by Branch » Thu Mar 31, 2022 6:11 am
Looking to see what’s available and any feedback on lights with lasers. I have looked at the Streamlights, but not too crazy about them having batteries that need to be changed. I’ve also looked at the OLights, which have rechargeable batteries, but lost some interest when I realized they are made in China. I also wonder if those rechargeable batteries can be replaced at end of life, or do you throw the whole light away at that point? The light(s) will be going on PF940C and PF940SC builds. Anyone know of any other options out there?
by RAMjetta » Thu Mar 31, 2022 10:09 pm
Branch wrote: ↑Thu Mar 31, 2022 11:33 amThanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated! I completely understand the point of price, but I’m willing to pay a little more within reason to keep a fellow American working, and $$$ of of the hands of a communist country, especially while building something intended to protect my American freedoms. That’s just me. This being said, I’m not willing to pay extra for something that doesn’t have the right features or is poorly made either. The insight into lighting for defensive use is helpful as well, very good points. The intent for these weapon lights is on G19 & G26 builds that will have 22lr conversions, mainly for plinking and keeping raccoons out of the sweet corn in the garden at night. If I ever stumble upon a money tree, my AR-22 will get a suppressor and night vision for that purpose . Streamlight with a rechargeable battery sound like the way to go sir. Good luck
JettaMan OUT!
by Branch » Thu Mar 31, 2022 8:02 pm Thanks Hawkeye, I feel better now knowing I’m not the only one taking rodent issues seriously!
by Hawkeye » Thu Mar 31, 2022 1:56 pm
Branch!! Right on man I do some nutty stuff when shooting 22lr there just fun. I put a PF940v2 with a 22-conversion kit in an MCK. It's got flashlight, lazar, and a red dot. I can't put it to words of much fun this thig is. I'm going to be hell on rabbits in my garden at night with this rabbit buster.
by Branch » Thu Mar 31, 2022 11:33 am
Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated! I completely understand the point of price, but I’m willing to pay a little more within reason to keep a fellow American working, and $$$ of of the hands of a communist country, especially while building something intended to protect my American freedoms. That’s just me. This being said, I’m not willing to pay extra for something that doesn’t have the right features or is poorly made either. The insight into lighting for defensive use is helpful as well, very good points. The intent for these weapon lights is on G19 & G26 builds that will have 22lr conversions, mainly for plinking and keeping raccoons out of the sweet corn in the garden at night. If I ever stumble upon a money tree, my AR-22 will get a suppressor and night vision for that purpose .
by RAMjetta » Thu Mar 31, 2022 11:13 am
Hawkeye wrote: ↑Thu Mar 31, 2022 9:28 amI use cheap lights when I use one but. I hardly ever use one. They make a conceal care big and bulky. I did get a cheap light with a lazar for a MCK, I couldn't keep it sited in. There was to much play in the rail mount that you just couldn't site it in. I would have to say this makes the argument for spending big bucks on a light. The pistols I do use a light on are side arms, so weight and bulky size doesn't matter as much. My line of thought is having a light on shows where you are and they make a good target when the bad guy is looking for something to shoot at. I was taught back in the day to use a flash light in one hand and you pistol in the other. You can turn off light or drop it but it doesn't make you a target. The flash lights I do use have rechargeable batteries. I keep extra batteries charged and ready to go. They seem to last longer with more power. Woooooweeeee now this is a loaded comment. Rather than Jack this thread I just created a new thread called "WML vs One Handed EDC" for us to discuss it. Click the link below after commenting on this thread. Thanks Brother Branch for your question. https://ftq80.info/forum/viewtopic.php?p=731#p731
JettaMan OUT!
by Hawkeye » Thu Mar 31, 2022 9:28 am
I use cheap lights when I use one but. I hardly ever use one. They make a conceal care big and bulky. I did get a cheap light with a lazar for a MCK, I couldn't keep it sited in. There was to much play in the rail mount that you just couldn't site it in. I would have to say this makes the argument for spending big bucks on a light. The pistols I do use a light on are side arms, so weight and bulky size doesn't matter as much. My line of thought is having a light on shows where you are and they make a good target when the bad guy is looking for something to shoot at. I was taught back in the day to use a flash light in one hand and you pistol in the other. You can turn off light or drop it but it doesn't make you a target. The flash lights I do use have rechargeable batteries. I keep extra batteries charged and ready to go. They seem to last longer with more power.
by RAMjetta » Thu Mar 31, 2022 9:17 am
To specifically answer your question about light with lasers. The American manufactured and affordable route would be to go with Streamlight. They have 5 Light/Laser combos available that you can purchase rechargeable CR123A batteries for (TLR-10, TLR-8, TLR-8G, TLR-8A, TLR-8AG). Olight offers 3 with rechargeable internal batteries (Baldr Mini, Baldr RL Mini, Baldr S, Baldr Pro R), and 2 older full size versions that are still available with removable CR123a batteries (Baldr RL and Baldr Pro). I currently received a Baldr Mini to test and post a video for but havent done so yet due to shoulder. Anyway, remember 10% off non-sale items at Olight https://bit.ly/OlightSaleJMD with code JMD10 While I have not tested any Streamlight products I don't have a problem recommending them based on other Patriots word.
JettaMan OUT!
by RAMjetta » Thu Mar 31, 2022 8:58 am
Most lights and lasers (and gun parts in general) worth a damn are made in China, Cambodia, Philippines (and many other 3rd world countries) so you may have to relax that criteria a bit but obviously that's your choice. Unfortunately it's much more expensive to are shit here. Lets just be honest, it costs more to pay folks here ya dig. However, Streamlight is one that is American manufactured (not sure if 100% American made), is fairly affordable and offers a limited lifetime warranty on the lights themselves. While most streamlights come with non rechargeable CR123A Lithium batteries installed (not the TLR6 Tactical and no warranties on any batteries), you can purchase rechargeable CR123A Lithium batteries from places like batteries Plus or from Olight as well ($5.95 each, good for 500 charging cycles and warrantied for 1yr).
Now personally, I'm partial (and probably a bit biased) to Olight because of affordability, ease of use and most are just damn sexy (and yes the affiliate link we have helps to pay for shit we do in the community but more about that later). The recharging factor helps however, I do have a few that aren't rechargeable. I have a PL 2 Valkyrie (discontinued) and Baldr RL that take CR123A batteries that will be replace with the rechargeables mentioned above once they go dead. Those big WML's so you dont want to attache them to anything other than a Full Size frame or something with a compensator.
My Canik with the Baldr RL (red laser)
As for the rechargeable batteries in the Olight WML's, I believe you can return your light to have the battery replaced at any time. The batteries are under warranty against draining or defect for the first year and I'm sure after the first year you'd have to pay for a replacement battery. I will email my contact over there to confirm all that and report back. I do know that most of the lights themselves have a 5 year warranty and after that they give 30% to purchase a replacement. Now i do know that you're requesting info about pistol light however, i just wanted to mention for GP that they do sell several EDC lights that have changeable batteries that they do also sell rechargeable batteries for.
Anyway, with all that being said, i am not against (or 100% loyal to) any brand. I am partial to the brand and/or design that suits my needs as shown in the pic below with the Sig Foxtrot1x on my soon to be built P320 XCompact.
and a TLR-9 Flex for a G34 build.
and a TLR-9 Flex for a G34 build.
If you decide to go with any Olight product (batteries included) you can save 10% of any non-sale item with code JMD10. Also, if you could, it would be helpful to use the Forum affiliate link, https://OlightSaleJMD . It helps us to grow and protect this community. More on laser and/or light combos in a minute.
JettaMan OUT!