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I shot a night match tonight and rediscovered a bad tactical choice and was reminded of what works best for me.

We had four stages. We could use a weapon mounted light on one stage of our choosing and had to use a handheld flashlight on the other three. The purpose of the match was to experiment with tactics and were encouraged or required (I'm not sure which.) to hold the light differently in those three stages. The three positions I used were high over my head, far out to my left, and behind the gun near, but slightly in front of my face. The later was the worst because it overpowered my night sights and I could barely see the rear sights and not the front one at all. Away from the gun worked better, while the mounted light was by far the best.

Therefore, I'm going to finally look into a holster that I can carry with a light mounted. The Safariland ALS 6378 looks like my best option and I'll also get to switch to this ALS holster I've always wanted to try, but couldn't really find a good reason since my Serpas have always worked just fine. Does anyone use this holster and what are your opinions of it?

The next question, if the OP doesn't mind, is about lights. I've had one, but low to mid quality at best. If I'm going to make this change I'm going to get a better quality light. I'm looking at Streamlight (TLR-1 HL or TLR-2s) or Surefire (X300 Ultra). Does anyone use this holster and what are your opinions of it?

Alternate options are welcome.

I haven't made a night match yet, but just holding a flashlight in one hand at some daytime shooting match stages made it clear to me that a weapon light is the way to go.

Between the TLR series and the X300 I prefer the TLR for a few reason. It is shorter, I like the shape of the controls better, and it happens to be cheaper too. Specifically, I use the TLR-1 HL (630 lumens) on handguns and rifles. It does wash out the night sights, but then they were just like a regular set of black iron sights in daylight.

For holsters, I like Bravo Concealment RTT model (no cant), which they offer for a variety of gun/light combos. I've never used the Safariland, so can't help you there.

I can't help you on the holster, but I have a bit of advise on the light.

The Streamlight TLR-n HL lights put out 800 lumens. Used inside or against a light-colored background you can count on destroying your night vision with a light that bright.

The non-HL lights are 300 lumens which is plenty bright without blinding yourself.

Get the TLR-2 if you want a laser with your light. Otherwise, the TLR-1 is the light-only ticket.

The controls on the two different manufacturer's lights seem to be about the same.

I'm not sure the higher lumen lights will be an issue for me inside my house. None of my walls are white and none of them are the shiny finish. The light I have mounted on my M4 is over over 1,000 lumens and I have experimented with it inside in complete darkness with an Eotech and I like the way this combination works, especially with the strobe and that brightness. However, that is not to say that I will not consider any light with a lower lumen output. I think anything at least 120 would be sufficient for indoors, but must also consider outdoors since I will be getting a holster that can accommodate a mounted light.

One thing that the Streamlight has going for it over the Surefire with me is the strobe. I really like that disorienting feature. I'm not a fan of the laser, but could tolerate it and maybe learn to use it more with a quality system better than what I've tried in the past.

Ooo, I just found there is a TLR-1s without the laser. This one just went to the top of the list. And is waterproof to 1 meter.

Pawpaw wrote:I can't help you on the holster, but I have a bit of advise on the light.

The Streamlight TLR-n HL lights put out 800 lumens. Used inside or against a light-colored background you can count on destroying your night vision with a light that bright.

The non-HL lights are 300 lumens which is plenty bright without blinding yourself.

Get the TLR-2 if you want a laser with your light. Otherwise, the TLR-1 is the light-only ticket.

This.

I open carry at the ranch with a TLR-1 HL in a Safariland 7304 (Really it is a 7360 on a QLS fork that can be both); the HL model is great for outside. My inside HD rifle and pistol only have the regular C4 model TLR-1, and that would be the best for all around use.

I have the 7378 (Incase you are not familiar, the Safariland 6xxx series is the kydex with suede system, the 7xxx is the new 7ts... and I cannot recommend the 7ts highly enough!) for a glock 17/22 and it is a great OWB holster if you are going to be in dark places, or wearing a jacket and are not worried about printing. You will really like the ALS versus anything else. Extremely intuitive and probably the best combination of retention and accessibility out there. I will admit that I am much more of a fan of the ALS / SLS combo like the 7360... but that is because I am paranoid of having it fall out of my dropleg while on the tractor and running it over with the mower / disc / box blade. But if you are wearing it as an OWB concealment or even OC, then ALS will be fine.

