I’m an experienced shooter with a solid record of evaluating firearms and accessories. I’ve given the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus a thorough shake-down among my recent hands-on tests.
Streamlight TLR-6 has risen to the top of my list when finding the perfect light for this handgun.
Choosing the ideal light for your handgun isn’t a matter to be taken lightly. I want you to make an informed decision. That’s why I’ve delved into the merits of various options, and today, I’m here to steer you toward making the best choice for your own firearm. Trust me, it’s going to be enlightening!
| Best Smith & Wesson Shield Plus Lights | Category | Price |
| Streamlight TLR-6 | Top Light Pick | $98.66 |
| Crimson Trace LTG-770 | Best Laser Option | $50.49 |
| LaserMax Centerfire | Best for Tactical Use | $134.99 |
| VIRIDIAN Reactor 5 Gen II | User Friendly | $198.49 |
Top 4 Best Light for Smith & Wesson Shield Plus
1. Streamlight TLR-6 – Top Light Pick
This is a top-notch integrated flashlight and red laser combo that sits snugly on your M&P Shield 9mm and .40mm handguns.
Brightness and Beam Intensity: First off, the brightness. Wow, 100 lumens with a 2000 candela peak beam intensity! On the field, that translates to excellent visibility in low-light situations.
The intensity is just right; not too blinding, but plenty powerful for any tactical situation you might find yourself in.
Battery Life and Convenience: Equally impressive is the battery life. With both the laser and light on, I got a solid hour of runtime.
But if you switch to just the laser, it stretches up to a whopping 11 hours! And here’s the kicker: you can replace the batteries while the unit is still mounted on the gun. No need to reset or zero it again, which is a massive time-saver.
Durability: You also want something rugged, right? This light-laser combo is up to the task with a 1-meter impact resistance.
I’ve put this thing through some pretty challenging scenarios, and it has held up beautifully.
Adjustment and Retention: The windage and elevation adjustment screws in the brass bushing are game changers. They make sure the laser stays true, maintaining a dependable zero.
Trust me; this is a feature that you’ll be thankful for when the going gets tough.
Why I Love It: What’s not to love? It’s powerful, convenient, and built to last. The adjustment features mean I can set it and forget it, focusing on my shot rather than fussing with my gear.
My Experience
The light and laser combo was easy to manage, and I had zero issues with operation. From target acquisition to long-term use, this light met and exceeded all expectations.
Pros
- Excellent brightness and beam intensity
- Convenient battery replacement without removal
- Durable with 1-meter impact resistance
- Easy adjustments for laser alignment
Cons
- IPX4 rating means it’s splash-resistant, not fully waterproof
2. Crimson Trace LTG – Best Laser Option
This is an affordable yet effective lighting option for your M&P Shield, specifically designed for the 9/40 models with rails.
Brightness Level and Range: Packing 110 lumens, this flashlight delivers. The LED brightness is perfect for short to medium-range engagements. It’s pretty comparable to the TLR-6 in brightness and spill but at a more budget-friendly price point.
Battery Life and Maintenance: Similar to the TLR-6, you get an hour of runtime from two 1/3N batteries. Another sweet touch is the rapid-change battery cap.
It makes swapping out batteries a cinch, and you don’t have to unmount the light to do so. No need to fuss over resetting the zero every time you change the batteries.
Controls and Modes: The ambidextrous controls here are a nice touch, accommodating both right and left-handed shooters. You’ve got instant activation with constant and momentary-on modes, making it super versatile.
Oh, and for those of you who fancy strobe settings, yes, it has one. Double-press the button, and you’re in strobe mode.
Durability and Warranty: The rugged polymer construction tells you this light isn’t messing around. It’s built to last, no doubt about it.
The three-year warranty gives you that extra peace of mind, ensuring you’re covered if anything goes awry.
Why I Love It: Here’s what seals the deal for me: it offers nearly all the features of higher-priced models without sacrificing performance or durability. It’s a value-for-money option that doesn’t cut corners.
My Experience
Field-testing this light was an eye-opener. The brightness level was bang-on for both target identification and situational awareness. Controls were intuitive, and the ambidextrous design came in handy during quick transitions.
