CTC LightGuard: new light option for M&P9 CCW?

Now that CCW is FINALLY going to be a reality in Wisconsin, I'm considering a potential carry setup using my M&P9. I do have a Utah permit, but have never actually carried on a daily basis before.

One thing I've always thought about is whether to mount a white light or not for daily carry. I've always been put off by the bulk of standard pistol lights like the X300. Now, CTC has announced their new LightGuard product, which looks like it integrates a very streamlined 100 lumen LED with a DEVGRU-type switch:

http://personal.visualitymedia.com/p...lightguard.jpg
http://personal.visualitymedia.com/p...ightguard2.jpg

The LightGuard series are supposed to be available in April (so maybe August in reality) and I'm sure I can either get a custom IWB holster made or get one from CTC's lineup. I'm really attracted to the minimal weight and profile of this light, and I know CTC makes the best pistol lasers out there. My only hesitation is with the switch: grabbing the gun activates the light, vs using your support side fingers to activate a switch. Probably a training thing, but wanted to see if any of you experienced CCW permit holders had any enlightenment for me.

Looks like it might have some promise...

As for the activation switch, I agree with you it'll be a training issue for most people but there is some popularity with the DG switch on Surefire lights and this looks similar. So I can see this being a cheaper (albeit unproven reliable at this point) solution for those as you said who don't want the bulk of a WPL like a X300 or TLR.

Neat idea, but there are no holsters for this set up. Perhaps it can serve a role as a bedside gun

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Originally Posted by aflin

Neat idea, but there are no holsters for this set up. Perhaps it can serve a role as a bedside gun

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If this product works as advertised, I'm sure I can solve the holster puzzle one way or another...

Looked at these at Shot and I don't know if the battery was run down or not, but the output was VERY low.


C4

Very slim line design!!! I want to try one out. Any release date info out?

I think that for a civilian CCW that a separate handheld light is the ticket. You'll use the light more than the gun I can assure you and it avoids the holster dilemma entirely.

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Originally Posted by Sry0fcr

I think that for a civilian CCW that a separate handheld light is the ticket. You'll use the light more than the gun I can assure you and it avoids the holster dilemma entirely.

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Weaponlights have a purpose. As is, they're currently hugenormous and pose a carry issue for most users.

If i can have my cake im sure as hell going to eat it too.

These lightguards give me the option to add a light to my gun without unnecessary bulk and switches that force me to compromise my grip.

Im sold. This does not mean i will stop carrying a handheld light however.

The LightGuard is a neat idea but I definitely prefer to keep the light and pistol separate. I understand there are times where having the light mounted on the pistol are useful but there are more times where one will only need a light. Unfortunately, when people mount lights on handguns they tend to treat their pistols like flashlights. I can appreciate having the LightGuard as another "tool in the box" accessory, but it would not replace my flashlight.

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Originally Posted by Sry0fcr

I think that for a civilian CCW that a separate handheld light is the ticket. You'll use the light more than the gun I can assure you and it avoids the holster dilemma entirely.

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I agree. I carry a Fenix PD20 clipped to my weak-side front pocket, and it's small enough that I don't even notice it.

I have never had to draw my handgun, but I use the light often. Most of the time when I use the light, i don't want/need a firearm attached to it.

A weapon light should always be in addition to a seperate hand held light.

Anyways I would look at the X300 compact, from the pictures it adds minimal width to the gun when mounted. And as much as I like my CTC lasers I believe my Surefire X300s are better built.

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Originally Posted by Magsz

Weaponlights have a purpose. As is, they're currently hugenormous and pose a carry issue for most users.

If i can have my cake im sure as hell going to eat it too.

These lightguards give me the option to add a light to my gun without unnecessary bulk and switches that force me to compromise my grip.

Im sold. This does not mean i will stop carrying a handheld light however.

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I'm with you but if the gun won't fit in your holster it doesn't do me much good. If CTC gets some people behind it to make quality holsters it'd be something I'd consider...

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Originally Posted by Outrider

The LightGuard is a neat idea but I definitely prefer to keep the light and pistol separate. I understand there are times where having the light mounted on the pistol are useful but there are more times where one will only need a light. Unfortunately, when people mount lights on handguns they tend to treat their pistols like flashlights. I can appreciate having the LightGuard as another "tool in the box" accessory, but it would not replace my flashlight.

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Happily we don't live in a world where there are but two discrete options:

a. Pistol + WML
b. Pistol + handheld light

There is a third option: Pistol + WML + handheld light...

As technology improves in the WML category, the line between Pistol and Pistol + WML will inevitably be blurred (size, weight, bulk etc) to some extent.

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Originally Posted by Sry0fcr

I'm with you but if the gun won't fit in your holster it doesn't do me much good. If CTC gets some people behind it to make quality holsters it'd be something I'd consider...

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There will be support for these so i wouldnt worry about it.

Crimson trace is not some obscure manufacturer that goes unnoticed like some of the other laser manufacturers out there so i really wouldnt worry about it.

I know of at least one small kydex outfit that is tooling up to accommodate these accessories. PM me if you want their contact info.

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Originally Posted by Outrider

Unfortunately, when people mount lights on handguns they tend to treat their pistols like flashlights.

