Final config decided on…
First I want to thank everyone for their time and thoughts sent to me. I am now better educated on terms, limits and the market for these cool little lights because of all YOU BLF guys— THANKS! :+1: :+1: :+1:
I went back and forth on light size for my hunting gun (6.8SPC AR-15 for pig hunting) I realized I’d need to ultimately keep the weight down as I hunt on the go (“run ’n gun”) enough that a heavy rifle would be a problem (and everything adds up weight wise fast as you add scope, lights, etc). I though about possibly mounting a larger light closer to my mag and UNDER my rail (for more light/time at any given brightness)— and use the light itself as a handle. But added weight aside… this would not allow me to shoot off a bag or other natural rest (i.e. tree limb). The right light size/form factor (and mounts) for something like that also were not easy (cheap) to find too.
So as the C8 is the most modified (smaller) light I could find info on, I finally decided to start with the KDLITKER C8.2 Cree XHP50.2. In a review on the KD site, a fellow states this light got brighter than his DD modded XHP70 (using two 18650s). He also stated it’s efficient enough to run 40 minutes on a good 18650 too. I will learn to live with the driver and possibly modify it at a later date as the 5 modes (Vs. one) will have to be worked around. But that driver feeds the XHP50.2 the current needed to get to over 2k lumens— easily. As I don’t care about heat (barrel gets hot too) this higher power C8 got the nod in the end.
As I had reclaimed laptop/drill 18650’s already, the lights using this battery are just the smart route to go. I realize with a small light like the C8, that I’ll have to carry batteries as needed for an all-night hunt (which one 18650 fits perfectly into a Magpul handle BTW) :laughing: . There are lots of easy to find mounting options (and rifle scope mounts are as cheap as it gets) with all the rail accessories around for the AR platform. So the C8 with it’s size and “upgradability” is a nature choice, and the KD 2600 lumen version “as-is” will do what I need to get started.
As this hunting rig will not be the main light source for locating pigs at night, I realized I just needed enough run time for the final acquisition and shot (which is a few seconds) as the pigs don’t stay still long when the light hits them. So for me, this light works for what I need. And given the availability of info here at BLF, parts for future mods, AND LEXELS GREAT pressure switch mod (which allows for FULL current output on a remote pressure switch), I can use this light as is for now.
I plan to mount the light off the right side of a longer scope (using either a longer 45 degree off-set short rail, OR maybe a scope ring system (where the top ring mount has a 45 degree rail cast into it- so the light would set up higher than the scope). If I can use the more standard 45 degree short rail— it will come off from between the main “extra-tall” (but standard) scope mounts (so it would attach to the AR receiver’s top rail between the main scope mounts- I’m not using a “unimount” AR styled scope system as this scope goes on and stays on). So, I am still conceptualizing the mount and I’m going to get the light in the hand, then do some night testing WITH the scope mounted and moving the light around— then decide a final light mount. I want a clean, clear view and so if I must— the C8 might end up on the VERY forward end of the hand rail- underneath like a bayonet keeping clear of my field of view. So I need to play with it before making that final decision.
On the pressure switch: I wonder IF Magpul HAS a main pistol handle WITH a pressure switch built in for the middle of the palm (unlike the picatinny rail job they sell). My Springfield pistol has such a switch built into it as a safety and by just gripping the pistol you take it off safety. I guess Magpul would have to sell it with the light though so I’ll have to play with the pressure switch location too. Hey! Maybe I’ll do a mod with my handle I have (it is hollow and can be accessed via it’s removable bottom keeper- so any switch I could drill into this handle that works like my pistol’s would do the job)?! I’ll have to look around the surplus electronics sites now :person_facepalming: .
Although I planned to buy something and modify it right away, I feel the KD light will get me started with some hand-on experience to get better acquainted with the technology. And I also feel more time on BLF will help me better understand the tricks and tweaks so when I decide to mod this light— I’ll have a better understanding of how and what needs to be done. I see a lot of superb mods with lots of time and well thought out ideas here and so I’ll be hanging around more to learn about these amazing little lights!
Cheers to you all!