Lightest Weight 9mm with WML?

[Doc_Glock]

I like to hike/camp. There is usually significant elevation gain involved and weight is the enemy.

What is the lightest weight vetted 9mm pistol that can accommodate a WML? Capacity does not matter to me.

I don't want to go down in caliber for the wilderness. I think the WML is super important when way away from urban light sources.

Currently carry a chopped to G19 with G26 mag in it and it is probably 30 ounces loaded with the WML and 28 without it. If I recall, generally Glock pistols tend to be lighter than any of the service pistol competition. But maybe I am missing something smaller or single stack. I just don't know which models will allow for a WML.

I predict this thread will steer toward a P365 of some sort.

[thatguybryan]

I think you are correct with regard to where this thread will steer. I’m fairly certain a p365 will be one of the lightest 9mms with a WML.

[Totem Polar]

G43x MOS has a rail. I’d expect it to be within an ounce of a P365–that’s the way I’d go if I was wanting light with a light.

[Doc_Glock]

G43x MOS has a rail. I’d expect it to be within an ounce of a P365–that’s the way I’d go if I was wanting light with a light.

Good to know I had a G43X and it weighed 3 ounces less than a G26, so maybe 4 ounces less than my current set up. I got rid of it due to not wanting to stock a bunch of new magazines/holsters, but maybe it is worth it?

[Doc_Glock]

Okay I perused the Glock and Sig websites.

As Totem Polar noted, the only slim line Glock with a WML slot is the G43X MOS. Glock still doesn't even have a slot on the G26.

If I go off the weights from the manufacturer sites, the Glock is 16.26 oz without and 18.55 oz with magazine. The 365 is listed at 17.8oz, but it is unclear if that includes the magazine or not? Clearly Sig wins the size factor issue here, but I suspect the Glock will be more tolerant of various muck.

[Totem Polar]

Indeed, no indication on the Sig site how they weighed the guns, but I’d *guess it’s gun and mag as a unit, no ammo. The Sig and 43x are pretty darn close indeed; well within an ounce. Which makes sense, given the design constraints of making a 10-round 9mm that’s as compact as possible that still runs.

[JAH 3rd]

Could you tell us how you are going to carry your pistol? IE, open or concealed carry. If concealed, will it be on your person versus in a backpack? I am approaching this from the angle of weight distribution. If the pistol is on your hip, that's where all the weight is. A backpack or chest holster hopefully will distribute the weight better utilizing both shoulders. Just a thought.

[Default.mp3]

A backpack or chest holster hopefully will distribute the weight better utilizing both shoulders.If the weight of the pack is on your shoulders, it's not a very good backpacking pack (or you didn't adjust the straps correctly/got the wrong size frame); ideally, the shoulder straps provide minimal support, only to keep the pack from tipping backwards, the bulks of the weight should be on the hips.

[Doc_Glock]

Could you tell us how you are going to carry your pistol? IE, open or concealed carry. If concealed, will it be on your person versus in a backpack? I am approaching this from the angle of weight distribution. If the pistol is on your hip, that's where all the weight is. A backpack or chest holster hopefully will distribute the weight better utilizing both shoulders. Just a thought.

I typically use a Safepacker on the backpack belt and transition to Kydex AIWB when in camp.

[JAH 3rd]

If the weight of the pack is on your shoulders, it's not a very good backpacking pack (or you didn't adjust the straps correctly/got the wrong size frame); ideally, the shoulder straps provide minimal support, only to keep the pack from tipping backwards, the bulks of the weight should be on the hips.

Thanks for the insight Default.mp3. Obviously I don't backpack, but if I ever do, I will seek out professional help when setting up my equipment.

[HeavyDuty]

I believe you can get non-rail mounted WMLs for the G43 and G26, too. They mount to the trigger guard.

[Trukinjp13]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220531/8630902a402c9bf2a8c69557b9586660.jpg
10+1 147grn hst


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Doc_Glock]

I believe you can get non-rail mounted WMLs for the G43 and G26, too. They mount to the trigger guard.

That may be the best solution because I have a G43!

[Doc_Glock]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220531/8630902a402c9bf2a8c69557b9586660.jpg
10+1 147grn hst


Thank you for the weight on that very capable package!

[Trukinjp13]

Thank you for the weight on that very capable package!

If you have a g43 already than the tlr that can mount on her maybe a good route to go indeed.

And you are welcome. I like to try and get a real carry weight on my stuff. It’s interesting how some guns feel heavier than others. And how the forgotten weight in ammo makes a diff.


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[Doc_Glock]

Okay I ordered the TLR6 for the G43 and that was a simple solution for me. The G43 is only 7 rounds but lighter than even the 365. The TLR6 has very short run time and limited lumens (1 hour and 100 lumens), but for this application I think it will be perfect.


I need to find an in camp holster for it, but still all in its a lot cheaper than buying another pistol/mags etc.

[Screwball]

My 642-1, converted to 9mm, with LaserMax weapon light weighs 16 ounces…

https://i.imgur.com/rjRKQWQ.jpg

But LaserMax discontinued the light and they seem to have dried up on eBay.

