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ARCHIVES => CZF ARCHIVES II => Lights, Lasers and Red Dots => Topic started by: cz_po7 on December 03, 2017, 03:17:46 PM
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I?m picking up new PO7 next week and shopping for rail mounted tac light. Right now leaning towards Streamlight TLR~1. Thanks for any input on a tac light that is working well for you. Looking to spend around $100. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171203/70b16d0cff540eb5b0fe89f19932be4a.jpg)
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The TLR-1 HL is a great choice.
I am pretty invested in Surefire (mainly for the DG switch) but if that wasn?t a concern I?d be looking hard at Streamlight instead.
Just my $0.02 here but I wouldn?t look at anything under 400 lumens.
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The APLc is also fine. The Glock model fits fine and looks made for the gun. Great for inside and around the house. It would also be ideal for carry - given you find a holster for it.
I hear S0nspark's exhortation for 400+ lumens. If it is an HD light then the HL is your baby and you only have one. Keep in mind that "400 lumens" might not give you more effective light than say 300 depending on other factors. Lumens are not everything, and the APLC is pretty darn bright. See Mrgunsngear's review - excellent on both lights.
If you have a big property, and need more lumens, you may also need more firepower - like a carbine,
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Another vote for the APLc. I like the switch function being the same on both sides, and didn?t like the TLR when firing while holding the switch in ?temporary? (more like the TLR didn?t like my thumb). I also like the balance better, which is why I switched from the full-size to compact on shorter barreled pistols.
That said, the TLR is both a bargain and a workhorse. And can be had with more lumens, if desired.
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Another vote for the APLc. I like the switch function being the same on both sides, and didn?t like the TLR when firing while holding the switch in ?temporary? (more like the TLR didn?t like my thumb). I also like the balance better, which is why I switched from the full-size to compact on shorter barreled pistols.
That said, the TLR is both a bargain and a workhorse. And can be had with more lumens, if desired.
True: When shooting in the temp mode the TLR-1HL will eat up your thumb. I believe the switch functions on the APLc are superior.
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Keep in mind that "400 lumens" might not give you more effective light than say 300 depending on other factors. Lumens are not everything, and the APLC is pretty darn bright.
True. I am an all- the-lumens kind of guy myself ... as long as the light is reliable. That said, there are other factors that come to bear in my decisions - spill, hit spot, light color, controls... it can be somewhat subjective.
I used to carry with an APL... I liked it but had continual issues with activating and deactivating the light by mistake when drawing and reloading. Those controls just weren?t for me.
Also, my APL was a gen 1 200 lumen model and after taking my first low light course I realized it wasn?t going to meet my needs. It was fine indoors, in small rooms anyway, but it didn?t stand up in bigger rooms or outdoors and I needed both.
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When shooting in the temp mode the TLR-1HL will eat up your thumb.
That is why I love my DG switches :)
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I just bought a Streamlight TLR 4 for my P07 today from OpticsPlanet.com for just under $104 with a discount code I found online for 10% off with free shipping. I don't know how I will like it yet as I have never used one before but just wanted to let you know about that price for it and maybe that will help or you can use that discount on your model. Hopefully someday we can both give better answers as to what we think about them in the future. Good luck with your purchase.
My P07 is strictly a home defense and range gun so I was not bothered that the TLR 4 will stick out about 3/4 of an inch beyond the end of the barrel even tho they say it is designed for compact guns.
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I used to have my Streamlight on my .357 SIG M&P. The paint is burnt off the top of the metal ring on the lens, but it still works just fine. I had it on the P07, for a short bit, then put it on the P09 as the P09 is my night time/bed room pistol. Oh, I've got the TLR1 on the P09 and the smaller TLR3 on my P01.
I think I like the smaller light better. I definitely like the battery arrangement better. I hate having to take the "1" off the rail to replace the batteries.
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I'm looking for one for my p-09, I am looking at the trl-3, but there is one by a company named ohlight for $65 that has me interested.
I don't want to be too cheap, but if it works, it works.
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So I am also going to say the streamlight is a great option. Especially for the price point (I'm currently running a Gen 2 Inforce APL) also not bad for the price point only down side is lack of light.
Me personally I will be going with a x300. Mainly I want all the lumens, but also eventually going to be running a compensator on my P-07 and Glock 19 and the Surefire sticks out slightly past the compensator, this gives you a stand off device incase of close retention shooting, will help mitigate the chances of your gun going out of battery
Granted if the streamlight offered the same advantage of being a standoff device id be looking at that just as much as the Surefire
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I have streamlights on all my hands guns. I'm pretty much locked into it unless I feel like buying all new holsters. However, I use TLR1-S on all the handguns. I have 1 HL and that's on an AR. I went through the house with an HL and it's just to bright. All my walls are white.