I have 8 TLR-1 lights. 2 are the old "regular" type, 3 are the newer "C4" model (Means it uses the advanced CREE LED bulb) and 3 are the new HL. Not one single complaint, and my first one has been through the wringer... bouncing around on the tractor and 4 wheeler, chasing hogs through the thick brush, falling in the creek a couple of times, probably 5k rounds while mounted on a G22, G21, and an AR.

AJSully421 wrote:

Pawpaw wrote:I can't help you on the holster, but I have a bit of advise on the light.

The Streamlight TLR-n HL lights put out 800 lumens. Used inside or against a light-colored background you can count on destroying your night vision with a light that bright.

The non-HL lights are 300 lumens which is plenty bright without blinding yourself.

Get the TLR-2 if you want a laser with your light. Otherwise, the TLR-1 is the light-only ticket.

This.

I open carry at the ranch with a TLR-1 HL in a Safariland 7360; the HL model is great for outside. My inside HD rifle and pistol only have the regular C4 model TLR-1, and that would be the best for all around use.

I have the 7378 (Incase you are not familiar, the Safariland 6xxx series is the kydex with suede system, the 7xxx is the new 7ts... and I cannot recommend the 7ts highly enough!) for a glock 17/22 and it is a great OWB holster if you are going to be in dark places, or wearing a jacket and are not worried about printing.

I have been using Blackhawk Level II Serpas for years and have learned to dress accordingly and am not worried about printing. Thanks for the heads up on this holster. I did not see it before, but unfortunately, it does not appear that they make it for any of the Glock .45's.

C-dub wrote:

AJSully421 wrote:

Pawpaw wrote:I can't help you on the holster, but I have a bit of advise on the light.

The Streamlight TLR-n HL lights put out 800 lumens. Used inside or against a light-colored background you can count on destroying your night vision with a light that bright.

The non-HL lights are 300 lumens which is plenty bright without blinding yourself.

Get the TLR-2 if you want a laser with your light. Otherwise, the TLR-1 is the light-only ticket.

This.

I open carry at the ranch with a TLR-1 HL in a Safariland 7360; the HL model is great for outside. My inside HD rifle and pistol only have the regular C4 model TLR-1, and that would be the best for all around use.

I have the 7378 (Incase you are not familiar, the Safariland 6xxx series is the kydex with suede system, the 7xxx is the new 7ts... and I cannot recommend the 7ts highly enough!) for a glock 17/22 and it is a great OWB holster if you are going to be in dark places, or wearing a jacket and are not worried about printing.

I have been using Blackhawk Level II Serpas for years and have learned to dress accordingly and am not worried about printing. Thanks for the heads up on this holster. I did not see it before, but unfortunately, it does not appear that they make it for any of the Glock .45's.

They are just now coming out. I ordered a 7360 for a G21 with a mounted light directly from Safariland and it arrived a couple of weeks ago.

Safariland says they make it: http://www.safariland.com/paddle/model- ... ml#start=1

My son carries his G17 with a TL-Rs mounted, in a kydex holster he built for himself to fit that configuration. I have the same light for my G17, but I prefer to carry without a mounted light.

AJSully421 wrote:

C-dub wrote:

AJSully421 wrote:

Pawpaw wrote:I can't help you on the holster, but I have a bit of advise on the light.

The Streamlight TLR-n HL lights put out 800 lumens. Used inside or against a light-colored background you can count on destroying your night vision with a light that bright.

The non-HL lights are 300 lumens which is plenty bright without blinding yourself.

Get the TLR-2 if you want a laser with your light. Otherwise, the TLR-1 is the light-only ticket.

This.

I open carry at the ranch with a TLR-1 HL in a Safariland 7360; the HL model is great for outside. My inside HD rifle and pistol only have the regular C4 model TLR-1, and that would be the best for all around use.

