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Posted: 7/3/2017 12:31:12 PM EDT
I need a weapon light for my G19. Any in particular that I should be looking at? Streamlight looks like it fits my budget. Which model?
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[#1]
For what use?
For a carry light, I'd check out the XC-1 or the APL-C. For SD/HD the x300 or 300u for surefire or the TLR-1 series I've heard are good and if that's in you're budget then I'd go with one of those. |
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[#4]
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[#7]
I use the Inforce APL (Glock version) on my home defense G19. The APL has a little less intense light and has more of a flood pattern, whereas my Streamlight TLR-2 has a much whiter, more of a beam pattern. I did a few tests to see which I liked better. I got my eyes used to the dark (I don't have nightlights in my house, so it's usually pitch black). I found that once my eyes were used to the dark, which would be the case if I got woken up in the middle of the night, that the white more intense light from the Streamlight made it hard for me to comfortably see (I also have white walls), and I was squinting and almost blinding myself. I found the flood pattern and softer light made it easier for me to pick up everything being illuminated, yet was plenty bright enough to see everything. In my opinion and for my situation of only being on a home defense pistol (in my house anyway), I found the APL light to be better. I use my Streamlight on my carry gun, where there may be situations where the brighter light would be better. Just my two cents.
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[#8]
I use the low setting, 15 lumens, on a Surefire P3X (15/1000) to look around when my eyes are acclimated to the dark.
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[#9]
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[#10]
I have both TLR-1 HL and XC1 both are great but the XC1 is much easier to fit in my pants. TLR-1 I use in an OWB holster.
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[#11]
I have the TLR-1HL that I have been carrying for the last few weeks. Once I had a proper IWB holster it has been great. I thought it would have been too bulky but it disappears quite nicely in the holster.
IMO, you can't go wrong with a TLR-1HL or a X300U, but TLR is half the price and still rugged enough for EDC. At one point a few weeks ago it was on Amazon for $95, but since has gone back up. |
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[#13]
I found an XC1 as an open box sale, still expensive but I like it. Good for inside a house as it is a wide beam. Not so good longer range, beam is low and cant be adjusted. I consider it a specialty light. Lots of advice on holsters here if you search.
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[#15]
I'm still using the older X300 (predecessor to the X300U) and it's been plenty durable and adequate for my EDC and HD guns. I primarily carry a G19.3 but, I also have three of same lights on my 17, 34, and 1911.
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[#16]
If it's not a carry light, then skip the XC1 or the new APLc. It's worth it to grab the extra lumens.
That said, I've never been a huge fan of the TLR-1, even though I have one and it works well. That light is just so ungodly fat. It can be had at a great price though, so you've got that going in yoru favor. The X300's have been the standards which other WML's have been measured against, and it's still a great option. I picked up a Gen 2 Inforce APL that I really like, and the new Gen 3 APL has me really considering picking up a new one, and with it the corresponding holster. |
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[#17]
Quoted:
If it's not a carry light, then skip the XC1 or the new APLc. It's worth it to grab the extra lumens. That said, I've never been a huge fan of the TLR-1, even though I have one and it works well. That light is just so ungodly fat. It can be had at a great price though, so you've got that going in yoru favor. The X300's have been the standards which other WML's have been measured against, and it's still a great option. I picked up a Gen 2 Inforce APL that I really like, and the new Gen 3 APL has me really considering picking up a new one, and with it the corresponding holster. View Quote |
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[#18]
I've been running a SureFire XC1 on my Gen 4 G19 since they came out. I love it. 200 lumens is enough for what it's purpose is.(It effectively illuminates the target at normal pistol distances for proper identification and also will illuminate my sights which are fiber optic front and standard rear u notch).
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[#19]
Just get this out in the air first, I am a reliability fanboy so I do think streamlight or surefire are good choices.
