Predators thrive in the dark, which hides them while they are waiting to pounce. To stop these things that go bump in the night, tactical lights and lasers can illuminate them, allowing you to identify a target in darkness with accuracy and precision. Here are a few light or laser choices to consider for your self-defense carbine or shotgun.
Inforce WML Tact Light
The WML by Inforce has a 200-lumen output in a focused beam that is designed for close to mid-range scenarios. Four beam modes include constant, momentary high, low, and strobe. Powered by one 123A lithium battery, the run time for the WML is 1.5 hours on high mode and 10 hours on low. Constructed from fiber-composite material, the WML mounts to any Picatinny-style rail without tools. A safety lever blocks the switch from accidentally being activated. Finishes include Black (#2-INF-WML-B-W, $108.24) and Desert Sand (#2-INF-WML-S-W, $108.24)
Surefire M962LT WeaponLight
The far-reaching and high-candela beam of the Surefire M962LT WeaponLight is built for medium to long-range applications. The 700-lumen light is powered by three 123A batteries with a runtime of 1.7 hours. The light body is made of Mil-Spec type 3 aluminum. The Cheaper Than Dirt! price for this item is $625.50 (#17-M962LT).
Beamshot X1-G Green Beam Laser Sight
The X1-G visible green laser from Beamshot is compact and lightweight. It can take the recoil from a .50 BMG without losing zero. The laser dot has four modes: constant on, 2 Hz, 4 Hz, or 8Hz pulse. Dot adjustment clicks are ½ inch at 25 yards. Its power source is two AAAA batteries that give the unit a runtime of 1.5 hours.
Burris AR-Laser
The compact and lightweight AR-Laser precision aiming device by Burris is offered with either a Class 1 Infrared or Class IIIa red laser. The AR-Laser’s footprint is only 1.13 inches above the rail and is available in either inline or offset configurations. A single AA battery powers the unit, and run time is five hours. Cheaper Than Dirt! sells this unit for $749 (#3-0931588).
Crimson Trace CMR-205 Rail Master Pro
Crimson Trace combines a red laser and light in the CMR-205 Rail Master Pro. Compact and rugged, the unit is constructed of tough polymer, which also makes it lightweight. The 5mW red laser and 100-lumen LED light are powered by one CR2 lithium battery. Four operational modes including: laser/light constant on, laser constant on, light constant, or laser/light dazzler. It attaches to any Picatinny/Weaver-style rail.
Extreme Beam SX21-HO Remote Switch
The SX21-HO remote switch for SX21-HO tactical lights made by Extreme Beam can withstand recoil up to .50 BMG. Two remote switches are available, an 11-inch straight and 23-inch pigtail. Both switches offer momentary and full-on/full-off capability. The SX21-HO tactical light creates a 220-lumen beam that can project out to 900 feet. Two CR-123 batteries power it. The 1-inch body fits into a 1-inch rail mount, which can then be attached to any Weaver-style rail.
LaserMax UNI-IR
The LaserMax UNI-IR (infrared) unit is the smallest and lightest IR-laser unit available. It only takes up 1.75 inches of rail space, and it uses two 357 silver-oxide batteries. The runtime is six hours. The UNI-IR mounts quickly to any Weaver or Picatinny-style rail. For more information go to lasermax.com or call 800-527-3703. Cheaper Than Dirt! sells this unit for $144.03 (#2-LMXUNI-IR).
LaserLyte Sight CM Dual Lens
The CM (Center Mass) unit from LaserLyte offers a user two green-laser patterns: single dot or center-mass pattern. The center mass pattern projects a ring of eight green laser dots with one green laser dot in the center. The circle pattern enlarges at a rate of 1 inch per yard. Either laser pattern is visible in high- and low-light environments. Run time is six hours on one CR-123 battery. Cheaper Than Dirt! stocks this item in Tan ($140.05, #90349) and Black ($140.05, #90348).
