Nightstand gun advice

[ArgentFix]

For years I've used a ~2009 P226 as my nightstand gun. The STL-900L that came with it fell apart around 1000 rounds and the tritium sites are nearing half-life so it's time to re-evaluate. I'm looking for guidance on what makes a good nightstand gun. Is there any such thing as a nightstand guide?

[MontWyDaho]

Is there any such thing as a nightstand gun?

I believe Agent 86 was working on a nightstand gun that would discharge when you stub your toe on it...:p

[Balisong]

226 is good. For a nightstand gun I personally believe in a gun with high capacity OEM mag capability. Since you're not concealing it, and I can see a slight bit of more possibility of needing more rounds than in a CCW encounter I'd go with the mecgar 20 rounders for your 226 (for my Glock 35 I go with the OEM 22 rounder, or a 33 round for a Glock 9mm). Plenty of night sights on the market for the 226, almost too many to decide what you like best. For a light I go with the Surefire x300 series or streamlight TLR1 series. You can get about any lumen you want with those. I like the TLR1HL 800 lumen for a night hiking gun, but for a woken up in the middle of the night in my house gun I like the ones in the 400-600 range just fine. I don't remember the specific surefire and streamlight models/lumen options available but you get the idea.

[Olim9]

If I needed a WML on my nightstand pistol, I would go for a TLR-1 HL or X300U. I had to google what an STL-900L was and there were some iffy things I've read about it right off the bat so forgive me if my negative thoughts on it are out of ignorance and misinformation. I would recommend a more reputable, durable and user friendly WML that has more candella like a Surefire X300U or Streamlight TLR-1 HL if you're more on a budget. As for the gun itself, a full-size service pistol like the P226 is a good choice for a nightstand pistol, nothing wrong on the gun selection. I used to keep my P226 by my bed with a Mecgar 18rd magazine loaded with 124gr Gold Dots before I got into Glocks.

What do you exactly have in mind re-evaluating if I may ask?

[LockedBreech]

I slapped a G17G4 with Ameriglo CAPs and a TLR-1HL and one reload on my nightstand.

Since with even a minute or two of warning I'll be going to the closet for some 5.56x45 medicine, that strikes me as plenty.


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[ArgentFix]

226 is good. For a nightstand gun I personally believe in a gun with high capacity OEM mag capability. Since you're not concealing it, and I can see a slight bit of more possibility of needing more rounds than in a CCW encounter I'd go with the mecgar 20 rounders for your 226 (for my Glock 35 I go with the OEM 22 rounder, or a 33 round for a Glock 9mm). Plenty of night sights on the market for the 226, almost too many to decide what you like best. For a light I go with the Surefire x300 series or streamlight TLR1 series. You can get about any lumen you want with those. I like the TLR1HL 800 lumen for a night hiking gun, but for a woken up in the middle of the night in my house gun I like the ones in the 400-600 range just fine. I don't remember the specific surefire and streamlight models/lumen options available but you get the idea.

Thanks, Balisong!

For mags I'll probably stick with stock (12x.357) for now because I trust them, but you make a good point about capacity since it's not a carry gun.
I'll consider vetting higher cap mags. The X300 and TLR1/TLR2 are top on my list but I've read they don't mount well on the SIG "rounded rails".

[El Cid]

A nightstand gun to me should be as others stated. Full size with plenty of ammo on board. Easy to shoot and good sights. Itnshould have a weapon mounted light IMO - though you need a hand held light nearby as well.
I went XL with mine. Lol!
https://i.imgur.com/kNL0nrW.jpg

[spinmove_]

If the P226 is working for you I'd just install fresh sights of your choosing and go for a brighter and more robust WML. If possible, find mags that hold more rounds.


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[jwperry]

Thanks, Balisong!

For mags I'll probably stick with stock (12x.357) for now because I trust them, but you make a good point about capacity since it's not a carry gun.
I'll consider vetting higher cap mags. The X300 and TLR1/TLR2 are top on my list but I've read they don't mount well on the SIG "rounded rails".