But one thing that just bothers me is that I look through this post and see all of these recommendations for inforce. I don't mean to be insulting people, so we will just look at this empirically. Inforce is a plastic body flashlight with a well known history of breaking. It would be understandable if this was the only option some people could afford, but it is in the same price class as the TLR and only half the lumens. |
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[#20]
Quoted:
Just get this out in the air first, I am a reliability fanboy so I do think streamlight or surefire are good choices. But one thing that just bothers me is that I look through this post and see all of these recommendations for inforce. I don't mean to be insulting people, so we will just look at this empirically. Inforce is a plastic body flashlight with a well known history of breaking. It would be understandable if this was the only option some people could afford, but it is in the same price class as the TLR and only half the lumens. View Quote |
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[#22]
Quoted:
I've heard of multiple reports of this failure - https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8134/28585817143_0f64098f8c_c.jpg This pic is from Ej6fade over on the AR15 lights forum, but there are more reports of this on other non-arfcom forums and videos of this on YouTube. People may not need 800 lumens, but when you can get twice the lumens and an aluminum body in the same price class, why even consider the plastic light? I would completely understand if Inforce was half the price and that was all some people could afford, but that is not the case here. I don't want to start an arguement here, I would just like to help people consider these factors when looking at WMLs. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
The only breaking issue that I'm aware of is the rod on the mount wouldn't always hold it on the pistol, which was on the earlier versions and have since been fixed. If there are others I'm unaware of please let me know, as I own and use one. As to half the lumens, I think that depends on the situation, it works perfect for me. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8134/28585817143_0f64098f8c_c.jpg This pic is from Ej6fade over on the AR15 lights forum, but there are more reports of this on other non-arfcom forums and videos of this on YouTube. People may not need 800 lumens, but when you can get twice the lumens and an aluminum body in the same price class, why even consider the plastic light? I would completely understand if Inforce was half the price and that was all some people could afford, but that is not the case here. I don't want to start an arguement here, I would just like to help people consider these factors when looking at WMLs. |
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[#23]
Only have experience with the TLR-1 HL and X300U-A...
I went with everyone's advice my first time around and forked out the dough for the X300U-A. Used it and got use to it but came across a deal on a TLR-1 HL and decided to try it. Ended up liking the way I was able to manipulate the controls and its overall feel. I have larger hands and long fingers that just didn't always hit the light where I wanted it to with a "comfortable" feel. Currently have (2) X300 and (4) TLR-1, I will probably only buy the latter from here on out based on my personal preferences. That said the lady's G19 EDC sports a TLR-1 HL that has been beat to shit and has 4-5k rounds on it now without a hiccup. Same goes for my EDC G30 but with a higher round count. My farm G34 with a X300U-A is probably close to the 10k+ range now and it can still light up the back of the barn to shoot raccoons and other critters like it was new. If you have the means try both, sell the one you don't like here on the EE. |
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[#24]
Quoted:
I've heard of multiple reports of this failure - https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8134/28585817143_0f64098f8c_c.jpg This pic is from Ej6fade over on the AR15 lights forum, but there are more reports of this on other non-arfcom forums and videos of this on YouTube. People may not need 800 lumens, but when you can get twice the lumens and an aluminum body in the same price class, why even consider the plastic light? I would completely understand if Inforce was half the price and that was all some people could afford, but that is not the case here. I don't want to start an arguement here, I would just like to help people consider these factors when looking at WMLs. View Quote I heard the black polymer was gtg, but the fde had issues. |
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[#25]
Quoted:
I wouldn't think that the X300 is any skinnier. There is only so much you can do when you have two CR123s side by side. View Quote The x300u has better controls and due to the slimmer bezel and body, it allows for a smaller gap for your light to pass through on your holster, which is a damn good thing. With my TLR1 holsters, there is a larger opening between the kydex and the trigger due to the increased width on the tlr |
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[#26]
I've had 3 tlr 1s go tits up.
Surefire x300 for me. I have a new and an old one. I like the stiffer controls too. I don't want my light having NDs. The new inforce compact has my attention for ccw but I'll wait and see how it holds up |
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[#27]
Quoted:
I've had 3 tlr 1s go tits up. Surefire x300 for me. I have a new and an old one. I like the stiffer controls too. I don't want my light having NDs. The new inforce compact has my attention for ccw but I'll wait and see how it holds up View Quote |
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[#28]
Quoted:
How so? I believe you but I've got 3 TLR-1's and I can't get them to die. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I've had 3 tlr 1s go tits up. Surefire x300 for me. I have a new and an old one. I like the stiffer controls too. I don't want my light having NDs. The new inforce compact has my attention for ccw but I'll wait and see how it holds up |
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[#29]
Quoted:
How so? I believe you but I've got 3 TLR-1's and I can't get them to die. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I've had 3 tlr 1s go tits up. Surefire x300 for me. I have a new and an old one. I like the stiffer controls too. I don't want my light having NDs. The new inforce compact has my attention for ccw but I'll wait and see how it holds up |
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[#30]
I have used a Surefire X300 on my G34.4 for a couple years and really like it. I recently got an XC1 for my G19.4. The reason is because it looks like it was made for the 19 and it uses AAA batteries. I'm so tired of having to stock CR123s. However, I have not shot with it on there, but it's a Surefire product and I'm sure it'll work well, or Surefire will take care of it.
