Light and/or laser recommendations

[bradsteen]

I'm in the process of getting all my long guns up to a common standard of utility - replacing cheap optics with more durable units, ensuring all have WML at minimum (and potentially a laser aiming device), and setting each gun up with other accessories and replacement parts so they can be run and maintained on the fly. My go-to long guns are getting proper high-end kit. The rest I still want to equip, but with something budget friendly and sufficiently durable for low-intensity use.

For lights and lasers, my criteria are:
- will tolerate recoil (5.56, 9mm, .45 ACP, 12ga) without flickering or dying
- compatible with pressure switches
- bright enough to be useful (light can illuminate a target a good distance away, laser is fairly visible in most lighting conditions)
- uses common battery types (nice to have, not a hard requirement)
- NVG compatibility (nice to have, not a hard requirement)

Off the top of my head I'm thinking something under $150 would be ideal - I don't have a specific price cap, just looking for suggestions that meet the criteria and aren't stupidly expensive. Any recommendations you can share would be greatly appreciated!

Read More

 

[1775usmc]

Cloud defensive or Modlite. But for $150 you'll probably be looking at streamlight or possibly an older Surefire.

 

[Nosferatu]

Noxon HAVOK Weapon Light

Delivering premium performance and reliability in a wallet-friendly package, HAVOK is a rifle-mounted light built to perform when it counts. With build quality geared towards professional use, HAVOK is built on the renowned Modlite light engine design. Engineerd for compatibility with...

modlite.com

 

[JackFrost]

If you are looking for a WML/L combo and at that price point then you are kind of limited. I cringe recommending red garbage but Holosun is "decent" for the price. I have 2 of their Steiner Dbal equivalents and so far (2yrs) they have held up to rain, night drills, cold, high wind generally foul weather and the slaved laser/infrared has held zero.

 

[CamoDeafie]

I currently have a $50 Harbor Freight Braun "1000 Lumens" clone of the Streamlight TLR-1 on my 6.5 Grendel SBR; but its more designed for handguns clearly. Will see if it'll stand up to a 12" 6.5 Grendel's blast and recoil at worst, it's $50 down the drain for something that works temporarily. At best, it might be just as durable as Streamlight's TLR series. .. brighter than the old Insight M3X that I was looking at.
The apparent gap is so I can manipulate the switch with my off hand.

 

[CamoDeafie]

@bradsteen for your budget and fitting your needs (without laser/NV compatibility ) you're looking at Streamlight Protac series, HL-X, and maybe used Surefire series but otherwise, Olight, Amazon Chinese copies are what's out there for the money. Save up money for higher end lights with the features you want.

 

[titsonritz]

If you are looking for a WML/L combo and at that price point then you are kind of limited. I cringe recommending red garbage but Holosun is "decent" for the price. I have 2 of their Steiner Dbal equivalents and so far (2yrs) they have held up to rain, night drills, cold, high wind generally foul weather and the slaved laser/infrared has held zero.

You're not going to the get a Holosun light/laser for the OP's stated budget. The plain simple truth is you're not going to find a L/L unit worth a crap let alone one that will survive 12ga recoil. The best bet is to forget the NV capability and laser, throw in a couple more bucks and get a descent light.

 

[titsonritz]

I currently have a $50 Harbor Freight Braun "1000 Lumens" clone of the Streamlight TLR-1 on my 6.5 Grendel SBR; but its more designed for handguns clearly. Will see if it'll stand up to a 12" 6.5 Grendel's blast and recoil at worst, it's $50 down the drain for something that works temporarily. At best, it might be just as durable as Streamlight's TLR series. .. brighter than the old Insight M3X that I was looking at.View attachment 2178265View attachment 2178266
The apparent gap is so I can manipulate the switch with my off hand.

Pistol lights are less than ideal and I can't stand lights at 6 o'clock for several reasons. If I was stuck with handgun light I'd mount it at 12 o'clock, with an FSP I'd toss it on a Mossie Midnight mount.

 

[CamoDeafie]

Pistol lights are less than ideal and I can't stand lights at 6 o'clock for several reasons. If I was stuck with handgun light I'd mount it at 12 o'clock, with an FSP I'd toss it on a Mossie Midnight mount.

I know they're "less than ideal", but for a SBR and for my needs, this one is okay. The other option was to add $125 or more to what I paid, for an old, vintage Surefire rifle light with less lumens

 

[Joe13]

I don't have any lights on my guns but my Steamlight that I use for work is absolutely indestructible after many years and numerous oops moments onto concrete and in the washer.

 

[bradsteen]

Thanks for the input, folks. Laser and IR are optional for me, and budget isn't fixed. Main thing I need is a light that isn't going to flicker off and on again under recoil, and bright enough to be useful for identifying targets. Looks like Streamlight ProTac HLx is the right direction.

 

[JackFrost]

You're not going to the get a Holosun light/laser for the OP's stated budget. The plain simple truth is you're not going to find a L/L unit worth a crap let alone one that will survive 12ga recoil. The best bet is to forget the NV capability and laser, throw in a couple more bucks and get a descent light.

Good point! I spent a little under $800 on the chicom crap and that was wholesale

 

[CamoDeafie]

If you must have a laser and NVG compatible aiming module, a surplus PEQ would be the minimum I'd think.

Lights & Lasers - Lasers - Wet Worx Outfitters

wetworxoutfitters.com

Every so often something pops up that's newer. The DBAL is out of stock, as are the PEQ-14 and some others.

I don't know if any of the Class 1 civilian lasers are "worth it". I'm seeing some saying not at all.

 

[titsonritz]

I know they're "less than ideal", but for a SBR and for my needs, this one is okay. The other option was to add $125 or more to what I paid, for an old, vintage Surefire rifle light with less lumens

But why not put it at 6 rather the 3 or 9 o'clock?

 

[CamoDeafie]

But why not put it at 6 rather the 3 or 9 o'clock?

You mean "why put it at 6 instead of 3 or 9??"
.I like the placement. It's convenient for my off hand to manipulate the switch, and I don't believe a pressure pad switch is available for the TLR-1 series, much less the Braun one. Also, I ain't paying $10+ per KAC rail cover for this quadrail

 

[titsonritz]

You mean "why put it at 6 instead of 3 or 9??"

Yes, my mistake

 

[CamoDeafie]

Yes, my mistake

Upon a search, I just found that yes tape switch kits and replacement battery doors that accommodate tape switches are indeed available for the TLR-1HL lights which seems to be what the Harbor Freight lights are a clone of. Not sure that I'm going to spend the same money or more to just get a tape switch and battery door to fit the HF light as opposed to buying a StreamLight ProTac....hm

 

[CamoDeafie]

Now, if Braun/Harbor Freight comes out with a copy of the Surefire M900 series, and it's brighter than the old Surefires, I'd be rolling on floor laughing

 

[OtterTactical]

weltool head on modlite body. Keeping it under $150 is gonna be tough without sacrificing a lotta potential in the head of the light.

I did this with an lh8-b v2 weltool head (Chinese) and Modlite body (American), felt good about it since LED emitters are made in China anyway. It's stupid bright