Suggestions on a Tac-Light for my Patrol Rifle?

[Citicop]

Hey, guys... My department has approved us to carry our personally owned AR's on duty.

I need to add a light for versatility, but am a little short on fundage right now. Any suggestions for the best value on a light?

I found this light:
Leapers UTG Tactical Light

They say it's an LED with 150 Lumen output, and it seems to have gotten pretty consistent reviews on CTD, but it is so far under the others I have found in price that I'm a little concerned about quality issues.

What do you all think?

[Samuel]

It can be difficult to compare lights solely from claimed output (lumens/candlepower/etc). Best is to physically compare side by side. 150 lumens is on the lower side of LED output these days. $50 is pretty cheap for a package deal but is expensive compared to some other lights (brighter ones too) coming from overseas companies. IMO, overall, you get what you pay for...

Will you be using your rifle for long range or up close (e.g. do you want more throw or flood/spill from a light)? Do you plan on using CR123's or rechargeable lithium ion? How much continuous run time do you need per shift/use? Are you looking to buy an all new/dedicated light for your rifle or modifying something you already have (e.g. buying a drop in module for a surefire 6P)? What kind of fore-end do you have on your AR?

[Citicop]

It can be difficult to compare lights solely from claimed output (lumens/candlepower/etc). Best is to physically compare side by side. 150 lumens is on the lower side of LED output these days. $50 is pretty cheap for a package deal but is expensive compared to some other lights (brighter ones too) coming from overseas companies. IMO, overall, you get what you pay for...

Will you be using your rifle for long range or up close (e.g. do you want more throw or flood/spill from a light)? Do you plan on using CR123's or rechargeable lithium ion? How much continuous run time do you need per shift/use? Are you looking to buy an all new/dedicated light for your rifle or modifying something you already have (e.g. buying a drop in module for a surefire 6P)? What kind of fore-end do you have on your AR?

More close up than long range

CR123

Does not need to be high runtime (2 hours would do me fine, I won't be using it that often)

Either all new dedicated, or build my own 6P adaptation (I don't have a 6P now)

Standard fore-end (no rail) I will have to mount a rail on it.

I would prefer LED; if I have to replace batteries I don't want to have to worry about bulbs too if I can avoid it. A good incandescent will work though, for a good price.

-Citicop.

[Samuel]

Forgot to ask you - what price range and what kind of features/activation do you want?

[Citicop]

A remote pressure switch would be my preference for activation, and I am looking on the inexpensive side, but can wait and save a little in exchange for something that will last and not crap out when the SHTF.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

I've been reading some good things about Solarforce lights.

welcome to solar force

If you get a incan light, just make sure it's shock-isolated. Solarforce has a Cree LED module that's supposed to be 300 lumens. There are also plenty of mounting options and a remote switch as well.

[mpd145]

Tactical Hand-Held Series - Super Tac | Streamlight
My father has the Super Tac by Streamlight on his RRA AR-15, with the pressure switch and the mount. I think he paid about $120 for the whole set up at one of our local police supply store. By far the brightest light I have seen on a rifle.

[ISU_Criminology]

The insight M6 tac light is what I have on my AR-15, it has a 4 position selector and side mount capabilities and a 2.5 hour continous op time. You can buy them for $120-$280 depending on the lumens you get. I think it goes up to 240 lumens. One of my friends, a deputy, has a insight M3X on his service rifle. He said he likes his real good. His has 125 lumens and has an op time of 2 hours. His was like $170 I think.

[Samuel]

A few more for your consideration (links are for examples only - search around for best price/availability):

SureFire X300 with remote switch.
X300 LED WeaponLight - X300 available from SureFire
Remote Switch for Long Guns - XT07 available from SureFire

Streamlight TLR (C4 version) with different backplate and switch assembly.
Tactical Gun Mount Series - TLR-1 | Streamlight
Streamlight 69130 Battery Door / Switch Assembly with Integrated Remote Connector for TLR Tactical Weapons-Mounted Lights FREE S&H 69130. Streamlight Flashlight Accessories.
Streamlight Plug-in Remote Switches for TLR Weapons Mounted Tactical Flashlights. 69132, 69135, 69134. Streamlight Flashlight Accessories.

SureFire 6P with LED drop in with tailcap/remote switch assembly.
Small Flashlights - 6P® Original from SureFire
Tac-Star 1081206 Remote Tape Switch Surefire Pentagon [TAC1081206] - $24.95 : Area 51 Tactical, 334 375-7153
(see falcon four's thread for a listing of various 6P/D26 size drop ins)
SUREFIRE M79 - Universal Clamp Mount 6P/G2: SureFire Tactical products, Mounts, Switches, Light & Laser Modules And Picatinny Rail Forend.

various mounts for small round bodied tac lights (Lighthound)
Mounts and Tapeswitch

another cheapy tailcap/tape switch
Solarforce PTS2 Tape Switch with tailcap for

[BJJVad]

A few more for your consideration (links are for examples only - search around for best price/availability):

SureFire X300 with remote switch.
X300 LED WeaponLight - X300 available from SureFire
Remote Switch for Long Guns - XT07 available from SureFire

Streamlight TLR (C4 version) with different backplate and switch assembly.
Tactical Gun Mount Series - TLR-1 | Streamlight
Streamlight 69130 Battery Door / Switch Assembly with Integrated Remote Connector for TLR Tactical Weapons-Mounted Lights FREE S&H 69130. Streamlight Flashlight Accessories.
Streamlight Plug-in Remote Switches for TLR Weapons Mounted Tactical Flashlights. 69132, 69135, 69134. Streamlight Flashlight Accessories.

SureFire 6P with LED drop in with tailcap/remote switch assembly.
Small Flashlights - 6P® Original from SureFire
Tac-Star 1081206 Remote Tape Switch Surefire Pentagon [TAC1081206] - $24.95 : Area 51 Tactical, 334 375-7153
(see falcon four's thread for a listing of various 6P/D26 size drop ins)
SUREFIRE M79 - Universal Clamp Mount 6P/G2: SureFire Tactical products, Mounts, Switches, Light & Laser Modules And Picatinny Rail Forend.

various mounts for small round bodied tac lights (Lighthound)
Mounts and Tapeswitch

another cheapy tailcap/tape switch
Solarforce PTS2 Tape Switch with tailcap for

..and here I was thinking "The one that doesn't break when you hit the bad guy over the head."

Sam you need to file for a PhD in hand-held Illumination devices.

[Samuel]

..and here I was thinking "The one that doesn't break when you hit the bad guy over the head."

That's a good requirement too! lol

Sam you need to file for a PhD in hand-held Illumination devices.

NOT! I'm sooo the noob at CandlePowerForums it's not even funny! :eek: I try following some of those guys' discussions sometimes and I end up with a massive headache and have to take a nap! :confused::drug: :D

Hey, are you going to Rockdown tomorrow morning? What about on the 22nd?

[BJJVad]

NOT! I'm sooo the noob at CandlePowerForums it's not even funny! :eek: I try following some of those guys' discussions sometimes and I end up with a massive headache and have to take a nap! :confused::drug: :D

Hey, are you going to Rockdown tomorrow morning? What about on the 22nd?

I work Friday's now and the slave driver won't let me head down on duty.

In fact the statement was something to the effect of; "Do you think I would rather sit in my office or get to drive around the county goofing off. But when there is work to be done, we need to have the integrity to make sure it does."

I think he meant when YOU have MY work to be done.. Last I checked, I finished my assignments ;)