I have no problems with the X300/X300U or Inforce APL on my rounded Sig Rails when using the Glock or Universal insert.

Mec Gar should make some 15 & 18 round mags for your 357 Sig.

If you're happy with your OEM night sights, you can find plenty of freshly removed Sig Lites on eBay from people pulling them off their P320s for fractions of the cost of a new set.

[Beat Trash]

I agree with what has been said so far. I like a high capacity pistol with a known quality weapon light. I prefer to have night sights also.

I also like the idea of a hand held light in addition to a weapon light. Streetlight makes a small 1 cell CR123 light called the Pro Tac something or other. There are times when you want to ID something with a light, but may not want to point your pistol in that direction to do so.

I keep my cell phone on the night stand when I sleep. Same night stand that has my night stand pistol in it.

[SecondsCount]

My nightstand gun is the same gun I carry combined with the flashlight I carry.

[lwt16]

Never thought I needed a WML until I was able to purchase one on my uniform allowance. It's a handy thing to have on a nightstand piece.

For me, it's either my duty G17 or my personal G17 with the aforementioned TLR-1 HL attached. Personal 17 has Ameriglo I dots, Talon grips, and loaded with 147 grain HSTs.

Duty 17 is stock with Glock night sights. I use it during the work week and the personal 17 on weekends.

Regards.

[Balisong]

Thanks, Balisong!

For mags I'll probably stick with stock (12x.357) for now because I trust them, but you make a good point about capacity since it's not a carry gun.
I'll consider vetting higher cap mags. The X300 and TLR1/TLR2 are top on my list but I've read they don't mount well on the SIG "rounded rails".

No problem. Sig does make factory 15 round mags for the 40/357 226. I'd get a couple of them
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/p226-15rd-40-auto-357sig-extended-magazine.html

[Gun Mutt]

If I were buying a pistol to sit openly on my nightstand, I'd give serious consideration to the CZ-PO9 with and extended mag.

[s0nspark]

My nightstand gun is my carry gun... 17-round mags, wml...

[ArgentFix]

Thanks all for the replies!

Probably going to stick with the P226 as a base. I think I like DA/SA in this application.

I'll definitely choose a better WML. The STL-900L came on it and was junk. I don't necessarily need a laser, but given the option between, say, a TLR-1 and TLR-2, which would you take? And is it annoying to have a laser so far off the bore axis?

Capacity is also something I should improve. I already have a 9mm conversion barrel, spring, and 18rd 9mm flush mags for it so I could go with Olim9's old setup :) I also use Gold Dots by default. Extra long magazines might annoy me though. I'm not sure, never used anything but flush. (Not counting a disastrous attempt at FiVe-sEvEN mag extensions)

The OEM night sights can't be relamped so I could go another way if there are better choices. If not I'm fine with 3-dot Siglites. I'd probably buy new though so I know when they're manufactured.

When considering all this stuff at once, the choices are a bit overwhelming so I appreciate all your opinions!

[oldtexan]

I agree with what has been said so far. I like a high capacity pistol with a known quality weapon light. I prefer to have night sights also.

I also like the idea of a hand held light in addition to a weapon light. Streetlight makes a small 1 cell CR123 light called the Pro Tac something or other. There are times when you want to ID something with a light, but may not want to point your pistol in that direction to do so.

I keep my cell phone on the night stand when I sleep. Same night stand that has my night stand pistol in it.

All good advice. Let me say a few words about weaponlights and handheld lights used for home defense. I think they are critical, especially to preventing negative outcomes ( thanks Claude Werner), but there can be too much of a good thing.

I think it's smart to try various lights you're considering in your home when your vision is night-adapted to see how much is too much for you in that environment. I have gotten up in the middle of the night, grabbed a light I wanted to test, and flashed it at various distances against various surfaces in my home to see how much light it would take to adversely affect my night-adapted vision, even if only momentarily. I've found that a Surefire X300 (about 170 lumens) is okay as is a Surefire 6v handheld with a Malkoff M61L LED (also about 170 or thereabout lumens). A Surefire X300U-B without a diffuser ( about 600 lumens) definitely impairs my vision, but adding the diffuser (Surefire F04-A IIRC) seems to prevent impairment by eliminating the central hotspot. A Surefire handheld at about 325 lumens is too much for me as well.

