General Forums >> Gear and Equipment >> Weapon Lights
Weapon Lights
147 posts back to top |
Posted almost 3 years ago I'm curious how many officers use tactical weapon lights vs just having a separate flashlight. I own a surefire flashlight, but was thinking about also getting the Streamlight M3. And are there good holsters out there that fit the pistol with flashlight, or is it easier to keep the pistol light in a separate holster. Thanks in advance for the help. |
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Anonymous 
-90 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago A weapon mounted light is very practical and has alot of applications. I would recommend that if you're going to have a weapon mounted light, have it dedicated and aquire a holster for it. Safariland makes some outstanding ones. Just remember that bad guys tend to aim for the light when returning fire;....flash....move...flash...move.....don't leave it on and mark your position when using it. You need to maintain a seperate light on your belt for those matters that do not require a threat of deadly force. The citizens may not appreciate you pointing your sidearm at their cat that's stuck in a tree in the middle of the night....just sayin'. |
4885 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago GTS said it all..............MORGY seconded the motion.........I (in favor)................motion carries. It is what it is.............and.........these things too shall pass. |
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| Posted almost 3 years ago A weapon mounted light has it's applications and it's disadvantages. My agency requires you to go through a seperate training course on a weapon mounted light if you want to carry it and a required level three holster. Apparently years ago they had problems with some people using the light for things they should be using a regular light for. And some people got shot... both deputies that ended up exposing their locations and deputies shooting people they meant to just shine a light on. Personally, I prefer a seperate flashlight but it's a great tool if used correctly. |
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Anonymous
-43 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago I'm with Morgy (1st post). It's a little disconcerting to the general public when you're just coming up to take a look at the License, and they turn around and see your gun out, much less pointed at them. I have a Mounted light, but I don't really ever use it. I had it mounted for some time, but after a while it became too bulky, and finding a holster (that didn't cost a million dollars) was a pain in the rear. |
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Anonymous
-43 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago My service weapon (Glock 22) is a little on the Bulky side to me anyway. Let me clarify that. I said TO ME! |
734 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago Remembering I am extremely OLD school. I do use an M3 for tactical light ON CERTAIN SITUATIONS. I keep it on my M4 carbine on a rail but when on night duty I use either Fobus carrier or a nylon cell phone belt carrier. I only use the M3 in situations on the gun when its called for. IE, clearing buildings, suspect stops etc. I use a handheld light still for 90% of the lowlight work. ""Life is a storm.. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes"
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147 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago Thanks for all the replies. I was intending on carrying my separate flashlight with me either way, as it would be very inappropriate to draw a pistol to use the flashlight for ordinary use. I'll have to start checking out holsters... |
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Anonymous
-190 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago I won't name names or dept. but i knew a deputy with a weapon mounted light only who used it to look inside a car on a night car stop and got complained on (and i believe time off) for pointing his weapon at ther car occupants, always carry a 2nd light on your belt, as others have stated, for situations when you need a light but don't need your duty weapon out. I an not using a weapon mounrted light currently but have in the past, used one on my Glock 22 and didn't notice any difference during qualification, you just don't notice the presence of the light or the extra weight of the firearm. |
5501 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago Might look at the Blackhawk. A lot of guys in this area are going to it. Heroes Live Forever! |
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Anonymous
-90 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago jlu492 says ...
Which one are you talking about? |
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Anonymous
-43 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago Hell, I'd be happy to just find a good, decent flashlight that can stand up to the job, and doesn't cost $1,000,000. |
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Anonymous
-43 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago I'm thinking GTS has like 7,492 flashlights in a basement cabinet. He has them named. |
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734 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago BSL1123 says ...
You know I still use my C cell MAGLITE from my first dept. Great light, baton, doorknock! ""Life is a storm.. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes"
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Anonymous
-190 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago SGT405 says ...
