Searched a few older threads about this on here, but Im searching for a sturdy light that needs minimal mods to survive on a 12ga Rem 870. The light will see heavy use under recoil often. I have a Solarforce L2T that sometimes sees use on a rifle, but I cant get it to not change Hi/Lo under recoil on a rifle. Its wrapped and has foam bumpers made for the battery. Considering an Armytek Doberman, a Convoy M2, or a potted C8. the M2 is pretty much out due to the battery tube so Im sticking to 18650 size lights. Been looking at a few Surefire/ PflexPro and Streamlight offerings but this is BLF. Best I can figure is maybe a C8, potted and bumpered to protect the driver and battery. Fwd clicky Tailswitch is a must. OP reflector since a shotgun doesnt need throw. I use a QD mount vs a dedicated WML. Suggestions welcome!
I’m surprised there isn’t a real tailored light for shotgun use. I did see one a few years ago mounted on the end of the tube.
I use a Surefire dedicated forearm on my 590 and it’s great but it’s pricey, .
I think if you want to go with a drop in , then the Pflex pro, or a Malkoff are the way to go. Both are excellent
on weapon- mount applications.
I’ve talked to Randy, from Pflex pro, several times , and he’s always been great to deal with.
Check out Elzetta lights also. These are known for their ruggedness and use in weapon mounts.
And whatever you choose, I would go with a light with springs on both ends, to protect your cell from recoil.
There is a few, Surefires M series, dedicated WML’s, Surefire makes a pump forend with a light built in, but these products range in the hundreds of dollars. Malkoff, Elzetta, and PflexPro lights are highly regarded as well but also cost big money. I have a few WML systems I use on Pistols for their small size as well.
Ha and Vincent responds with the same. Im looking for some Budget Light Forum ideas though. Its all great to spend 80 bucks on a Surefire hosts and another nearly 100 on a high end dropin. Ive played that game for years. But this isnt a life dependency shotgun. This is a night 3 gun play toy. My work guns we spend 400 dollars on a Surefire M series and Malkoff dropins without flinching. If I could score a takeoff from work I would!
I hear you.
LOL looks like we were thinking along the same lines.
I had my FFL for about 15 years and always recommended these same companies from personal experience.
I agree, they are expensive.
The ruggedness of those lights is why the $$ on them. For a shotgun range inexpensive, tail clicky, floody light, I would venture a Convoy M1 or M2.
I went through the weapon light evolution. First the Solarforce with epoxied electronics that could even survive the Saiga’s bolt carrier slamming the receiver. Then the Streamlight pistol lights. Now it’s the Olight PL-2 Valkyrie. I’ve got an Olight PL-Pro Valkyrie coming in the mail. It’s pressure switch set up is probably going to need a strap to hold it on under use or recoil. Pistol lights on a rail can be plugged on to any rail system and all use the same CR123A battery. CR123A’s cost a dollar a piece and can sit on a shelf for 20 years. I’m seeing these lights also being mounted on helmets, bikes, stored on belts.
Did you check out the new Streamlight TL-Racker at $130 street? Don’t have any experience with it, but might be worth a look. Streamlight TL-Racker
That Racker looks pretty interesting. First time I’ve seen it.
It looks like a nice alternative to the Surefire.
I am interested in the racker and its not a bad price, plus the benefit of the light being at your hand position no matter the status of the firearm. Anybody have experience with one?