Mounted Light Suggestions

[Boogieman]

I'm currently in the build phase with my new and upcoming AR, thanks to the help of a good friend of mine. I currently plan on using a Surefire 6P that I already own for my weapon light. I may add my extension tube and upgrade the bulb to make it a 9V system. Eventually I will upgrade the system to something that throw more light out.

I'm curious what everyone is using and how has it worked out for you. I would especially like to hear from those who have worked in Police / Military Operations and have worked nights. Night is a special animal compared to day since you don't have any ambient light from outside to assist in your searching.

Also, does anyone know of a light similar to the Surefire M9XX series that have a main light and a navigation light within the same system?

Thanks.

[NvrenufRR]

Not an LEO, but i have used the Pentagon MD2? Light/laser combo with ARMS mount and also Surefire G2, E2D with the Daniels defense mount.
All of the 6v have thrown more than enough light for me in COF's.
I'm not a big fan of larger belled lights as the weight adds up from everything mounted on a rifle.

I believe Surefire is making dedicated forends that include the navigation light now.
Sig also has a light system similar to the surefire rail mounted foregrip, but I am unsure if it has navigation lights.

IMO, I would stick with a 6v and upgrade to a brighter bulb or LED system.

[Stickman]

I like where the Daniel Defense offset light mount puts my lights. Below are some pictures, hopefully they give a rough idea.

[Boogieman]

Stick - I was planning on going with the Daniel Defense Off-Set mount. I don't have a problem using the 6P for now, but I know that there are a lot more powerful "compact" lights out there and was curious if any had a second low-power LED "navigation" light. I don't want to go with the Surefire M9XX series lights. I want to keep my light off-set and I like my Bobro Vert Grip. Thanks for the advice.

[NvrenufRR]

If it fits the DD offset, you can always opt for the Surefire A2 Aviator, It has a choice of low intensity colored LED's, and a main bulb that works along with thesmaller LED's when the momentary switch is fully engaged.
I am not sure if you could outfit this light on a pressure switch though
I think it is like 15 lumens and then 80 lumens, depending on how much the switch is engaged.

[m24shooter]

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum...read.php?t=306

Surefire 9v in DD offset and LITE.

[Boogieman]

If it fits the DD offset, you can always opt for the Surefire A2 Aviator, It has a choice of low intensity colored LED's, and a main bulb that works along with thesmaller LED's when the momentary switch is fully engaged.
I am not sure if you could outfit this light on a pressure switch though
I think it is like 15 lumens and then 80 lumens, depending on how much the switch is engaged.

I'll look into that light. Thanks for the info.

[TalonArms_R]

Here is my unsolicited rant for the day.

Do NOT put any light on a weapon that is not shock isolated!!!!!!


This drives me nuts!

If the light is not rated to handle weapon recoil, DON"T mount it on a weapon. This includes Surefire's G, C and P series lights. M series are ok. Pentagon X and L series are ok. (not the E series though)

I know somene is going to say "I have used a G2 for 50 years through ten tours in Iraq and I never had a problem". Yeah, well I see idiots driving 80 miles an hour on a donut spare and that does not mean I would feel safe doing it! If Surefire says "bad idea" , it's a bad idea.

A shock isolated light will not cost you nearly as much in dollars as a broken light will in a big chunk of your butt if it breaks in a gun fight.

And if you insist on using that G2 Surefire, at least buy a shock isolated bezel for it!

Ok, rant over. you can all go back to your lives now.

[at4rxj]

While I'm not sure if this meets the requirements listed in the above post, it does have multiple modes...

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=90#

I put one on my ar and like it so far. I have it in a Viking Tactics offset mount. It has a dial with 4 modes... xenon, dual red led, single dim "indicator led" (useless for me) and a safety mode (locks light off). I like it. The dial is a little weird/cheap/impractical for changing modes, especially for something as a duty/combat weapon, but it works regardless...
They also make the twin task, but I prefer the tailcap switch as opposed to the body mounted style like the twin-task has.

[Thekatar]

I disagree with the above post concerning the 6P/G2 series SureFire lights and shock isolation. If you run them on a 5.56mm carbine they will be fine. If you run them on a shotgun or 7.62x51mm gun the yes, go for the shock isolation.

The very best place to mount a light seems to be at the 12:00 in front of the front sight, but this is limiting gear-wise. I like the Viking Tactics mount with a G2 Nitrolon at the 10:30 location.

[NvrenufRR]

Not sure aabout the shock insulation.
Surefire has released a new light.
It's called the Optimus.
7 different brightness settings from 2-200 lumens, strobe setting also.
May be woth lookking into also.
Most likely around $250 area, but also looks like it will fit standard light mounts available for other lights.

[Tac71]

I agree the Viking Tactics mount is a great mount for the price. Can't go wrong if you're on a budget.

[NickDrak]

Not sure aabout the shock insulation.
Surefire has released a new light.
It's called the Optimus.
7 different brightness settings from 2-200 lumens, strobe setting also.
May be woth lookking into also.
Most likely around $250 area, but also looks like it will fit standard light mounts available for other lights.

The Surefire Optimus was designed as a utility light and a replacement for the U2 Digital Ultra. Its multi level function wont be as useful on a weapon as it will be for a duty light or general all around useful light. I dont think its multi level function would be useful at all on a carbine as you will need to have ESP to know what type of situation you may run into, and which level suits that situation best in order for it to come in handy. No doubt the Optimus will be a great light, possibly the best utility light ever, but it wont be put to use to its potential as a weapon mounted light.

In my opinion, the Surefire M900 is still king. It is heavy, and expensive, but all things considered, you would be hard pressed to set up a weaponlight configuration that offers all of the features of the M900 (9volt massive light output, LED navi lights, ease of use, all wrapped up in a cleanly executed package) for less weight or less money.

If you dont need all of the featues that the M900 offers, then there are unlimited options available, but if you do want or need all of the features that the M900 offers then there is no equal to the M900.

[TigerStripe]

I use a G2 Nitrolon in a Vltor mount. Not expensive, not the best but it does what I need it to do.


TS

[Stickman]

I use a G2 Nitrolon in a Vltor mount. Not expensive, not the best but it does what I need it to do.


TS

I think there are too many people who feel a light needs to run a lot of money to be effective. A G2 in a mount is going to work much better than the guy waiting to save up for his $600 light.