Viridian C5L Compact Laser and LED Light with Tec Loc Holster-video
I was looking for a compact green laser and white light combination that was small enough to fit my S&W M&P 40 compact. Most of those on the market were either a laser only or light only. The combination units were just too large and bulky for my concealed carry purpose.
video
After some searching I found the Viridian C5L, which is a sub-compact laser and light combination. It’s advertised as the smallest combination made and I believe it. At a bit over two ounces you hardly know it’s mounted on the pistol. The laser has the same power as most other larger types. You can see by the photos that the white light is considerably smaller than a dime. The stats listed below have the white light at 100 lumens but it does seem brighter.
Stats:
Dimensions:
1.90”L x 1.46”H x 1.31”W
1.90”L x 1.46”H x 1.31”W
Weight: 2.414 oz.
(including battery)
(including battery)
Construction:
Primarily 6061 Aircraft
Grade Aluminum, front and
rearconversion high strength
Zytel® polymer.
Primarily 6061 Aircraft
Grade Aluminum, front and
rearconversion high strength
Zytel® polymer.
Laser Beam Intensity:
5mW peak, 532nm, Class IIIa,
Continuous wave.
5mW peak, 532nm, Class IIIa,
Continuous wave.
Laser Beam Divergence/
Spot Size/Range:
1.2 mrad, appox 0.5” at 50 feet.
Up to 100 yards daylight,
2 miles at night.
Spot Size/Range:
1.2 mrad, appox 0.5” at 50 feet.
Up to 100 yards daylight,
2 miles at night.
User Adjustable:
Easy to use windage and
elevation adjustments on laser.
Easy to use windage and
elevation adjustments on laser.
Battery Life:
4+ hours
of constant laser runtime, 7+
hours of pulsing laser runtime,
60 minutes of laser and light
runtime. Unit runs on one CR2
3v lithium (included).
4+ hours
of constant laser runtime, 7+
hours of pulsing laser runtime,
60 minutes of laser and light
runtime. Unit runs on one CR2
3v lithium (included).
Tactical Light Output:
100 lumens on continuous,
140 lumens on strobe mode.
100 lumens on continuous,
140 lumens on strobe mode.
Activation and Modes:
Ambidextrous activation and
infinite amount of custom
operating modes (user can
customize laser pulse rate,
tactical light strobe rate and
light output).
Ambidextrous activation and
infinite amount of custom
operating modes (user can
customize laser pulse rate,
tactical light strobe rate and
light output).
Universal Mounting System:
Three modular rail sets included
with unit allows quick mounting
to virtually all railed handguns
(including sub-compact)
and rifles.
Three modular rail sets included
with unit allows quick mounting
to virtually all railed handguns
(including sub-compact)
and rifles.
video
When I received the C5L with the Tac Loc holster I laid the holster aside and inspected the contents of the foam lined case. The case is organized with the unit itself as well as mounting hardware which consists of three rail sets for various pistols such as my M&P, Glock and other pistols. There are also three sets of screws for the rail sizes of these other pistols. Three hex wrenches are included to not only adjust the elevation and windage but for the initial mounting on your pistol. A single Viridian CR2 battery is also provided.
The operators manual is well written with easy to follow instructions for mounting, adjusting elevation, windage and maintenance. The manual also covers setting all of the operation modes for both laser and light and combinations of both.
This unit has been out for over a year but changes have been made in that time to enhance its capabilities. Primarily this is the ECR or “Enhanced Combat Readiness” system.
The ECR system is a mating of the C5L with the Viridian branded TacLoc holster. I suspect the holster is made for Viridian by Blackhawk since the back of the holster uses any Blackhawk holster attachment. The manner in which these two work together is by setting the laser and light on the desired setting. The unit is left activated then holstered which turns the unit off. When the user is ready to fire they simply draw the weapon which automatically activates the laser and light. It remains on until it’s re-holstered. In order to draw the weapon the user depresses the lever on the side of the holster releasing the pistol. The TacLoc is rated at a level two retention. The back of the holster is adjustable to fit any dress or tactical wide belt.
The laser/light can be operated in a variety of settings. In order to adjust the unit two buttons are depressed simultaneously cycling through each option. These settings are very easy to select unlike some I’ve used. One button is mounted on each side. With the unit off it can be activated by depressing either button with left or right hand. Please excuse the marginal video quality. I do intend to acquire a better camera. The video below shows the settings the user has available.
I’ve been using the C5L for a couple of months now and really like the combination especially when carrying after dark. I prefer to leave the laser on the constant setting with the LED on strobe. The laser is still easy to see even with the white strobe on. Not having to press any buttons to activate the C5L makes it very fast to draw and get on target.
The C5L with the TacLoc is my favorite combination for low light use. I can’t think of any other combination that offers the light weight, security, speed, comfort and concealability of these two products. Retail price on the C5L is $350 with the TacLoc holster at $69. I’m sure a bit of shopping around would save a considerable amount when purchasing both. If you own a compact pistol, with rail, I don’t believe you can do better than the Viridian C5L and TacLoc setup.