How many cells (batteries), is it one of the 5 cell ones - heavy but multi-functional - more than just a flashlight. |
34 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago I personally wouldn't take anything for my M3 (mounted on a Glock 22). It's not very expensive and provides a great tactical advantage doing building searches and illuminating a threat. That being said, I always carry a Stinger flashlight too......sure you're gonna have your numbskulls who decide to use their weapon light as a flashlight and put a hole in something (or someone).....we've had them too at our dept., Just use your head. |
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734 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago Casscocop says ...
3 cell. Aluminum body. I meant D cell. Sorry. Got more dings and dents than me. Great for a light and I can't tell you how many times it was right there in my hand when I needed that car window broken! I always have a little Surefire at all times too. ""Life is a storm.. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes"
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Anonymous
-190 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago SGT405 says ...
3 cell D cell, a nice size, just right when, as they say, "It's clobbering time!" and much cheaper that using your portable radio as a club. |
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Anonymous
-90 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago bmorgan says ...
That would be the Xiphos..... |
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Anonymous
-67 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago GTS197 says ...
Bingo...my thoughts exactly |
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| Posted almost 3 years ago I use a Streamlight TLR-1 LED light on my Glock 17. I use a level 3 Safariland ALS holster. I carry a Streamlight Stinger LED on my duty belt. I also have my 17 year old rechargeable Mag light (door knocker) in the squad. I have had times when my Stinger went out away from the squad and had to use my weapon mounted light. Of course I removed it from my pistol before using it. Having a weapon mounted light is a must for us K9 handlers. "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”
PL Mentoring Team Member |
12 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago I use a Streamlight SL-20XP for day to day operations. When I draw my weapon I use the Surefire 6P. I keep both on my weak side.
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322 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago Surefire absolute primary light...Weapon mounted light secondary, remembering the Statue of Liberty ( the old guys will) use of light, crooks shoot at the light a well meant warning by the 'guys' here.... Compared to a laser ? Using a laser at night you see no target, no background threats or concerns like innocents, ..with a light, you see sights, target and background concerns.Just mentioning in case you were considering multiple aides....As far as the 3-4 cell Mag-light , has it's uses and it's a personal preference on how you choose to utilize the tools available to you I use a light on my G19, a laser on my 3AT for several obvious reasons ..At least I think so |
43 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago I use the Blackhawk Xiphos light/ Level 3 combo. It certainly beats the Safariland L3. It's also a faster draw :) |
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| Posted almost 3 years ago Streamlight TRL-1 is the best and most cost effective light I have found. I also carry a second light on my belt. Just having the light helps to control muzzel rise on my glock 21sf. I love it !!!!!! Helped to save my a$$ in a shoot out. |
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2 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago +1 on the TLR-1 on the Glock 21sf. I also use a TLR-3 on my off duty Walther PPS. |
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| Posted almost 3 years ago I use the Steamlight M6.. Ive had it for 6 years running now and use a picatinny rail adapter to hold it onto my duty belt.. Pretty sure blackhawk makes the "holder" for it. If i am going into the woods or clearning a building i'll snap it on my Glock 22. Everything you do can get you killed, including doing nothing at all.. |
119 posts back to top |
| Posted over 2 years ago I just got the Black Hawk Serpa light bearing holster and I absolutly love it! It is a retention 3 holster but you have to use the blackhawk light for it to fit in the holster. But the light is very high quality and does have the strobe. So if your going to get a setup this is the one to get in my opinion. I found it on Opticsplanet.com for $185 for the holster and light combo which is a pretty good deal. Sometimes there's Justice and Sometimes there's Just Us. |
7059 posts back to top |
| Posted over 2 years ago I tried the Blackhawk light and absoultey hated it for. The biggest reason is because apparently at blackhawk they don't believe in momentary activation and the concept of light discipline is highly overrated You have the rest of your life to solve the problem, how long your life lasts depends on how well you do it. -Clint Smith
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119 posts back to top |
| Posted over 2 years ago Scurge says ...
Yeah not having the momentary light is a draw back but the activation switch is so easy for me to use it hasnt been an issue. But everything has its pros and cons i guess. Sometimes there's Justice and Sometimes there's Just Us. |
