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Old May 21, 2013, 08:33 PM   #1
k511
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who makes a good tac light for semiautomatics

Looking for a good quality light to put on a nightstand pistol for my wife when I travel...surefire is usually my go to for lights...wondering if there's any others I should take a look at? Right now I'm thinking of the x300...money not really an issue
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Old May 21, 2013, 11:06 PM   #2
6.8
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I'm looking for the same advise. I've got a cheapie, but need something I can count on. Can Anybody reccomend one that has held up well after repeated firing. I'm afraid the light/laser will fail after the gun discharges a certain number of rounds. Thanks for any feedback
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Old May 21, 2013, 11:12 PM   #3
Socaltonorthtx
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who makes a good tac light for semiautomatics

Definitely recommend the Surefire x300 ultra. Bright, powerful, blinding. Works like a charm.
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Old May 21, 2013, 11:13 PM   #4
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I have been happy with my Streamlight TLR-1s, cost me around $100 a couple of years ago, bright and hasn't been affected by my shooting so far, seems of solid metal construction, easy to manipulate.

That said, I have an older Insight M3 that I use for practice. Not as bright, but works the same way as the TLR. Avoids putting too much wear on the "real" tac light....
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Old May 21, 2013, 11:14 PM   #5
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Is that an LED light source? About how much coin we looking at?
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Old May 21, 2013, 11:31 PM   #6
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Re: who makes a good tac light for semiautomatics

I love my Streamlight TLR-1s. They run about $130 and are every bit of light that the Surefire X300 I used was. But I did watch the Surefire take a 9mm slug and keep working.... Wouldn't try that with any light that I own intentionally just to test if the Streamlight could handle it. My light has gone through probably 2,500 rounds without issue, including two low-light defensive handgun courses and numerous low-light competitions.

If you want a light/laser combo then go with the Streamlight TLR-2. They run closer to the $240 mark I believe.
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Old May 21, 2013, 11:31 PM   #7
Flashover2011
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STREAMLIGHT!!!! I use a TLR-4 on my semiauto. It's a compact laser/light combo and I love it. Plus it uses a standard camera battery (so it's easy to find) and it was $105 shipped on amazon. Also streamlight makes the lights we use on our fire helmets and our 90 degree lights. We trust them with our lives, seriously. Most cops that carry tac lights on their glocks are streamlight TLR-1's
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Old May 21, 2013, 11:34 PM   #8
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Oh yeah forgot to add, mine has stood up to over 1000 rounds (300 were hot reloads) in my .45 ACP and is still going strong!
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Old May 21, 2013, 11:43 PM   #9
6.8
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That tl-4 unit looks nice. Do they make these in the US ?
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Old May 21, 2013, 11:44 PM   #10
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Could u guys post a couple pics...so I can get an idea of size....I see the local shop in my area has the x300 for 220...TLR-1 for 109....and the TLR3 for 109...going to check them out in the next day or so...they all get good reviews and seem of quality construction... gotta be a reason the x300 is almost double?
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Old May 22, 2013, 12:01 AM   #11
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Sorry I'm on my iPhone and it doesn't let me upload pics but in comparison my gun is a compact with a 3.8" barrel. The tlr-4 is perfect for me hang on I have a link on YouTube I did about a fifteen second night time demo on it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLsDanwu4dU

Sorry I know It's a bad review but it was quick
If the link doesn't work go to youtube and type in streamlight tlr-4 review, mine says RyanT
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Old May 22, 2013, 12:04 AM   #12
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Check out this link too this is a huge help.

http://www.brightguy.com/Streamlight...ht+TLR-4+69240
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Old May 22, 2013, 12:23 AM   #13
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viridian green laser aimer with strobe white light.....

There are a few high quality brands out there; Surefire Insight Lasermax Crimsontrace.com etc.
I'd look at the cool Viridian model with the green laser & strobe type white light.
It fits most popular duty pistols; SIG P226R P220R M&P P2000 XD PPQ PX4 etc.
The model has a bright green laser with a high CP white light that has a strobe feature.
This handy & practical strobe can distort or distrupt a crook or distract them if you or a family member must hold them at gunpoint.
If they flee then let them. If you must shoot or use lethal force, the bright light can help you scan the area for any more dangers or weapons.

The Viridian laser units are not cheap but they are robust & designed for duty use.

CT has a free DVD that explains tactics & the products too. It's on the website.

