Good Flashlight/laser combo.

You can "what if" scenarios to death. Bottom line, at night and in some cases even in daylight you need a light. Attached or handheld, you need to be able to identify in a defensive/offensive situation. Proper amount of light is very important. Inside too much can be a detriment. I have run visual lasers and found them to be helpful in very few situations. I would recommend concentrating more on a good light.

WoW , thank you ALL so much for your suggestions, lots to consider , I knew you guys would come thru.....I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again & have a great day

James K. said:

Please help me out, I am looking for a good reliable flashlight/laser combo to attach to my Ruger SR 556 with keymod.
I have read about the Streamlight Protac Mount HL-X Laser model, with 1000 lumens & Red Laser, but many
have said it is HUGE & heavy..... Surefire price is out of reach for me.
also, what does the community say about flashlights on long guns, dont they kind of make You
a target to the bad guys too??View attachment 584036

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Being very "old school" and never relying on outside light other than illumination flares (long ago and far away), I don't have any need to encumber my weapon with a flashlight, that is, as you say, a dead giveaway to the bad guys. A small, compact laser fulfills any need I have for a night sight.

O-Light Odin GL pick your model.

Every defensive weapon should have a minimum of a visible light on it. Not verifying what you intend to shoot can have catastrophic consequences.

JarHeadTim said:

O-Light Odin GL pick your model.

Every defensive weapon should have a minimum of a visible light on it. Not verifying what you intend to shoot can have catastrophic consequences.

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Giving away your position can have even more catastrophic consequences.

crm3006 said:

Being very "old school" and never relying on outside light other than illumination flares (long ago and far away), I don't have any need to encumber my weapon with a flashlight, that is, as you say, a dead giveaway to the bad guys. A small, compact laser fulfills any need I have for a night sight.

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crm3006 said:

Giving away your position can have even more catastrophic consequences.

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I think not seeing your adversary would be more catastrophic. I don't mean to be negative, but I think your mindset here is off base. I am glad the laser works for you, however, it is not an illuminator. Expecting it to be, and suggesting others employ it in the same way is dangerous for them and for you.

James K. said:

Please help me out, I am looking for a good reliable flashlight/laser combo to attach to my Ruger SR 556 with keymod.
I have read about the Streamlight Protac Mount HL-X Laser model, with 1000 lumens & Red Laser, but many
have said it is HUGE & heavy..... Surefire price is out of reach for me.
also, what does the community say about flashlights on long guns, dont they kind of make You
a target to the bad guys too??View attachment 584036

Click to expand...

I have the Streamlight TLR 8A-G on most of my pistols. Also use one on my ARs and the TLR-1 HPL on my 870. Yeah, a bit expensive, but never had any issues. Buy once, cry once.

James K. said:

WoW , thank you ALL so much for your suggestions, lots to consider , I knew you guys would come thru.....I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again & have a great day

Click to expand...

I say if you're not going to get the real deal just leave it alone. Without knowing what you're trying to do.

From a "inside America" stand point, white light is only bad if you have no light discipline. If your opponent is another person and not a hog, then a tape/pressure switch is pretty much a must. Unfortunately, I cannot nor care to teach anyone over internet text the tactics and case usage in which it to be applied.

The example would be flashlight (on) during a snap when crossing a threshold on hard corners. I'm sure it's a bunch of gibberish if you're not someone who does CQB.

A more tactical solution is IR flood option, which a surefire can do with the IR lens, but then it requires nods. Same with a IR laser. The red laser would be a waste. You couldn't see it at distance, and you wouldn't be able to see the target with just the laser. If you use the light with the laser, you'll wash the laser out.

If you have a white light, and a hollo, like a Eotech, then you'll be able to see the target in indoor CQB distance and make shots. Remember to know your zero offsets. The Eotech can get washed out too, so you'll have to have that little donut of death power up enough to see it through whatever light is being used.

I've used PEQs people don't even know exist, I've been in caves full of assho**** in different lands, and have operated in restricted areas globally afloat. I've used them in the .gov, the .mil, and personal. Your cheapest option is flashlight, hollo and training, or save your money (or don't bother).

Check out Arisaka's lights. The heads are made by Malkoff devices in Alabama, and are supremely durable.

A 600 series light, with the E2HTv2 would be an excellent choice, and is priced at $205 with a Surefire Z68 clicky tailcap or $195 with a momentary only tailcap. The head will work with either 2 CR123s or a 16650 Li-Ion battery.

If less spill is desired, the E2XT is a better option. I see no benefit to mounting a laser on a rifle.

brcfo_outdoors said:

I think not seeing your adversary would be more catastrophic. I don't mean to be negative, but I think your mindset here is off base. I am glad the laser works for you, however, it is not an illuminator. Expecting it to be, and suggesting others employ it in the same way is dangerous for them and for you.

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You seem to be implying that I would fire at an unidentified target, shoot at shadows, or kill the neighbor's dog without a weapon mounted flashlight. There is usually enough ambient light on any night to identify a potential hostile, and if not, I could employ any one of several Streamlights, Mag Lights or Surefires I keep handy. However, I really don't and never have seen the need to encumber a weapon any more than necessary. I don't have anything against your use of whatever you feel you need, but I will stay with what I know and what I know works.

crm3006 said:

You seem to be implying that I would fire at an unidentified target, shoot at shadows, or kill the neighbor's dog without a weapon mounted flashlight. There is usually enough ambient light on any night to identify a potential hostile, and if not, I could employ any one of several Streamlights, Mag Lights or Surefires I keep handy. However, I really don't and never have seen the need to encumber a weapon any more than necessary. I don't have anything against your use of whatever you feel you need, but I will stay with what I know and what I know works.

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No, actually I implied that they would shoot you. Since I often times work at night, I also disagree with your statement about ambient light. Furthermore, I am also curious how you intend to employ your Streamlights, mag lights or Surefires while carrying and being able to utilize a rifle as is the case with the original poster?

brcfo_outdoors said:

No, actually I implied that they would shoot you. Since I often times work at night, I also disagree with your statement about ambient light. Furthermore, I am also curious how you intend to employ your Streamlights, mag lights or Surefires while carrying and being able to utilize a rifle as is the case with the original poster?

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Well, since you disagree and actually know all there is to know about everything there is to know, then I will agree to disagree with your premise, and end this pointless discourse.

brcfo_outdoors said:

No, actually I implied that they would shoot you. Since I often times work at night, I also disagree with your statement about ambient light. Furthermore, I am also curious how you intend to employ your Streamlights, mag lights or Surefires while carrying and being able to utilize a rifle as is the case with the original poster?

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It's why I say I wouldn't want to talk about tactics online with rando's.

Theres no common knowledge or training. Nothing to build a conversation off of, and no experience of being in a space with people trying to actively kill you to recognize good advice.

YouTube has made it even worst with giving people in-part techniques that stoke just enough confidence to get them killed.

dfanonymous said:

It's why I say I wouldn't want to talk about tactics online with rando's.

Theres no common knowledge or training. Nothing to build a conversation off of, and no experience of being in a space with people trying to actively kill you to recognize good advice.

YouTube has made it even worst with giving people in-part techniques that stoke just enough confidence to get them killed.

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You are not wrong.