Flashlight for AR 15

[Bazooka Joe71]

So I just ordered a Eotech 512, flip up rear sight, a new foregrip, a couple more mags, a nice bag to carry it in and a few other miscellaneous goodies for my AR. All I need now is a flashlight and I am done!

I want a flashlight that is nice, but a reasonable price...I really don't want to spend more than 100-120 for the flashlight and mount...It will be mounted to the right side of my handguard rail.

Any suggestions, and a website to get it from?


thanks guys

 

[HorseSoldier]

Get a plastic light mount from Viking (see here) and one of the polymer Surefires like the G2 Nitrolon (see here. That should get you a decent enough set up for range work for around $60-70, including shipping and handling. If you're planning on a lot of muzzle striking and really hard CQB training or activity you might want to spend the money on a more expensive set up, however (or at least buy a spare mount from Viking and be ready to order another light).

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

A Surefire G2 and some 1" low-mount rings from Wal-Mart will run you about $39-49. This will get you a lightweight 65 lumen light. I ran mine for about 5k rounds before the lamp broke. You probably won't be getting into any Surefire lights below $120 otherwise. The G2 is a nice solution to help you figure out what you really want.

If you want something a little nicer, you have the Streamlight Thunder Ranch package.

There is also the NightOps Falcata - which is inside your budget and a nice light; but you would still need to buy a mount for it.

 

[Chindo18Z]

Streamlight TLR-1 / $120.22
Streamlight TLR-1 LED Weaponlight
Shock-proof, waterproof, dust-proof, and virtually indestructible!

• Extremely durable aluminum housing
• 3 Watt Luxeon LED
• Lamp is impervious to shock & will not break or burn out!
• Delivers up to 80 lumens
• Uses two, CR123 batteries (included)
• Up to 2.5 hrs continuous run time
• Solid-State current regulation for consistent illlumination level
• Features secure latching base for secure mounting
• Operating temperature -40° F to 120° F
• Fits all light-bearing holsters
• “No Excuses” Life Time Warranty
• Accessories available
• 4.18 oz. with batteries
• Click here for specification sheet
• Click here for additonal features

They fit most handguns with rails as well as long guns with 1913 (Picatinny style) rails. The TLR tactical lights give you every advantage in any low-light situation.

Also available are mounts or adapters for: Mossberg Shotguns (12 gauge), 12 ga. Shotguns, with extended magazine tubes, Remington 870, AR-15/M-16, MP-5, HK USP (Full Size) Handgun with 69085 adapter, S&W TSW 99.

http://www.copquest.com/10-6800.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Streamlight IT Tactical Light Mounts {Closeout}

This is the tactical Illuminator mounts for long guns such as the M-16 or AR-15, Remiongton & Mossberg shotguns and H&K MP-5. These mounts function with the M-3 and M-6 series of lights as well as the TLR-1 and TLR-2 lights.

Mounting instructions and hardware are included.

Streamlight IT Tactical Light Mounts :
69902:
M-16 / AR-15 Stock: 3 Closeout $15.75
Retail Price: $21.00
No. 10-6050-000

http://www.copquest.com/10-6050.htm

 

[Thefabulousfink]

I recently picked up a 6AX Explorer from a company called Wolf Eyes (a Canadian outfit).
http://www.tactical-flashlights-store.com/6-Series/6AX-Explorer-Tactical-Flashlights.html

The non-rechargeable version costs about the same as the cheap Surefire. Instead of being plastic, the explorer is made out of aluminum and seem to be brighter than the G2. Battery life is about the same (@50 min), and it uses the same type of batteries. I ordered mine with the pressure switch, and a cheap 1" scope ring holds it on the rails.

I would say that it is a pretty good light that rivals the low end Surefires.

 

[grizz]

www.brightflashlights.com is supposed to have great prices.

I am personally trying to decide if a Streamlight TLR-1 would be good for an AR. It comes with a built in mount, is pretty bright, compact, would work on a pistol or shotgun too, and is only $100.

--Grizz

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

G2 with Wal-Mart rings, Bartholomew knows what he's talking about.


I like the G2. It is small, light, and bright and priced very well.


If yours lasts 5,000 rds like his did, you'll be able to buy another one and still be at 1/2 the money invested than any other choice.


