I’m on the lookout for a rifle mounted torch to enable me to hunt alone at night from either the car or on foot. Targeting generally rabbits, foxes and feral cats. Distances from 30m to 100m, however would be nice to have some extra light to go further if possible. Not after a flood light as such as I can use a headlamp for that, need a nice bright spot.
I had a quick search of the forums and have some ideas, however a lot of the posts and responses were a few years old so wanted to get a feel for what the best option is now.
I was looking at the Convoy C8 - however I’m open to suggestions. Don’t have the know how to build/mod, however can attempt simple things if it’s crucial.
Hoping to spend under $50, however not sure if that’s feasible or not. Preferably something I can get locally here in Australia, so eBay is a good option.
For rabbit and fox hunters I’ve been making sunwayman aspheric light with dedomed Cree xpe 660 deep red led.
For firmware I use s version of bistro that uses the moonlight option as an “off” mode. This way the user can turn the light on and off with a half press and no “click” noise to detour game. Some set it up for short half press to low and long half press to turbo. It works pretty good I gues? I don’t hunt as of late;)
I also give the remote switch option but it is an either or option because subway doesn’t sell remote switch. I buy them for the c8 and swap the guts. Of course they could switch it back but it requires messing with it.
Range is visibility up to 150+ yards and the red eyes of rabbits and fox can be picked up quite a ways more.
These options can be used with the c8 as well. It is the second most preferred by my customers(friends and family )
If red or green light is desired but the user doesn’t want to sacrifice the white, filters can be used with both these lights. It’s not as stunning as the throw from a dedomed xpe/xpe2 but it works better than I would have thought.
Ild make you one but I think the shipping cost would put you over budget. With some effort and time you could build one for yourself. Or there are a couple of builders on the forum from your neck of the woods:)
Hi and welcome fellow Melbourneian.
I’ve been modding Brynite B158 for awhile now with single mode 7135 driver and XPE2 Torch leds and had good feedback from users. Have been modding the Supwildfires with DD XML2 leds but have as yet not had any rifle mounted yet. Both above your budget.
Does your budget include battery, charger, and mounts?
I have both the maxtoch 2x and convoy c8 for exactly what you are doing - night shooting small game. The c8 is great under 100m as it’s so light, runs for 1.5 hours on high and heaps of light
The maxtoch is really overkill for .22 range, but nice to have a bit more grunt. It was specifically designed by kiwi hunters for a rifle mounted long range torch, cant beat the price/performance/weight for that purpose
I’d recommend a convoy c8 clear model xpl- Hi from aliexpress
With most options I still need batteries and mount. I’m comfortable spending more than $50, so I’m leaning towards the Nitecore or Maxtoch. Just not sure which is the better buy and if the extra on the Maxtoch is justifiable?
Regarding chargers - I have a basic charger from ebay, are they ok to use for now?
Edit: One thing I forgot to mention, I have a .223 so ranges over 100m are quite possible. Also, in response to MRsDNF, I guess I’m prepared to spend ~$100 on the lot.
Mate if cost doesnt matter and you only want 1 torch DEFINATELY the Maxtoch , i hav the new Sniper M24 XML2 - U3 dedomed doesnt get any better price than what you just found
Having tried quite a few and not wanting a large heavy torch I settled for the Nitecore MH20GT … if you don’t mind shorter run times and size / weight is something you’re taking into consideration the Manker T01 is also a good option.
The most important thing before getting to a soecific light is if you want one focused spot with almost no corona or want a light with a hotspot and spill
Fitst is a light with lens
Second with a reflector
White, red and Blue all in one light. 1100 plis lumen white output using a 30q 18650, over 200 lumen red. Red has hi and low, blue just a single level.
Available (comes all in a kit if you can find it) remote pressures switch and hardware for mounting.
Review is here, video of the light outside in ise.
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