My next purchase will be a mounted tactical light. In looking at what is out there, the issue is pretty confusing. There are so many different configurations that I can't decide what is best for me. And due to the cost of these things I don't want to buy one that can easily turn into junk after it is installed.

In your replies, please include the mounting system (rail, barrel, etc), switch type, battery and bulb life, and why you chose it over everything else. Be honest, if you have a dislike about a light voice that also.

Thanks for your input.

[img]http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid71/p22aed753ff74b379bfd5861e9b22c397/fb9552bf.jpg[/img]

Sorry but im not into model numbers and all that crap.

It is a surefire light (bulbs last a long time, and batteries last for awhile) it uses pressure pad, which can be moved anywhere for better comfort, the rail im using is about 2 inches long and i jus drilled my handguards for it. Sorry to be so vague. lol. I think a light has its place, this particular rifle is my lightweight CQB rifle and the first thing i would grab in a SHTF scenerio. I believe it helps ya identify the target and blind them and then assess the situation. I believe they are a vary valuable tool. Plus if ya use NV, ya can add a IR filter to help give more light to the NV device (goggles, scope ,etc.)

Originally wanted a Surefire M500 to not have loose wires.  I didnt like the look of a foreward grip either.  The M500 also does not allow free float of the barrel. However, after I tried a forward grip I became a believer.

I selected the M900 which combines the light and forward grip as well as naivigation lights to not ruin your dark adapted vision.  It was expensive but was money well spent.  I got the ARMS throw lever mount for easy of removal and I can swap it with a KAC rail cover in about 5 seconds.  The light is fairly water proof and bright and the only thing I dont like about it is if you allow water behind the LEDs they turn on and stay on in a dim fashion for about 6 hours.  They have rubber covers to fix this issue or you can cut the master switch and disable the whole unit which solves it.  Rain does not make the LEDs glow it must be submerged but the effect is immediate upon submersion.  Mine is mounted to a FF RAS toward the rear.  I would not use another light with the exception of the Surefire Millenium Universal lights.  You need 120+ lumens (9V) for use at 50+ yards.  Pistol/indoor distances are served well by 60 lumens (6V) and up.  This unit uses 3 123 Lithiums and runs 1 hour with 125 lumen output.  Another bulb has 220 lumen output for 20 minutes but I never use it.

[img]http://www.surefire.com/surefire/content/m900a_full.jpg[/img]

I use to have this setup on my rifle:
[img]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=10916[/img]
It was the SF M961 mounted on a FIRSH. This version had been slightly altered before I sold it. I had mounted the light under the barrel instead of on the side. The light istself worked great, I just didn't like all the added weight of the light and the FIRSH.

My latest version:
[img]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/Attachments/DownloadAttach.asp?iImageUnq=16217[/img]
This is the M500A with white LED nav lights on it. This light has several features that I like. First, this model has a switch that allows the light to be turned off completely. No chance of accidently switching the light on with the pressure pad. Next it has a constant on/off switch so you can operated the rifle and the light without having to hold the pad. It also features the pressure pad to make the light work. The LED nav lights have a separate pressure pad on the other side of the hand guards.

The M500 cost more then the 961 but if you have to figure in the cost of a railed hand gaurd system, the price about evens out in the end.

My favorite is the Streamlight or Insite M3 ($90.00) mounted on the 10 O'clock position of the upper handguard with a GG&G M3 mount ($23.00).

It's bright enought for non military use. It's light weight so you can actualy use the rifle with the thing attached. But best of all its detachable and they make mounts for just about all your firearms. So you can use the same light on your AR, 870, Glock, ect.

Example of above light and mount...

[img]http://gggaz.com/images/M3Light/M3LightMountedjpg.jpg[/img]


[img]http://gggaz.com/images/M3Light/M3LightOff.jpg[/img]

I used to use a Surefire 659 and liked it. If your on a budget or are trying to keep things as light as possible, they are a good light. Her is a pic of it on my work M4.

[img]http://www.hunt101.com/img/054108.jpg[/img]

I have since up dated to the M900A. I wanted more light and a vertical for grip. The M900A does both and gives you nav lights and a lock out switch.

This is my work M4 now (the department ordered me a Reflex II so the ACOG had to come off).

[img]http://www.hunt101.com/img/060489.jpg[/img]

I like the M500 and the M900. Clean, no wires and they work.