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Here is a review of the O-light PL2...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yOCKKVgzBhQ
The smaller PL Mini may also be worth a look.
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Don't have an olight on a handgun but have two on AR15's and two for around the house (shining out of the house towards the woods when the dogs get active). No issues from any of them. Oh, the models I have are the standard small flashlight looking models that put out 500 or more lumens).
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Thanks much for your ideas and suggestions. Several good choices out there. I have between now and Christmas to settle on a choice.
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Here is a review of the O-light PL2...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yOCKKVgzBhQ
The smaller PL Mini may also be worth a look.
Thanks much! Looking hard at Olight. Good price point. I own Olight flashlight. Good build quality for the price no doubt.
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Here is a review of the O-light PL2...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yOCKKVgzBhQ
The smaller PL Mini may also be worth a look.
I wonder with such high lumens (even on low setting) I?ll blind myself inside the in the dark after waking from deep sleep to investigate a bump in the night? Makes me think what?s optimal lumens for hallway and not blind myself too? 100?
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I have a TLR2-HL. Works great, but it is not concealable at all. Way too big.
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The TLR-1 HL is a great choice.
I am pretty invested in Surefire (mainly for the DG switch) but if that wasn?t a concern I?d be looking hard at Streamlight instead.
Just my $0.02 here but I wouldn?t look at anything under 400 lumens.
400 lumens. Wow. I?m concerned I?ll blind myself moving about in my dark home. How many lumens does it really take to do the job inside the home?? Thanks for your input. These comments are helping me in my decision process. Again thanks to all.
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I like how the inforce looks more factory to the polymer cz's.
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New Gen 3 Enforce lights are NICE. Don't let their hit or miss Gen 1 and 2 lights deter you from trying one. I have 4 now. All have been flawless. One has about 4-5K rounds on it, using it to brace the pistol on barriers, etc.
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Just my $0.02 here but I wouldn?t look at anything under 400 lumens.
400 lumens. Wow. I?m concerned I?ll blind myself moving about in my dark home. How many lumens does it really take to do the job inside the home?? Thanks for your input. These comments are helping me in my decision process. Again thanks to all.
Well, my X300s are 600 lumens and my handheld is either 600 or 1000 depending on which I have. Sounds like a lot I guess but, honestly, I think the blinding thing is more a matter of technique than of a light being "too bright" ... The sun is too bright to look at - we use the light indirectly. No reason you can't do that with a handheld or a WML.
Also, as to the "just woke up" thing... well, I have learned to glance away, turn on the light and look back (or start out bezel down on the nightstand and then lift) to give my eyes a few seconds to adjust. It doesn't take long...
Once the light is on and my eyes are adjusted, I really can't get too much light - at least, not yet ;-)
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The TLR-1 HL is a great choice.
I am pretty invested in Surefire (mainly for the DG switch) but if that wasn?t a concern I?d be looking hard at Streamlight instead.
Just my $0.02 here but I wouldn?t look at anything under 400 lumens.
400 lumens. Wow. I?m concerned I?ll blind myself moving about in my dark home. How many lumens does it really take to do the job inside the home?? Thanks for your input. These comments are helping me in my decision process. Again thanks to all.
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I have some lights that are over 1000 lumens and they are just fine, they would work on a lower setting, but the brightest seems to be best to me.
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Well, you KNOW you're going to "hit the light". The possible someone you want to see won't know it.
Close the right eye, pop that big bright light on them and then turn it off. They're "blind" for a couple minutes, you have good night vision through your "shooting eye."
Practice. Practice. Practice. If for no other reason that to be sure you turn on the light - not fire the gun.
Or put on your best sun glasses before you pop them with the bright light. Actually, I've never tried this myself, so I don't know if it works or not - but the one eye thing works great.
You also need to be prepared to move after you flick the light on/off as you just let anyone there know where you are.
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Let me throw this out there. I recently installed a Viridian X5L combo light / green laser on my P-07. Light is 178 lumens which seems plenty bright to me. I have several other makes and models of weapon lights of varying luminosity and this thing is plenty bright to me. The green laser is awesome as usual and I like the ambi switch which is right where my off-the-trigger-finger is. Paid $154 on Ebay (lucky? not sure.). Of course the holster has to change when a light is installed so I'm trying the Black Rhino concealment TCSL. So far liking it very much. Wear it about 15 hours per day and so far so good. It didn't come with the magnet which can turn the Viridian on as it slides out of the holster. So far, not really needing it. Anyway, just something else to consider. Good luck with whatever you choose!
