I have a tactical light now, but I was wanting something to attach to my AR that would act as a good navigation light - i.e. something that wouldn’t wash out my night vision like my tac-light does. I’d like to get something that uses Cr123’s just to keep the batteries the same as my tac-light. I’ve looked but haven’t really found anything - so, anyone got any good suggestions? Much appreciated and thanks in advance gents!
What about Surefire Helmet light? That make a rail mount for it.
My Surefire 6PX PRO has a 15/200 lumen dual output.
Maybe that will help?
Ive heard bad things about dual output.
I also have never owned one, so take it with a grain of salt.
As most people know, I run two lights on my M4, a TLR-1 is my Navigation light, its made for a pistol and has a wide beam, making navigation by splash excellent.
My primary light is a Z2-S, it has a more focused beam and is about the same output. Around 160 lumens.
i use a Surefire LX2 Lumamax every night here in AFG it’s 15/200 lumens of super durable goodness. i have been looking at the E2D LED Defender (5/200 lumens) pretty hard for mounting on my AR when i get back. A 2 setting LED works really well for moving around the FOB at night. Surefire is expensive but well worth it.
If you’re looking for something for NOD use, you shouldn’t even be considering a white light. There are several good IR lights on the market that would fit the role quite well.
Aside from nuking your NV tube, two lights on the gun has always seemed both excessively heavy to me, as well as requiring another level of training to make sure I’m utilizing the correct light for the correct situation.
Of course, I’m assuming you’re talking about NOD use. If you’re just talking about your night-adapted vision, I’ll echo the two-stage lights like the Surefire’s, or a Surefire helmet light that you couldn’t possibly activate at the wrong time. They’re also light weight enough that the added mass on the end of the gun wouldn’t bother me.
Just my opinion here, but I stay away from two stage lights on my guns. They can cause you some SERIOUS problems if you mess up at the wrong time.
But if IR is not an option and you want it on the gun, take a look at one of the older Surefire G2 or 6P LED lights. They have a lower output then the newer stuff. You also have the option of a diffuser/lens cap if you want to alter the output.
Not weapon mounted, but how about the Streamlight Sidewinder Compact with a headband or helmet mount?
Nav lights on guns: bad. Don’t point your rifle at stuff to see where you’re going. Keep the light on your gun isolated to target identification.
A helmet light or handheld is a MUCH better option. The Surefire helmet light has an option (I think) for NV LEDs that will work well with your NV and (gasp!) illuminate what you’re looking at.
My sure fire helmet light has a combo of red white and IR. I know they have them in blue white and ir as well. And they’re quick detach and very easy to use in handheld mode.
Let me clarify. The Ir is a side beacon on the two setups I mentioned. I believe there is a green and IR beam one as an option with an ir beacon as well
Agree with the above.
I had a little torch that I had changed the bulb out for a red LED attached to a bulb casing and attached it to a pocket with a dummy cord.
Alternatively in an ostensibly non-tactical or less threatening LE environment I wear one similar to this around my neck, that is wearing the elasticated headband around my neck - around $10 from Home Depot. Additionaly I have a small handheld torch and if appropriate a weapon mountable.
Point to note: These headlamps normally have one switch LEFT = white light, CENTRE = off, RIGHT = red light. If you have motor skill problems and don’t want to vaguely risk a white light exposure block the switch.
Remember with lights, like compasses - Two is one, one is none.