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FL180
Posts: 58 Member
Laser/Light recommendations for HD pistol
FL180
Posts: 58 Member
I have a Glock 22 that I use for HD and am thinking about adding a laser/light combo on it. I've seen the Glock factory unit (GTL22) but I'm not sure it will be bright enough, only 60 lumens. Does anyone have this unit? Is it bright enough for you to use in any HD scenario in dark/low light situations? Is there a minimum number of lumens you would recommend? Any other recommendations for a rail mounted laser/light combo?
Thanks
Thanks
Replies
I do once a week or so check the batteries on it, the 2 extra flashlights next to it and the Glock 23 has day night TRUGLO TFO sights, the flashlight laser is a nice tool but IMO the basics have to always be there.
I would suggest this, IMHO...
http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=81
It also has a "Contour Remote" available for the G22 (scroll down to accessories)
160 lumens is pretty damn bright to a BG in your dark house at 3 am; although personally, I don't see the need for the laser. If you're in a HD scenario your iron sights plus illuminated/deer in the headlights surprised BG should be sufficient.
Taurus 605 .357, Ruger .45 Vaquero, Colt frontier commemorative .22 SA, Pietta 1860 .44 snubnose
A Streamlight of some sort would be my choice. Good cost/benefits ratio.
I really personally don't know not having tried it out, on handguns I do try and keep it as minimal and sleek as possible.
A carbine OTOH is a distinct possibility, it already is somewhat bulky...
To Me it is all personal defense, I don't really have anything that does not fulfill the role of personal defense..... I don't break it down by home defense, locations vehicles etc.... I never really have to be honest.
NO you don't have to keep it on all the time and give up your position, the switch is easy to handle even when holding the gun one handed and it gives you 2 options, to one side it "toggles" and it is only on while applying pressure, that IMO works only when behind cover to do a quick check of what lies ahead but to the other side it remains on and it is quite easy to turn off from it, you can set it up for just he light or just the laser to come on or both, like everything thinking in advance and practice makes perfect!
Now, the main PLUS with a handgun mounted laser in a defense situation is that you can stay behind cover and expose a minimum of yourself, more so with a one handed grip and still attain a target, try doing that with a handgun in one hand and a flashlight on the other... pretty much a huge chunk of your upper body will be exposed!!!
I have used the laser at night extensively on nocturnal IPSC matches, not the real thing but still provides good hands on feedback on the advantages of this devices. IT IS A GREAT AID, incredibly fast and accurate, AGAIN THE ADVANTAGE it gives you is HUGE and that is a good thing when facing a bad guy.
Still in the matches I carry a regular flashlight as a backup and my competition and defense guns have night sights, as I mentioned I keep 2 flashlights next to my bed, redundancy is a must do when it comes to your safety.
Yes it depends on batteries to work, your defense gun depends one ammo, you can be certain you got one, you can check the other as well, I might be paranoid but at least once a week I make sure the batteries are good on the laser/flashlight and while at it that the magazine is full and that there is a round in the chamber, actually if I did not have the flashlight there I probably be more lax about checking the ammo situation.
You can critique things you never try all you want, you can also try them and even make them work for you.
I asked a question and admitted: "I don't know" Ok ?? I have however been in personal defense situations at night, dark etc... and have been successful anyway..... I still have excellent night vision....
I don't think bruchi directed that response at you, Doc :tooth: .
I think that usually this kind of discussion ends in "whatever works for you, but use it right". I think a tool is good for the intended purpose if used properly. Glock makes the GTL-21 and GTL-22 and they don't make carbines, so they are clearly intended for use on pistols. We have both the GTL-21 and GTL-22, one on each of our HD Glock 19 (which are not carried, but reside nearly permanently bedside). These are light weight, bright enough for target ID at night. They are also quick-detached, in less than 2 seconds, if that is necessary. I have ours set on light/laser combo and intend to use them as quick 1-time flash rather than continuously on (to be come a target). I like the fact that I can have my other hand free. Best of all, they don't have to be turned on if you don't want to use them.
In any case, I also have a Streamlight TLR-2 and Sig STL-900L, both are light/laser. I like the Streamlight, which is brighter and more rugged than the Glock, but it's not as quick to detach. The Sig has like a thousand buttons that are not easy to remember/operate so I'm going to get rid of it soon.
Al
That was most informative !!
Thanks!