Decent light & laser function, with a few design problems - Viridian X5L GEN2 Universal Green Laser Sight, 178 Lumen Tactical Light w/TacLoc Holster

Ordered the X5L Gen2 green laser/light combo, for S&W M&P 40 full size (gen 1), with TacLoc holster included. Although the concept of a laser light combo with a fitted holster that activates the unit when dawn is a pretty nifty gadget, overall I am not impressed with this product. One of the biggest gripes that I have is that the light bezel is way too easy to remove. It only requires a 1/8 turn with very little pressure to remove the bezel, which is how the battery compartment is accessed. It is highly possible that this could occur from accidentally bumping the front of the unit on something, especially since the bezel protrudes beyond the end of the barrel. This would render both the light and the laser useless. A stronger spring or 1/4 or 1/2 turn design would have been more reliable.

The second gripe is that the product does not fit properly on the picatinny rail of the handgun. I tried this on both the full size M&P 40 as well as the Sig Sauer P226 Mk25. On both guns, the unit does not slide smoothly over the rail, and when tightened down, does not sit square on the gun. It appears that the distance between the rail clamps is too narrow, and also that the grooves in these clamps does not have the correct v angle. These issues cause the unit to sit canted to one side. There is no practical adjustability to correct this problem with the rail clamps. Once tightened down, at least everything feels secure. I had to make some large adjustments to the laser sighting (which was easy with the supplied tool) to account for this (the light beam position cannot be adjusted). I have not test fired the gun (M&P 40) with the unit installed, so have yet to see if this fitment issue will cause accuracy problems.

And lastly, the stated batery life with light and laser in constant on mode (the most useful mode) is one hour, which would be ok for a home invasion scenario, but if you do any training or range time with the unit on, better get some extra batteries. Additionally, there are not separate controls for the light and laser, meaning you must cycle through each mode to get the desired combination.

As for function, the green laser is very bright, and once adjusted, aligned with the point of aim of the iron sights. The flashlight adequately illumintaes a dark room, but is not blindingly bright. That is good for clearing a dark house, but is not bright enough to temporarily blind someone for defensive purposes. Ambidextrous buttons are easy to reach, and the holster activation works as designed. The holster locks onto one of the mounting screws that holds the unit to the gun's rail, and is released by a finger lever.

Overall, this unit will probably fulfil its intended use for home defense, but I cannot imagine it living up to professional, tactical applications. Other than the aforementioned light bezel issue, the rest of the unit seems solidly constructed. For the money, this device is merely "OK" and I will be on the lookout for a better option in the future.