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Thinking about a light for my 19x

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35K views 44 replies 24 participants last post by  HEXE9  
#1 ·
I’ve been considering a rail mounted light for my 19x. I’m thinking for a home defense pistol a light might be a good idea.

Currently I have an Olight Valkyrie 2 mounted on it. It’s nice and compact and fits fine. It’s 600 lumens and damn bright. Noticed this evening while trying it out around the house it’s almost to damn bright and reflects back into my eyes.

I’ve concluded this isn’t a good thing if I ever needed to use it indoors. My 19 has a TLR6 and it’s 100 lumens I believe and much easier on the eyes and doesn’t blind or reflect off the walls.

So wanted to get some opinions from you guys on having a light on your guns. Do you guys use them and what do you have? Do you feel they’re a needed item? Any input will be greatly appreciated!
 
#2 ·
IMO, a Streamlight TLR-7 light, TLR-8 light/red laser, or TLR-8G light/green laser are top candidates. None of these extend beyond the muzzle of a Glock Compact model pistol.

I agree that there is such a thing as a light too bright on a handgun. Just a 200 lumen light in a room can send enough bright reflection off walls and other objects that the shooter's adaptation to low light is adversely affected. However, some hope without much basis a very bright light will visually stun the bad guy.
 
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#9 · (Edited)
I agree that there is such a thing as a light too bright on a handgun. Just a 200 lumen light in a room can send enough bright reflection off walls and other objects that the shooter's adaptation to low light is adversely affected. However, some hope without much basis a very bright light will visually stun the bad guy.
1.) There is no need to adapt to low light when you're illuminating the room with a light. Think about it.
2.) Data, force on force training and real life tells us that yes, lots of lumens and candela can and does impair aggressors severely.
 
#5 ·
Image


Here’s the Olight I have currently. I like it because it doesn’t stick out beyond the end of the gun. So might give it a few weeks to see how I like it. May return it to. I wish the TRL7 came in the coyote brown color. Would consider it also
 
#6 ·
My primary G21 wears one of the old TLR-1S that's like 160 lumens. For indoors it's fine. I'm looking at getting a new light for this G21 so I can put my old TLR on my backup 21 and am torn between the newer basic TLR-1 and HL models.

For a 19, I like the look of the TLR-7, but I want paddle switches.
 
#8 ·
Get actual low light training, there is absolutely no reason you should be blinding yourself inside a structure or otherwise.

You don't know what you don't know, until you know it.

There is no such thing as too many lumens, and if you think there is, get quality low light training. Light is information and the more of it you have, the better decisions you can make.
 
#14 ·
I'm no door kicker...just the avg guy with a self defense pistol [G17]

I've got the TLR1 and the mini Olight. Both are good....I prefer the Olight...namely becuase its more compact and easy to recharge. The TLR lasts a lot longer but you have to change the battery. About the only possible negative to me with the Olight is the switch is maybe just a tad tight...but once you get used to it - no big deal.


I run through clearing my house at night and there is really no reason for more light than that Olight mini puts out. I agree with the comments that night practice is important. Its a skill to maintain sight alignment while scanning at night.


..
 
#18 ·
Anyone running the Inforce light on their Glocks? The APLC model has 200 lumens and the controls are stupid easy to use. It’s not rechargeable though like the Olights, by looks really slick mounted on the rail!

Image
 
#21 ·
The key important point, most people (even some trainers, and those who use WML) often forget is that the WML light is NOW also the muzzle-- I often see those with WML, throw muzzle discipline out the window because a flashight is mounted on the tip of their gun. (Imagine pointing your loaded muzzle at your kid getting a snack in the dark kitchen).

The importance of WML is that you train and understand how to use it. Learning to use a non-muzzle mounted light should be really Low light class 101, before WML 102.

The Olight mini is a sleek nice affordable light but it has a silly bass-akward paddle switch where you tap/flick it for on, and hold slightly longer for momentary. Can be bad for light discipline in a force on force environment.
 
#30 · (Edited)
I like the Inforce rifle lights due to the locks and instant/On switch. Getting the pistol lights off an on is a major pain in the butt. Travis Haley put a bunch of rounds over these lights with good success. I broke both pistol lights after a few thousand rounds.
 
#35 ·
View attachment 643018 I like my Olight with its quick attach/detach and the FDE looks good on the 19X. It isn’t the most compact light though I feel that the protrusion beyond the muzzle may help to mitigate an out of battery issue if placed into a close quarters (bad breath distance) bad guy body press.
I ordered one of these today to try out! Nice setup sir
 
#29 ·
Some things to consider..... Any threat that you may ever have to shoot will neither know nor care how cool that light looked on your pistol. Take a class to make sure that you are properly employing the weapon mounted light. Know where the windows and mirrors are in your house to try and avoid the reflection of the light. (I know this may be a bit of a stretch). Then worry about the color and cool factor.

FWIW, I have been a SF fan for decades, but I am using Olights now due to the increased ease of use, cost and intensity. I continue to try and break one, but after about 2k rds over 3-4 Olight products, no joy. They just keep illuminating.
 
#31 ·
I’m going to use the Olight for now. After using it for the last few days I’ve gotten use to the controls. Plus it fits my AR rails so bonus!

Got myself signed up for a force on force class in November which will teach me a lot and there is low light training as well in the class.

Believe the Olight will serve me well and I really like the fact it’s rechargeable. I can even recharge it in my car, work van, house......wherever there’s an outlet really.
 
#32 ·
I’m going to use the Olight for now. After using it for the last few days I’ve gotten use to the controls. Plus it fits my AR rails so bonus!

Got myself signed up for a force on force class in November which will teach me a lot and there is low light training as well in the class.

Believe the Olight will serve me well and I really like the fact it’s rechargeable. I can even recharge it in my car, work van, house......wherever there’s an outlet really.
Tom @ 2aholster.com can make you a holster for it. I have one and its bad ass.
 
#34 ·
For comparison I ordered the Olight PL Pro off Amazon. It’s similar to the TLR-1 and is rechargeable! The lumens are 1200 on high and 300 on low. Plenty of light for any occasion!Believe it also has a strobe effect. Not the main reason, but a cool bonus feature. Overall it gets really high reviews.

Going to try it out and see how I like it before making a final choice. Gotta love Amazon! 30 days to try out products and if no bueno return for credit.
 
#39 ·
I am a huge fan of Olight products, and I have the 1200 lumen Valkyrie on my hd 23 and it’s great...

however, I picked up the pl mini, and I don’t see how anyone can think it’s a good option for a self defense firearm...the controls on that light absolutely suck, and I will bet money that under stress you will fail to operate those tiny finicky controls....