Looking for Weapon Light

[zeramant86]

Wondering if anyone could recommend me a weapon light for a shotgun. I'd like to get by with as little cost as possible. Here's what I'm looking for.

1) 300+ lumens
2) Tape switch, included or available
3) Standard rail mount

I've got several lights, that would work but none of them have the tape switch.
47 Quark Mini
Fenix PD20

This is what I'm looking at, unless someone knows of something better/cheaper. I like the fact that the TK15 has springs on both ends of the battery, since this will be on a 12g. I'll probably have to shorten the cord, since I'm going to mount the switch on the vertical grip.

FENIX TK15 S2 - 400 lumens Long Beam Tactical/Hunting Flashlight
Features Fenix AR102 Remote Pressure Switch:
Solar Force M-001 Gun Mount for L2 Flashlight


Link removed as per the banner at the top of the page - Norm


Thanks in advance

 

[Lobstradomus]

The Streamlight TLR-1 is now 300 lumens, has built in rail attachment and Streamlight offers tape switches for it; plus its single output as I believe all weapon lights should be.

 

[zeramant86]

Will the TLR-1 use RCR123A batteries? Everything I'm reading says (2) 3.0V CR123.

 

[Lobstradomus]

Nope, it is designed for lithium primary CR123's. Most weapon lights seem to be based on regular CR123's since that is what the military uses, plus they have great shelf life, offer longer run times and also will give declining output on direct drive as opposed to simply cutting out when the voltage drops as protected rechargeable batteries do.

 

[zeramant86]

That's just disappointing. I noticed that one several I've looked at, but I'd hoped they wouldn't all be that way. Makes sense why the military wouldn't want an unexpected power off from lithiums. I guess there just isn't enough demand for a regulated circuit for rechargeables with a flash function for low battery yet.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

Just get one of the best light mounts ever made for a Shotgun which is made by Elzetta. You can put whatever light you want in it or you can build your own light through them and they have the option for pressure switches. The mount itself is only $30 but their lights are $200 with the pressure switch. You get what you pay for though and right now nobody is doing weapon lights like Elzetta. They are as tough as nails.

If you want something more along the lines of that Streamlight TLR then skip that and look at the EoTech WL1 which uses AA or the M3X and M6X. There is a reason why the special units in the military use EoTech lights, holos and lasers. They are the best. You are going to pay but it will last for a lifetime. These EoTech lights are also capable of being submerged 70 feet in water. Not that you are going to be taking it in water but that should tell you how well they're built.


By the way. Here is my 590A1 with Elzetta mount. I don't run a pressure switch since I always trained using my thumb.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

 

[zeramant86]

I think if I go with my regular light mounted beside or in front of the vertical grip, I'll be able to reach it with my thumb. It should be alil cheaper that way too.

Also, what do you think of the PD12 rounds? I bought a box yesterday, but haven't tried them yet. I've got some PDX for my 410, they seem to do pretty well.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

I think if I go with my regular light mounted beside or in front of the vertical grip, I'll be able to reach it with my thumb. It should be alil cheaper that way too.

Also, what do you think of the PD12 rounds? I bought a box yesterday, but haven't tried them yet. I've got some PDX for my 410, they seem to do pretty well.

I have both types of PDX1. The segmenting slug and the slug/buck shot mix. The mix gives a very nice pattern every time. The slug will be in the middle and the 3 buck shot will be in a triangle pattern around it. I've shot about 30 rounds of it and it's made the same pattern every time. I've shot the segmenting slugs at milk jugs filled with wet news paper and they always break into 3 pieces. I had one break into two pieces but I'm sure it was just because of what I was shooting. I would have no problem using either one of them for self defense.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

 

[M3likechips]

ive looked at getting a scout, from surefire. comes with both options, and after measurements, i would be able to bring the forend all the way back without running out of cable length if i were to use the pressure switch. its expensive tho, BUT the elzetta zfl-m60 like previously stated has the advantage of being used with an EDC.

