The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: Green Mountain Gringo on May 08, 2009, 05:32:03 AM
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With all due respect to Crimson Trace I've been checking out the Streamlight® TLR-2 which has a tactical light and laser combo. The retail test model was neat, with three options.....one setting is light only, second was laser only and a third was laser and light combined.
I'm trying to be a good boy and not buy a new gun (don't really need a new gun) but something to dress my glock 17 up isn't wrong is it? :P
(http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_712628_999_02?$main-Medium$)
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Wrong? Hell man, its patriotic! Stimulate the economy and all that. The only things I'd ask though are:
1) can you find a holtster for it?
2)what does it do to the pointability of the gun?
I have no idea to the answer for these questions and will wait for more informed folks to weigh in before I offer an opinion.
FQ13
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I don't believe I'll be toting this one around if I go with this...it'll become my home defense choice.
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if you can, try one 1st. I can't stand the extra wieght... also if its going on a glock, its a known issue that heavy lights will make the gun miss fire. its only in models chambered in 40. has to do with how the frame flexs.
it should also be noted, that if your point the light at some one, your also pointing the gun. so its not a "bolt on" tool.( you know what I mean)
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Some issues I have with systems like that are -
1. Can you get a holster (mentioned before) - I have a rail light (it came with my XD package and the only holsters I can find have a rail on the holster for the light, but the light can't be on the gun in the holster;
2. Turn on the light and say "Hey bad guy here I am!" At least with a handheld light you can move the light away from your body and even point separate from gun;
3. With a rail mounted light you point the gun at everything you point the light at ... including your spouse and children ???
Another benefit of a flashlight over a rail light is that it gives you "knuckle reinforcement," a striking tool, and a really good flashlight you can use in any activity.
I'd recommend a crimson trace and a flash light over this arrangement.
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Some issues I have with systems like that are -
1. Can you get a holster (mentioned before) - I have a rail light (it came with my XD package and the only holsters I can find have a rail on the holster for the light, but the light can't be on the gun in the holster;
2. Turn on the light and say "Hey bad guy here I am!" At least with a handheld light you can move the light away from your body and even point separate from gun;
3. With a rail mounted light you point the gun at everything you point the light at ... including your spouse and children ???
Another benefit of a flashlight over a rail light is that it gives you "knuckle reinforcement," a striking tool, and a really good flashlight you can use in any activity.
I'd recommend a crimson trace and a flash light over this arrangement.
I'd like to add an observation supporting M58 here. Carrying something like a three or four D cell maglight (plenty tactical enough for me) gives you not one, but two weapons. If you get in a tussel with the BG, he's going to have to choose which one to go for, while you can do damage with the other. I'm not an LEO, but I did watch 24 a lot. ;D
FQ13
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I'd like to add an observation supporting M58 here. Carrying something like a three or four D cell maglight (plenty tactical enough for me) gives you not one, but two weapons. If you get in a tussel with the BG, he's going to have to choose which one to go for, while you can do damage with the other. I'm not an LEO, but I did watch 24 a lot. ;D
FQ13
Well I ain't seen 24, but I do know a police officer, and my Dad's nonlethal arsenal before OC spray came around definitely include a foot and a half Maglight. You could tell because the police baton has no wear, where as he got a new Maglight once every other month.
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Back in my army days, we used to refer to any form of flashlight as as aiming stake.
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Another benefit of a flashlight over a rail light is that it gives you "knuckle reinforcement," a striking tool, and a really good flashlight you can use in any activity.
I'd recommend a crimson trace and a flash light over this arrangement.
Second that. I've found that having a separate light is easy to control, while doing a practice run of the house and the front and back yard, I just bring the light in and cover the lens by holding it against my gut, and that quick the lights off, without any clicking. And I like the fact that the Crimson Trace can be deactivated by letting you grip off the switch and activated only if you should need to fire your weapon. But I think with practice, I don't know any techniques for this kind of device, the combo light could be just as effective. But honestly you should just go for that pistol bayonet, you wouldn't even need a light, you can just flail your arms around.
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I've got TLR 2 and I love it. The holster thing is a problem for me, But I have mine mounted on a USP. I do know that Blackhawk has some really nice CQC holsters that are designed to fit a light mounted Glock. I would call to be sure they fit the TLR 2 but I have been told they do.
I do agree that you do have to be much more aware about pointing, but then again, I have it mounted on my "toy" and not my work sidearm.
Overall, I really like the streamlight. I don't use it very often, but it really increases the "cool" factor.
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The holster thing shouldn't be too much of a problem. No, you probably won't find one for sale, but any leather working shop should be able to make a pancake style holster fitted to the weapon and light for no monre than, say...$200, probably more like $100 - $150. You may have to leave the weapon and light with them for about a week or so though.
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Well I ain't seen 24, but I do know a police officer, and my Dad's nonlethal arsenal before OC spray came around definitely include a foot and a half Maglight. You could tell because the police baton has no wear, where as he got a new Maglight once every other month.
Damn man! Thats some serious law enforcement. Yikes!
FQ13
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I use a streamlight flashlight at work. and wow. it is one bright SOB! they also sell lights (rechargeable) that put out 75000 candle power and are fairly light. if you do go with a flashlight, crimson trace combo I would definitely recommend Streamlight. I've been using this light daily for over six years now.