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Old May 22, 2013, 01:26 AM   #14
k511
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i have a pair of CT laser grips already on the way...so just looking for a light, the combo of laser and light are not needed...just noticed that crimson trace makes a light now...has anyone tried that?
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Old May 22, 2013, 01:30 AM   #15
Terry A
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My Streamlight TLR-1 has been everything I'd want in a tactical light. It rides underneath a Glock 21SF and stands up well with the steady diet of 45acp's.

I'd buy another one for sure.
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Old May 22, 2013, 02:06 AM   #16
k511
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Is there a noticeable amount of weight added with the TLR1 or X300? Looking at some pics they look kind of large, and maybe heavy...being for my wife im noticing the tlr3 is smaller and plastic which would be lighter if weight becomes a concern, as song as its not cheaply made.....6.8, it appears from what I have found streamlights are assembled in the US from US and foreign parts...

Last edited by k511; May 22, 2013 at 02:12 AM.
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Old May 22, 2013, 03:10 AM   #17
allaroundhunter
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Re: who makes a good tac light for semiautomatics

Quote:
Originally Posted by k511 View Post
Is there a noticeable amount of weight added with the TLR1 or X300? Looking at some pics they look kind of large, and maybe heavy...being for my wife im noticing the tlr3 is smaller and plastic which would be lighter if weight becomes a concern, as song as its not cheaply made.....6.8, it appears from what I have found streamlights are assembled in the US from US and foreign parts...
No, there is not much weight, but what weight is added is good - it reduces felt recoil and muzzle jump (which is something your wife would probably like). As you know, the TLR-3/4 is made of plastic, not metal like the TLR-1/2. I personally prefer the metal, because I know that it will handle more and just doesn't feel as "cheap" as the TLR-3/4.

Here is a picture of my TLR-1s on my Glock 34.



P.S. Please ignore the Shiner.... I was just taking a picture of 21st birthday presents.
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Old May 22, 2013, 03:13 AM   #18
Terry A
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Quote:
Today, 03:06 AM #16
k511
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Join Date: December 1, 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 337 Is there a noticeable amount of weight added with the TLR1 or X300? Looking at some pics they look kind of large, and maybe heavy...being for my wife im noticing the tlr3 is smaller and plastic which would be lighter if weight becomes a concern, as song as its not cheaply made.....6.8, it appears from what I have found streamlights are assembled in the US from US and foreign parts...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by k511; Today at 03:12 AM.
allaroundhunter beat me to the punch here but I'll add that mine is metal and weighs 4 oz. That doesn't seem like alot, but it does keep muzzle rise to a minimum.
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Old May 22, 2013, 06:52 AM   #19
Socaltonorthtx
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who makes a good tac light for semiautomatics

The Surefire is metal and high quality. Here it is on my FNX45 Tactical. I've also used Surefire so I can't comment on the Streamlights or others.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1369223474.841907.jpg
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Old May 22, 2013, 08:08 AM   #20
Fishbed77
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I love my little Streamlight TLR-3.

It's simple, rugged, works great, is unobtrusive, and is priced right.
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Old May 22, 2013, 08:16 AM   #21
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I've always stuck with Streamlight TLR-1s or Surefire X300 Ultra. Not so different in what they do, but the price is night and day. Are the minor differences worth it to you?
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Old May 22, 2013, 03:09 PM   #22
k511
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Going to grab all 3 and see how they work...got the Tlr3 at the local shop for 80, used reward points for 20 off....found a Tlr1 for 100 at Amazon... then just found a slightly used x300 on eBay 140...going to try the TLR 3 now on a couple 45's and a 10mm I borrowed from my buddy....report in a few
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Old May 22, 2013, 03:21 PM   #23
loose_holster_dan
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duct tape this to the bottom, and then you have a vertical foregrip as well.

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Old May 22, 2013, 03:21 PM   #24
Socaltonorthtx
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who makes a good tac light for semiautomatics

One point of difference may be the on-off switch as well as any momentary-on switch. It will be interesting to hear what you find out and what you ultimately decide on.
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Old May 22, 2013, 03:45 PM   #25
k511
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Started to rain on me...only got about 60 rounds of 10mm and about 40 rounds of 45 down range...didn't fall apart though lol...tlr3 seems to be of good construction, 110 lumens which seems very bright, will still have to compare to the others when they arrive..has a momentary on /off and constant on, no strobe, light weight and compact, easy controls for right or left hand...going to strap it to the G17 that the light idea is intended for and head back out when rain stops
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