I have the 7378 (Incase you are not familiar, the Safariland 6xxx series is the kydex with suede system, the 7xxx is the new 7ts... and I cannot recommend the 7ts highly enough!) for a glock 17/22 and it is a great OWB holster if you are going to be in dark places, or wearing a jacket and are not worried about printing.

I have been using Blackhawk Level II Serpas for years and have learned to dress accordingly and am not worried about printing. Thanks for the heads up on this holster. I did not see it before, but unfortunately, it does not appear that they make it for any of the Glock .45's.

They are just now coming out. I ordered a 7360 for a G21 with a mounted light directly from Safariland and it arrived a couple of weeks ago.

Safariland says they make it: http://www.safariland.com/paddle/model- ... ml#start=1

I might have to talk to them directly. I want it for my 30SF and the website says my firearm is not compatible with that holster. Do you really think it is that much more superior to the kydex suede combination?

C-dub wrote:

AJSully421 wrote:

C-dub wrote:

AJSully421 wrote:

Pawpaw wrote:I can't help you on the holster, but I have a bit of advise on the light.

The Streamlight TLR-n HL lights put out 800 lumens. Used inside or against a light-colored background you can count on destroying your night vision with a light that bright.

The non-HL lights are 300 lumens which is plenty bright without blinding yourself.

Get the TLR-2 if you want a laser with your light. Otherwise, the TLR-1 is the light-only ticket.

This.

I open carry at the ranch with a TLR-1 HL in a Safariland 7360; the HL model is great for outside. My inside HD rifle and pistol only have the regular C4 model TLR-1, and that would be the best for all around use.

I have the 7378 (Incase you are not familiar, the Safariland 6xxx series is the kydex with suede system, the 7xxx is the new 7ts... and I cannot recommend the 7ts highly enough!) for a glock 17/22 and it is a great OWB holster if you are going to be in dark places, or wearing a jacket and are not worried about printing.

I have been using Blackhawk Level II Serpas for years and have learned to dress accordingly and am not worried about printing. Thanks for the heads up on this holster. I did not see it before, but unfortunately, it does not appear that they make it for any of the Glock .45's.

They are just now coming out. I ordered a 7360 for a G21 with a mounted light directly from Safariland and it arrived a couple of weeks ago.

Safariland says they make it: http://www.safariland.com/paddle/model- ... ml#start=1

I might have to talk to them directly. I want it for my 30SF and the website says my firearm is not compatible with that holster. Do you really think it is that much more superior to the kydex suede combination?

If both are in stock, far and away, YES. Worth a possible 6-12 month wait for a 7378 while you could be enjoying the 6378... probably not.

My EDC is a G26 with a laser, my bedside gun is a G20C with a Glock light and laser. They both serve me well. I go to night training classes and I use both gun mounted lights and a flashlight. I'm a much better shot with the gun mounted light because I can use a proper grip.

All of my carry guns have a tlr-1s or 1HL. I don't carry a flashlight, and the risk for low light shooting is probably much greater than the risk of a well-lit shooting.

The tacti-cool people will tell you that weapon mounted lights are not a good idea, that they give away your position, blahblahblah.

And they're both great lights. I can't justify $200+ for a surefire, and Streamlight has just a good of reputation at half the cost.

I e-mailed about a week ago to ask about the availability for my 21SF and 30SF. I haven't gotten any response yet, so I decided to call this morning.

As I suspected, the 21 with a TLR-1 mounted holster will also accommodate my 21SF. They just haven't updated the website formula to reflect that. Nothing yet for the 30 or 30SF for the 7378-7TS holster. So, the holster for the 21SF has been ordered and should be here within about 3 weeks or less. I may go ahead and order the 6378 for the 30SF after getting the 7TS one and seeing how I like having one that will hold it with a light mounted.

I just got a safariland 7378 7TS ALS holster with light option for the Streamlight TLR1-HL for a Glock 17.

http://www.safariland.com/paddle/model- ... ml#start=1

I like the holster and the light, the problem is the holster will not fit any other accessories. I have the streamlight contour remote and the gun will not fit in the holster easily and is near impossible to unholster when the remote switch is on the gun.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/streamli ... aQodADIIig

Light and gun will easily fit and draw is easy and gun is held secure in holster. But does not work with contour remote added to gun. Very disappointing.