Flashlight added for home defense

[smokycuh]

My benelli supernova will be here in a few days and my friend in law enforcement recommended getting a flashlight added onto the shotgun. I like this option below with a streamlight but there are 5 options which do you think sits the most flush? Also best value?

Polytac led
Polytac hp led
TLR1
TLR1 HL
TLR7

Thank you

https://www.gggaz.com/benelli-nova-super-nova-sling-and-flashlight-combo-mount.html

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[L-2]

I like my Streamlight TLR-1HL the best on my long guns (and handguns), but do have long-guns with various brands of CR123 powered flashlights attached via universal-type Picatinny rail light mounts (like Streamlight Polytac lights, just not Streamlight brand).

https://tinyurl.com/mry273jc

I've been using Safariland "RLS" mounts when I found just the mounts for sale without the lights, as I already had spare flashlights laying around.

With a Streamlight Polytac

https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/index/polytac

you'll still need to figure out what mount to buy/use which suits you.

I say get both; use them; try them out; then come back here and tell us what you prefer. I've got guns setup with both, but prefer the TLR-1HL. The regular TLR-1 is ok, too, just not as bright.

I've got a few Streamlight TLR-1 & TLR-1HL; Surefire X300; X300U; and various 2- & 3-CR123 cell flashlights; and they all work. I do like the TLR-1HL and X300U lights as they're brighter than the original models (w/o the HL or U) and have the constant on or momentary switch functionality.

I'm unfamiliar with the switching on the Protac Streamlight flashlights, but those could work ok too for all I know. Again, when in doubt, buy/try both.

I've also zero experience with the TLR-7.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Streamlight's are definitely the best bang for your Weapons Light Buck !

Any of the TLR versions will work just fine. I typically mount mine at 6 O'Clock under the fore end.



I also like this mounting so that I can quickly take the light off the gun, as I don't need it in the daytime or in a 3 Gun Shoot or Class.

These lights all have a Treadle Switch which is "Momentary Contact" one direction and "On Full Time" on the other.

You want the Momentary Contact feature as you don't want the light on all the time when clearing rooms etc.

Surefire's are 3 X the price of Streamlight's and not 3X better or even 1X better.

Surefire sells to the Govt so all their prices are inflated.

Randy

[smokycuh]

[Munny$hot]

IMHO you don't want a weapons mounted light on a shotgun that is activated by thumb switch since it will hurt like hell during recoil and only get worse with 00 or slugs. You want a weapons light that you can activate with a pressure pad.

[TurboChrisB]

I ended up ordering the TLR7 because TLR1HL was out of stock. 500 lumens let’s see how it goes!

They're all over the place on eBay.


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IMHO you don't want a weapons mounted light on a shotgun that is activated by thumb switch

I agree with this.....and you can get the TLR1 with or without a "rifle" kit with the pressure pad. Or buy it separately after the fact. I'm a big fan of the TLR1 HL's. I have 5.

[L-2]

Regarding Post 5, the comment/sentiment is not wrong, but I suspect Post 3's author and I've been able to work with shotgun weapon-lights without having a pressure pad without injuries.

The OP, when practicing, will likely learn fairly fast to keep one's hand away from the light when actually firing the shotgun. But if the OP does decide on pressure-pad activated lighting, Streamlight has those products, too:

https://www.streamlight.com/products/explore-products/weapon-mounted-lights

OP, bring a bandaid when you first go out to test fire your light-equipped shotgun. OK, I feel better now

That TLR-7 looks good. Let us know how it works when you get around to mounting it and shooting with it. If it doesn't work for you, let us know what you'll do next.

[smokycuh]

Thank you for all the info everyone! Forgot to mention this will be home defense only. I wanted to just get something bright in the event if a low light situation. Pressure pad does look pretty cool to be honest. But i wanted go the way easiest most economical route since for home defense only. Officially picking up the benelli tomorrow.


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[W.R.Buchanan]

500 lumens is plenty. Try it in your front yard and see daylight.

There should be a place to mount a Small piece of Pic Rail to the underside of the fore end so you can mount the light. I have the GG&G sling/light mount for my M500's and they work well, and you won't have to modify your fore end.

Good thing about the Streamlights is their mounts are operated by one coin or thumb driven Screw and are easy on or off. You obviously don't need it during the day, but it is mandatory at night.

Also get a Velcro Side Saddle instead of a solid one. I have talked about the reasons why several times here.

Randy

[Munny$hot]

You definitely want your light to be on during and after the engagement. While I don't want to disparage anyone, having your light off while firing to avoid injury to your thumb is not sound advice in a dynamic situation.

For the money the Streamlight Racker forend light is a geat deal @ 89-120. My personal suggestion would be a Surefire forend light used @ 150 and new for @ 250

[SharedShots]

Not gun light but just a note: Get rid of your motion activated lights inside your home, especially those in hallways you might need to traverse.

If someone gets in your home motion activated lights will insure they know exactly where you are and while they might seem to let you know where they are you sure aren't surprising them.

What someone ought to invent is a thermal activated light for a shotgun. Motion wouldn't work because you might be moving around. That way in complete darkness it can detect the presence of someone and light them up instead of you pressing some pad or switch. With all the tech ut there, that someone hasn't figured that one out and make it affordable is puzzling. You could still have the pad or switch for on demand use.


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[W.R.Buchanan]

The deal with shooting with a light is that you turn it on (Momentary Contact) then acquire the target and fire, then shut it off before you lower the gun.


If you don't shut it off it traces a line right strait back to you, thus welcoming return fire . Learned this in a Night Shoot at Front Sight along time ago.

Randy

[FeuerFrei]

My benelli supernova will be here in a few days and my friend in law enforcement recommended getting a flashlight added onto the shotgun. I like this option below with a streamlight but there are 5 options which do you think sits the most flush? Also best value?

Polytac led
Polytac hp led
TLR1
TLR1 HL
TLR7

Thank you

https://www.gggaz.com/benelli-nova-super-nova-sling-and-flashlight-combo-mount.html

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have purchased GG&G made stuff and always found to be solid/well made. Good quality. I have a TLR1s that does night stand duty and has spent time on AR clones as well as pump shotguns/semi autos. It's missing a lot of finish but it always works.

*I use 123 rechargeables and kept the oem rocker sw on the light. I don't like pad type wired sw. KISS