AR-15 firearms are quickly becoming one of the most popular and sought out weapons and toys for the seasoned shooters. These firearms often allow for additional attachments and devices that can be added to them. This ability is what makes the AR-15 firearms even more enjoyable to the shooter.
Tactical lights are becoming a popular but necessary accessory for the AR-15 firearms. These lights provide incredible light in dark areas whereas accurate shooting might be virtually impossible. Tactical lights make it much easier to see a target that’s hiding in the shadows or in the deepest, darkest part of the night.
In this buying guide on tactical lights, we will cover everything that you should keep in mind when shopping for the best tactical light for your specific needs. Then we will share some information on wonderful, tactical light products that are available on Amazon.
First, Examine Your Purpose and Need for a Rifle Light
Before you start on the adventure of shopping for the best tactical light, it’s best to know the purpose for needing one. This will help you to sort through the different details and qualities that are unique to each product. Are you a hunter? Do you work in law enforcement? Do you participate in target shooting? These details will often help to lead you in the direction of the tactical light that’ll best serve your specific needs.
When you’re hunting at night, it often helps tremendously to have that extra source of light on top of your AR-15 rifle. In fact, it can be dangerous to not have absolute assurance that your target is exactly what you hope for it to be. If you’re hunting wild boar, you need to be sure that you’re target is a wild boar. That’s where the tactical lights come in handy.
As for law enforcement, how many times do you put your own life in danger? Your daily mission is to protect the life of others. It’s important to have tactical lights whether on your AR-15 or separately during those late night missions in which a dangerous convict is on the loose. Those dark, shadowy corners are favorite places for dangerous people to take refuge. You need to be able to see every inch before you make any move.
Many people own AR-15 rifles for the fun of target shooting. It’s a great hobby to have. If you’re one of those people and enjoy participating in night time target shooting, you would likely benefit from the tactical light attachment for your rifle. That’s one thing that many people love about the AR-15 rifles! They can purchase many cool attachments to better enhance their experience.
You Want an Attachment That’s Easy To Use.
When you start shopping for a tactical light to mount to your AR-15, you want to ensure that you find something that will be easy to use. If you’re an expert in the tactical department, then the more complicated systems won’t phase you. However, if it’s your first rifle and are new to the tactical gadgets, then find something that’s easy to mount and operate. As you progress in skill, you can upgrade to the more complicated gadgets.
Don’t Forget About the Price!
As with all shopping occasions, you want to be aware of the different pricing options that are available. There are some tactical lights for the AR-15 rifles that are found at very low prices. However, there are also high quality, name brand tactical lights that are very rough on the wallet. Don’t worry. You can find wonderful flashlights for your rifle without having to break the bank.
Let’s Take a Look at Some Great Tactical Lights and Mounts!
There are always great products on Amazon. Tactical lights and rifle mounts are also found on the convenient online store. We have gathered a few examples of what’s available on Amazon now and the details in between. Many customers are raving about the excellent quality of these products so we thought it would be a great opportunity to share them.
1. Orion H40-W 500 Lumen LED Tactical Flashlight with Pressure Switch and Rifle Mount
Let’s start with the Orion model LED tactical flashlight that comes with a pressure switch and rifle mount.
Really, you can’t get better than getting the best of both worlds. That’s what you receive from this bundle on Amazon. It’s available for under $60.00 and comes with a spectacular deal.
First, let’s make sure that you’re aware that it comes with the tactical light AND the rifle mount. There’s no need or worry to have to purchase the mount separately! (This works wonderful for people that are in dire need for the light as well as the mount.)
It comes with an LED lighting system that has the best technology with the Cree XM-L U2 series. To be more specific, it has the LED lumen of 640 and an amazing operating time of 75 minutes. The light beam distance can see reach areas of up to 175 yards.
The lens consists of a water white glass material that’s sturdy with harden treatment. The smooth aluminum reflector adds a professional touch for when you need it most.
The Orion is made from a highly resilient material. It’s an aerospace, aluminum material that provides incredible durability and sturdiness. Even better? The Orion tactical light is waterproof!
It comes with the Picatinny/Weaver rail mount, 2 batteries and 1 pressure switch. There is an instruction sheet included in the package that will make it easier to understand and apply to your rifle.
What Are the Customers Saying About the Orion?
The Orion has an incredible star rating on Amazon. Customers have loved it! Most of the great reviews explain how it’s the brightest light they’ve ever seen from a flashlight.
2. Surefire Ultra High Output LED Weapon Light
The Surefire tactical light is double the price of the Orion but stands to be an incredible tool for any rifle or weapon! In fact, the Amazon star rating is slightly higher than the Orion. This only means that it’s a spectacular tactical light. Let’s take a look at the details.
First and foremost, it doesn’t come with a mount like the Orion package offered. So let’s push that assumption out of the way.
However, it offers stellar service and function. It produces an incredibly bright beam with the 500 lumen. The precision TIR lens ensures that you receive this blinding light. It has a special, high performance LED function that is tainted with a slightly yellow-greenish tint. This allows the human eye to be more sensitive to its light.
The combination of different light colors and output allows for the increased perception of light that’s available to the operator as well as creating a brighter beam for necessary needs in certain situations. If you’ve come across a dangerous entity or person, the light is also designed to temporarily blind the opponent which often stops them in their tracks. This technique could very well be a life saving mechanism.
The Surefire attaches to the Picatinny and universal rails. These are very common rails so it’s versatility isn’t limited.
A big feature of the Surefire tactical light is the one-finger switching that allows for easy and quick use.
What Are the Customers Saying About the Surefire?
Out of the many customer reviews, people loved that the surefire tactical light was super easy to use and mount and that it delivered spectacular light! They appreciated the high quality and durability of the product. It’s safe to say that your AR-15 would fall in love with the Surefire. And so would you!
In Conclusion
Whether you prefer the Orion bundle that comes with the tactical light AND mount or the Surefire X300 tactical light, it’s safe to say that they both deliver high standards of functionality, quality and service.
Again, remember that it’s easiest to choose the best tactical light once you’ve recognized the clear purpose for it. Depending on what you’re shopping for, always take a look at the light beam strength. Sometimes, the advertisements won’t display the distance in which the light will reach. (As the Surefire didn’t mention it.) However, this is where good judgment comes into play.
The Surefire was clearly aimed for more of the expert fields that are already familiar with the bells and whistles of the tactical lights and functions. In other words, if you see that the light beam strength is operated from a Lumens 500, then you can likely estimate the light beam distance.
The Orion makes it easy to know the light beam distance as it plainly tells you the measurements of 175 yards. Don’t worry, these are things that you will learn as you browse through the tactical light products.
In conclusion, keep in mind your tactical light needs, easy operation and an idea of prices. Brands will always play an important role in varying prices since some brands are of different quality from other brands.
We hope that this buying guide has helped you to make an informed decision on the best tactical light for your AR-15 rifle. Happy shopping!
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