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People like this are generally referred to as "idiots".

The fact that they exist does not keep those who know better from taking advantage of advances in technology.

Who said you can't carry a pocket flashlight just because you have a light source on your pistol, too?

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Originally Posted by Magsz

There will be support for these so i wouldnt worry about it.

Crimson trace is not some obscure manufacturer that goes unnoticed like some of the other laser manufacturers out there so i really wouldnt worry about it.

I know of at least one small kydex outfit that is tooling up to accommodate these accessories. PM me if you want their contact info.

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Right, it's not like this unit has been around for a decade or so...it's just hit the market, so let's allow gear manufacturers to come up with solutions for the option before we condemn it.

While I still want an X300 for duty/carry personally, this may be a neat little addition to my fiance's carry piece when she decides to pick it up later this year...

MSRP of $150, figure with an LE discount it'll probably be around $100 at most vendors...slimmer than a TLR/X300, "easier" activation and the same or lesser price all points to the positive IMO, esp once holster manufacturers come around.

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Originally Posted by CoolBreeze

Who said you can't carry a pocket flashlight just because you have a light source on your pistol, too?

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I didn't. I said I could see the LightGuard as another tool in the box but I wouldn't give up my hand held flashlight for it.

I don't mind that there are options. I like seeing what comes out. I heard about Crimson Trace's Light Guard a little while back when one of the local shooters was asked to T&E it so seeing it here is no big surprise.

However, my point was you know how this goes. We already see people whine about the cost of training and gear. When someone has limited money, he buys one option. Often it is the thing that is supposed to do two jobs for the price of one and the owner doesn't even know how to use it properly.

Perhaps I'm jaded because I'm already familiar with a couple of times in my last town where officers used their weapon lights in their cars to do paperwork. Yes, it's dumb but it does happen.

Point is, that shouldn't be a knock against this particular light or any other WML...it should be a knock against idiots.

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Originally Posted by Magsz

There will be support for these so i wouldnt worry about it.

Crimson trace is not some obscure manufacturer that goes unnoticed like some of the other laser manufacturers out there so i really wouldnt worry about it.

I know of at least one small kydex outfit that is tooling up to accommodate these accessories. PM me if you want their contact info.

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I wouldn't call CT's current selection of Laser Guard compatible holsters comprehensive...

If there's another option out there just post it, I'm sure someone would appreciate it.

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Originally Posted by Sry0fcr

I wouldn't call CT's current selection of Laser Guard compatible holsters comprehensive...

If there's another option out there just post it, I'm sure someone would appreciate it.

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The custom ordered kydex makers like RCS will probably support it soon after they start shipping.

If not, I'll make my own holster for it until they do.

Anyone know for sure if it has an "on/off" switch like the CT Laser Grips do?

Perhaps someone can figure out a scenario where a non-LEO citizen carrying concealed needs a pistol mounted light and feels a need to have one but it's definitely not for me.
In addition, unless CT has come up with something new and different, these types of micro led lights rarely put out much usable light. Just check out the reports on similar lights already on the market. I think Grant may be on to something about the dim light.

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Originally Posted by dc202

Perhaps someone can figure out a scenario where a non-LEO citizen carrying concealed needs a pistol mounted light and feels a need to have one but it's definitely not for me.

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Anytime you want to use your other hand for anything else. Escorting a child, opening a door, using the phone, etc.

You now have the ability to shoot with 2 hands instead of 1 max.

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In addition, unless CT has come up with something new and different, these types of micro led lights rarely put out much usable light. Just check out the reports on similar lights already on the market. I think Grant may be on to something about the dim light.

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100 lumens is more than the 6P puts out.

Can you not locate and identify a threat with a G2/6P?

The only issue I had with the light was how to change the battery. The mounting system looks like there are pins holding it together. Not as easy as current models on the market.

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Originally Posted by CoolBreeze

Anytime you want to use your other hand for anything else. Escorting a child, opening a door, using the phone, etc.

You now have the ability to shoot with 2 hands instead of 1 max.



100 lumens is more than the 6P puts out.

Can you not locate and identify a threat with a G2/6P?

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Yea I can. But if you study light output, you will know that such a rating means little.

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Originally Posted by CoolBreeze

People like this are generally referred to as "idiots".

The fact that they exist does not keep those who know better from taking advantage of advances in technology.

Who said you can't carry a pocket flashlight just because you have a light source on your pistol, too?

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especially with a weaponlight this compact. are they going to make a glock version?

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Originally Posted by CoolBreeze

100 lumens is more than the 6P puts out.

Can you not locate and identify a threat with a G2/6P?

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There's much more to it than lumen output, though that is a big deal.

The size of the reflector makes a difference, as that directly impacts how much throw can be generated. Sure, I've got 100 lumens out the front, but if the beam disperses such that I have no discernible "cone" at 12 yards, how useful is that light? My 4Sevens Preon is barely bigger than a AAA battery, puts out 60 lumens (same as the old P60) but isn't really useful past 10 yards thanks to it's lack of throw.

Don't get me wrong, I think this product is a big step in the right direction, but it's still got a way to go. I'd be curious to see how a CR2 powered light does on the ANSI flashlight standards.