So, for me in my home the sweet spot (bright enough to see and make an identification quickly but not bright enough to interfere with me seeing after the light goes off) seems to be about 150-200 lumens ( at least as Surefire and Malkoff measure such things) unless I want to use a diffuser.

Certainly this figure will vary from person to person and will vary with the environment, how manufacturers measure light, and whether your vision is night-adapted or not. I would advise anyone using lights for HD to do his/her own testing.

[MSparks909]

In a house I personally like a light at/under ~400 lumens and above 200 lumens. The new Inforce APL Gen 3 seems like a pretty solid option so far. Cheap, 400 lumens and has the best switches on the market IMO. Throw on some new night sights and be done.

I'd also strongly consider converting it to 9mm. More boolits is never a bad thing. 18 round or 20 round Mec-Gar's would be my choice.

[Wynn615]

I carry Glock 17 Gen 4 with a RMR and when get home I put a TLR 1 on it call it a night. Eventually will get a TLR 1 HL

- Wynn

[Cheap Shot]

TLR 2 G

[ArgentFix]

After a bit more reading, I'm thinking X300U-B. If it's too bright indoors I'll try a diffuser - Thanks oldtexan for that tip. Big Tex Outdoors has the X300U-A or B for $205. Really tempted.....

Any strong opinions on which night sights? Like I said, I'm fine with the standard Sig Lites if it doesn't matter much.

[CoGT3]

After a bit more reading, I'm thinking X300U-B. If it's too bright indoors I'll try a diffuser - Thanks oldtexan for that tip. Big Tex Outdoors has the X300U-A or B for $205. Really tempted.....

Any strong opinions on which night sights? Like I said, I'm fine with the standard Sig Lites if it doesn't matter much.

Mini thread drift (but not a joke [emoji6])

Is there a coupon code for Big Tex? Seeing $269, will gladly grab a second one for $205.

Back on topic, I've done the 0300 walk around the house. At this point I leave enough low level ambient light on at night to be able to identify threats and see my sights (gotta love led lights). I have a WML also, but in my house that will not need to come on until pistol comes up from low ready for final threat identification. Also keep a hand held light near by also. Leaving in a coastal hurricane zone, even if someone is nefarious enough to cut the main power my ambient lighting will stay on.


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[ArgentFix]

Yeah, sorry the coupon code is "Surefire64" from this article:

https://bigtexoutdoors.com/blogs/news/surefire-x300u-a-vs-b

Still works.

[JCS]

In a house I personally like a light at/under ~400 lumens and above 200 lumens. The new Inforce APL Gen 3 seems like a pretty solid option so far. Cheap, 400 lumens and has the best switches on the market IMO. Throw on some new night sights and be done.

I'd also strongly consider converting it to 9mm. More boolits is never a bad thing. 18 round or 20 round Mec-Gar's would be my choice.

Why do you prefer no more than 400 lumens?

I'm genuinely curious because I've been going through this debate with my own nightstand set up and I am toying with the idea of going to even more light.


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[Balisong]

After a bit more reading, I'm thinking X300U-B. If it's too bright indoors I'll try a diffuser - Thanks oldtexan for that tip. Big Tex Outdoors has the X300U-A or B for $205. Really tempted.....

Any strong opinions on which night sights? Like I said, I'm fine with the standard Sig Lites if it doesn't matter much.

I'm personally really fond of the Sig Xray sights they put on the Legion guns. I would go with those. And I *THINK* you even have the option of sending the slide in so they can install them if you don't wanna do it yourself, but you'd have to check on that.

[Olim9]

Any strong opinions on which night sights? Like I said, I'm fine with the standard Sig Lites if it doesn't matter much.

