The Smith & Wesson Shield Plus is a top-tier firearm known for its reliability, ease of use, and compact size, making it an excellent choice for personal defense. To further enhance its functionality, equipping it with the best light can significantly improve its performance in low-light situations.
In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the best lights for the Shield Plus, each meticulously reviewed with specifications, features, pros, cons, and user experiences. Additionally, I will provide insights on how to choose the best light for your Shield Plus and address some frequently asked questions.
Top 6 Best Lights for Shield Plus on the Market
Note: The following advice comes from my personal perspective. What works for me might not work for you, but hopefully it sparks some ideas!
1. Streamlight TLR-6
Specifications:
Battery Type: Two CR1/3N lithium batteries Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches Best Features:
Custom fit for Shield Plus Easy to install without tools Windage and elevation adjustment screws mounted in brass bushings Pros:
Combination of light and laser Durable and resistant to impacts Cons:
Limited brightness compared to other models Experience: The Streamlight TLR-6 is a fantastic addition to the Shield Plus. The 100-lumen light is sufficient for most indoor scenarios, and the integrated red laser significantly improves target acquisition. Installing the TLR-6 was a breeze, requiring no special tools, which makes it a great choice for those who prefer a straightforward setup. The ambidextrous controls are a thoughtful feature, allowing easy activation regardless of which hand is dominant.
Customer Comments: Many users praise the TLR-6 for its lightweight and compact design, noting that it does not add unnecessary bulk to the firearm. The laser is particularly highlighted for its accuracy and ease of use.
2. Olight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie
Specifications:
Battery Type: Built-in lithium polymer battery Dimensions: 2.07 x 1.26 x 1.28 inches Best Features:
Adjustable rail to fit a variety of firearms High output of 600 lumens Compact and robust design Quick release mounting system Pros:
Convenient charging method Cons:
Experience: The Olight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie is a powerhouse of a light, delivering an impressive 600 lumens. This is more than sufficient to illuminate any environment, making it ideal for outdoor and indoor use. The adjustable rail feature is fantastic, ensuring a perfect fit on the Shield Plus. The magnetic charging system is incredibly convenient, eliminating the need to remove the light for charging. Although it is slightly heavier than some competitors, the added brightness and durability justify the weight.
Customer Comments: Users are particularly impressed with the brightness and the ease of mounting and adjusting the PL-Mini 2. The magnetic charging system receives consistent praise for its convenience.
3. Crimson Trace LL-810
Specifications:
Battery Type: One CR2 lithium battery Runtime: 2 hours (light only) Dimensions: 2.8 x 1.5 x 1.3 inches Best Features:
Combination of laser and light 4 modes (light only, laser only, laser and light, strobe) Instinctive activation with front activation button Adjustable windage and elevation Free batteries for life program Pros:
Versatile lighting and targeting options Lifetime battery replacement program Cons:
Experience: The Crimson Trace LL-810 Laserguard Pro is an excellent multifunctional accessory for the Shield Plus. Its combination of a 150-lumen light and a laser provides versatility for various scenarios. The instinctive activation feature is a significant advantage, allowing quick deployment of the light and laser when drawing the firearm. The different modes offer flexibility, and the lifetime battery replacement program is a considerable benefit, making this product a valuable long-term investment.
Customer Comments: Users appreciate the intuitive activation and the range of modes available. The bulkiness is a common critique, but many find the trade-off acceptable for the added features.
4. Inforce WILD1
Specifications:
Battery Type: One CR2 lithium battery Dimensions: 2.43 x 1.23 x 1.18 inches Best Features:
High-output 200-lumen beam Easy-to-operate ambidextrous on/off switch Compact and lightweight design Reinforced polymer body for durability Textured paddles for easy activation Pros:
Cons:
Fixed beam with no laser option Experience: The Inforce APLc Compact Weapon Light is a robust and reliable choice for the Shield Plus. Its 200-lumen output is bright enough for most tactical situations, and the lightweight design ensures it does not hinder the handling of the firearm. The ambidextrous on/off switch is easy to use, and the textured paddles add a level of precision when activating the light. Although it lacks a laser option, its performance as a dedicated light is commendable.
Customer Comments: Users frequently mention the APLc’s solid build and the ease of use provided by the ambidextrous switch. The focused beam is also highlighted for its effectiveness in various lighting conditions.
5. Viridian C5L-R
Specifications:
Lumens: 100 (constant), 140 (strobe) Battery Type: One CR2 lithium battery Runtime: 4 hours (laser only), 1 hour (light and laser) Dimensions: 1.9 x 1.46 x 1.31 inches Best Features:
Combines a red laser and tactical light Multiple operation modes (laser only, light only, both, strobe) Instant-On technology with ECR (Enhanced Combat Readiness) holster Compact and lightweight design Easy windage and elevation adjustments Pros:
Versatile operation modes Long battery life in laser-only mode Cons:
Limited runtime with light and laser combined Experience: The Viridian C5L-R offers a compelling combination of a tactical light and a red laser. The Instant-On technology is a standout feature, automatically activating the light and laser when drawn from the ECR holster. This makes it an excellent choice for self-defense scenarios. The multiple modes allow for adaptability in different situations, though the lumen output is on the lower side compared to other models. Despite this, the overall performance and versatility make it a valuable addition to the Shield Plus.
Customer Comments: Many users are enthusiastic about the Instant-On feature, finding it highly effective in emergency situations. The compact design is also frequently praised, although some wish for a brighter light output.
6. SureFire XC1-B
Specifications:
Battery Type: One AAA NiMH rechargeable battery (or AAA alkaline) Dimensions: 2.375 x 1.125 x 1.125 inches