I used to run an incandescent SF 951. I would throw a beam 100+ yards of usable light. I ran it without the tape switch and had it mounted at 3oclock (im a lefty) and operated it with my right thumb, I used a VFG at that time so it was a pretty comfortable setup. With the new LED technology I didn't think I needed a huge light hanging off my rifle so I started looking for something different.

Was about to pull the trigger on a X300 and then saw the sale on the TLR1.

Now I run a TLR1 at 9oclock the furthest forward I can and operate it with my middle finger from my AFG. It will throw a good beam at least 50yds(my best backyard eyeball guesstimate) and it floods well indoors.

The barrel shadow isn't that bad on my SR15, about 6inches of barrel past the light. It kind of bothered me at first, but I soon got used to it and realized how much it really didn't matter. I believe the TLR1 and x300 have similar specs, some say the x300 is brighter. I like the TLR1/x300 style because they are small, light, and bright.