I would recommend only the Trijicon HD's, the various Ameriglos and even the Sig X-Rays now that Balisong reminded me about those. All three of those choices all offer a high contrast front sight along with potentially 3 individual tritium dots. For now, I would recommend getting your front sight painted orange with something like nail polish. I should do this with my trade-in P226R that has Trijicon Bright and Toughs.

http://pistol-training.com/articles/the-johno-diy-high-visibility-front-sight

My opinion; put your funds into a good quality WML with the money you save from not buying a new set of night sights.

[MSparks909]

Why do you prefer no more than 400 lumens?

I'm genuinely curious because I've been going through this debate with my own nightstand set up and I am toying with the idea of going to even more light.


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Key part of that is inside a house, specifically *my* house, where my longest hallway is ~5Y and longest room is ~7Y. Walls are white and when using my 800 lumen TLR-1HL indoors I get severe glare off my white walls and doors. It's pretty distracting. And this is while I'm 100% awake and aware of what I'm doing. My 400 lumen APL is plenty bright for my house and isn't distracting or partially blinding.

If we're outdoors exclusively and I have a light mounted on a rifle or handgun, I want all the lumens I can get. Which is usually TLR-1 HLs on my pistols and long guns.

[spinmove_]

Honestly if you're good with SigLites, those would work just fine. If you're down for a change...well...there's options a plenty. It's all fairly subjective really. If something looks interesting, go nuts. If not, SIGLites will serve you fine.


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[M2CattleCo]

I keep a Glock 34 with an X300U and 10-8 sights, fiber optic front, black rear. I keep it in my closet, on the highest shelf so it's out of reach of the kids. It's only there at night, goes back in the safe before everyone wakes up.

I keep a Surefire P3X 15/1000 lumen handheld in the nightstand. I use the 15 to check out any bump in the night type stuff because my eyes are acclimated to the dark and it's plenty.

I sleep so hard I don't know how much good the pistol would do me. If my wife didn't wake me up I'd likely sleep through my bed being stolen.

[willie]

Glock 19 with factory night sights. Before my B92 Brigadier lights dimmed, I used it. Very close by are an AR and 870.

[Mark D]

Interesting discussion. My nighstand preferences: My daily carry P2000, in a holster, alongside a hand held light that puts out about 100 lumens. My rationale:

1) I have the most practice with my daily carry gun, and will be most proficient with it.
2) I like to keep the gun in a clip-on holster, because I'm probably going slip the holstered gun in my pajama waistband if I'm awakened by a persistent knock on the front door. The holster also acts to prevent an overly sleepy trigger finger from inadvertently entering the trigger guard.
3) 100 lumens is perfectly adequate for me to assess the interior of my home once my eyes have adapted. For a home defense scenario, I have no intention of leaving the house and entering other environments where higher lumens would be helpful.

[Apopkan2582]

I obviously agree with your decision to use a P226. I've got the TLR-1 HL and feel the brightness is perfect.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170826/5e3f09755dabd01f7421244c643d0ee1.jpg

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[HCM]

Interesting discussion. My nighstand preferences: My daily carry P2000, in a holster, alongside a hand held light that puts out about 100 lumens. My rationale:

1) I have the most practice with my daily carry gun, and will be most proficient with it.
2) I like to keep the gun in a clip-on holster, because I'm probably going slip the holstered gun in my pajama waistband if I'm awakened by a persistent knock on the front door. The holster also acts to prevent an overly sleepy trigger finger from inadvertently entering the trigger guard.
3) 100 lumens is perfectly adequate for me to assess the interior of my home once my eyes have adapted. For a home defense scenario, I have no intention of leaving the house and entering other environments where higher lumens would be helpful.

I always want "all the lumens." It lets me see faster and assess better.

Hand held light is a good choice but some form of retention lanyard, ring, etc is highly recommended. WML are not a replacement for hand held lights when searching.

Holster as an extra layer of safety is also a good idea.

[rob_s]

Pre-kids I just left my carry gun on the nightstand, which at the time was a Glock 19 with whatever the night-sights-du-jour were at the time.

