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.
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:
Lumens: 100
Battery Type: Two CR1/3N lithium batteries
Runtime: 1 hour
Weight: 1.12 ounces
Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches
Material: Polymer
Best Features:
Custom fit for Shield Plus
Integrated red laser
Ambidextrous switching
Easy to install without tools
Windage and elevation adjustment screws mounted in brass bushings
Pros:
Lightweight and compact
Combination of light and laser
Durable and resistant to impacts
Affordable
Cons:
Limited brightness compared to other models
Shorter battery life
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.
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.
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
Easy activation
Long battery life
Lifetime battery replacement program
Cons:
Bulky design
Higher price point
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.