Streamlight TLR-6 for non-railed 1911s

breamfisher

Got one of these the other day. To install you open the battery box, undo three screws,  separate the housing halves, the housing clamps over the triggerguard, reinstall the screws, install batteries, and close the battery box.

The light is turned on and off via a circular button on the main housing. 

The switch is ambidextrous, and can be constant on or momentary.

It's 100 lumens and powered by 2 1/3n batteries. 

Plusses: lightweight, doesn't need a rail, bright enough for most houses, ambidextrous, requires no firearm modification, Streamlight quality, allen wrench for screws are included. 

Minuses: odd battery size, not as easy to install as a railed light, it's not blindingly bright, finger reach for single-handed use is a bit long and turning it on and off WILL cause muzzle deflection, some may have a little difficulty installing it, it's not a Surefire, you will need a small screwdriver to open the battery box, and the chances of it fitting a holster are slim.

Overall I think it's a great piece of gear for non-duty use on a dedicated HD gun. Especially considering you can get one for about $80.

There is a model with a laser, but I didn't opt for that.

Zee

That’s actually pretty smart design for non railed guns. 

breamfisher

It is! You just have to understand the limitations. It's not a full-sized light, but a lot of people can get by with lower power. 

Diver43

My nightstand gun for a long time was a P229.  Once Z, Wambli and a few other members made me realize you don't need to aim the gun at a sound in the home to use the light, I wanted one.  If this was available then I would have got one.  Instead, I bought a new gun with a rail for a light.  I may have to look for one, no reason to not have two guns with a light.

Bigslug

It's that light that I think really upped the game for the little .380 Glock 42.  It's not a full-on fighting gun, and the TLR-6 is certainly not a full-on fighting light, but the combo certainly blurs the lines of what was traditional thought a pocket gun could be.

breamfisher

Diver43 said:

My nightstand gun for a long time was a P229.  Once Z, Wambli and a few other members made me realize you don't need to aim the gun at a sound in the home to use the light, I wanted one.  If this was available then I would have got one.  Instead, I bought a new gun with a rail for a light.  I may have to look for one, no reason to not have two guns with a light.

I'm not sure that they make one for a non-railed Sig.  Unfortunately.  But we never know what'll happen in the future.  

I may try this on my Hi Power clone.  

shotgunshooter3

I dig it. I would be really interested in one a little larger, with paddles to turn the light on instead of a button (think a TLR-7 "lite," if you will).

breamfisher

Update: I tried it on my FEG Hi Power clone. It won't fit right: has a down-angle relative to the bore and line of sight. I have read that the housing for a Kahr or Kimber Micro 9 may work with mods.

jbp-ohio

I put one on my wifes G48. It is almost to hard for her to operate one handed. The button could be easier to use.

breamfisher

I think they want to cut down on unintended light discharges. 

I've been practicing and it gets easier. OTOH, I play bass, so that helps with finger strength and stretching.