Pistol Light Question

[Red Dawg 34]

For those who have Sig or S&W pistols with lights, which brand of under barrel light do you prefer, Surefire or Streamlight and why. I’ve been using night sights but have been told a good light is better. Inquiring minds want to know! This is for home protection primarily.

 

[bpd459]

Greetings,
I have carried Surefire hand held lights for 30+ years on duty and off. I used various models of Surefire weapon mounted lights on my work guns from the early 90's. Though retired, my "business" handguns are wearing the Surefire X300. My "business" AR also wears an X300. I trust my life and my family's life to the Surefire weapon lights.
Good luck
John

 

[Knotwild]

Take a look at Olight's Baldr Mini - 600 lumens. I don't own one, but I've had one of their EDC lights in my pocket along with change and keys for over 2 years. I do admit the Streamlight warranty can't be beat - I have used it. But with my Olight use, I haven't needed a warranty.

 

[Red Dawg 34]

Take a look at Olight's Baldr Mini - 600 lumens. I don't own one, but I've had one of their EDC lights in my pocket along with change and keys for over 2 years. I do admit the Streamlight warranty can't be beat - I have used it. But with my Olight use, I haven't needed a warranty.

Knotwild, I’ll give that one a look as well.

 

[Oso]

During the winter (short daylight hours) it is common for IDPA clubs to do some night practices using night sights &/or flashlights because it is pitch black during normal scheduled practice sessions. Unfortunately, the best time for that is December-January.

I learned that I prefer night sights if there is any level of ambient light. I also learned that based on what your intended use will dictate the power (# lumens) that you will want for your flashlight. If out in the wide open like most police officers then go as bright as you want. If planning to defend in close quarters inside your home you don't want more then 300-400 lumens, because the 600 - 1000 lumens provides a massive amount of flash back as light is reflected off the walls and actually blinds you. I wouldn't have believed this ... until I spoke to some pros and then went and experienced it first hand. Yes, I had to then replace a flashlight or two.

Go to gun store and ask if you can test the light in a dark hallways... sweep the walls around you as if you were going in and out of rooms in your house and see what you think. 320 lumen streamline small compact and easy to toggle on/off with weak support hand while holding pistol. My 2 cents

 

[Rsadams]

My advice to you is to not get a light that's to bright... That's a common mistake... If the light is to bright you get wash out... Most walls are white and when you turn the light on around them you get a serious case of wash out that kills any night vision you might have and actually blinding you as well... Remember it's a pistol light NOT a rifle light... Even on my rifle I don't use a super bright lite although it will shine out to a hundred yards but I still may want to use it indoors... Always use a light with tritium night sights in my opinion for pistol... As a matter of fact I don't use a pistol mounted light I carry a small streamlight protac in my pocket , but I am old school... That way I can have a light but not have to have my pistol out... OSOs comments above are spot on...

 

[XL105]

Good thread. Just started wanting a light for my carry pistols. Watching YouTube videos on tactical training, have noticed they talk about not using laser sights and going with lights. So I figured I would look into it.
My wife has S&W 642 with crimson tracer grip. I would need to upgrade my carry that has a rail to handle a light. I like the recommendation you guys gave for lights. Functional and easy to use.
Wether you are talking about adding a laser or flashlight to a pistol I seem to run into the same issue, finding a holster that accommodates these accessories. Do you guys have same issue or can you recommend companies that carry a wide range of holster capable of adding a light?
Being left handed it seems to limit slightly my options.

Found this for my wife’s S&W 642. Need to find it in stock/available to buy somewhere.

LaserMax CenterFire LED Weapon Light for JFRAME CF-JFRAME-LC

Shop LaserMax CenterFire LED Weapon Light for JFRAME | 5 Star Rating on 2 Reviews for LaserMax CenterFire LED Weapon Light for JFRAME + Free Shipping over $49.

www.opticsplanet.com

 

[Red Dawg 34]

During the winter (short daylight hours) it is common for IDPA clubs to do some night practices using night sights &/or flashlights because it is pitch black during normal scheduled practice sessions. Unfortunately, the best time for that is December-January.

I learned that I prefer night sights if there is any level of ambient light. I also learned that based on what your intended use will dictate the power (# lumens) that you will want for your flashlight. If out in the wide open like most police officers then go as bright as you want. If planning to defend in close quarters inside your home you don't want more then 300-400 lumens, because the 600 - 1000 lumens provides a massive amount of flash back as light is reflected off the walls and actually blinds you. I wouldn't have believed this ... until I spoke to some pros and then went and experienced it first hand. Yes, I had to then replace a flashlight or two.

Go to gun store and ask if you can test the light in a dark hallways... sweep the walls around you as if you were going in and out of rooms in your house and see what you think. 320 lumen streamline small compact and easy to toggle on/off with weak support hand while holding pistol. My 2 cents

Oso, thank you for you input. I found this to be very helpful!

 

[Red Dawg 34]

Good thread. Just started wanting a light for my carry pistols. Watching YouTube videos on tactical training, have noticed they talk about not using laser sights and going with lights. So I figured I would look into it.
My wife has S&W 642 with crimson tracer grip. I would need to upgrade my carry that has a rail to handle a light. I like the recommendation you guys gave for lights. Functional and easy to use.
Wether you are talking about adding a laser or flashlight to a pistol I seem to run into the same issue, finding a holster that accommodates these accessories. Do you guys have same issue or can you recommend companies that carry a wide range of holster capable of adding a light?
Being left handed it seems to limit slightly my options.

Found this for my wife’s S&W 642.

LaserMax CenterFire LED Weapon Light for JFRAME CF-JFRAME-LC

Shop LaserMax CenterFire LED Weapon Light for JFRAME | 5 Star Rating on 2 Reviews for LaserMax CenterFire LED Weapon Light for JFRAME + Free Shipping over $49.

www.opticsplanet.com

XL105, look at Concealment Express in Jacksonville Express. I’ve owned a lot of high end holsters but none have been as good as these. They do make holsters for guns with lights and with optics. Feel free to contact me. I’m in the Jacksonville area and can talk to them about your specific combo.

 

[XL105]

XL105, look at Concealment Express in Jacksonville Express. I’ve owned a lot of high end holsters but none have been as good as these. They do make holsters for guns with lights and with optics. Feel free to contact me. I’m in the Jacksonville area and can talk to them about your specific combo.

Thank you. I will check them out.

 

[EOD Rob]

I'm on the side of Surefire. I have several X300 and one X400. They have a very strong mounting system that you dont have to worry about coming loose and have not had one fail yet. I also have several hand held lights as well. They are a good product. 17 yrs of Marine Corps tested!!!
One down side, they are not cheap.
I dont have an opinion about the streamlight, because I have never used one. I'm sure its a good product.

 

[snert]

I've used Streamlight and Surefire. The M3, if I recall correctly, is like a mini tank. Always worked.

Remember, a weapon light is not a sighting device. it is to clearly Identify the threat. It is NOT for searching, looking for your keys, etc. That is the job of a good flashlight. Get both and learn how to shoot with both. And teach yourself that when it comes time to shoot, drop what is in your OFF hand and get to work with both hands.