TLR-1 issue

[chaos_23]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum, I apologize if it is not. I shoot a G21 with a TLR-1 attached. My problem is that after very few rounds (i.e. ~50) the lens of my light gets incredibly fouled, and around 100-150 rounds it is pretty much useless. Like, can't tell it's on at night useless. I'm looking for info on others' experience with this problem and/or possible solutions. Does anyone make a lens shroud or something along those lines to keep the fouling off of the lens?

Thanks in advance!

Chaos

[Whiskey Six]

I take mine off at the range. It's back on when on the nightstand.

[Tomac]

Flip-off filters of different colors are available for the TLR-1. You could slip one on while at the range then slip it off afterwards.
HTH...
Tomac

[M2 Carbine]

I use the TLR-2 on several guns.
The light gets really cruddy when shooting cast bullets.

I cut off the bottom of a pill bottle.
Before a laser practice session I tape the cap over the light.
If I'm going to practice with just iron sights I remove the TLR.

[Southshooter]

Dirt racers trick ahead

Take some thick (Higher heat resistance) seran wrap put it over the lens and leave it. Shoot till it is seriously fouled grab the seran wrap ans tear it away. It will only work once but it can get you an extra 100-150 rounds:)

[chaos_23]

Thanks for the tips guys. The only problem is that this is my duty gun, so taking it off or covering the light isn't really an option for regular carry. I realize that it's pretty unlikely that I'll be getting into a high round count gun battle on duty, but you never know. The seran wrap might be workable, but I'm afraid my fellow cops would be merciless with their "negative reenforcement." Haha.

[filthy infidel]

Try a different load. My TLR-1 gets dirty pretty quick on the front of my G-20, but on a .357 SIG P226 it stays clean for a long time. I think that higher pressure keeps the fouling from the lens, and I remember reading something somewhere that a light on a .45 was unusually prone to 'gunking'.

[LSP972]

Originally posted by chaos_23
Thanks for the tips guys. The only problem is that this is my duty gun, so taking it off or covering the light isn't really an option for regular carry.

Those are your only options to keep the lens clear.

We issue M3s to go on issue P226Rs. We advise the guys to maintain a VERY thin film of oil on the lens. This doesn't degrade the light output, and facilitates a quick "clean-up" of the lens with a finger should it become covered with anything... firing residue, dirt, etc. Some have said this is bizarre, etc. Perhaps. But it works.

BTW, its not just the .45. Firing residue on a mounted light is a function of proximity to the muzzle and the characteristics of the ammunition. After two boxes of WWB 9mm through a P226R, the M3's lens is all but unusable. 100 rounds of our carry Speer Gold Dots doesn't leave much of a mess at all.

.

[Knight90]

I have the same problem with my m3 on my g21 duty gun. I found that the training ammo is the cause because when I shoot the duty ammo it burns cleaner and I dont get the residue. I also keep some alcohol prep pads in my gun kit and in the patrol car. They break up the residue and clean the lens quickly. There isnt much you can do about it except shoot cleaner ammo. Our range master lets me get away with shooting duty ammo when I am the only one out there so the brass doesnt find out.

[the iceman]

I cut a piece of plastic of a wal-mart bag and use a rubber band to wrap around the lens when I shoot with it to keep mine clean.

[jenrick]

I've put close to 1K rounds through my G34 and P226R with minimal residue on the light. The last time I think it took about 3-4K rounds before it actually affected the lights out put. I just used a little simple green and some elbow grease to clean it off. What kind of ammo are you shooting?

-Jenrick

[M2 Carbine]

What kind of ammo are you shooting?

Lubed cast bullets (reloads) are the worst.
The residue even gets on the Crimson Trace Laser on my 2 inch S&W J Frame.

With the Streamlight mounted so far forward on my CZ, during laser or light practice the light gets cruddy in no time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/CZ40PTLR2.jpg