Weapon light advice

I've generally come to prefer rechargeable pistol lights on a carbine now. The convenience can't be beat for how we use them - Both the externally rechargeable feature and the simple quick detach system.

Just be realistic about how much light and what kind of light spill you need. High lumen output is wasted if the emitters, lens and reflectors aren't all working well together for your application.

Edit: Just had a look on Amazon, there are currently a bunch of pretty good deals with coupons at the Olight store
 
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Magatron said:
How do you like it? I've been looking into these, not sure if they are quality or not. Any advise or insight?
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They are only 600 lumen for a little bit, the olights all seem to step down pretty quick. They are not quality, best suited for airsoft or posing. Maybe pest hunting at best.
 
Magatron said:
How do you like it? I've been looking into these, not sure if they are quality or not. Any advise or insight?
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It's much less costly than the top tier light/lasers, and the savings come from somewhere, obviously.

There's quality, and there's quality. Depends on where you're looking from. Buy one on sale and try it. If you aren't happy with it you'd probably be able to resell it and break even.
 
A light might seem like a tacticool toy - until you need it. When your young dog is fighting with a big racoon and you have to see everything clearly to get a good shot, a light is a must. And a laser is great.

I live in the country and the racoons come out of the corn fields and think it is great sport to rip the siding off the house. Got 21 of them, so far.
 
I can only speak to the ones I have experience with, the Streamlight TLR1 is the oldest weaponlight I have had, the Surefire X300U is the most expensive light I have, the Streamlight TLR RM1 is the newest light I have. I also have 2x Elzetta lights. Both were mounted to 556 guns

The TLR1 has been faultless, the X300U is more capable (the light colour, throw, and definition between hotspot and flooding) although I’m skeptical whether that extra money is worth it. It is better, but not sure if it’s twice the money better than the TLR1. The Elzettas are built like tanks, the illumination clarity is like the Streamlight. Probably the most underrated flashlight I have seen so far. The RM1 is basically like a TLR1 but built for carbine work, so far I’m impressed, time will tell if it’s worth it.
 
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Streamlight
Surefire
Modlite
Cloud Defensive
Malkoff Devices

buy once cry once.

the biggest issue with a dedicated weapon light is battery isolation from recoil. considerations - switches and output. as a PCC is viable out to 100m you want a light capable of illuminating - with useable light - out that far also. stay away from coiled remote cables - they are garbage and get hung up on things when you least want it to. batteries - if money is an issue, then find one that is dual fuel capable - standard alkaline batteries have poor performance especially in cold weather. dual fuel should be rechargeable lithium batteries and primary (disposable) lithium batteries. Mounts - as close to the firearm as possible - the further away from the body of the firearm the more it's inclined to get caught up on stuff.

Boltgun
 
Boltgun said:
...buy once cry once.

the biggest issue with a dedicated weapon light is battery isolation from recoil. ...
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I don't generally disagree, but it is very possible to pay "buy once cry once" money several times over before you find the right light. Buying smart (sale prices, used, etc.) can allow you to try different platforms and styles without it being too costly.

And you're right, but it's not obvious: Even though the average 9mm carbine recoil is "light", it can be quite harsh in terms of shock and vibration, which is what can kill electronics (lights and sights).
 
You’re not allowed to shoot or hunt at night .
So ya don’t need a Flashlight.
Oh ya the scary-bump-in-the-night,,,ouuu!
Turn on the lights. There’s apps now!
before there was the Clapper.

Airsoft game-on!! but it’ll rain BB’s on ya.
(Edit) As a former Innkeeper in the pay cash days. the Police came to me to see who was in town.
They told be to to get a big D-mag lite after they saw my baton.
Not a weapon your honour!
 
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Bullseye North has an amazing sale on right now on Fenix lights.
They even have the pressure switch attachment on sale too.

Check em out. Bullseye is good people.
 
Do you want quality or is it the price that is of concern. Illumination devices are like cars...you get what you pay for. If quality supersedes budget, Surefire is the best. Inforce and Streamligt are also very good at a reduced price. I’ve owned and used most.
 
Rippo said:
You’re not allowed to shoot or hunt at night .
So ya don’t need a Flashlight.
Oh ya the scary-bump-in-the-night,,,ouuu!
Turn on the lights. There’s apps now!
before there was the Clapper.
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although a WML is primarily used for threat identification in low light, I have to ask ever get lost in the woods after sun down?

Boltgun
 
Magatron said:
How do you like it? I've been looking into these, not sure if they are quality or not. Any advise or insight?
Click to expand...

See below...

rommelrommel said:
They are only 600 lumen for a little bit, the olights all seem to step down pretty quick. They are not quality, best suited for airsoft or posing. Maybe pest hunting at best.
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BS... way better than my Odin units were, they last a long time in use, they do not step down, and they hold a charge a long time in the case, they also recharge quickly with the magnetic USB attachment. The Mini at 600 lumens is mostly for indoor, close contact use... if you want to light up a football field the full size Baldr R Pro does a good job to 200 yards.
 
hoytcanon said:
See below...



BS... way better than my Odin units were, they last a long time in use, they do not step down, and they hold a charge a long time in the case, they also recharge quickly with the magnetic USB attachment. The Mini at 600 lumens is mostly for indoor, close contact use... if you want to light up a football field the full size Baldr R Pro does a good job to 200 yards.
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Light up a football field, lol. All pistol lights are simply too small for such a task. Not enough battery capacity, not enough lens. 200 yard PID is a super LOL, I've seen the tests and the olights simply don't have the candela. For something like that only the Cloud/Malkoff/Modlight and LEP heads have enough output and focus.

Olights are toys, they're fine for that. For serious use they aren't.
 
rommelrommel said:
...Olights are toys, they're fine for that. ...
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I can't disagree that it's all relative to your expectations. The ones I have are damn nice toys, if that's what they are. I think they fit into na "excellent value" niche in the range of available lights: Many miles better than the truly cheap stuff, and clearly not as confidence inspiring as top tier options.
 
Ganderite said:
A light might seem like a tacticool toy - until you need it. When your young dog is fighting with a big racoon and you have to see everything clearly to get a good shot, a light is a must. And a laser is great.

I live in the country and the racoons come out of the corn fields and think it is great sport to rip the siding off the house. Got 21 of them, so far.
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What do you use in this case? This is what im looking at as well.
When they are close to the house there is enough ambient light, but when they far away my old eyes cant seem them very well.

I am not gonna LARP around, i just need it to work.
 
rommelrommel said:
Olights are toys, they're fine for that. For serious use they aren't.
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I’ve gotta disagree, I’ve got surefires, streamlights and Olights. Gun lights and handhelds in both (I think I have a problem, or obsession but that’s another thread topic)

If the OP was using the gun professionally, absolutely buy the best, but not everyone has an agency paying for it, or, enough bank to drop a weeks wages on a surefire. An olight is better than no light, and a budget friendly option for 99.9% of shooters. You push the button, it turns on, it’s bright, it’s reliable.

Most carpenters like estwing, the average homeowner can get by with mastercraft. They both hammer nails just fine.
 
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Fenix tk series. I have an old tk 20r that's been on a .308 rifle. Like the qd pic rail mount, they have corded switches ect available but I never bothered.

I'd recommend not spending money on olight. Intital build quality ect is alright.... its All downhill from there. My warrior mini, mini2, m2r pro, have all failed. Have a couple of the larger pistol light, one has to be clicked several times for it to activate, the other the internal cell is degdegraded to the point it's useless on the high.... along with all my handheld olights.
 
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