[MikeBofAZ]

Well guys just came up on 500 to throw towards my ar15 setup and I think its time for some illumination im sure surefire will be in there but what do you guys recommend for a weapon mounted light?

[magnumman]

It you have a pistol with a rail, I would recommend something that is interchangeable. You will find it much more practical on the handgun. (at least I do). I have a tlr2 that I use on my 45 for HD, if I wanted to use it on my ar it takes seconds to switch. The controls are strange on the carbine but it does work. It also saves me spending money on a second light.

[MikeBofAZ]

Good idea but I am against the concept of a light on a HD pistol.. unlike the AR, with a pistol I can cary a flashlight in my weak hand and confidently fire on target I also dont like the idea of pointing a firearm at my loved ones while clearing a room

[magnumman]

Understood. What is the purpose of the ar light?

[Quentin]

Originally Posted by magnumman

It you have a pistol with a rail, I would recommend something that is interchangeable. You will find it much more practical on the handgun. (at least I do). I have a tlr2 that I use on my 45 for HD, if I wanted to use it on my ar it takes seconds to switch...

I've done the same with a Streamlight TLR-1s used on my Glock 23 and two ARs that both have a Battlecomp Mossie Midnight Mount. It's very quick to swap from one firearm to another but I am planning to get another TLR-1s since I'm quite pleased with its performance and the first one normally is on the G23.

The MMM is a great 12 o'clock mount for the AR too, if you have an A2 FSB.

[AgentTikki]

Indoor the streamlight trl 1,2 and surefire x300 are great. Outdoor i use a fenix 550 lumen cree xml t6 with a good throw. It'll throw out beyond 100 yards.

I have a streamlight trl1s on my 45 and a fenix in my weakhand. You can never have too much light in the dark.

[MikeBofAZ]

I am interested in the x300 what are your thoughts for pros/cons

[AgentTikki]

cons: expensive.

pros: Very solid, great reputation.

The X300's beam is has a lot a throw, its good for about 40 yards. Its not as floody as the Streamlight TRL's led. I like the way it mounts a little more flush with to a picatinny rail.



I personally prefer the Streamlight TRL on my Glock 21 .45acp. The beam is more floody (wide angled) so its better for indoor use and the actuation lever is easier for me to utilize. I wear a size large or xtra large glove. Its throw isn't as good as the X300 but I'd say its good for about 35 yards ish.

For my AR I wanted more throw (distance) I use a Fenix (forget what model) with a 550 lumen Cree T6 led, and 1x 18650 rechargeable lithium ion battery. I also have a Solarforce P60 with a Cree t6 that really durable and rugged but haven't found a 1" light mount that I like yet. Acutally I'm still looking for a good mount for my lights for both the Fenis and Solarforce.

[Quentin]

Great info as usual, AT! I considered the X300 as well but couldn't ignore that the TLR-1s was about 1/3 the cost yet output 160 lumens which was plenty for indoor use. I'm impressed with its performance and at that cost I do want another on an AR. I agree it's wise to have a more powerful handheld at the ready too but fumbling around in the dead of night it's nice to know the Glock has something decent aboard.

550 lumens, I'm in awe!

[AgentTikki]

Its crazy bright. About as bright as a modern car's regular low beam headlight on your firearm or hand!

There are tradeoffs tho. Battery life and heat. The medium setting is about 300umen and the low 150 (iirc rough estimates). Even at the lowest setting its plenty bright.