Red LED Pistol Light?

[KevininPa]

I've been looking for a red led pistol light to mount to a S&W MP22 Compact. Lighting my target/pest while preserving night vision seems like a good idea. There are none to be had in my searches. Contacted a known manufacturer about it and received a snarky response about how a shooter needs a bright white light for positive target identification. He obviously never varmint hunted with a red light. I might even get a less expensive one and try using the red lens paint that people use to customize lenses on car lights. I'm not looking for long range shots here. In the meantime, will practice old school pistol/ flashlight hold.
What are your thoughts?

 

[CapnMac]

I wonder if, say, Streamlight, offers red lenses for their stock lights?

Biologically, blue light is better for night vision preservation, but, it's significantly harder to generate true blue light, mechanically.

 

[herrwalther]

Easiest solution would be a popular light like a TLR-1 or 2 with a lens filter. They will be big on a M&P compact but work just as well. I do not know of any pistol lights that you can order in red as the main color.

https://www.premiumselectsupplies.com/products/streamlight-colored-lens-tlr-1-tlr-2-flashlights

 

[gyp_c2]

There may be red, blue, green filters for some. Blue shows blood trails pretty well and is a tad brighter.

I wonder if, say, Streamlight, offers red lenses for their stock lights?

Biologically, blue light is better for night vision preservation, but, it's significantly harder to generate true blue light, mechanically.

 

[CapnMac]

is a tad brighter.

And, that "brighter" is a downside--it "shows" from further away, and constricts the pupil of the eye(s) from the brightness.

It's part of why blue can be used as a substitute for green in navigation lights, but is considered less good for the use.

 

[KevininPa]

It wouldn't even need to be a mega lumen unit. I'm looking at 25-30 yards at the extreme. Currently using an Air Force Talon SS with a small red led flashlight for "less tough" varmints. Once my suppressor comes in, going to put the Compact on some night duties. Would like to have the light attached. Next year a Ruger American with a Sightmark Wraith Mini will be set up. Unfortunately, my firearm funds have been used up for this year.
I might try an inexpensive light that has decent reviews and the lens spray. Not much recoil, so it might hold up alright. Could at least be an interesting experiment.

 

[shafter]

I'd get a red lens cap.