Seems like I had seen a relatively cheap weapon light for the AKs that clamped on the barrel. I want a quality light and a simple "universal" mount that works on an AK.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

+1 for SureFire

http://www.cactustactical.com/osc/product_info.php?products_id=1140

$18 for a mount.  I've got this one on my Vector UF.  Only problem with it is that it doesn't hold the flashlight out far enough to clear the handguard so it must be mounted forward of that and since it doesn't allow clearance for a cleaning rod, you have to take the rod out or offset it to the side (can't mount at 6:00).  If having a rod and mounting at 6:00 is important, then consider this one:

http://www.mfiap.com/smallarms/barrel-mount-ak.htm

FWIW I've got a Surefire G2 Nitrolon mounted on one of my AKs and a Surefire 6P on the other.  Both have (so far) withstood  in excess of 1K rounds with no issues at all.  The G2 has the optional P61 lamp assembly in it.  

Znich light:

(costs around 120$ if I remember, bought mine in 2005)





Z

I assume this is what ya'll mean by P6?

That Russian Znich light would be neat. It would look good on my AK74M clone. The only source I know who lists it is Tantal, and he's been out of it for quite awhile. Any other sources for the Znich?

I like the idea with the mfiap barrel mount, even though as a long-time bolt gun shooter I do sort of cringe at the thought of mounting something directly to a barrel. I should get over it, huh? It's not a Model 700.

I figure I could go with one of these P6s with the mfiap barrel clamp. Who's got the clamp that attaches the light to the mount? Does one come with the P6 when you buy it?

Thanks for the help guys.

The mount shown with the MFI barrel mount is sold by them as well, IIRC.  

FreedomOptics.com used to carry the Znich as well. I would get over 2hrs of runtime on a single set of batteries.
Tomac

FreedomOptics seems to be out of stock, but they are listed on Kalinka and don't mention if they are available or not.



Z

I think I will get at least one of each setup. (so much for the budget huh?)

I emailed Kalinka and inquired as to the availability of the Znich.

TX-Zen's photo shows what appears to be a convienent switch that goes up to the sling attachment point. Does this come with the Znich? The photos on Kalinka's website doesn't show anything but a small switch sticking out of the back. I would definitely want the handguard switch also.

Thanks again guys

I run a G2 on mine mounted on the side. A pressure switch is available from SureFire.

Caught this question surfing the board. There are 8 in stock at the moment. Lee will answer your email as well. KO

Quoted: I think I will get at least one of each setup. (so much for the budget huh?) I emailed Kalinka and inquired as to the availability of the Znich. TX-Zen's photo shows what appears to be a convienent switch that goes up to the sling attachment point. Does this come with the Znich? The photos on Kalinka's website doesn't show anything but a small switch sticking out of the back. I would definitely want the handguard switch also. Thanks again guys

I'd verify before you bought if they have on/off or pressure pad switches...mine came with the pressure pad, but nowhere was it mentioned that was how it was going to be shipped. I rolled with it because the seller said thats how his entire stock was, but really would have preferred the on/off.

The presssure pad isn't mounted to the sling point, I just found that a convenient spot to slip the pad through. I didn't want to sticky the pad anywhere on the rifle, the sling point turned out to be the best place for me.


(If you do happen to buy one that has an on/off but suddenly find in your heart of hearts that you desperately want a pressure pad, PM me. We could trade battery caps/switches)

:)



Z

Quoted: Quoted: I think I will get at least one of each setup. (so much for the budget huh?) I emailed Kalinka and inquired as to the availability of the Znich. TX-Zen's photo shows what appears to be a convienent switch that goes up to the sling attachment point. Does this come with the Znich? The photos on Kalinka's website doesn't show anything but a small switch sticking out of the back. I would definitely want the handguard switch also. Thanks again guys I'd verify before you bought if they have on/off or pressure pad switches...mine came with the pressure pad, but nowhere was it mentioned that was how it was going to be shipped. I rolled with it because the seller said thats how his entire stock was, but really would have preferred the on/off. The presssure pad isn't mounted to the sling point, I just found that a convenient spot to slip the pad through. I didn't want to sticky the pad anywhere on the rifle, the sling point turned out to be the best place for me. (If you do happen to buy one that has an on/off but suddenly find in your heart of hearts that you desperately want a pressure pad, PM me. We could trade battery caps/switches) :) Z

10-4. I'll keep ya in mind. Thanks for the help.

