Trying to decide on a handgun light

[eJack]

I've been looking at handgun lights and I was pretty settled on the TLR-1. But then, I came across the Beamshot 8100S. I liked the specs on the Beamshot (smaller, only one battery, brighter, strobe function), but I can't find any reviews on them. Streamlight on the other hand seems to have a good reputation. I've also considered surefire, but the cost seems prohibitive.

While I'm on the subject, I've been searching without success for a comparison of various handgun lights.

Also I'm interested in any experience people have in longevity with mounted lights. I'd hate to waste a hundred bucks or more on a light that craps out after a few thousand rounds.

 

[Slvr Surfr]

TLR 1 is a great and reasonably priced weapon light. I had one mounted on my duty glock 22 and another on my ar. I never had any issues with reliability, and the batteries last a long time due to the LED bulb. I really like the locking mechanism on the TLR as well. No matter what rail you put it on it will stay put.

I have no experience with the other mentioned light.

 

[Chindo18Z]

I'll second Slvr Surfr's recommendation of the Streamlight TLR-1.

I've had one for the last 4 years; great light.

$200+ light performance and quality...for around ~ $100.

http://www.copsplus.com/prodnum6043.php ($109.10)

http://www.opticsplanet.net/streamlight-tlr1-weapon-mounted-flashlight.html ($99.95)

http://www.lapolicegear.com/streamlight-tlr1-weaponlight.html ($94.99)

I've had good results and service from all three of the above vendors...

 

[eJack]

The main interest in the beamshot model is from the product specs. It uses only one battery (I won't be needing more than an hour under any foreseeable cercumstances), it is brighter, and most of all has a strobe option. The lack of test data, videos, reviews, or owners willing to vouch for it is concerning me enough to play it safe with the TLR-1.

Oh, and Optics Planet is hands down one of the best gear sites on the internet.

 

[Sapper771]

I have had a TLR-1 for about 3 years now and it is great. The batteries do last a while and it is bright enough for what I use it for. I use mine on duty while working, and I usually put it on my night stand pistol when I get home. The white light of the TRL-1 also comes in handy when I am working crime scenes. Different latent powders will show prints better under the white LED light as opposed to the yellowish/orange incandescent light.

I am looking to purchase another weapon light so I can leave it on my night stand pistol. I am looking at either another TRL-1 or the new TLR-3. I like the surefire weapon lights. A friend of mine has one but he paid over $200 for his, and it doesnt do anything my $90 TLR-1 wont. With that being said, I cant justify spending more money for the surefire.

 

[Peakbagger46]

The TRL-1 I have is outstanding, very bright and won't got out all of a sudden with the LED. I use it on-duty, as do the majority of the guys I work with.