It does the job. Now, if you wanted a light that has pressure sensitive on/off pads that work with vertical foregrips or have a VFG incorporated....it will cost hundreds of dollars.


The way I see it, if I have to manually move my hand forward to press a button or switch to turn a light on/off -- then there is no difference between the G2 and any other light other than brightness, and the G2 is pretty darn bright. All manual lights, in that respect, are "equal"....


The dividing line in my view are the ones with manual switches, and the ones with pressure pads. If you can't afford the pressure switch setup, then the G2 is functionally as good as you can get.

If you really don't mind spending $120ish...the other choice isn't bad at all. Go for it. I just don't think it offers much in terms of real-world advantage.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Another thing to keep in mind when buying a light is to match the light to your intended use. If you light up one of those 225 lumen blowtorches in your typical white-walled interior home, your own eyes are going to dilate quite a bit with all the light reflected off the wall. In my own home, the 65 lumen lights are a nice compromise between outdoor use and minimizing the reflected light.

However, if you have primarily outdoor use planned, then a brighter lamp or a longer throw lamp head might be nice, though 65 lumens will generally get it done.

 

[BrainOnSigs]

Can't say enough good things about Pentagon Lights. I now own 4 including one that has survived thousands of rounds thru one of my AR15s during night shoots.

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

Wow guys, thanks for all of the options/advice!

Ok, reasons for using the light:

1) Darkness @ my house(heaven forbit I need it for that)

2) Night time shooting( won't be all that often)

3) Looks ( I know thats cheesy, but its true)


So basically I don't need a top quality light, but I would like something that will last awhile, because i wont be taking it on and off while at the range.


Thanks for all of the great info guys, I'll tell you what I end up with my the end of the week(actually, maybe the end of the day if I go with the G2)

 

[BrainOnSigs]

So basically I don't need a top quality light, but I would like something that will last awhile, because i wont be taking it on and off while at the range.

If it will stay on the rifle all the time....absorbing many rounds.....then you can't go too cheap. You'll want it to have a shock isolated bulb assy so the batteries don't beat it to death during recoil.

 

[mmike87]

BOS - how do you have that light mounted on there? I checked their web site and the X3 was not listed as a "weapon mount" light - however it does have a fully hsock isolated bulb assembly. And it's less than 1/2 the cost of their "weapon" lights.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

You'll want it to have a shock isolated bezel so the batteries don't beat it to death during recoil.

I've been running my G2 without any shock-isolated bezel and it lasted 5,000 rounds without replacement. Currently, a friend is running a G2 on his 12ga with no problems so far. Since you can buy a spare G2 for the cost of the shock-isolated bezel, I don't know that this is a desirable option for a basic rig. I've also found that the cheap LED based-lights hold up to recoil very well.

Now if you were paying out $100+ for the flashlight, I would expect it to have a shock-isolated bezel.

 

[BrainOnSigs]

BOS - how do you have that light mounted on there? I checked their web site and the X3 was not listed as a "weapon mount" light - however it does have a fully hsock isolated bulb assembly. And it's less than 1/2 the cost of their "weapon" lights.

A Daniel Defense off-set mount:

 

[BrainOnSigs]

FYI. The last time I ordered a X3 in hard anodize (135 lumens) it was $75 at new Graham Knives.

As a side note (if you plan on getting down and dirty):

Pentagons are rated for diving to (10 meters) depths. The reps will specifically tell you that you can submerge them to 33ft. without voiding the warranty. Because if you call SureFire and tell them that your o-rings failed while you had your light submerged, they will tell you that you voided your warranty since SureFires are "Weatherproof" not "Waterproof."

If you talk to a SureFire rep they will tell you that their lights will be fine in the rain; if you talk to PentagonLight reps, they will tell you that you can dive with their lights and if the double o-rings fail then they will replace the light.

Give them I call... I have talked to both companies' reps many times. The SureFire 6PN is their only Waterproof (submersible) light.

 

[mmike87]

Thanks for the info. I really like their lineup of lights. They have some pretty aggressive pricing compared to SureFire.

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

I decided on the surefire G2....$30 for the surefire, and $10 for the 1" rings. For that price, I am not too worried about it lasting for years, it will probably never see any sized body of water(maybe a bit of rain).

Thanks for all of the input fella's...My eotech 512 and flip up rear sight should be here tomorrow, along with a new foregrip and a few other bells and whistles, then she will finally be complete!