 

[zeramant86]

I ended mounting my light at 9 O'clock with grip at 6. Because of the size of the flashlight head, I had to mount it out further than I would've liked tho.

 

[kpants]

Personally, I really hate mounting regular flashlights on rifles/shotguns/firearms in general... They always feel too bulky, awkward, snag/hang/hook prone. That plus mounting wired remote switches just seems so hoaky/ugly/tacky and flat out annoying take your pick. I like the purpose built rail mounted lights like the streamlights sooo much better. They do make remote switches for them, but I've been more than happy with the factory tilt switch on the streamlight. Once you get the light mounted in the right spot it's natural to reach the lever.

so my vote goes to a streamlight TLR mounted on the bottom rail or if you like the vertical grips, then the Crimson Trace vertical grip with the built in light... Yes, they are expensive, but they work and there is no extra nonsense to hassle with.

As far as a certain lumen level, 300 lumens is too bright for real world indoor total darkness weapon use and probably too bright for outdoor use inside of 50 yards. Anything past that distance a weapon mounted light platform isn't REALLY practical anyway.

FYI: I have tried all of these scenarios in real world situations and those have been my results...

 

[kpants]

regarding mounting position... I have found that mounting lights on the sides of weapons has always turned out to be a bad thing. there are always shadows on the opposite side or dark spots, or glare on optics, etc... In any real practical use of a weapon mounted light the most useful position is on the bottom rail (gives forward/downward/both sides views which are all vital) and as close to the muzzle as possible. which is also why I suggest compact purpose built rail mounted weaponlights like the TLR. lightweight, durable, small, easy to use, etc...

 

[AFireInside]

I've got a Solarforce L2M for my shotgun, seems like a great size and can be shortened down to 1 CR123A to reduce weight. Not too expensve if it's damaged by recoil either. Can get the tail switch very cheap too.

Only thing is the mount i bought for it won't work. I need to under-barrel mount it as my U/O CZ Redline doesn't have rails and the mount seems to open too wide to fit the flashlight to close on the barrel.

I've got this one
Link removed as per the banner at the top of the page - Norm

Thinking this one might work better, unfortunately it looks much worse quality
Link removed as per the banner at the top of the page - Norm

 

[aus_sparky]

Wondering if anyone could recommend me a weapon light for a shotgun. I'd like to get by with as little cost as possible. Here's what I'm looking for.

1) 300+ lumens
2) Tape switch, included or available
3) Standard rail mount

I've got several lights, that would work but none of them have the tape switch.
47 Quark Mini
Fenix PD20

This is what I'm looking at, unless someone knows of something better/cheaper. I like the fact that the TK15 has springs on both ends of the battery, since this will be on a 12g. I'll probably have to shorten the cord, since I'm going to mount the switch on the vertical grip.

FENIX TK15 S2 - 400 lumens Long Beam Tactical/Hunting Flashlight
Features Fenix AR102 Remote Pressure Switch:
Solar Force M-001 Gun Mount for L2 Flashlight


Link removed as per the banner at the top of the page - Norm


Thanks in advance

Check out Olight. They have a kit with the older 700 lumen torch with scope mount and tape switch. I think it was around the $150 mark, maybe less. They are good for about 5-600 metres. They do have other mounts available as well.

 

[aus_sparky]

Hi,
For all of you hunters out there, I have been very close to purchasing a Olight M3X for spot lighting. I have also been thinking about purchasing a smaller torch for work/everyday use (something like the V11R). Instead of buying two torches I was thinking of a compromise and buying an Olight M22 which I can use as a gun light and also use as an everyday torch. I know the M22 has about half the throw of the M3X, but as I say a compromise. I know as I am writing, I know most people will say buy two. Anyone using the M22 as a gun light? I also wouldn't be shooting over @200 metres.
Thanks.

 

[Brigadier]

IMO, 300lm for indoor use is too much, and I find the TLR-1S perfect.