I have tried a few different solutions for mounting a weaponlight on AR-15's, but so far I have not been thrilled with any of them. Budget is part of the problem as indicated below, I know I can go with a high-end purpose-built light but I would prefer to stay within my budget right now. I have run a Streamight TLR-1S mounted on the top rail and a couple different .84"/1" lights in ring mounts. The Streamlight was decent but controls and brightness/throw were not to my liking for use on a carbine/rifle. In addition I prefer to keep it on my pistol so I'm looking to get something more ideal for my preferences if possible.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Up to $200
3) Format:
I want a mounted light, specifically, mounting on an AR-15 with mid-length Magpul MOE Handguards. I may change out for a configurable free-float later, but will have more flexibility for mounting in that case.
4) Size:
I don't know/I don't care.
5) Emitter/Light source:
I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
I'm a tinker so willing to do assembly myself, but not opposed to an out of the box solution.
7) What power source do you want to use?
I don't know/I need more information on power sources.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
10) Runtime
30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
11) Durability/Usage
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
_X___Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
__X__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
15) Water resistance
__X__IPX4 (Splash resistant)
16) Storage conditions
In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
17) Special Needs/extras
N/A
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Up to $200
3) Format:
I want a mounted light, specifically, mounting on an AR-15 with mid-length Magpul MOE Handguards. I may change out for a configurable free-float later, but will have more flexibility for mounting in that case.
4) Size:
I don't know/I don't care.
5) Emitter/Light source:
I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
I'm a tinker so willing to do assembly myself, but not opposed to an out of the box solution.
7) What power source do you want to use?
I don't know/I need more information on power sources.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
10) Runtime
30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
11) Durability/Usage
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
_X___Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
__X__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
15) Water resistance
__X__IPX4 (Splash resistant)
16) Storage conditions
In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
17) Special Needs/extras
N/A