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I have a TLR-1 on a Ruger Mk II. It works great but I wouldn't personally recommend it for a self defense gun. As another member noted here, it is a bit TOO easy to activate.
I had a small rail mounted to the underside of my (bull) barrel and it tucks up nicely. It's my after dark skunk gun. We have a real problem with them here.
Again, the light and laser work great, but I tucked it away in a foam lined case right after I got it mounted. I went back to get it a week or two later and the battery was dead. I realized, after I changed the battery that it was being activated by the foam lining of my case. I checked it an hour or so later and it was HOT. I'm probably lucky it didn't over heat the first time it drained the battery. Now, I just keep it loose on top of the case in an out of the way place that's easy to get to.
I like the light, and it's perfect for my application but I would have second thoughts about carrying with it. If I ever do, I'll make a Kydex holster for it.
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I ran the TLR-1 HL on my carbine for a 2 day carbine class which included low-light/no-light drills. While running no-light drills, I was able to see AND identify my targets out to at least 40 yards with the TLR-1 HL. However, once everyone started firing at the same time the smoke was too thick for any light to be effective.
The TLR-1 HL is currently mounted on my P-07 Duty and it is one of my HD pistols.
Good luck.
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I like how the inforce looks more factory to the polymer cz's.
Yep. I agree.
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not a big fan of lights on guns.
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not a big fan of lights on guns.
It makes them lighter...
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Had a LEO tell me once an APL 200 Lumen is all you want in the house. So, arming the bed side stand for home defense means thinking about not blinding yourself, but you may need to blind thd perp. A lot of factors to consider for home defense, completely different from outside shooting at targets 25+ yards off.
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The o-light pl mini is on my wishlist.
As to lumens, from the tests I've watched and read, 400 seems to be the max that's usually recommended (for indoor)
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Too many people get caught up in lumens.
Depending on what you're using the light for, everything has its place from 100 - well over 1K.
Strictly for indoors in your house? 100-200 lumens is plenty (though I don't think more is a bad thing within reason, but many people underestimate what even 100-200 does indoors.)
If it's for outdoors where you may be shining longer distance then sure, 300-500+ would be more ideal.
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Too many people get caught up in lumens.
Depending on what you're using the light for, everything has its place from 100 - well over 1K.
Strictly for indoors in your house? 100-200 lumens is plenty (though I don't think more is a bad thing within reason, but many people underestimate what even 100-200 does indoors.)
If it's for outdoors where you may be shining longer distance then sure, 300-500+ would be more ideal.
I still contend that having 500-600 lumens (or more) indoors is not a problem with proper technique, especially in your own home. You KNOW the layout and where the walls and mirrors are, after all... using the light indirectly in that circumstance gives you plenty to see by and with a flashlight that can make the transition to outdoors or bigger spaces when needed.
Outdoors, I'd prefer something like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpf_Daw3jLk
but that won't fit in my pocket LOL
I do like my little 15 lumen light for when I have to creep to the bathroom at night - keeps me from waking the monster wife ;-)
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Did anyone mention the Surefire XC-1. Very compact, lightweight, and 200 lumens?
I have it on my nightstand P-01. Small enough to holster too.
I suppose the P-07 could handle a larger light OK for HD; but 200 lumens seems about right for our smaller home.
Lots of choices and opinions. Probably none are really wrong.
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Mrgunsngear did a comparison video on XC-1 and APLC - APLC wins hands down for me, and the price is right.
BTW - having mounted both models, the APLC Glock seems to be better for the P07.
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Mrgunsngear did a comparison video on XC-1 and APLC - APLC wins hands down for me, and the price is right.
BTW - having mounted both models, the APLC Glock seems to be better for the P07.
Thanks for this info.
Like most things electronic; things change rapidly and I suppose that goes as well for my Surefire XC-1 I purchased in 2016 for ~$200. I just Googled: XC1 Tactical Light ; and there's now a XC1 'knockoff' for about $45. It sure looks identical to the $200 Surefire XC-1, I wonder if it's comparably good??
And.... the updated Surefire XC-1 'B' is 300 lumens now. Life just keeps getting better. ::)
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Go with the Gen 3 Inforce APL or Surefire X300U in my opinion, depending on what you find is more comfortable.