CenterPoint Laser and Light Converter Kit
This CenterPoint kit includes an integrated tactical light and laser in one unit that mounts to any Picatinny or Weaver-style rail. The laser can be seen up to 100 yards at night and up to 25 yards in daylight. Both the light and laser are equipped with tactical pressure switches.
MFT Torch Back-Up Light
The Torch Back-up Light from MFT (Mission First Tactical) is super compact and light as a feather. It features a white light and red laser sight. The unit is flat and attaches flush to a Weaver or Picatinny-style accessory rail. Used with a vertical grip, the unit can provide light on an AR platform without the bulk.
To get a bright light, and hours of use, would like to get a unit with the large vertical battery holder/grip. Does this require a Form 1 to put on a pistol?
I have been using and The SureFire M962LT WeaponLight uses an ultra-high-output LED emitter and a Turbohead TIR lens to produce a far-reaching, high-candela beam of brilliant white light.
I just picked up the MTF backup torch today its ok so far im not using mine on a long gun currently. Right now its on my air pistol i usually use something i know better for my home defense light. Its pretty good so far id buy it if you need something. It works good for full sized pistols that have picatinny rails.
CenterPoint? Seriously?! I was totally enjoying this article until that was mentioned. I own one of these; got it at Walmart for like $35 bucks. They are junk; cheap Chinese stuff more suitable for an airsoft gun. It just seemed odd to me having CenterPoint in the same list as all these other higher-end products.
To all,
My fenix pd35 mounted on a colt Le6920 is the only light to use. It is SOOO BRIGHT any intruder up to 200 yards is incapable of drawing a weapon on me or even seeing anything. 850 LUMENS is like looking at my welder set on 300 amps. To sum it up, there is no competition.
You passed up the Elzetta Tactical light series. I think they are unmatched in materials/workmanship, options and ease of use.
http://www.elzetta.com
BTW
These new flashlights are really something! they are no joke! Be careful!
The new batch of Green lasers can do serious damage in very short exposure. I made littel hoods to eliminate accidental discharge and stray reflections off the lens/reflectors.
I have a Felix flashlight I bought at a gun show for 75$ it fits a magpul mount and has a pressure switch. It is adjustable to 850 that’s 850 lumens. It is so bright it should be illegal on it’s own. Mounted on my Colt LE6920 mode, it completes my cqb collection. Not bad for a total of 120$ mount,light,and pressure switch.
I like to keep the simplest light for a gunlight. Fenkx TK10 and 11 for my AR’s and a Nightfighter X-8(150L).
I’m not comfortable with too many buttons. Too much chance of hitting the wrong one in an emergency, I was gonna get the PD-35(don’t like extra buttons), but got the Nightcore SRT-7 for a carry. It has r/g/b/sos/beacon/10-960L/strobe all on selector ring. Unbelievable! And all my lights are under $100usd. They put my Mini-Maglite to shame. I breathed new life into it with a Tera-Lux MiniStar2 150L upgrade! I keep it for back-up now.
I really can’t believe you dised “Streamlight”! For the record I have no monetary or personal relationship with the company. I do however own several. They are a bit on the pricey side, but in this case, you get what you pay for! There are several different models. Including light only to light with laser, in red or green. They work on long guns, full size, compact and sub-compact. Nothing but Streamlight for me!!
I have a DPMS AR-10 “Free Float Barrel” with only two “Rail Mounting Points”. 1st mounting point is the Receiver Top, that has a Thermal Scope (2x), Second Mounting Point is the “Gas Block” (top only). Mounting a Laser with top mount or straight to the side from the top will place it in the view of the ‘scope, I need a mount, what do you have.
The Torch Back Up is an intreging idea. I’d be more inclined to use it on a handgun than a rifle. Its size is remarkable.
@ CTD
The LaserMax UNI-IR ($144.03 USD.) IS THAT THE RIGHT PRICE. Because it looks ODD, even for you Guy’s. Is it a Typo Error. Your prices usually end in a .97, not an .03???
@ Secundius
The link jumps to the CTD commerce page listing of $148.07 for the LaserMax UNI-IR.