Nightstick makes some of the best lights you can buy, and the TCM-5B is one of them. It’s a perfect option for those who carry a compact handgun.
Most people who carry a concealed handgun want to find that balance of size, weight, caliber, and capacity. Compact handguns are no longer the new kids on the block, but they’re still the most popular, and for good reason. Modern compact guns are lightweight, hold a surprising amount of ammo, and are easy to use. But adding a light often makes the gun too bulky or large for some people’s taste. The whole idea is, the smaller the gun, the easier it is to conceal.
So, how do you add a light to a handgun without making it too big and heavy? Add a compact light, made for compact guns. Nightstick’s new TCM-5B is made just for those small-frame handguns. Let’s take a look at it and see if this could be your next handgun-mounted light.
About the Nightstick TCM-5B CompactLight
The Nightstick TCM-5B is designed specifically with compact handguns in mind. It provides a powerful light without making the gun bulky and heavy. Here’s some quick info about the TCM-5B compact light.
The TCM-5B is a compact weapon-mounted light, measuring just 2.5 inches in length, 1.1 inches in width, and 1.2 inches in height. It weighs a mere 2.25 ounces, making it one of the lightest options available.
Despite its small size, the TCM-5B is still a bright little light. It features an impressive LED that provides 650 lumens of bright, white light. The beam reaches up to 136 meters, which is plenty of distance in most low-light situations.
Like its big brother lights, the TCM-5B has a toggle switch on each side of the light. This makes it easy to operate with either hand. The switches are designed to be pressed downward, which is a natural feeling when holding the gun. As you would probably expect, the light has both momentary and constant-on modes, providing flexibility based on your tactical needs.
The TCM-5B is just as tough as it is compact. Its housing is constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, which holds up well in harsh conditions.
When it comes to water, the light has an IP-X7 waterproof rating. This means it can be immersed in one meter of water for 30 minutes. Unless you plan to go scuba diving with your gun, rain and wet weather won’t be a problem.
Installing and operating the TCM-5B Light
To install the TCM-5B on your handgun, make sure your firearm is unloaded and the chamber is empty.
The light comes with three rail clamps to make sure it will fit on just about any compact handgun. I decided to mount my TCM-5B on a 9mm FN Reflex. Once I selected the rail clamp that fits the rail on the Reflex, I switched it out and installed the light.
Operating the Nightstick TCM-5B is straightforward, as it operates like most handgun-mounted lights. To activate the light, press down on either switch. The light will remain on as long as the switch is held down, providing momentary illumination. For constant-on mode, quickly tap the switch and let go. The light will stay on until you tap the switch again to turn it off.
Programming
Programming the TCM-5B to suit your preferences is a breeze. The light comes with a programmable strobe feature, which can be turned on or off depending on what you want. To program the strobe function, press both toggle switches simultaneously, five times quickly. The light will flash twice, indicating that the strobe feature has been activated. To disable the strobe, repeat the same process.
When using the strobe mode, press either toggle twice, holding down on the second time. The strobe will flash while you are holding down on the light and stop when you let go.
A lock-out feature can be activated by pressing and holding both toggle switches at the same time for five seconds. It doesn’t matter if the light is on or off when programming this feature. When activated, the light will not turn on, which is ideal for storage. To unlock the feature, press and hold both switches for five seconds again.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Nightstick stands behind their product by offering a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Should any issues arise, Nightstick’s customer service team is available to assist with repairs or replacements. If you are going to purchase a handgun-mounted light with your hard-earned money, it’s nice to know the company will back it up.
Are you ready to add a light?
Even during the day, there are plenty of areas that can quickly get dark. Buildings, homes, parking garages, tunnels, etc. You never know when you may suddenly find yourself in the dark during an incident. When a light is small enough, it doesn’t make carrying it unpleasant.
The TCM-5B is compatible with a wide range of popular compact handguns. This includes Glock 43, P365, Hellcat, FN Reflex and more.
Compatible holsters are not hard to find for multiple types of carry. For example, Safariland makes the Solis ALS Concealment holster for the Glock 43 and the TCM-5B. This holster has a locking feature to keep the gun from coming out of the holster until you pull on a thumb lever.
You really can’t go wrong with adding the TCM-5B to any compact-size handgun. If you’re looking for a new light, the Nightstick TCM-5B is an excellent option to consider.