[DDTSGM]

Thanks for the insight Default.mp3. Obviously I don't backpack, but if I ever do, I will seek out professional help when setting up my equipment.

These guys taught me: https://rmi.marines.com/request-information/G_Core_Exact?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-daUBhCIARIsALbkjSacUxOp2jIA14jjfLNy9YcZLMja6eGlumU jNU4ov4IERccZ0GukSwUaAt-LEALw_wcB

[steve]

My 642-1, converted to 9mm, with LaserMax weapon light weighs 16 ounces…

https://i.imgur.com/rjRKQWQ.jpg

But LaserMax discontinued the light and they seem to have dried up on eBay.

Very nice!!!

[AdioSS]

Keltec lists the mass of an unloaded PF-9 at 12.6oz & you can put a light on the front rail.

[DrkBlue]

Keltec lists the mass of an unloaded PF-9 at 12.6oz & you can put a light on the front rail.

Ouch. Hitting my hand with a 16oz hammer hurts less than the PF-9 I owned.
I fell for the mojo of the Keltec P-32… The PF-9 was not that.

I do run the TLR-6 on a G26. The WML is not the most ergonomic or bright, but way better than nothing.
https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/tlr-6

[CCT125US]

Capacity does not matter to me.

Consider that 2 live rounds of 115gr equal about an ounce. Would downloading an existing, vetted gun do anything to the equation? Simple solution, unless you're trying to justify another gun.....

I'm a terrible enabler, forgive me.

[Doc_Glock]

Consider that 2 live rounds of 115gr equal about an ounce. Would downloading an existing, vetted gun do anything to the equation? Simple solution, unless you're trying to justify another gun.....

I'm a terrible enabler, forgive me.


My G43s are vetted. I just forgot about them and figured I could not mount WML. Problem solved.

[AdioSS]

Ouch. Hitting my hand with a 16oz hammer hurts less than the PF-9 I owned.
I fell for the mojo of the Keltec P-32… The PF-9 was not that.

I haven’t tried the P32 or the PF9, but my experience with the P3AT & P11 hasn’t been terrible. Neither are fun to shoot, but they are easy to carry.

[HeavyDuty]

My G43s are vetted. I just forgot about them and figured I could not mount WML. Problem solved.

Re-vet after mounting the light…

[ECVMatt]

I agree with HD. I have a 43 with TLR-6 that I take on and off as needed. Mine has the laser and sometimes I have to readjust it to the iron sights. On my sample of one, when matched to the irons, my laser is dead on. I bought the gun used and the TLR-6 came with it. I think I would have preferred just the light but I am learning to like the laser.

Mine goes on and off the gun without an issue, but it is best practices to make sure yours will do the same.

Let us know how it works out for you.

[JAH 3rd]

These guys taught me: https://rmi.marines.com/request-information/G_Core_Exact?gclid=Cj0KCQjw-daUBhCIARIsALbkjSacUxOp2jIA14jjfLNy9YcZLMja6eGlumU jNU4ov4IERccZ0GukSwUaAt-LEALw_wcB

Thanks for your service!!

[Doc_Glock]

G43 7x147gr HST + TLR6 light = 22.8oz

89718
89719

My usual hiking carry: chopped G19/TLR8/11x147 HST = 30.7oz

89720

The difference is a ~1/2lb.

The question is whether that half pound is worth the trade off in shootability, capacity, and reliability?

The answer, for me sort of depends on how much climbing/distance is involved. Anything over 10 miles and 2500’ probably makes it worth switching.

[Doc_Glock]

Just a small update.

I did end up setting up a G43 with WML/laser combination.

It is probably the lightest a 9mm WML equipped pistol can be. I enjoy it for running usage.

However when it came time to hike 30 miles out in the wilderness I left it home and took the chopped G19 because I don’t totally trust the G43.

Some things are worth the weight.

[Clusterfrack]

Just a small update.

I did end up setting up a G43 with WML/laser combination.

It is probably the lightest a 9mm WML equipped pistol can be. I enjoy it for running usage.

However when it came time to hike 30 miles out in the wilderness I left it home and took the chopped G19 because I don’t totally trust the G43.

Some things are worth the weight.

I’ve been down the same trail. I did vet a G43, and carried it. The problem for me was capacity. After an encounter with 3 carloads of tweakers blocking my family’s vehicle in a remote location, I benched the 43 in favor of a 15+1 gun.

I always have a handheld light, so a WML is the first thing to go when I need to shed weight.

[awmp]

I have a Sig 365xl and Glock 48, both with WML and seem really light. I have gone on one hiking trip with the 365XL with the wml and had no issues.

The right holster is key and helps make a light pistol feel like it is not even there.

As you know, ounces become pounds the longer the hike, lol.

[TicTacticalTimmy]

For a service pistol with a real rail, I think the lightest option will be the Arex Delta M, which is just under 21oz with the optic ready version.