Quote History Quoted:snip... I'm still unsure as to what to do.
View Quote
The tlr3 will do what you want. I assure you that it is plenty bright and tough for a 5.56 carbine at the distance you plan to use it. Now if you try to take it out to 100yds, you'll be disappointed.
As discussed, the stupid cr2 battery is an inconvenience, but it works!
I think it is a bit large for my g19 in terms of length. It adds about 1/2" OAL to the gun. So it would fit perfect on a fullsize. Yes, after about 250 rds the lens gets some powder on it. Wipe that junk off with a clean cloth and you're good to go.
The paddle switch is completely usable on all sides, whichever way you prefer to mount it.
General points from the edging off topic discussion... put a damn light on your stupid pistol! It has a rail for a reason! Don't treat it as a primary light, pocket carry a handheld. Treat it as a force multiplier. Granted some carry situations will require you to go with a less than ideal loadout, but for the average everyday, theres no reason not to have it. Also, put night sights on you gun. They may not always be visible, but they are sure as hell cheap insurance. I've already said that you can see night sights even with a tlr3 on (in confined spaces it doesn't work as well, but in more open areas, rooms, big hallway, it's good). The $200 for a decent light and night sights, with an expected lifespan of even just 2 years (uber conservative!), is $100/yr insurance that I don't end up dead because my handheld light fell out of my pocket and the lighting wasn't right for me to see my sights. I call that CHEAP! They'll probably last 5+ years though, so it's even cheaper.
See my point?
OP, brother, you won't go wrong with a tlr3.
ETA: the glorious thing about a wml, is that you don't have to use it, but you also don't have to use a hand held. You have options now! No matter what wml you end up with, it would still be good practice to have a handheld available whether you're out and about or sleeping in bed. I just slip my handheld in my back pocket and it stays there.