With kids, I can't and won't leave guns lying around, and there is someone else that is often home when I am not that might want to access the gun. That means that now there is a dedicated gun, in a Fort Knox Personal Pistol Safe (https://www.amazon.com/Fort-Knox-Personal-Pistol-Safe/dp/B0075QMCNK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503838010&sr=8-1&keywords=fort+knox+personal+pistol+safe). The gun is a Glock 19 with one G17 mag in it and two more in the safe, and it has an X300 attached and a handheld light with it too.

Things I'm considering changing, some for because:reasons and some due to changes in the situation:

Safe: Fort Knox FTK-PB Pistol Box Handgun Safe (https://www.amazon.com/Fort-Knox-FTK-PB-Pistol-Handgun/dp/B004H6MKI8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503838010&sr=8-2&keywords=fort+knox+personal+pistol+safe)
Gun: Gen 5 Glock 17
Weaponlight: Surefire X400u Green (https://www.amazon.com/SureFire-Ultra-Handgun-WeaponLight-Green/dp/B00G2QEIUY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503839249&sr=8-1&keywords=surefire+x400)


ETA:
I wrote an article several years ago about setting up and using a fanny pack for my nightstand gun. I actually still think it's a great solution, and still have the fanny pack, but the space I have available in my current situation doesn't allow for the fanny pack to be in the nightstand safe. If I could figure out a way to make the Fort Knox CAB 24 Controlled Access Box (http://www.deansafe.com/ftk-cab-24.html) work for me I might go back to the fanny pack.

[LangdonTactical]

I personally think the 226 is a great gun for a nightstand gun. Having a DA trigger on a gun you're grabbing for in the dark in the middle of the night when your half asleep seems like a really smart choice.

I think the TRL1 HL with all 800 lumens is a smart choice as well. Hand held light should be there as well, but if for some reason that gets dropped or not picked up, you have enough lumens to splash light off the floor and light up a person without pointing the gun at them directly. Or from a dark room into a very well lit room that can help a lot as well when they are backlit by the light.

Just my thoughts

[CoGT3]

Pre-kids I just left my carry gun on the nightstand, which at the time was a Glock 19 with whatever the night-sights-du-jour were at the time.

With kids, I can't and won't leave guns lying around, and there is someone else that is often home when I am not that might want to access the gun. That means that now there is a dedicated gun, in a Fort Knox Personal Pistol Safe (https://www.amazon.com/Fort-Knox-Personal-Pistol-Safe/dp/B0075QMCNK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503838010&sr=8-1&keywords=fort+knox+personal+pistol+safe). The gun is a Glock 19 with one G17 mag in it and two more in the safe, and it has an X300 attached and a handheld light with it too.

Things I'm considering changing, some for because:reasons and some due to changes in the situation:

Safe: Fort Knox FTK-PB Pistol Box Handgun Safe (https://www.amazon.com/Fort-Knox-FTK-PB-Pistol-Handgun/dp/B004H6MKI8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503838010&sr=8-2&keywords=fort+knox+personal+pistol+safe)
Gun: Gen 5 Glock 17
Weaponlight: Surefire X400u Green (https://www.amazon.com/SureFire-Ultra-Handgun-WeaponLight-Green/dp/B00G2QEIUY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503839249&sr=8-1&keywords=surefire+x400)


ETA:
I wrote an article several years ago about setting up and using a fanny pack for my nightstand gun. I actually still think it's a great solution, and still have the fanny pack, but the space I have available in my current situation doesn't allow for the fanny pack to be in the nightstand safe. If I could figure out a way to make the Fort Knox CAB 24 Controlled Access Box (http://www.deansafe.com/ftk-cab-24.html) work for me I might go back to the fanny pack.

I have had the large Ft Know Cab box for about 7 years now and it has served well as a bedroom safe. Like you, I have young children in the house, 3 under age 6. Will be quit a while before I can leave my bedside gun on the nightstand and AR propped up in the corner.

