I am thinking of getting a rail mount flashlight for my Beretta PX4 Compact instead of trying to juggle a handheld one.
Not to dissuade you from buying one, but consider that you'll need a holster for each configuration, with and without the light mounted.
Is a rail mount the same for all makes?
No, but a high quality light will come with adapters to make them fit all rails. My Streamlight TLR-2 came with three different rail-stops. The one that came already installed fits most rails, then one was for Smith & Wesson models only (which is what I bought it for), and I don't know what the last one was made to fit, but there is obviously at least one other manufacturer that doesn't comply with the most universal rail-stop fitment specs.
How bright (Lumens) is recommended?
No pun intended, but that's a loaded question. There are so many variables. My TLR-2 is one of, if not *the* first iterations of the TLR line. I couldn't remember what the light was rated at, so before telling you something wrong, I went and checked the original packaging. I was surprised to find that it's only rated at 80 lumens. They're making the same model with a 650 lumen option now. I think the base option is 300 lumens (not 100% positive about that though), and I don't think they make anything below that now. Now, my 80 lumen version has a very focused beam. There is no discernible spot with a wide spill, it's just all very focused spot. As such, 80 lumens has a very impressive throw (distance). I have ~200 lumen hand-helds that don't seem any brighter because so much of the light is lost in the spill. They will light a wider area, but their throw is nowhere near as good as the TLR-2.
I'm not trying to get you to buy a Streamlight, but consider that their warranty is second to none. Lifetime warranty on the light. I had to send mine in to get work done on the laser (TLR-1 comes without a laser) and they didn't even ask if I was the original owner or not. Just sent it in and it was back in less time than they told me it might take. I'm sure Surefire comes with a decent warranty too, probably Insight as well, but I know Streamlight's customer service and turn-around went way above my expectations, so I thought I'd throw that in.
Is there a name brand that is more durable than others?
I like Streamlight, but I know other brands (at least Surefire and Insight) make good ones too.
OR, do I just invest in some flash grenades and shoot whatever is still standing.
Nah, buy a light and save the flash-bangs for when the gun-grabbers come for your gun(s?). They'll be throwin' 'em at you, might as well throw 'em back. :biggrin:
Blues
