I'll be buying my first handgun soon, a S&W M&P 9C. Until i can get a matching full size M&P9, it's gonna be pulling triple duty as a carry gun, a nightstand gun, and something to try IDPA with. Originally I was going to buy the Streamlight TLR6 and keep it permanently  attached , but decided against it since it would add weight for carry and I'd still have to take it off for IDPA. I'm looking for a flashlight that will fit the short rail on the 9C, ideally in the $75-$150 range, that I could easily slide on without tools before putting it in the safe at night. I know a lot of cheap knockoff pistol lights out of china have QD lever type mechanisms, but am having trouble finding anything similar that I would actually trust. Any recommendations?

Basically, something like this, but from a reputable brand with a good track record.

Streamlight TLR-3. I have one on my 9c and it works great, falls into your price range and is pretty bright for it's size. I carry my 9c with it mounted, if you get a good holster you won't notice it.

Viridian CTL?

Inforce APL or APLc

In class right now, give ne a few hours and i can post a picture with a S&W M&P 2.0 compact with a inforce APLc light.

S&W M&P 2.0 compact with Inforce APLc

I would go APL, I like lights that extend past the muzzle and act as a stand-off.  Any force-on-force training will quickly show you how easily/often slides can get pushed out of battery.

APL on my 2.0 compact.


uboat is always a great option too, but noticeably more uncomfortable to carry.

Inforce looks great, but it looks like they only have the latch type mount on the full size version, I think id need an APLc for the 9C, and that version requires a screwdriver. I'm surprised there doesn't seem to be a market for any sort of QD mechanism for pistol lights. 

Inforce's original APL QD latches had a bad habit of spontaneously disassembling themselves.  I realize it doesn't fit your criteria, but the screwdriver method is far more robust.

For what it's worth, I love my APLc/2.0 Compact combo. It's basically exactly what I've always wanted in a carry gun.

Get a good holster molded for a light and keep it on at all times. QD mounts are only nice for optics that break or slings that get in the way.

Are you talking about the original 9c or the new m2.0 compact? If you are talking about the m2.0 compact I would go with the APLc, if you are talking about the 1.0 your options will be much more limited.

Original M&P 9C, the double stack subcompact.

If you're going with the original 9c, the TLR-3 is one of a few that fit and the thumbscrew is pretty fast to take off.