Tactical Lights for HK USP FULL

[SoCalShooter]

I wanted a tactical light for my HK. I looked at the SUREFIRE and they require an attachment for the HK.

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/23519/sesent/00

Or there is the HK UTL that fits directly onto the weapon on the standard rail.

http://www.streetpro.com/usp/utl.html

The review from them is to go with the SUREFIRE. Which I am partial to but I was hoping someone here or some of you have some actual experience with either config. I kinda like the M3 streamlight setup and can get the pro mag rail attachment but the SUREFIRE and HK UTL seem to have a better profile on the weapon.

 

[Devonai]

I have the UTL aka the Mark 2. It is my primary flashlight and I have kept it long after I sold my last USP. There are a couple of advantages and one disadvantage.

The advantage is that the UTL has two switches, a master on/off switch and a toggle switch. The toggle has two settings, momentary and always on, just like the M3. The addition of the master on/off switch gives you a great advantage if you want to carry the light around in your pocket as a general purpose flashlight, as the toggle switch is too sensitive to getting jarred into the activated position. I experienced this with the M3, and those suckers can get HOT.

The disadvantage is that the CR123 batteries only last for about two hours total. I usually have to change batteries every four to six months.

FYI the UTL will work on 1913 rails, but will require spacers or something else to keep it from sliding back and forth.

 

[SoCalShooter]

Well it is significantly less expensive than purchasing the adapter from SUREFIRE and then the TAC light and I want to only use it on the HK.

 

[DragonRider]

I ended up getting the Surefire rail and the X200A, part of the reason is due to future purchases like the P30. and I have a few fullsize pistols this will go on.

Also, more holsters will work with the X200A and other brands of pistols than the UTL mounted on the 1913 rails. If this is a bedside gun, the issue isn't as important. I am trying to get in the habit of carrying the light with the gun.

Just some thoughts.

John

 

[SoCalShooter]

It is a bedside gun and I take it hunting. I do not have a holster that will fit the weapon and the light attached. However, I have made the decision that this will be only for this weapon. I have my kimber that has the rail but I do not use it for HD or take it hunting. And for the most part I do not intend to purchase another weapon with rails...(other than my AR but their are other systems for that).

I am still torn to be honest.

 

[porkysan]

I've had the UTL for 5-6 years now......numerous range sessions.......thousands of rounds through the gun with the light attached.......with no issues whatsoever.

That said, I own several surefire lights, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.

Despite my good experience with the UTL, surefires enjoy easily found replacement parts, are much more versatile, and feel more solidly built.

IF the UTL ever goes down, I expect getting replacement parts from HK will be a pain.

I also personally like the toggle on switch that the UTL has. If you're going to use pressure switches, that's kind of a toss up.

I don't think either one would be a bad choice.

 

[Devonai]

Porkysan, the UTL would be serviced by Insight Technologies.

http://www.insightlights.com/products/showProduct.asp?id=1

Of course, I have no idea if their service would be any faster than H&K. I think it would for me, since I live in the next town over.

 

[SoCalShooter]

Ok, I have made a decision, whilst the UTL is designed specifically for the rail the weapon comes with, I think I will be going with the SUREFIRE, why? quaility I know, reliability I know, replacement parts I know.