Posted: 1/12/2009 12:24:20 AM EDT
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Hey guys, I have a quick question about pistol lights.
Based on my needs and, more importantly, price range I've narrowed my decision down to two lights: -Insight M3 -Streamlight TLR1 If possible, I would like some feedback of owners of one or both of these lights and what you feel are the pros and cons. But a simple "Buy the ––––––-", is fine too 
BTW, this is for a 4" Springfield XD40 if that matters. Thanks ahead of time, B223 |
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I have a good all-metal flashlight from Dorcy to work very effectively
Metal Gear. Is the name. All-aluminum construction. It has worked as good for me mounted on a shotgun as many of the other (a lot) more expensive flashlights. Has worked flawlessly for me. ~$50 for the Dorcy ~$100+ for some of the others |
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First, I'll assume you're talking about LED models for both units (TLR1 and M3)
That being said, I would choose the TLR1 for the following reasons: 1) TLR1 aluminum casing seems more rugged/strong/durable than M3 2) TLR1 greater light output (135 lumen vs 90 lumen) 3) TLR1 greater run time (2.5 hours vs 1 hour) 4) TLR1 waterproof to 1 meter for 1 hour (not sure about the M3) In my opinion, the TLR1 beats the M3 hands down. The M3X comes closer in performance to the TLR1, but not quite, and for more money. |
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First, I'll assume you're talking about LED models for both units (TLR1 and M3) That being said, I would choose the TLR1 for the following reasons: 1) TLR1 aluminum casing seems more rugged/strong/durable than M3 2) TLR1 greater light output (135 lumen vs 90 lumen) 3) TLR1 greater run time (2.5 hours vs 1 hour) 4) TLR1 waterproof to 1 meter for 1 hour (not sure about the M3) In my opinion, the TLR1 beats the M3 hands down. The M3X comes closer in performance to the TLR1, but not quite, and for more money. |
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TLR1, but make sure you get the newer C4 bulb. Will it say right on the box if it is the new C4 bulb? It may or may not. You need to check the serial number of the unit to make sure it begins with the letter "c" which denotes the new C4 bulb. I know this b/c I have one and that's how I found out from Streamlight. |
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TLR1, but make sure you get the newer C4 bulb. Will it say right on the box if it is the new C4 bulb? It may or may not. You need to check the serial number of the unit to make sure it begins with the letter "c" which denotes the new C4 bulb. I know this b/c I have one and that's how I found out from Streamlight. Sweet. Thanks for the tip. I'll have to check it out. I found one at a local shop for 90 bucks i think. Does that price seem ok? |
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botach has them for like 89 bucks or so with the C4 bulb. Be sure to order through KZ Firearms and use the code "BUCK" Good to know that the price is pretty even across the boards but i don't think I'll ever send money in the Botach direction. When I first got mine for $89 from Botac, they were the only dealer who had the C4 model in stock. Others had the older LED for $89. It may be different now of course. While Botac still has some glitches now and then, they've gotten better. Best thing to do is to call and verify your order is in stock before you order. |
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botach has them for like 89 bucks or so with the C4 bulb. Be sure to order through KZ Firearms and use the code "BUCK" Good to know that the price is pretty even across the boards but i don't think I'll ever send money in the Botach direction. When I first got mine for $89 from Botac, they were the only dealer who had the C4 model in stock. Others had the older LED for $89. It may be different now of course. While Botac still has some glitches now and then, they've gotten better. Best thing to do is to call and verify your order is in stock before you order. I may do that. I may call and talk to them. I ordered some Pmags from them in September and they still haven't arrived. I'm sorry but I think 4 months for 3 pmags is pretty rediculous. I'll call them about the light though. Thanks for your imput. What do you have yours mounted on? |
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botach has them for like 89 bucks or so with the C4 bulb. Be sure to order through KZ Firearms and use the code "BUCK" Good to know that the price is pretty even across the boards but i don't think I'll ever send money in the Botach direction. When I first got mine for $89 from Botac, they were the only dealer who had the C4 model in stock. Others had the older LED for $89. It may be different now of course. While Botac still has some glitches now and then, they've gotten better. Best thing to do is to call and verify your order is in stock before you order. I may do that. I may call and talk to them. I ordered some Pmags from them in September and they still haven't arrived. I'm sorry but I think 4 months for 3 pmags is pretty rediculous. I'll call them about the light though. Thanks for your imput. What do you have yours mounted on? Glock 21 |
| From personal experience, I highly suggest the TLR-1 over the M3. I just ordered a TLR-1 to replace my M3X that I have on my duty sidarm. Originally I was convinced it was top performer but when my partner added the TLR-1 to his, the beam, intensity, battery life and aluminum housing are huge benefits over the M3 or M3X. |
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I just purchased an Insight XTI Procyon for my XD40 Service Model and it is a pretty damn good light for the money. I paid $115 shipped on Ebay.
Procyon Thread Matt |
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