Posted: 9/27/2013 5:39:39 PM EDT
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Which weapon light should I get?
It will be mounted on a Walther's PPQ M1 .40 S&W I will be going through Zero Concealment Systems (they have Multicam) they have a huge selection that they will mold but the ones I've been looking at are Surefire X300 Insight M3X Both have excellent lumens and around the same price If you suggest something different (that's on the list) Please let me know but most importantly why. Thanks folks |
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I vote TLR.
I own a TLR1 HL and the more compact TLR3. The HL is the "high lumen" version with strobe and kicks ass! Cost is about $150 and worth every penny. The X300s have nothing on the TLR. Streamlight customer service is top notch. They replaced my TLR 3 when I somehow fried it with cheap flea market batteries. I was able to walk into the local streamlight dealer and and exchange it. The cost savings over the x300 is the major point, I don't think its of better quality and I'm not a fan of the attachment mechanism on the SF. The TLR feels like it locks on better. Streamlight even now has a pressure pad adapter and everything. The newer HL version is blindingly bright and the strobe is cool and very easy to activate if you want to use it. On a PPQ I would use a TLR 3. You may also check out the Inforce APL. It's a nice thin light that seems better built for smaller pistols. There is a Haley Strategic one that seems better set up for night time CQB stuff. Obviously if Travis Haley is representing it it must be a good light. He has a YouTube video of it on his channel where it's the main focus. It might be my next pistol light whenever I next need one. |
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Yes, I've owned a tlr-1 and surfire x300u
Nothing wrong with the tlr-1 but the ultra reflected way too much light for me indoors. I am not some operator by any means but since I keep the weapon bedside it was more than I cared for. It was great for outdoor use but still, I didn't care for the paddles which is also why I got rid of the TLR-1. Out of the box the surefire x300u also didn't fit my m&p very well and the paddles were very stiff. |
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I've had a few TLRs and the crimson trace railmaster.
I like the railmaster lights because they are small and most of my pistols are sub-compacts (I don't like it when the light extends passed the barrel). I've been meaning to try the viridian CTL but have not had a chance yet. |
| TLR-1 is the best value for a weapon mounted light. It's at a very good price point, and it's performance is excellent. The Surefire isn't bad, a bit slimmer I think but it's considerably more expensive. It's also brighter, but there is a point where the light is just too bright, namely when inside clearing a structure with white walls. I was using a regular TLR-1 for the training, and I thought even that was a little to bright for my tastes. The splashback from the very blue-white LED on the walls was pretty dazzling, even an incandescant bulb like the old M3s might have been better. I can only imagine that the Surefire would have fallen into the category of too much of a good thing, in that particular situation. |
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Really cant go wrong with the x300, TLR 1, or inforce APL
All three has been very reliable with fantastic customer service. Take your pick Oh...and know light disciple. Take a low light class from a reputable instructor to understand how to run the gun in the dark. Training trumps the latest and greatest hardware |
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I would do the APL. It's super light-weight, the controls are great, and it's rugged, not to mention sexy as hell. The only reason I woudln't go for the APL is if I couldn't actuate the controls with my left thumb (you should avoid using the trigger finger for said maneuvers).
Gun pr0n! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/10278666694_ccf5fcd80a_z.jpg http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3762/10278771565_911363d4ed_z.jpg |
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Quoted:
Yes, I've owned a tlr-1 and surfire x300u Nothing wrong with the tlr-1 but the ultra reflected way too much light for me indoors. I am not some operator by any means but since I keep the weapon bedside it was more than I cared for. It was great for outdoor use but still, I didn't care for the paddles which is also why I got rid of the TLR-1. Out of the box the surefire x300u also didn't fit my m&p very well and the paddles were very stiff. Thanks Ive been thinking hard on the apl |
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I have been a diehard Surefire junky for a long time. I have many of them and love them. I have only had one Streamlight, the TLR3. The light was decent, I hated the switches. I gave it to a buddy.
