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Or, conversely, a laser/light combo to avoid?

Obviously, I'm still searching laser/light combos and see high quality brands like Crimson Trace, Viridian, Surefire and on and on and then many el cheapos.

Too be sure, I prefer high quality, big name equipment, but I've bought some gun gear that has performed admirably without the fancy name or very high expense as in say a brand like Aimpoint vs. a generic optic from Primary Arms.

So far my search is still in the "I don't which one I want to buy, yet..."

Thanks!

P.S. if there is "THE BEST" one of these pieces of gear costing upwards of $300.00 for a super duper return in service or quality for my money, so be it, but if there's one out there for $80/00 that perform equally or nearly so as well, (as so often happens) I'm not adverse to buying the less costly one.

george wrote:I bought a Streamlight laser/light combo, and never will again. The screws to sight in the laser are tapped in the plastic body, and stripped when I attempted to adjust them.

Sounds like you bought the TLR-4 model, which has a polymer body. I have never had one of these, but based on my own suspicions (backed up by stories like yours) I likely never will. Conversely, I have owned several iterations of the Streamlight TLR-2 with the aluminum body and have been nothing but pleased with them. I actually prefer these to the Surefire offerings. They now have the newer models with the tacticool green laser (Link). Would highly suggest you look into the TLR-2 models.

This Streamlight at Opticsplanet.com: Streamlight TLR-2 HL G Rail Mounted Flashlight with Green Laser 69265 w/ Free Shipping and Handling

A tad over $300, the laser is so bright you can see it in daylight.

I don't have much experience with lasers having only had one and it was not a high end brand. My experience with lights have been with a Surefire that the back came apart after only a short while and would only work intermittently as long as it was firmly attached so that the back was held in place by the front of the trigger guard.

The off brand that I purchased next and also cannot remember the name of did have a laser, but I was unable get it properly zeroed. Maybe because of the same reason George ran into. Anyway, I also discovered that I didn't like the laser much after all.

I now have a TLR-1 and have fired several hundred rounds with it attached and used it in a night IDPA style match. It performed flawlessly and continues to do so even today. I have found that the lens gets hazy easily, but that might be due to rubbing on the holster or something. IDK
However, I've also found that replacement lens caps can be found easily and for low cost on Amazon.

If the quality of the TLR-2 is like the TLR-1, I'd say that would be a good option. I've also heard good things about Veridian on the interwebz, but have never seen one or actually known anyone that has had one.

I have a Crimson Trace railmaster light/laser that seems to work well. I haven't put it through any hard abuse though.

Great information!

Thanks all!!

george wrote:
I bought the M-6. It was a few years past.
I did not realize they made models with either plastic or aluminum.

Are you talking about the Insight Gear M6 (link)? I've never seen/heard of a Streamlight with the M6 designation. If so then I agree, not a fan of the Insight stuff.

I have a streamlight Tlr-2 on my VP .40. It has been on the pistol for a few thousand rounds and it works perfect. It is a little on the big side but it has worked great. The only other one I have used was a UTG that I bought cheap. It lasted about 6 shots before it broke.

I never thought Streamlight was considered a Rolls Royce of lights, but just a serviceable brand. All I have of theirs is flashlights so I couldn't say for sure.