Advice on Light

[longhorngunman]

Been wanting to add accessories to my new RRA entry Tactical AR. Want to put a tac light on it. Nothing too fancy just a good quality light for HD and Pighunting. Totally new to lights, well I thought I knew about lights, but after doing some searching now I know better . I want to keep my existing M4 handguard and just add a 1913 rail to the top and bottom. Been looking at the Viking tactics mount that will put the light off to the side, since i want to add a forward grip as well. Thought I'd get a Surefire eiher the 6P or the rubber G2, those who own the G2 will it be reliable mounted to the AR. Went to Target and bought a Brinkmann Maxfire LX for bedside use. I'd heard good things about them and for $17, what the heck. This little sucker is brite! Blinded me for a few seconds. Now I'm wondering if I can get out cheap and use a Brinkmann on my AR instead of one of the more popular tac lights. Also had a rechargeable version of the Brinkmann LX for $25. Didn't have any specs on length of light time, are these good lights also. Thanks!

 

[cslinger]

Problem with standard incandescent lights is recoil can break the filalment in the bulb. Now I have seen people shoot regular G2s, 9Ps etc. without any problems for quite a while and I have seen bulbs blow almost instantly.

Your cheapest best bet is probably to get a Surefire G2 and add on one of Surefire Recoil proof heads or simply go with an LED offering as those seem to be pretty much indestructible.

Chris

 

[DigMe]

Black Bear seems to have a decent answer. Be sure to read his followup post:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=143420

I think that's about the cheapest you'll find for a decent setup.

brad cook

 

[black bear]

If you want to use it for pig hunting you will need some range and plenty of light.
A LED head will not give you that and beside they are poor performers in fog, snow, rain, and smoke.
Your best bet is to stick to incandescent. If you want plenty of light the Surefire G-2 or 6P will have the option of the HOLA lamp of 120 lumens (High Output Lamp Assembly) the Brinnkman can not put that many lumens downrange.

A very nice tail cap with a remote pressure pad switch is made for the 6P, G-2 and others and will fit in others 60-65 lumens lights like the Tac Star T-6
But also can fit in the Surefire 9 P. that with the HOLA lamp (the P-91) can put 200 lumens down range.

This tail cap is very inexpensive; I got mine from Midsouth Shooter Supply for about $20 with shipping. Here is a link:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=143420

But the Surefires lamps, thanks to a heavily orange peel reflector will not throw more than 45 yards.
If your hunting requires more range you should look at the TACM III lights, they come with a remote switch and they can be mounted to your rail with a Weaver ring.
I have a target against the fence 78 yards away and my TACM III lights get there very well, outperforming the Surefire lights.
The reason why it is a better thrower is in the design of the reflector which is a little bigger than the Surefire and smooth.
http://www.tacm3.com/tactical_lights.htm

If you go with the Surefires I recommend that you add a Z-32 shock protected bezel, they go for about $24.00
In my TACM III lights after firing hundreds of rounds I have never changed a lamp.
Here is a picture of three of my long guns mounted with TACM III lights



I don't have a Brinnkman, but if the diameter fit the one inch ring it is not reason why you can not try it, after all they are inexpensive when compared to others tactical lights and breaking a lamp will be not a major hardship.

Good luck with your hunting.
black bear

 

[DigMe]

black bear,

I've heard that the HOLA that fits the G-2 will also fit the Brinkmann.

brad cook

 

[black bear]

Dig Me,
Thank you.
Yes you are right, the P-61 with the 120 lumens will fit the Maxfire.
But according to FlashlightsReviews.com it will not center properly.
Here is the review if somebody is interested.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/brinkmann_maxfirelx.htm

black bear

 

[DigMe]

Thanks for the info, black. I don't have one of those flashlights but I'd just heard around that it would fit.

brad cook

 

[bcochran]

alternative

Go to MarylandAR15.com. There is a thread on YOU putting a single ring and light on an AR. I have done it. Cheap, effective.

 

[longhorngunman]

Thanks for all the replies, I went with a PentagonLight X3 from Gand R tactical. 135 Lumens for 77 bucks! I think I did OK, did a little lurking on AR15.com and they seem to be highly recommended lights. How's it going in Waco, Dig Me? I used to live there and spent many a night down at Tom and Jerry's, especially on Country hump night.