For pistol use I have X200s, X300s, and an X300U. I love the switches on these. A few days ago I picked up an Inforce APL. Honestly it has become my favorite light. We will see if the love affair holds up. I can carry using it on my G23 AIWB and can't tell it's there. The switches are great on this thing. |
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Streamlight makes good stuff, we used them exclusively when I was with the fire department and I bet my life on those. However, my personal home defense gun carries a Surefire X400 Light/laser combo and it is simply the finest gun light I've ever used, I can imagine the X300 is no different.
Both are going to do the job, if the Streamlight has a strobe I might lean that way but since my tactical flashlight that stays with my Beretta has a strobe I didn't need a strobe on my gun also but I do prefer to have a strobe in the mix. I like the Surefire because the quality is top notch, the customer service is excellent, they have great warranties and deals on batteries. I also chose the Surefire because I wanted a light/laser combo and after much research the it came out at the top of the list but, holy cow, they are expensive. I think a buyer could choose either and be completely happy with their purchase so whichever has the best price, accessories and warranty. |
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UPDATE: I guess we can call it a poll fail but didn't get the surefire or the insight. I looked at the TLRs and couldn't get to like them (didn't like the fit nor the switch) But I did go with what a lot suggested with the Inforce APL.
Holy crap its awesome and fits great with plenty of brightness. I will, when I can do a review. The paddles are perfect and more importantly its light. Its a little different for my grip but that's ok Ill just have to get use to it. Thanks for those that suggested the Inforce APL |
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Quoted:
UPDATE: I guess we can call it a poll fail but didn't get the surefire or the insight. I looked at the TLRs and couldn't get to like them (didn't like the fit nor the switch) But I did go with what a lot suggested with the Inforce APL. Holy crap its awesome and fits great with plenty of brightness. I will, when I can do a review. The paddles are perfect and more importantly its light. Its a little different for my grip but that's ok Ill just have to get use to it. Thanks for those that suggested the Inforce APL I`m looking at the Deep Cover Ultimate with Pull Dot loops from zeroconcealment. Let us know about your holster. btw I got the APL coming soon |
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I`m looking at the Deep Cover Ultimate with Pull Dot loops from zeroconcealment. Let us know about your holster. btw I got the APL coming soon Quoted:
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UPDATE: I guess we can call it a poll fail but didn't get the surefire or the insight. I looked at the TLRs and couldn't get to like them (didn't like the fit nor the switch) But I did go with what a lot suggested with the Inforce APL. Holy crap its awesome and fits great with plenty of brightness. I will, when I can do a review. The paddles are perfect and more importantly its light. Its a little different for my grip but that's ok Ill just have to get use to it. Thanks for those that suggested the Inforce APL I`m looking at the Deep Cover Ultimate with Pull Dot loops from zeroconcealment. Let us know about your holster. btw I got the APL coming soon One of my buds is getting a holster from ZCS. And he does a good amount of run and gun so we will see how it works. If its good for him 9/10 ill get it for myself Now I noticed in your last post you said Inforce will be upping the lumens on the APL do you know up to what because I have it the original packaging and its saying 200 lumens |
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Order the Ulimate Deep cover IWB from ZC yesterday !
I hope to get it by Christmas ! Since I put my order in before the 15th. The higher lumen was a joke. I bought a Surefire E2 Defender 120lumen LED. With in 3 months they came out with a 200 lumen E2 Defender. Shit happens ! Really the APL at 200 Lumen is pretty high for just 1 battery ! Plus since its a handgun I don't mind the lower lumen! If I need more light I pull out my Surefire Fury. I really like the APL toggle switches , plus its waterproof rated to 66 feet ! That's pretty good. |
| This thread is great. I have been a long term X300 user, but don't like the fit on my HK P30. I'm gonna order the Inforce APL soon as it seems to get great reviews from people who also have ran the X300. I had a TLR-1S, and while the light was good, I didn't like the mounting method at all. |
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This thread is great. I have been a long term X300 user, but don't like the fit on my HK P30. I'm gonna order the Inforce APL soon as it seems to get great reviews from people who also have ran the X300. I had a TLR-1S, and while the light was good, I didn't like the mounting method at all. Its a great light you will not be disappointed, just make sure you use the "extra rail" and replace whats on the light itself. The "extra" is for the 1913 rail were as the other one is for the glock |