Our Cab box sits in a bedside dresser with kitchen cabinet type doors on the top shelf. Safe has hole in the bottom to screw it down so 6 yo don't accidentally pull it off the shelf onto their toes. The Simplex lock is easy to use even with little light. The box holds more than you might think also. Ours holds 2 HK USP tacts in a HK soft case across the bottom. On top of that my carry gun and bedside gun on top of each other, next over my N frame and then wife's L frame. I keep all the loaded guns in holsters as the opening isn't that tall compared to the depth, makes sure no fingers find there way onto a trigger while reaching in.

Would think there would be enough room for a fanny pack/go bag. I have also been working something similar using a HSGI padded belt with cobra latch. Kind of grab the belt and put on leaving hands free to deal with children while having gun with wml, reloads, hand held light all strapped on. Just haven't been able to find a good way to lock that belt up in the bedroom with easy access when needed.

[LockedBreech]

I personally think the 226 is a great gun for a nightstand gun. Having a DA trigger on a gun you're grabbing for in the dark in the middle of the night when your half asleep seems like a really smart choice.

I think the TRL1 HL with all 800 lumens is a smart choice as well. Hand held light should be there as well, but if for some reason that gets dropped or not picked up, you have enough lumens to splash light off the floor and light up a person without pointing the gun at them directly. Or from a dark room into a very well lit room that can help a lot as well when they are backlit by the light.

Just my thoughts

Even though my carry system is all Glock, I just picked up a 92A1 and I'm considering using it and my TLR-1HL instead of my G17G4. I keep my Kindle and water bottle over there and while I am careful it kinda seems like an accident waiting to happen.


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[breakingtime91]

I personally think the 226 is a great gun for a nightstand gun. Having a DA trigger on a gun you're grabbing for in the dark in the middle of the night when your half asleep seems like a really smart choice.

I think the TRL1 HL with all 800 lumens is a smart choice as well. Hand held light should be there as well, but if for some reason that gets dropped or not picked up, you have enough lumens to splash light off the floor and light up a person without pointing the gun at them directly. Or from a dark room into a very well lit room that can help a lot as well when they are backlit by the light.

Just my thoughts


Even though my carry system is all Glock, I just picked up a 92A1 and I'm considering using it and my TLR-1HL instead of my G17G4. I keep my Kindle and water bottle over there and while I am careful it kinda seems like an accident waiting to happen.


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Do you not keep your night stand gun in a holster?

[LockedBreech]

Do you not keep your night stand gun in a holster?

It's one of those light bearing holsters that allows way too much finger access to trigger for my comfort.

I could buy another holster but I already have a manual safety equipped DA/SA Beretta. Seems cheaper.


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[breakingtime91]

It's one of those light bearing holsters that allows way too much finger access to trigger for my comfort.

I could buy another holster but I already have a manual safety equipped DA/SA Beretta. Seems cheaper.


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I would voice caution in using a gun that takes more administrative handling then the gun you usually carry and train with.. easy to forget to take off the safety, decock and put safety on during manipulation, or forgetting to decock. Just food for thought.

[LockedBreech]

I would voice caution in using a gun that takes more administrative handling then the gun you usually carry and train with.. easy to forget to take off the safety, decock and put safety on during manipulation, or forgetting to decock. Just food for thought.

Generally I 100% agree but I actually have quite a bit more time on the Beretta manual of arms (PX4 and 92) than Glock. I'm heavily familiar with both and both are very natural to me.

It bears thought. Your points are solid.


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[ArgentFix]

I personally think the 226 is a great gun for a nightstand gun. Having a DA trigger on a gun you're grabbing for in the dark in the middle of the night when your half asleep seems like a really smart choice.

I think the TRL1 HL with all 800 lumens is a smart choice as well. Hand held light should be there as well, but if for some reason that gets dropped or not picked up, you have enough lumens to splash light off the floor and light up a person without pointing the gun at them directly. Or from a dark room into a very well lit room that can help a lot as well when they are backlit by the light.

Just my thoughts

Thanks! Definitely staying with the P226 for that reason. I put an X300U-B on it, which was a pain, though worth it. At 600 lumens it doesn't seem blinding with dark-adjusted eyes at the distances I'd have to use it.

