Hello Everyone!
A quick intro: I have a military and electronics/aviation/instrumentation/technician background.
I’ve purchased a new handgun, and have spent many hours researching lights to put on it.
I’m sure this question may have been answered many times, and I did do lots of post searches, but I thought a more recent post might get some good answers or info on newly released products.
The light won’t be permanently on the gun, and I also want it for everyday purposes.
That’s the main reason why I really don’t want a dedicated weapon light. (I’ll just leave the quick mount on it.)
You guys/gals have extensive experience in the lighting world. I’m looking to tap into it, and thank you in advance .
I need a pretty compact light with the following spec’s:
CR123 or AA type batteries (or rechargables).
Less than about 90mm in length. Body diameter should be less than 25.4mm or 1 inch. I’m mounting w/ 1 scope ring, and I can make/buy inserts to reduce the diameter to whatever I wish.
The ability to withstand 9mm handgun recoil.
I vastly prefer something with a twisty head or side switch vs. tail click so I can mount it all the way to the trigger guard.
If not, then I will get an offset quick picatinny mount, but that’s a secondary choice, and additional weight.
I’d like something that has more than one mode so I can conserve some battery power.
I’d like something that maxes our near 250-300 lumens, but could run about 100-150 at a mid level for a few hours minimum.
I’ve looked at a ton of lights, and even had an olight S15R baton ordered, until they finally returned my email and told me
that recoil would destroy it, so I cancelled my order…
I’ve also looked at lights like the Fenix E15 2016, and probably just about every brand out there. But it’s the ability to handle recoil that keeps me from making an informed purchase.
I do have the tech ability to modify a light w/ potting compound, etc…but don’t want to turn this into a new hobby…
I’d like the light itself to go anywhere from $15 to $40, and I will buy a charger/batteries/mount, etc…if I don’t find a kit.
I’ve also looked at placed like MTN electronics, and a bunch of the online/overseas vendors listed in these forums.
And yes I know there are arguments about mounting lights on handguns, and also about get-what-you-pay-for, and while I appreciate their merits, I’m still going to pursue this, and as a budget project.
Thanks in advance for your time and advice—I truly appreciate it!!