Re: Weapon lights: Any with Cree?
What is the mission? That will determine how much light, and what beam type you need or want. Indoors, there is such a thing as too much light. Outdoors, do you want more flood or more throw?
You mentioned a shotgun and AR, so I'll start there. I use an original 9P with a Malkoff lamp, shock isolating bezel, flip up red filter cap and momentary/click-on tailcap on one of my ARs. The red filter gives me the option of night-vision sparing navigation lighting, if needed. The beam is floody enough for entry/room clearing, yet it throws enough for outdoor CQB. Plenty of light, but not too much.
I use a similar setup on a Mossy 590: only it's a 6P with a last gen malkoff and coiled tape switch. I used a Dremel to indent an area for the tape switch in the forearm -- right where my fingers naturally rest.
Now, these are my two cheapest weapons lights! I have one 870 with a Surefire 918FA. I also have multiple ARs with Surefires (Scouts mostly); the newest wearing a M500A integrated light.
My point is that others here will have used many different types and setups and will defend what they like best. But in actual usage, I grab one of the first two weapons when the balloon goes up. The reason being that they are my oldest, most proven weapons. They are the ones that are always near me. Their equipment has changed little over the last decade. Only minor upgrades. That includes the lights.