After several people suggested, I added to the nightstand drawer an S&W flashlight I hadn't used much but it's perfect here. While the LED technology is old, the light is sufficient for indoor non-gun-pointy illumination, and the red option is nice for soft light:

https://www.swgear.com/shop/flashlights/galaxy-13-led/

I only wish the 357/40 mags held more because I'd prefer to stay stock. I considered switching it to 9mm with a Bar-Sto conversion barrel I have but I don't think I could ever 100% trust the extraction.

[ArgentFix]

Even though my carry system is all Glock, I just picked up a 92A1 and I'm considering using it and my TLR-1HL instead of my G17G4.


Honestly if I had a modern railed 92 I would probably do this. Safety plus DA/SA plus I really like my 92FS. I'd add a 92A1/3 to my wishlist if it wasn't already far, far too long :)

[Balisong]

Thanks! Definitely staying with the P226 for that reason. I put an X300U-B on it, which was a pain, though worth it. At 600 lumens it doesn't seem blinding with dark-adjusted eyes at the distances I'd have to use it.

After several people suggested, I added to the nightstand drawer an S&W flashlight I hadn't used much but it's perfect here. While the LED technology is old, the light is sufficient for indoor non-gun-pointy illumination, and the red option is nice for soft light:

https://www.swgear.com/shop/flashlights/galaxy-13-led/

I only wish the 357/40 mags held more because I'd prefer to stay stock. I considered switching it to 9mm with a Bar-Sto conversion barrel I have but I don't think I could ever 100% trust the extraction.

I wouldn't feel too unequipped with 15+1 of 40 or 357, BUT then again, I have a SBR AR on my dresser.

ETA my nightstand pistol is a Glock 35 with the OEM 22 round mag

[jwperry]

Thanks! Definitely staying with the P226 for that reason. I put an X300U-B on it, which was a pain, though worth it. At 600 lumens it doesn't seem blinding with dark-adjusted eyes at the distances I'd have to use it.

After several people suggested, I added to the nightstand drawer an S&W flashlight I hadn't used much but it's perfect here. While the LED technology is old, the light is sufficient for indoor non-gun-pointy illumination, and the red option is nice for soft light:

https://www.swgear.com/shop/flashlights/galaxy-13-led/

I only wish the 357/40 mags held more because I'd prefer to stay stock. I considered switching it to 9mm with a Bar-Sto conversion barrel I have but I don't think I could ever 100% trust the extraction.

Have you tried just throwing the P226 9mm barrel into the gun? They fit and work well. A couple of us on here have done it with no ill effects. Plus the silencerco barrels can be had for $140ish (deguns.net) and are equally as accurate as the factory or Barsto (at least it has been in my hands).

I choose to use the brightest flashlight I can get too. The biggest benefit I've found going with the brighter flashlight is that it is the only way to overpower light someone is shining at you. I don't personally need a flashlight in my home; the lights from the various electronics that always glow provide enough of a back-lit ambiance that I know where I'm going and I know what belongs and doesn't belong. But if someone was to shine a bright light at me I'd want to push the most lumens I could at them short of just flipping on a light switch. I also have a small house, so there is that too..

[Mark D]

[QUOTE=jwperry;643616]Have you tried just throwing the P226 9mm barrel into the gun? They fit and work well. A couple of us on here have done it with no ill effects. Plus the silencerco barrels can be had for $140ish (deguns.net) and are equally as accurate as the factory or Barsto (at least it has been in my hands). QUOTE]

I can't speak for the Silencerco barrels, but the Barsto 9mm conversion worked great in my .40 S&@ P229. No problems with extraction at all. And the .40 S&W mags accepted 9mm without any complaints.

[Beat Trash]

For years I've used a ~2009 P226 as my nightstand gun. The STL-900L that came with it fell apart around 1000 rounds and the tritium sites are nearing half-life so it's time to re-evaluate. I'm looking for guidance on what makes a good nightstand gun. Is there any such thing as a nightstand guide?

I've read through the posts so far. And I see several who are using larger capacity magazines.

