Recommend a pistol light for me..? (vanity)

self ^ | 1/21/2024 | self

[verum ago]

Hello all,

FR seems as good a group as any to ask a firearm related question:

I have a 4.6" Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 (10mm) I'd like to put a light on. I've never had a pistol with a light before, and am finding myself a bit overwhelmed by the sheer variety of choices.

Any recommendations? I don't particularly mind it being toward the heavier end of things, since that'll help calm down the relatively lightweight M&P's muzzle snap. (I tell ya, you get spoiled by the good recoil manners of a 1911 sometimes...)

This is a gun I intend to carry pretty much strictly outdoors, so I'd lean personally toward a brighter light rather than worrying about it being too bright for indoors.

For budget let's say more "Streamlight" than "Surefire"...

Thanks in advance, FRiends.

[Pilsner]

Recommend a pistol light for me.

[Free Louie]

TLR7 sub from streamlight. runs about $125. Surefire is overpriced for the power.

[verum ago]

The TLR-7A is my current front runner

[Blood of Tyrants]

Personally I would not have a light for my pistol because you are pointing a loaded weapon at whatever you are pointing your light. What if it is a teenage daughter or son sneaking in late and they startle you while you are pointing a gun at them?

[2111USMC]

That’s my everyday carry. PT111G2 Millennium Pro.

[Hot Tabasco]

I have a 4.6" Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 (10mm) I'd like to put a light on. I've never had a pistol with a light before, and am finding myself a bit overwhelmed by the sheer variety of choices.

Sounds like you just want to be a cool Rambo...........

A hand held, high lumen flashlight will start you off just fine......

[Eagles6]

I have an Olight PL-MINI 2 Valkrie which works well.

Light, bright and compact.

Streamlight, Olight and Holosun have good, reasonably priced stuff available.

Having a replaceable CR123a battery, rather than being rechargeable is a plus.

[steve86]

How about a light pistol and a light light.

[telescope115]

Hey! I got one of those! A tiny little .45 about 2” long. Pull the trigger and the flame comes out of the muzzle…

[verum ago]

Personally I would not have a light for my pistol because you are pointing a loaded weapon at whatever you are pointing your light. What if it is a teenage daughter or son sneaking in late and they startle you while you are pointing a gun at them?

Sounds like you just want to be a cool Rambo...........

A hand held, high lumen flashlight will start you off just fine......

This is a pistol I take with me when I'm in the Southeast Alaskan wilderness. We're talking very steep terrain, and temperate rainforest type vegetation. Think mountain goat country. Having a hand (not holding a flashlight) free is very, very useful. I've tried just using a headlamp (as I usually sleep in one when in the backcountry), but I don't like how brightly it lights up the sights / optic compared to the actual target.

If it makes you feel better, my concealed carry for 'around town' and 'nightstand' gun do not have lights on them, nor do I intend to ever put one on them, for the reason Blood of Tyrants touched on: those are more likely to be pointed at another human being accidentally than 'in anger.'

But when I'm camped on the side of a mountain in a literal wilderness, I'm much more worried about being woken up by a bear or wolf than a stray teen. I've already had a few hostile encounters with bears. They're not fun.

[Blue Highway]

Why would you prefer disposable cr123s? My first light/laser combo I specifically bought because it would fit my protected RCR123 cells.

[Gaffer]

Despite all the past flak and pooh-poohing of the original Millenniums (had an AD defect and recalled), Taurus’ replacement G2C (they replaced my PT111 with it) is a darned good little gun. It has all features I wanted and works well. The price is very nice also.

But, as the added post indicates, a GOOD light-ready holster is another very needed consideration. I haven’t found one I like yet.

[gundog]

Yeah, I’d familiarize myself with Massad Ayoobs thoughts on pistol-mounted lights, if you haven’t already.

[Eagles6]

Not disposable CR123As necessarily.

I have rechargeables.

The Olight, on my pistol is an internal, rechargeable only and it's light, compact and plenty bright.

It is nice to have the option to swap out batteries.

I have the habit of bumping the tail cap of the flashlight that I carry, clipped in my pocket and not knowing that it's on until my pants catch on fire.

If I had a rechargeable, internal battery light I would need the time and power source to recharge it.

Fortunately, all that I have to do is replace the CR123A battery.

[Blue Highway]

Yeah I would never buy a flashlight or a weapon light that I can’t change out the battery. The flashlight going on in the pocket can be eliminated when you lock out the tailcap by unscrewing it 1/4-1/2 a turn. I always do this when I travel with a light.

[Eagles6]

For your situation I would, definitely, get one where you can swap out batteries, rather than one with an internal rechargeable battery.

[null and void]

Bud light?

[Eagles6]

I do that with the one that I carry in by daypack.

The one that I carry I'd rather have it ready for instant one hand use.

[null and void]

Lot's of custom kydex holster makers around the US. I personally like L.A.G. Tactical, ... I am a long-time customer.

I'm a new customer. Very pleased.

[null and void]

Call me old school but I wouldn’t hang a light on it. Use off hand for flashlight if you must.

Hold it away from your body, an opponent will likely shoot to the right of a flashlight which, if you were holding it like a normal human being, would be into your body. Left hand, held away from your body moves that aim point well away from your center mass...