What about streamlight and pelican? I've got several of each brand and they are made in USA and top notch customer service. They aren't quite "budget" but they aren't as high as surefire either.
Some guy named E1320 makes drop ins In the US of A from Chinese parts and US emitters via China.
I believe Cree and Luminus still make there emitters here also.
Oh and hey welcome back it's been a while since you posted.
Didn't realize Streamlight are USA made. Probably good stuff made here and cheaper line made overseas.
I thought Streamlight were made in China?
Edit: My TLR-3 was "Assembled in the USA"
Some really sneaky ways to say made in USA//albeit chinese parts .
For example marc jacobs purses ...Made in Italy ..
Well not really ..according to the made in italy rules the handle is assembled and tags attached is all it takes to make it ...MADE IN ITALY
Never mind that one of the largest populations of chinese in Europe is in Milan ITALY ...So it appears people don't want to pay Italian workers to even put the handle on .....Huh... go figure ..
Some Assembly Required
Probably only some of their product line is made in USA.
You need "all or virtually all" of the manufacturing costs produced in the USA for it to be labeled as "Made in the USA," however, it must be assembled here. That's how the FTC defines it.
I researched it back when I learned most bicycle brands are now being manufactured in China and Taiwan. Even high-end Specialized and Cannondale have moved to Taiwan factories. My 1996 Specialized Stumpjumper was "Made in the USA" and a newer model read "Assembled in the USA."
Streamlight as a whole are not USA made. They have many models made overseas.
Maglite is pretty much the last man standing... I think.
I think some Princeton Tec lights are still made in the US. Back in the day, I believe all of them were. Now it says "assembled in USA" on most.
I'm going to stick up for our modders here, and say that the handmade lights are still made in the USA, from mixed material sources.
Support your local hobbyist !
Indeed.
Support your local modder!
P.S. Good to see you back here.
Definitely!
Now who do I support next? I know..... will and his custom wood handled maglites. 
[quote=kramer5150]
Streamlight as a whole are not USA made. They have many models made overseas.
Maglite is pretty much the last man standing... I think.
[/quote]
My StreamLight LED Strion made in China.
can i get a link to his page. id love to get a wooden mag handle. thanks 
NO sadly.
They used to be until Inova sold out to Nite Ize.
Then the whole production was switched to China.
Furthermore they were refusing to honour warranties issued by the previous Inova incarnation.
And one or two were upset over that.
New Maglites seem pretty good. Modern emitters and easy to find batteries, but I’ve heard problems with the Minimag and unreliable switching after you drop it.
Pelican and Streamlight are also US made, and their smaller lights are cheaper.
Bumping this.
Any changes in this area since 2012?
Is it mostly instagram-y custom makers if one wants a non-Chinese flashlight?
Maglights should be considered budget and they are (afaik) made in the US? I like mine.
I guess it would depend on if there is a new definition of “Budget” since 2012 and if the pre-owned market is an option
If you can find one, Peak Eigers are a very nice option that could probably be found in basic form for under $50. Designed, manufactured and assembled in the US (AZ).
Not the copper one but perhaps the aluminum.