I'm old enough to remember sleeping will with a 6 shot revolver next to me (or under a pillow next to me). Later to be replace with a 7 shot 1911. Reading those who use the extended pistol magazines, if it makes you feel better, rock on. For me, a 17 round magazine is fine if I think I may have a problem. If I know I have problem, I have an AR wth a 30 round magazine available.

I carry an issued M&P9 at work. My current night stand pistol is a personally owned M&P9 with a white light (TLR-HD) and a hand held flashlight next to the gun. I like some consistency in life.

I don't get those who carry one action type and yet use a different action type as their, "Go-To" when they are awaken from a sound sleep. I prefer consistency when it comes to defensive pistols. Especially when I'm half awake.

I'm old enough to be a Grandfather. But when my kids where young, I chose to dump my revolvers as a night stand gun for a semi auto intentionally kept in condition 3. I felt it was safer if I forgot to put the gun up when I got out of bed. And the act of chambering a round helps to wake me up. On the rare occasion that problems from my professional life would follow me home, I would kept an AR under my side of the bed. Night stand guns are nice, but one must realize when play time is over and it's time to get serious. Aspects of my professional life following me home and disturbing my sleep, especially if it put my family at risk is serious enough that I'll ditch the pistol and bring a long gun into the mix.

The OP asked for a Night Stand pistol guide. So here goes my comments on the topic:

Get a copy of the pistol that you are most familiar with. It's now your dedicated night stand gun. let all adults in your household know it exists and make sure they are familiar with it. Bad things can happen in your house when your at the store with your daily CCW gun on your person.

Attach a quality white light (Surefire or Streamlight).

Keep a quality hand held white light next to the gun.

Keep your cell phone near to the night stand gun.

Find a way to mix ease of access with security. Especially if children are in your household. Never risk your children getting to your unattended night stand pistol.

A layered system will help here. Hardened doors, loud dog, ect. Time is your friend, not the suspects.

If you are married, have a "his and hers" night stand gun. "Hers" should be a gun she is comfortable with. If you decide to check out the noise, or to grab the kids, she needs to be armed as well.

I feel some people in the internet tend to over think the subject. If I were not a Grandfather, my night stand gun would be my CCW gun that was carried during the day. I'd set the holstered gun next to a Surefire hand held night and my cell phone. Then I'd go to sleep...

[Mark D]

I always want "all the lumens." It lets me see faster and assess better.

Hand held light is a good choice but some form of retention lanyard, ring, etc is highly recommended. WML are not a replacement for hand held lights when searching.

Holster as an extra layer of safety is also a good idea.

HCM's comment prompted me to do some experimentation. Last night, When I awoke in the middle of the night, I illuminated the bedroom with a 300 lumen Streamlight handheld. As I expected, it scorched my sleepy eyeballs, but within a couple seconds my discomfort vanished and I realized the extra illumination would be extremely helpful for friend or foe identification. Henceforth I'll upgrade from 100 lumens to 300.

On the subject of light retention with a handheld, I usually use one of my girlfriend's "hair doinkies" - which is basically an elastic band that loops over my support hand thumb. This works, but I prefer an adjustable wrist lanyard so I'll probably upgrade that item too.

[Bucky]

My carry gun sits on the night stand at night, but the quick access safe below it has the official HD gun. Like others here, capacity is key. Mine is a 92G Vertec with night sights, CTC laser grips, a Streamlight mounted underneath and factory 20 round magazine.

To the OP, why not just freshen up what you already have?

[ArgentFix]

To the OP, why not just freshen up what you already have?

Yep, that's pretty much what I'm doing. This has been a helpful thread though, lots of ideas and considerations to ponder.

[RevolverRob]

Same gun I carry, same gun on night stand (more accurately in night stand). P30 LEM, Dawson trit front, 10-8 U-notch rear, with TLR1-S. Only difference when I carry it, a factory 15-round mag is in it. When I sit it on the night stand I swap for a mag with a +5 extension. I carry a +5 extended mag as my reload. I don't have to do this, of course, but I like 20+1 on board if I have to grab it and go over 15+1.