(https://cdn3.volusion.com/mxgqo.azzdj/v/vspfiles/photos/apl-001-3T.jpg)
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I run the APLC universal on my P-07. I also have a Streamlight TLR-1S.
For carry, the APLC is a better option. The interface was also more natural for me. The Streamlight is only 100 lumens brighter than the the APLC, and I think the APLC has a better light pattern.
The TLR-1S lives on my nightstand gun, and my APLC is my carry light. It will be fully integrated when I get a holster made.
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(https://i.imgur.com/lkEPeYb.jpg?1)
Surefire XC-1 Lightweight and compact. I took it off my P-01 where it fits perfectly to see how it looks on my P-07.
I did discover what might be another alternative:
When I googled 'XC1 Tactical Light' I found what appears to be a 'knockoff' available from Walmart.com for ~$45 including shipping. XC1 Tactical Handgun Light 200 Lumens.
Sure looks the same! I ordered one just to see.
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This is a great thread exploring the latest weapon light options.
Not just P-07 specific, but fitment on any rail.
I sure wish there was a CZ Forum category just for lights, lasers, and RDS.
Because electronics change so rapidly, and prices drop like a stone, threads past a year old; probably are no longer relevant.
IMHO it would be so much easier to find members experiences with the latest options available.
Just say'in
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probably right!
Break out a light/accessory forum AND a separate P07/09 forum - they really have nothing in common with the P10. Be better to throw the Phantom in with them...
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The light/laser/RDS subforum is being looked at. Not sure on separating the P-10 ... we will discuss. ;-)
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Thanks for your consideration! We know it?s more work for you. 😉
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I have a TLR-2HL, extremely bright. Have a TLR-7 on order, considered the TLR-8, but I already have a RDS on the P07. I honestly don't know why anyone buys the Surefire offerings. They're overpriced for what they are, and STreamlight consistently outperforms Surefire IMO.
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So since this has been brought back
Going to jump back in on here, I'm still currently running my gen 2 APL but honestly that is just because that is what holster I have. I am eventually going over to the X300u. I know many people are running Apps but (and it might be having smedium hands) activation system is it's biggest negative to me. Yes it's super easy to use and makes perfect sense, but it to me reminds me of a serpa holster press a little to hard on that button finger slips and it's going one way into the trigger guard.
Not saying I have had this happen or even heard of it happening (cause I haven't) but for me I see how it could so that is enough for me to want to move away from it
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I honestly don't know why anyone buys the Surefire offerings. They're overpriced for what they are, and STreamlight consistently outperforms Surefire IMO.
Have to say I agree.
Who would pay full price for a 2015 TV? Electronics change so rapidly, threads like this are helpful to keep up with the latest gear.
When I bought my Surefire XC-1 18 months ago it was about the most compact light I could find for my P-01. With today's offerings, I would never pay that price and certainly would buy something different.
To have a back-up; I bought a knock-off 'XC1 200 lumen light' for 1/5th the Surefire price that has identical metal body and better switches. Still use my Streamlight TLR-4 I bought 2 years ago on my shorty HD shotgun. Been 100% reliable.
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I honestly don't know why anyone buys the Surefire offerings. They're overpriced for what they are, and STreamlight consistently outperforms Surefire IMO.
Have to say I agree.
Who would pay full price for a 2015 TV? Electronics change so rapidly, threads like this are helpful to keep up with the latest gear.
When I bought my Surefire XC-1 18 months ago it was about the most compact light I could find for my P-01. With today's offerings, I would never pay that price and certainly would buy something different.
To have a back-up; I bought a knock-off 'XC1 200 lumen light' for 1/5th the Surefire price that has identical metal body and better switches. Still use my Streamlight TLR-4 I bought 2 years ago on my shorty HD shotgun. Been 100% reliable.
There are other considerations.
Reliability and durability of the mainline Surefire lights (x300, scout, P2x) is extremely good. These light can truly take a severe beating and still be counted on. That is, I would say, their #1 feature.
Reflector and bulb performance - potentially very subjective - are also consistently good across the product line. Output level over time and runtime are excellent compared to the competition.
Also, for pistol use, I find the X300 controls to be the best, particularly when you add a DG switch - something I don?t think the other makers even offer. I also personally prefer the more streamlined profile.
For most, a light is a light is a light and price speaks loudly. Any of the top offerings today are probably more than reliable enough. There is still some benefit to going with certain Surefire products for some users.
I do feel their pricing is a bit high, though. It would be nice to see them come down a little.