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[#31]
Quoted:
I have used a Surefire X300 on my G34.4 for a couple years and really like it. I recently got an XC1 for my G19.4. The reason is because it looks like it was made for the 19 and it uses AAA batteries. I'm so tired of having to stock CR123s. However, I have not shot with it on there, but it's a Surefire product and I'm sure it'll work well, or Surefire will take care of it. View Quote |
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[#32]
X300-A on G19.4
I use it for both edc and nightstand gun. The controls are a personal issue, but I think the TLR is a good light as well. I'm of the opinion that the more lumens you can get, the better. |
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[#33]
Quoted:
If it's not a carry light, then skip the XC1 or the new APLc. It's worth it to grab the extra lumens. That said, I've never been a huge fan of the TLR-1, even though I have one and it works well. That light is just so ungodly fat. It can be had at a great price though, so you've got that going in yoru favor. The X300's have been the standards which other WML's have been measured against, and it's still a great option. I picked up a Gen 2 Inforce APL that I really like, and the new Gen 3 APL has me really considering picking up a new one, and with it the corresponding holster. View Quote I also like that it's not blindingly bright inside a house with white walls. Not quite bright enough the times I've had it out in the woods, but perfect for indoors. |
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[#34]
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[#35]
Quoted:
I also like that it's not blindingly bright inside a house with white walls. Not quite bright enough the times I've had it out in the woods, but perfect for indoors. View Quote All The Lumens |
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[#38]
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[#39]
Quoted:
I've heard of multiple reports of this failure - https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8134/28585817143_0f64098f8c_c.jpg This pic is from Ej6fade over on the AR15 lights forum, but there are more reports of this on other non-arfcom forums and videos of this on YouTube. People may not need 800 lumens, but when you can get twice the lumens and an aluminum body in the same price class, why even consider the plastic light? I would completely understand if Inforce was half the price and that was all some people could afford, but that is not the case here. I don't want to start an arguement here, I would just like to help people consider these factors when looking at WMLs. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
The only breaking issue that I'm aware of is the rod on the mount wouldn't always hold it on the pistol, which was on the earlier versions and have since been fixed. If there are others I'm unaware of please let me know, as I own and use one. As to half the lumens, I think that depends on the situation, it works perfect for me. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8134/28585817143_0f64098f8c_c.jpg This pic is from Ej6fade over on the AR15 lights forum, but there are more reports of this on other non-arfcom forums and videos of this on YouTube. People may not need 800 lumens, but when you can get twice the lumens and an aluminum body in the same price class, why even consider the plastic light? I would completely understand if Inforce was half the price and that was all some people could afford, but that is not the case here. I don't want to start an arguement here, I would just like to help people consider these factors when looking at WMLs. That being said, the higher outputs of the TLR1HL and X300U certainly have their advantages. I had an XC1 for a while and just didn't feel happy with the output levels when there was some ambient light already present that caused lighting conditions the WML has to overcome to provide illumination. If you do opt for the smaller weapon lights for EDC I'd suggest a higher power handheld as well. |
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[#40]
Quoted:
If you are blinding yourself with light on the wall, you are using it wrong. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN2K7UhT6rk View Quote I'll fool around with his lessons once it gets dark in a little bit. |
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[#42]
Never had a problem with my surefire. 2 x300u 1 x400u. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
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[#43]
TLR 1 HL 800 lumen.
SF 300U is what...600? I'll take all the lumens for 1000, Alex. |
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[#44]
My father has used Streamlight TLR-1's since the first Gen and has Surefire X300 currently. I use both Streamlight flashlights for work and Surefire's.
On my hip right now is a Gen 4 G23 with a Streamlight TLR-1. They work just fine and are less expensive than the Surefire's. St Louis County PD issues Streamlight TLR-1's to all their officer's for their P229 duty weapons. If a buncha bored cops cant make them unserviceable, then they are good enough for HD use. Finding holsters is the fun part.... |
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[#45]
Great video, take a low Iight course, and you will be a weapon light believer. More light, mo better.
I have several sure fire lights and all my pistols have streamlights on them, 800 lumens. I like the switches better on the streamlights. |
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