I tried to search for this topic but didn't find any results. I bought two Surefire DG switches for my Glock 21SF and my Sig P226R to use for one handed operation, for both on and off-duty. The switch for my Sig takes a reasonable amount of pressure to activate my SF x300, which I like. The Glock switch doesn't take much pressure at all, and very light contact on the pressure pad turns the light on. Since I'd like to have a good grip on my pistol without activating the light, this concerns me.
Since this is my first experience with the DG switches, I'm wondering if the light contact activation is normal? Also, do you guys find these switches useful?
I have used DG switches for years on Glocks and while they do vary in the pressure required for activation, light ND’s are not an issue for me during duty use. Of course, you need to practice with the light, but also it’s not like the bad guys don’t know you are there 99% of the time anyways and you would be using a light to search regardless.
The DG allows for one handed use of a weapon mounted light without constant ON and even easier two handed use. While there is always a chance of a light ND, the benefits far outweigh that possibility.
Thnaks for sharing your positive experience with this switch. Being able to easily manipulate the pistol both one- and two-handed with a light is exactly what I like about the concept. It’s time for me to get in dry fire practice and live-fire work with the switch and light attached to become comfortable with it.
Please keep your thoughts and opinions coming. I appreciate it.
I know of one gent who felt that his DG switch was too sensitive, so he tried covering it with a piece of grip tape, like a Band-Aid. The grip tape provided just enough rigidity that he had to consciously apply pressure to it to activate.
I’m a big fan of the DG switch for duty handguns. I found that, with training, light NDs are not an issue, even while maintaining a solid grip on the gun.
FWIW: there’s an article in the newest SWAT issue about the X300 with the DG switch. A friend of mine wrote it.
I bought a DG switch for my M&P about 2 years back. Initially I thought it to be a liability due to light ad’s I was having while first experimenting with it. I ended up throwing it in the safe and contemplated selling it a few times. I stumbled on it last week while cleaning up my safe and gave it another try. I have taken a several pistol classes over the past two years since first trying the DG switch. I am now very confident with my pistol shooting skills compared to two years ago, especially regarding my grip.
I mounted the DG switch on my M&P9 and did some holster work with it. It now feels very intuitive, and I have not had any issues with light ad’s since trying it out again. It’s staying on the pistol permanently now.
You may need to tweek your grip slightly and do alot of holster presentation work with it to avoid light ad’s, but I now feel it is well worth the time investment to train with it and get comfortable with its activation.
I appreciate all of the great advice. As soon as my holsters (Safariland duty and Raven Concealment) arrive, I’ll start my holster presentations. In the meantime, dry fire and live fire drills are in order. After reading these replies, I’ve decided to make it a permanent addition. Thanks again.
Just FYI, you may have to re-form the Safariland holster under the trigger guard so the DG switch fits without shredding the covering. I had to open it up a little on my 6360 for my M&P 45 (used a heat gun - be gentle!), but I’m not sure if the Glock or Sig versions need the same treatment.
Different article, but yes, I like Ethan’s work, too.
I’ve used the DG switch for a couple years. Yup, Safariland holsters will have to be opened up a bit to fit without damaging the switch. I didn’t open mine enough, and I had a patch wear through on mine. Its covered in electrical tape now.
Once you get used to a slightly different grip, there is a night and day difference in your weapon light handling skills.
I don’t have a phantom, but most of these molded holsters will not accept the DG unless it is molded for it. Kaluban Cloak will mold it for the DG, I am sure that Raven would too.
The DG switch will typically fit without a problem in our existing holsters. However, we do recommend letting us know you have a DG switch installed if you are placing a new order.