I run a M3X light on my AK.  They run around $100 then you need a mount.  I also use this light with my pistols since it attaches on picatinny.  The light is water proof, shock proof and has a top output of 120 luminous.  All I need now is the pressure switch!    

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c294/-GuNuT-/DSCN1650.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c294/-GuNuT-/DSCN0884.jpg

TDI forearm + 1" scope ring + SureFire 6P converted to weaponlight configuration = good stuff.

height=8

Quoted: TDI forearm + 1" scope ring + SureFire 6P converted to weaponlight configuration = good stuff. www.photobucket.com/albums/i188/shooter521/misc%20guns/AK_light.jpg

What is that thing on on the end?

Thanks guys,

The Znich is on the 74M and looks right at home.

The 6P is here and the MFI mount is soon to be here.

I'm no longer in the dark.

Excellent!

Did you get the on/off or the pressure pad for the Znich?



Z

Quoted: Excellent! Did you get the on/off or the pressure pad for the Znich? Z

On/off switch and its working out for me well. Sorry I like it.

Let me throw a little something out there...

If you guys really want a light on your rifle for use in a SHTF scenario (which is probably pretty wise because stuff is a lot more likely to go bump when it's night), you may want to drop the Surefires and other Xenon bulbed, battery devouring flashlights.

A 6P, for example, is only good for about 60 minutes of illumination. Less than that at full brightness. You never know how long a "civil situation" is going to last, and although you may tote extra sets of batteries, every additional set will only buy you another hour.

Since we won't likely be using our lights for "blinding" targets, but rather simply identifying them and for watching where we're going as we stumble through the post apocalyptic darkness, I think it would be wiser to have something with a tougher bulb and much longer battery life.

I have a Pelican M6 LED that uses a 3w LED and takes 2 lithium 123s, but will provide light for 5 hours and it still dishes out 61 lumens versus the Xenon bulb's 65. The Pelican will shine bright on batteries that won't even cause the filament in my Surefire 6P to glow.

Additionally, the Xenon bulbs are known to go out when dropped if they're hot, something an LED won't.


Just something to think about.

Chris,  
I've given this alot of thought over the last couple years, and have kicked around the same concern.  I have come to the conclusion, that at least for what I envision, a xenon Surefire is sufficient for my purposes.  Let me explain.
1.  I don't intend to keep the light "constant on".  The light is used to illuminate and identify a target, not to find my way around things.  Think spot flashes until a target is found.
2.  I use the P61 lamp assembly for 120 lumens... good for 20 minutes runtime per Surefire.  I want to SEE my target out as far as possible, not just know it's a human at 100 yards.
3.  I have a spares carrier with an extra bulb assembly and six batteries in it on a lanyard.  That will give me approximately 80 minutes of WEAPON light time.
4.  For general illumination I use a handheld G2, E2E or E1E depending on circumstances.  Again, spares carriers for all of them are stored with them.
5.  I'm not LEO or .mil.  The most LIKELY scenario is a "bump-in-the-night".  If I need more than 20 minutes of weaponslight illumination in that scenario, I'm probably screwed anyway.

Having said all that, in a long-term SHTF / TEOTWAWKI situation, screw the light.... I'll just shoot!  No, seriously, that would call for maybe getting an LED light, but that's down the road for my purchases.

I would agree there, for short term or home defense stuff, I would go as bright as I can, you're probably not going to need the light for more than a few seconds, as most "social encounters" tend to be over as soon as they start.

But for a long term Katrina (or worse) type situation, I think long battery life and the ability to navigate in the darkness while still being "ready" might be something to consider.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that a civilian's needs in a weapon light are a bit different than the "in and out" needs of a swat cop.

I have a LED headlamp that I really like when I bow hunt. It just provides enough ambient light for me to work my way quietly to my ambush location without poking myself in the eye with a branch. They are not very noticble at distance and I do not believe they spook the deer. They at least spook the deer less than a bright light or me crashing through the woods in darkness.

Two sets of batteries last about a season (which is 3 1/2 months here in Bama) of sneaking to and from my stand locations.

This is what I had in mind for moving. The weapon light would only be for target identification.

I also bought a small solar battery charger and rechargable batteries. The Znich is standard AA. This will help with the logistical problem of batteries in SHTF senarios.

What the hell does that other acronym you used mean?

TEOTWAWKI?

The End Of The World As We Know It.