Pros
- Affordable without compromising quality
- Ambidextrous controls for versatility
- Rapid change battery cap for quick swaps
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Lack of different light modes besides strobe and standard LED
3. LaserMax Centerfire – Best for Tactical Use
Meet the LaserMax Centerfire, a light that bridges the gap between traditional and modern shooting with its unique GripSense technology.
GripSense Technology: Now, this is something cool. The GripSense tech lets you activate the light with just your natural grip. It’s instinctual; grip your firearm, and the light comes on.
You’re not fumbling around looking for buttons in a high-stakes situation. And hey, if you’re old school and like your buttons, you can turn off the sensory and go manual.
Versatile Use Cases: This light is not just for show; it’s a functional piece of equipment perfect for training, home defense, and concealed carry.
With both modern GripSense tech and traditional button controls, it suits all types of shooters and scenarios.
Range and Brightness: With a green laser hitting the 510-535nm wavelength and a 100-lumen mint light, you’ve got a potent combo for up to 20 yards.
Battery Life and Energy Saving: The LMS-2x13N battery holds up for about 4 hours, and there’s even a 10-minute automatic timeout feature to save energy.
So, you’ve got a decent amount of time to make your shots count.
Why I Love It: Two words: User-friendly. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or someone who’s new to the game, this light is designed to adapt to your style.
That GripSense tech is not just a fancy add-on; it’s a game-changer.
My Experience
So, I took this bad boy for a spin, and trust me, it didn’t disappoint. The GripSense activation was instantaneous, and the dual-mode functionality was a nice touch. It felt like the light was reading my mind or something.
Pros
- Intuitive GripSense technology
- Versatile, suitable for various scenarios
- Good laser and light brightness
- Energy-saving features
Cons
- Limited to 20-yard effective range
4. Viridian Reactor – User Friendly
Forget about the red lasers; this Viridian R5 Gen 2 comes with a green laser that’s 50 times brighter. Especially in dark spaces, it’s like having a mini spotlight. You can almost illuminate a whole room with it!
Long-Range Capabilities: This laser has a reach of up to 100 yards in daylight and an astounding 2 miles at night.
The 510-532nm wavelength and almost 5mW power output make it more than just a point-and-shoot accessory. This laser is an investment in your long-range shooting capabilities.
Battery Life: Although it comes with two CR1/3N batteries offering up to 6 hours of runtime, be cautious.
The battery life can drain quicker than you’d think, but there’s a two-color low battery indicator to give you a heads up when it’s time for a change.
Lightweight Design: Despite having batteries and being made of high-strength thermo-molded polymer, it’s surprisingly lightweight.
This makes it extremely portable, perfect for those intense tactical situations where every ounce counts.
Why I Love It: I’m all for intuitive design, and this laser sight doesn’t disappoint. The holster with the magnet is genius. Plus, the range? Unbeatable.
My Experience
So I took this out to the field and, wow, it was a game changer. That green laser is something else, and the holster trick? Spot-on. The only hitch I had was keeping an eye on the battery life.
Pros
- Bright green laser
- Intelligent holster design
- Exceptional range
- Lightweight yet durable
Cons
- Frequent battery changes might be needed
Final Verdict
After rigorously testing various lights on my Smith & Wesson Shield Plus, I’ve reached a conclusion that stands up to the demands of a professional shooter like myself. The Streamlight TLR-6 emerges as my top choice.
The other lights I tested, like the Crimson Trace LTG and the LaserMax Centerfire, have their merits, too. They offer various levels of brightness, solid build quality, and some unique features.
But I keep coming back to the TLR-6.
It’s the go-to option for any shooter who needs reliability, ease of use, and an edge in tactical situations. The battery life, brightness level, and overall ruggedness are the cherries on top.
FAQs
Will the Streamlight TLR-6 fit a Shield Plus?
Yes, the Streamlight TLR-6 is designed exclusively for the M&P Shield and Shield Plus, in 9mm and .40 calibers.
Do they make extended magazines for the Shield Plus?
Yes, MagGuts offers a +3 conversion, updating your 10-round Shield Plus magazine to 13 rounds with minimal impact on concealment.
What is the difference between Streamlight TLR-6 and TLR-7?
The TLR-7 offers a higher lumen count at 500, but it’s designed for railed pistols requiring a 1913 or Picatinny slot.
How many rounds does the Shield Plus hold?
The Shield Plus can hold 13 rounds with its extended magazine, offering a full grip for better recoil control.
