not downplaying surefire but all that extra money for waterproof/fogproof/super shock proof is not what you really need in a HD situation (or range situation anyways.)