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For tactical and single-hand use, the X300's DG switch is a big plus. I can understand why one would not compromise on this feature.
The O Light PL2 Valkyrie with 1200 lumens also looks to be a solid tac light. If Aaron Cowan can't destroy it, I guess it's pretty durable.
I was disappointed in the Surefire XC-1's on-off slide switch which just drifts, no locking detent. Even the knock-off at 1/5 the price has a better switch with positive detent. JMO However, the Surefire's multi-facet reflector does do a good job of concentrating light, much better than the knock-off. I guess it's not fair to judge the Surefire product line, even though I paid >$200 for the XC-1. Maybe the Gen 2 is better. I did get the very compact, no snag, smooth shape I wanted for my P-01.
There are so many good choices; it's wise to research the entire field and understand the features you want. But as in all electronics; new models come out and the paradigm shifts.
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Take a look at the TLR-7. Botach (sigh) has them for $110 shipped. I am tempted to pick up two more, but haveing two should be sufficient for me.
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https://www.amazon.com/Olight-PL-MINI-Rechargeable-springfield-LegionArms/dp/B075SHBJMK
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IMHO I think the TLR-1 HL and some of the other bigger weapon lights look oversized and odd on anything but a full size handgun. I have a TLR-1 HL on my P-09 that I keep in my nightstand and I think it is a great combo on that gun. I did just get an Olight Valkyrie PL-Mini for my P-07. Fits perfect and I really like the quick connect/release lever and that it is rechargeable. So far it has gone about 3 weeks without needing a recharge with testing once a week. It is not the 800 lumens of the Streamlight but the 400 lumens are pretty impressive out of compact light.
(https://i.imgur.com/29a4X2s.jpg)
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Rocksemiauto,
That Olight PL-mini setup looks perfect on the P-07.
I had some concern about the rechargeable batteries; but good to know they have some lasting power. Apparently there's a low charge indicator too?
Thanks for sharing. -Vinny
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Rocksemiauto,
That Olight PL-mini setup looks perfect on the P-07.
I had some concern about the rechargeable batteries; but good to know they have some lasting power. Apparently there's a low charge indicator too?
Thanks for sharing. -Vinny
You are welcome. Yes, the bottom of light has a circle magnet. The cord that connects is USB, has an oval blue connector that matches up with the magnet on the bottom of the light, and has a light that is red and will turn to green when fully charged. When I first got the light and plugged it in it took about 35 minutes to hit full charge. Very nifty little setup. Not the best picture but it will give you an idea:
(https://i.imgur.com/8fs3czQ.jpg)
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IMHO I think the TLR-1 HL and some of the other bigger weapon lights look oversized and odd on anything but a full size handgun.
I used to feel the same way... An X300U on a 5" railed 1911 was the bee's knees for me back then.
Now I am of the totally opposite opinion.
Some training I took for work opened my eyes to the benefit of using the light as a standoff device, since most pistols can be pushed out of battery quite easily with a bit of pressure on the front of the slide.
Now, I wouldn't put an X300U on a subcompact, mind you, but I now strongly prefer to have the light extend past the end of the muzzle when possible.
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IMHO I think the TLR-1 HL and some of the other bigger weapon lights look oversized and odd on anything but a full size handgun.
I used to feel the same way... An X300U on a 5" railed 1911 was the bee's knees for me back then.
Now I am of the totally opposite opinion.
Some training I took for work opened my eyes to the benefit of using the light as a standoff device, since most pistols can be pushed out of battery quite easily with a bit of pressure on the front of the slide.
Now, I wouldn't put an X300U on a subcompact, mind you, but I now strongly prefer to have the light extend past the end of the muzzle when possible.
A full size weapon light on a railed 5 inch 1911 does look pretty Boss. I also love the looks of my TLR-1 HL on my 92A1. Good point that you make in regards to the benefit of the light extending beyond the barrel. I guess sometimes you need to consider function over looks.
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Rocksemiauto,
That Olight PL-mini setup looks perfect on the P-07.
I had some concern about the rechargeable batteries; but good to know they have some lasting power. Apparently there's a low charge indicator too?
Thanks for sharing. -Vinny
Yup. A red LED on the left side of the light (viewed when aiming with the gun) turns on when it's low on juice.
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I forgot to add I got my TLR-7. The light output is great, but the controls are not so great. I really wish they kept the TLR-1 style of toggling on/off. THe TLR-7 is a little tough to activate unless you have longer fingers (size L or larger gloves). I am pretty much forced to use toggle on/off rather than temporary on since I can't reliably keep the light on holding it.