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Posted: 3/27/2005 4:10:51 AM EDT
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I'm not one of those "Tacticool" people so I have seen no need to turn my rifle into an overpriced club by sticking every new gadget with the word tactical written on the package, I am just a collector who want's to be as close to a real M-16A2 as legaly possible, as my collection evolves I choice the best capable rifle I have available as my home defense weapon currently that is my AR-15, however the other night the power went out, and I heared noises, turns out it was just the cats freaking out, but I found myself stumbling around in the dark barely able to see to walk let alone aim my weapon, best I could really do was point the muzzle in general directions, plus I was 1 handed as the other was holding a flashlight, and I got to thinking in situations like this it might be handy to have a weapon light, to free my hands, light my way, and allow me to aim, so does anybody know of any CHEAP weapon lights I could use, I don't need anything fancy just something to provide enough visible light to see by, it has to be able to mount to the standard A2 round handgaurds, and I will not spend $400 on essentialy a glorified flashlight, again I'm not one of the "tacticool" people and just because the package says tactical, and they charge hundreds of dollars for a light bulb doesn't nessessarily make it any better, so are there any cheap ones out there or shall I just duct tape a flashlight to my handgaurds?.... |
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Well since the weapon will be used for home defense, the lowest I’d go would be a Surefire G2. All though not specifically designed as a weapons light, with the addition of a shock isolated bezel it has been successfully used as a weapons light. Some members here haven even used them in Iraq. As far as mounting options with standard hand guards, you can get a rail that clamps to your front site, a barrel mounted light mount or go as simple as a section of weaver base bolted to your hand guards. I have a Surefire G2 with shock bezel and clicker type switch mounted on my M4gery’s YHM railed HG’s with two standard 1” Weaver rings. About as economically priced as you can go and this set up is still going strong. Contact one of the light dealers here on the board, let them know your intentions, and they will square you away! 
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Looky there, Grant's all ready got ya squared away! 
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The packages Grant offers look nice. My solution which works for me is a Streamlight M3 mounted on a little plastic rifle rail accessory by Streamlight. You can drill holes through a standard handguard and mount it wherever you light. What I would like to see on the M3 is a stouter battery door retaining clip and a lockable off switch. I wouldn't want to use it in rough duty searching caves for bin Laden, but for civilian home defense it serves me well. Total cost about $100. The M3 is designed as a weaponlight - spring mounted bulb and separate battery compartment. |
Fair enough
So, is that for function, or just being a Poseur?
Actually, that's a good choice, though a carbine would be better than a M16A2 wannabe.
So you want a home defense, bet my life on it solution, but you want it as CHEAP as possible? Good luck.
You don't have to, though the $400 lights are damned nice.
Believe it or not, some of us actually EVALUATE gear, we don't buy just based on the word "tactical" on the side of the box. But thanks for coming on here and insulting everyone that does spend a lot of money on good equipment.
Well if you think that the price is the only difference, you are either naive or a poor judge of equipment. |
a light is a light $10, or $10,000 it doesn't make it any less of a light, again my goel wasn't to offend I'm just trying to make it clear I'm on a budget, and I don't need the supposed latest and greatest "bling", I just need a light.... |
Not true. When it comes to weapons accessories sometimes you can get by with economically priced equipment like the Surefire G2. Notice I did not use the word “cheap”. “Cheap” would be the $20 dollar light from WalMart. When it comes to lights or optics, in most cases you pay for what you get. Some here even frown on using the G2 as a weapons light, but for me it boils down to quality, price and if what I’m buying fits my intended purpose. The G2 with shock isolated bezel and clicker switch fits my bill and the only person I’m out to please is myself. Take the advice of others here, there are lots of VERY knowledgeable folks on this board, but you will always have those who criticize your intentions or choice of equipment. In the end go with what suits YOU and fits your comfort level, your budget and the level of quality you seek. 
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I would consider a Surefire G2 with a Z32 anti-shock bezel as a bottomline, entry level model. This still represents some compromises, since it doesn't retain the batteries like a true weapons light, but it has proven workable for most. I started this way, and still have a 6P/Z32 setup on my secondary gun. Here's one of the big differences 6P on the left, 950 weapons light on the right:  950 weapons light on the left, 6P on the right: 
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Wow, that's a stunning example of Surefire design innovation  That battery separator and a spring on the bulb are definitely worth at LEAST $100 more to make a flashlight into a "weaponlight." Add another $50 (or whatever) to get a "remote tailswitch." Bring on the Chinese to bring some rational pricing to the glorified flashlight biz. The Americans are obviously margin pigs. |
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