Posted: 4/18/2013 7:39:15 PM EDT
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someone recommend a flashlight for my ar15.
need to be small and stand up to the recoil. would prefer standard batteries if possible. and would also like it to be at least 100 lumes. 
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Quoted: someone recommend a flashlight for my ar15. need to be small and stand up to the recoil. would prefer standard batteries if possible. and would also like it to be at least 100 lumes. SF X200 or 300 here's mine, although I've shifted it over to the left side...  |
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Personally I use a Surefire G2X on mine, but there are a ton of similar lights that run AAs out there nowadays that can be had for relatively cheap. I like the Surefire but I don't like using 123 batteries for it. I have lots of other handheld flashlights that use AA and AAA batteries but haven't tried them on the weapons yet. I keep the Surefire on there because I know it can take the recoil.
I have had the dedicated Surefire and Streamlight weapons lights before and think that you don't need to spend that much $$ to get a decent light. Get a decent tactical flashlight and a VTAC or other mount for it and call it a day. You'll likely save a couple of ounces, too. 
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100 lumes is a joke nowadays. Also, skip the "regular batteries" and only buy a light that runs on rechargeable 18650 cells.
HIGHLY recommend the NightCore MT26. Cost about $60, has 800 lumen output, one inch (standard outside dim body for mounts), tail switch on/off and runs off 18650 or CR123 in a pinch. My buddy just bought one of these after my recommendation, then bought two more the next day after receiving the first. Check out this site and do some research, they also have great review videos on most lights. http://goinggear.com/ |
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I have Fenix TK11 flashlights on my rifles. About $70 ea and two levels of brightness for whatever lighting conditions you find yourself in. Good value for the money IMO.
Weapon lights should not use rechargeable batteries. Don't get too bright of a light for a weapon light. Inside a building you can actually have too much light. I'd try to keep the max lumens for a weapon light at about 250 or so and prefer a little less light inside a house for normal clearing purposes. That's why I like the Fenix light above. Lower level of light for inside tight quarters and a higher level of light for clearing large buildings and outdoors. |
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These days 100 lumens really is a joke. A bare minimum of sorts.
Ideally minimum 500 lumens for outdoors, and most have a low power mode for indoor use. The NiteCore MT26 is an ideal light in every way except the use of common batteries. Storing up cr123s can be done for lower cost than before, but not as low cost and versatile as common AA cell or C cell battery. I'd like to find a similar light to it, 500+ lumens, 1" diameter, using AA cell batteries, and priced under $75. |
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Quoted:
good lights. but trying to stay away from the cr123 batteries, That's going to be a bit of a challenge. Most of the products that put out an acceptable amount of light will use the CR123 batteries. I understand the sentiment, but if you buy them in bulk they really aren't expensive, and you'll have plenty. The Surefire X200/X300 models are an excellent choice. You could even get away with a TLR-1. I tend not to like pistol lights on rifles, the power levers are easier to snag on things and turn on. There are obviously different pressure tape options, but once you get into that spending you would be better off buying a true weapon light. If you can find a deal on any of these units used, jump on it with confidence. For years and years I've had an LED Surefire 6P. Excellent light, it's been all over the world, never a problem and it won't set you back hundreds of dollars to mount it. There's obviously newer/brighter options, but it's a solid option. The Surefire G2 with a "click" on/off tail cap would be a more than adequate option as well. Either of those two lights, you can use a 1" scope ring to mount it as long as you don't take it on and off frequently. |
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Surefires M951 as an incandescent is a 100 lumens but uses the CR123 and the batteries die quickly. Find the lights in the EE for $80-120 regularly. I put in a Mallkoff M61 lamp in one of mine and it runs 260 lumens for better than two hours now. Bright enough to need a filter when inside to knock down some of the light. And plenty bright to ID targets at 100+ yards. I love shooting at night with this light. Other guys hate shooting after dark because they bought a cheap light that sometimes works. I got the red which makes it 80 ish (a guess) lumens. They are built to take the recoil but are heavy at the same time.
The TK11 is what my brother uses in an Ellzeta (SP?) mount. 
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Quoted:
good lights. but trying to stay away from the cr123 batteries, Since a weapon light is used very infrequently, the batteries typically last months....and this is in a rifle that is used regularly as a duty weapon. A safe queen like many people around here have could see the batteries last a year or more. The cost of a few CR123 batteries is minimal when used in duty weapons. I replace my batteries in my duty rifle (LE use) about every 6 months but there is still life left in them. I just replace them to prevent Murphy from bugging me. |
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I use the Safariland RLS, like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA04K03J0329 Except I paid about $120 for it at my LGS. 
Supposedly it can be mounted so as to be detachable so you can use the light without waving the muzzle in someone's face. 
However, I usually carry a secondary light so that's only Plan B for me. It's a small, light, yet powerful rail-mounted LED beam that works quite well for what I want it to do. I have it mounted on the left side rail of my Stag 2T and the tailcap is within easy thumb distance of my foregrip. |
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The revolution is here, guys. I used a TRL for years. Liked it, but found better. Surefire the Go-to? I use a Surefire on mine, but am looking to switch. Because, now I can. (why haven't I? It's a low priority, as what I have works...)
LEDs have come a LONG way in just the past 2-3 years. You can slap a $50-$80 handheld on there with a $20 mount and end up with a very well performing light/weapon combo. I would say that Surefire's grip on this market is lacking because of that. Surefire is not the wave of the future in this market. Dedicated weapons lights don't really get you anything more than bragging rights. The future belongs to affordable, powerful lights that run on common batteries. |