Looking for recommendations on low cost options for an “off the shelf” gun light with remote pressure switch for my brother’s new Colt AR-15
ATM we’re looking for decent quality, low cost options, under $50, including the pressure switch. At some point he may upgrade to a more expensive light. On the higher end we’ve looked at the O-light M2X-UT / M20SX Javelots and the M3X-L2 Triton, the XTAR TZ-60 & TZ-20 and the Klarus XT11
Plus I’m sure there are more options in that range and from others Mfg’s as well. If and when he decides to equip his AR with a more expensive light and we need recommendations I’ll start a new thread.
I’m aware some people’s opinion on the subject runs along the lines of “I wouldn’t trust my life on anything less than a SureFire” etc. etc. etc. …however to propagate that discussion would not be relevant here. And of course I agree that you want the highest quality light you could afford for use in a life or death situation.
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What I didn’t like about the Olights was having to double press to activate high mode. To me that seems counter-intuitive for a firearm or tactical light. We want a single click to high, always, every time, and without reliance upon mode memory. Lower modes are not so important for this so we need a either single mode UI or one that always starts on high with the first click, so the momentary pressure switch always activates high mode.
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The low cost lights we have looked at so far are the C8 and Solarforce L2
From what I’ve read about them here on BLF, I feel these are reliable and adequate for the intended use/purpose right now, but I’d like to hear anyone’s feedback or comparison between these particular lights, well as any other recommendations.
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The first C8 I looked at was the Convoy C8 XPL HI, however I see there are no pressure switches available for it. (at least without re-threading one) Does anyone know if it would be difficult to remove the guts from a regular C8 pressure switch and install them in the Convoy tail cap? And is the switch/wiring on these pressure switches adequate for use with the (2.8A - 3.05A?) current from the 7135x8 driver in the Convoy?
Another problem with the Convoy C8 is I don’t see any option/configuration for 1-mode (off/100%)
Also considered the Convoy M1, but again no pressure switch I know of.
Although it’s over the budget for this category I looked at the P-FlexPRO Convoy C8, a great custom build: 3.8A, DTP, fully potted and forward clicky, but again no pressure switch, and I’m not sure fully potted is 100% necessary? (the gun will not be routinely fired with the light attached)
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Also looked at the KDLIGHT C8, they do offer a pressure switch for it.
Total cost: $21.11 with the pressure switch.
KDLIGHT C8-XPLHI Cree XP-L HI
KDLIGHT C8-L2 Cree XM-L2
Dual Mode Remote Pressure Switch for C8
It looks like I can get the “HI only” mode group on the KDLIGHT C8 by soldering across all 4 bridges:
kaidomain.com/Product/PhotoGallery/
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The other option under consideration is a Solarforce L2 or L2T.
KD sells several 1-mode P60 drop-ins, and I’m thinking the Solarforce pressure switch may be higher quality than the generic C8 ones.
Looks like we could get the entire L2 set up from KD:
Total cost aprox. $35 for the L2 or $42 for the L2T (with drop-in & pressure switch, not including the mount)
L2 Hosts:
http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S022953
http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S022956
P6 Drop-ins:
http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S024261
http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S025096
SF Pressure Switch:
http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S024897
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Mounting:
He’s looking at this mount, the light is positioned above and ahead of the forearm hand guard (He wants to keep the stock handguard):
http://www.impactweaponscomponents.com/product/tmc-1-light-mount-n-slot/
We like where it positions the light and fits well with the stock hand guard but the only drawback is the proprietary light ring mounting (not picatinny)
We’d prefer to use a ring with thumb screw or quick release like this one from KD: http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S023676
(the ring with light can be readily removed/replaced quickly at the range without tools or having to loosen multiple screws)
Or this one by Olight may be even better because (it appears) you can easily remove the light from the ring with thumbscrew if you needed to use it as a regular flashlight or swap lights: Olight WM25 Weapon Gun Mount Although the offset may or may not be desirable, depending on what mounting rail we end up using.
Can anyone recommend a mount with picatinny rail (to use a quick release ring) that places the light in a similar position and works well with the stock AR hand guard?