Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles tactical flashlights

I apologize, as I'm sure this has been discussed many times here, but I'm looking for two good tactical lights. One to be mounted on an AR and the other one to be hand held. Budget will be $100.00 each. What's a good light or system to look at? Are the rechargeable lights good, or should I just go with non rechargeable battery systems?

Thanks for any input provided here guys.

For a rifle mounted light I use a Fenix PD35 in a Wyoming Arms mount. And it's what I'd choose again, without hesitation. They run $150. http://wyomingarms.com/product-category/light-body-accessories/

To save a few dollars less I'd get the Streamlight Pro-Tac Rail Mount 2. It comes with a mount, or they use any Surefire Scout mount and come with a clicky tailcap and a tape switch with momentary and constant buttons. I played with one last weekend and was very impressed. They're gonna put the hurt on the Scout series.

I shot a night match with it last weekend and couldn't have asked for more from a rifle light.

Again, for a handheld light I'd do a Fenix PD35.

You can get rechargeable batteries for the Fenix light and they have adjustable brightness to conserve juice.

Here's a review I did of the light that includes a video comparing the PD35 to several other models. https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...58943/all/Wyoming_Arms_High_Lumen_Light_

There are a lot of great options out there now for less than $100 or maybe just a little more.

On my AR's and my pistols, I'm using a Streamlight TLR1 HL which is a 600 lumen light, they now offer an 800 lumen light with better battery life worth looking at.

For a hand held light, I have a Streamlight ProTac HL3 that is big and bright but my daily carry light is a ProTac 2L. It fits in my pocket without bothering me. Bright enough to get someones attention. Has a strobe function that I finally used Halloween night stopping traffic so kids could cross the street and it has a low setting that works well for walking to my stand while preserving battery life.

I also have a 4 sevens and Surefire lights around here among a few others. The new lights are so far ahead of the older 60 lumen Surefire lights I used to use it's unreal. Flashlights are like knives, you can't have too many...

All of mine use CR123 batteries.

Thanks for the feedback guys, and I really like the comment about flashlights being like knives-seems very true.

you know I was thinking about a surefire XL400 with the red laser for a pistol but I just don't see how they are worth the extra money anymore.

It is hard to beat the PD35. I have several and they have been perfect.

I just picked up a PD35 last night and I am impressed. On the top setting (960 lumens) it's like the sun came up in my yard! The AR mount and remote switch were also available so I grabbed those too.

If you are looking for a laser/light combo for a handgun, don't buy until you look at Viridian. They make an AR combo, too, I believe.

http://www.viridiangreenlaser.com/

After years of trying lots of other brands, Surefire is my standard go to for any sort of serious use. Streamlight is my second...distant...choice.

I have not tried Fenix, may have to try them out some time. DO they make a simple, on/off handheld similar in size to the E series Surefire? Something that takes CR123 batteries?

I like the PD35 Fenix, and carry one in my Maxpedition pack. Great light. I use the 18650 rechargeable batteries.
On my AR, I sue a 600 Lumin Surefire P2X Fury, on an Elzetta mount. Does what I want, and has for several years now.

For $100 each it would be hard to beat a Streamlight TLR-1 on the AR and a Surefire 6PX for a handheld. The TLR-1 could double as a handgun light if you ever needed it.

Or, two Surefires and one can ride in a light mount on your AR.

The SL Rail mount 1 is like 350 lumen and the Rail mount 2 is I believe 600 lumen that Bluedreaux mentioned....

I like the Streamlight on mine.

HL3 1100 lumen great hand held light.