Interested to see the advantages/disadvantages of differing light set ups. Currently im looking into using one of my Sure Fires on a scount mount or purchasing a Streamlight TLR-1/2. I am leaning towards the TLR because its smaller, on/off easier to manipulate, lighter weight. Please help, theyre selling TLR-2’s here for cheeeeap
I have no need for the laser, so I wouldn’t spend the money over a TRL-1. I have the TRL-1 and it’s been a great light.
Anyone know what would be the better way to go as far as TLR Lights vs the SF Mini Scout?
There is a sub-forum dedicated for lights, lasers & knives. You should find your answers there
http://m4carbine.net/forumdisplay.php?f=15
Given the choice between a “pistol” type light and the SF mini scout, I would get the mini scout. I had a SF x300 on a rifle at 12 O’clock, and while I liked the positioning, the placement of the switch made it easy to be activated while in the case.
The design of the mini scout switch makes accidental discharge virtually impossible and it can be rotated to completely “lock it off” if you should desire.
On a side note, I do have a TLR-2 also and while I have never had a problem with it, I will say that the Surefire products are better in every way except price.
Thanks Breadman, for your take on the two lights…
I’ve always been a Surefire fan. All my handhelds are SF. I run the TLR1 on my ARs. I just prefer it. I like the switch’s function and position. I’ve recently tried one on a Glock or two and like them there too. I don’t care for lasers or strobes on my guns, so I opted for the plain old TLR1 model. If you do much long range night shooting the TLR1HP is fantastic. Unbelievable how much focus and distance they pull out of it with a simple bezel change.
It depends on your model of Surefire. Make sure it’s a single mode or you risk changing modes every time you pull the trigger. I tried running a WML on a carbine length MOE handguard and it took up way too much real estate. I like to mount my lights at 6 o’clock. You can’t go wrong with a Streamlight TLR-1 and as much as I love Surefire, I honestly can’t recommend their X series over the Streamlights. I personally think the TLR-1 is a hideous beast of a light, but it’s rock solid and the last one I had had 1000+ 12 gauge rounds through it and it still functioned and almost looked like the day I bought it when I sold it. I had an X200 blow off my shotgun years ago shooting Dynamit Nobel law enforcement (12 pellet) 00 buck so I don’t really trust the mounting system anymore.
The funny thing is, even though I like to stay cutting edge with my lights and I have a ton of much more expensive alternatives that most would say to be better (Malkoff M61 in 6P body with Z59, Malkoff M31 in 3P body with Z59, E2D with KX2C bezel, E1B with M300A scout bezel, M600A, M600C, M952V…the list goes on - I’m a light freak), I keep coming back to Novatac lights to mount on my weapons. I know that the technology is old, but even the newer Chinese made ones are nigh indestructible and have lasted through
many rounds of .45 +P, 12 gauge, .308, etc…
The reason?
Because although I normally condone 1 mode weaponlights, the Novatac interface has never failed me. I am also very familiar with the switching functions since I’ve carried an HDS since 2006. Out of the 8 HDS/Novatacs that I’ve owned, I’ve never had a single failure. I’m currently running a Chinese made “Special Ops” NovaTac 2 x CR123 in an Elzetta FSB mount on my rifle and I love it.
120 lumens is plenty, the switch is excellent (press and hold for momentary, click once for full bright, hold while on for strobe, fast double click while on for medium, and fast triple click while on for “moonlight”), moonlight mode means that with fresh batteries and my 6 spares that I keep in my stock, I can get a full 80+ days of useable light if needed. Also, I like that with the Elzetta mount, the light takes up no space on the handguard since I like to hold my rifle out far. Another nice feature is the quick detach thumscrew that allows me use the light for what it is when needed - a flashlight. Plus - at around $50, if you do manage to destroy it (it has a lifetime warranty anyway), you can always buy another to replace it.
I’m a “buy the best option for your gear that money can buy” kind of guy, and honestly, I’ve seen more $200-300 lights fail than my $40-50 Chinese Novatacs. The interface is perfect for me, the battery changes quick… Just enough light… no accidental mode switching. I think the OP should look into this or a similar option as an economical, functional, and lightweight alternative (Plus I think it looks kind of nice). You could also go all out and buy the HDS version, but it will set you back more, and I have no reason to believe that you’re going to get a tougher light - brighter, more refined? Yes… But I’m convinced that these cheaper “old” Novatacs are still great weapon lights.
Edit: forgot to mention: the length of the light and the placement of the Elzetta mount makes activation of the light super simple without ever having to change my grip on the rifle. I can either tap the button with the tip of my index finder or thumb. Seriously, the best system I’ve found so far. Now they need to make these things with XM-L LEDs…
Another +1 for Novatac. I regretted selling my old 85T that I took a chance and traded into one of the 120T SPL rifle mount versions, complete with the nice QD Novatac mount, and the remote switch tailcap. I’m happy!