TLR-1 light - any compromise of weapon reliability?

DHart · 09-12-2010, 20:23

I've heard some reports of the use of weapon lights causing jams on some G22 models.

Is there any evidence of any reliability problems when using the Streamlight TLR-1 weapon light on a G19 or G23 or G21SF (all last years/3rd gen models)?

Or, are these light/gun combinations pretty much stone cold reliable?

rd3 · 09-12-2010, 20:43

I have a tlr-2 on my g23 and sometimes have put it on my g20 and g17. all run fine with no issues. If you do have a problem just change the mag springs out to the next one up. Its supposed to solve any problem.

tdb · 09-12-2010, 20:47

No issues w/ tlr 1 on my gen 3 19.

Danimal3805 · 09-12-2010, 20:56

Had NO issues whatsoever with or without a TLR-1 on my 21SF. About 500 rounds with it on and more than 2000 without

RightYouAreKen · 09-12-2010, 21:52

I have no experience with lights yet, but it seems like a little added weight to the frame, especially the front part, would help keep the frame a bit more stable during recoil and would help hold the frame in place a bit longer allowing the slide to take more of the energy of the shot. More weight = more inertia = harder to move from a rest.

My understanding is that a lot of malfunctions attributable to gun motion are the result of "limp wristing" which allows the gun to flip back more during recoil, meaning the whole gun recoils instead of the frame staying relatively still and letting the slide take most of the energy of the shot.

Could be off base here, but it seems like that would be the case from a physics standpoint.

DHart · 09-12-2010, 22:13

rd3.... changing mag springs can help with jams caused by a mounted light? So, supposedly the slide is moving faster with a light mounted on the weapon and the rounds need to be pushed up faster to keep up with the slide timing?

Ken... what you're saying seems to make good sense. But for some reason, apparently a weapon mounted light on the G22 was causing some functional problems. I have no idea why.

SilverCity · 09-12-2010, 22:21

Some have problems in 40 caliber guns. Seems the tactical light inteferes with the normal frame-flexing under recoil.

I would always test for reliability when adding stuff or making any changes to the original configuration of the pistol.

FWIW, my G22 and G35 do not like the Surefires or the Streamlights when I shoot the lighter bullet weights. No problems with heaviest .40 bullets or other calibers.

DaveFJ80 · 09-12-2010, 22:38

I've had no issues with my TLR-1s on my G19, and with 400 rounds through it so far.

What I did 'hear' from others is that you don't want to torque down the TLR light onto the Glock frame too tight or it could possibly cause a FTF or FTE. I hand-tighten the screw and then use a penny to just tighten it a little bit more, but not torquing it down real tight. No problems after 400 rounds and the light is still solid feeling on there.

tx787 · 09-12-2010, 23:18

You should be fine but you need to test it out at the range (no need to turn the light on unless you want to). The only widespread issue I've heard was with pre Gen4 Glock 22's in fo-tay.

surety agent 1 · 09-12-2010, 23:36

Used one on my 22,23,35,21Sf not a problem on any of them.Same with the GTL10 and the m3 I had. I would test it the the exact round you want to carry. IE 165 gr. gold dots for me.

bikerdog · 09-13-2010, 00:02

When weapon mounted lights started getting popular the Glock 40 had some problems. The reason was the glock is built for the 9mm and the 40 produces more recoil. that recoil causes the frame on the glock to flex a lot. When the light was on the frame it stopped a lot of the flex causing the gun to malfunction. glock initial solution was to build a lighter light I.E. the glock made light. the problem was the glock made light is junk. So the guys at glock figured out that if you put another coil on the mag spring it would fight through the flexing of the frame and properly feed the gun. so if you use older mags you might have a problem with a TLR 1 but if you use newer mags it should work just fine.

swinokur · 09-13-2010, 05:49

Streamlight has a FAQ on their web site that actually blames the mag springs. Glock resolved the issue with an extra coil in the mag spring IIRC

carguy2244 · 09-13-2010, 05:58

I shoot 2 combat pistol leagues, about 800 rounds monthly with the light, and train with the light about 1600 rounds monthly. The weapon has never malfunctioned in any way. Model 19.

My son has the identical experience on his 17L.

swinokur · 09-13-2010, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by carguy2244

I shoot 2 combat pistol leagues, about 800 rounds monthly with the light, and train with the light about 1600 rounds monthly. The weapon has never malfunctioned in any way. Model 19.

My son has the identical experience on his 17L.

the problem is limited to the .40 caliber GLOCKS.

bobandshawn · 09-13-2010, 09:34

I shoot my 23 with a TLR-1 using 180 gr ammo and have not had a problem through several hundred rounds so far...

~Bob

jstang · 09-13-2010, 09:38

I have a TLR-1 and a g23. I cant get through 1 mag without at least 3 malfunctions.
I put the TLR-1 on my buddies g23 and no issues. Swapped the recoil spring and magazines into mine and still had the malfunctions. Some are alright some are not.

DHart · 09-13-2010, 12:30

Yep.. testing is critical. I only have about 30 rounds through my G19 with the light and one of my carry loads... Winchester Ranger 127 gr. +P+. Used a G19 mag and a G17 mag. No issues with it so far. But need a fair bit more experience with it before I can trust it.

Glock212327 · 09-22-2010, 02:36

I had problems with jamming in my G23 with older mags. If your G23 mag has a number #6 follower you are good. I had to switch out my mags. and i haven't had any issues since.

Bill Lumberg · 09-22-2010, 12:45

They have far more problems on the internet than in the real world. My agency has issued these for some time, and most folks carry one mounted non-stop. Zero issues across tens of thousands of rounds, roughly 30 shooters, all 3rd gen 22's and 23's. Never had a malfunction from TLR-1's or M3X's either one.

jamaicanj · 09-29-2010, 01:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by swinokur

the problem is limited to the .40 caliber GLOCKS.

Are you saying all .40 caliber glocks or is there a distinction between the 3rd Gen and 4th Gen models?

Bill Lumberg · 09-29-2010, 09:28

It's isolated to the point that I've never encountered an actual agency or individual law enforcement officer that had experienced the problem, and I travel a pretty good bit. Has it ever happened? I'm sure it has. But the internet is the only place I've seen it.

swinokur · 09-29-2010, 09:31

disregard