tactical flashlights

[2.7RACER]

It's a V2. Looks like the output rating is the same for the V2 vs. the V6.
It has become my favorite light.

[ZLP]

Surefire, Surefire, and Surefire are the 3 best brands.

[fastpat]

I have a variety of Surefire tactical lights, they're just about the best. And, unfortunately, the most expensive in common use. I used to have two dealers that gave discounts, one a very healty military discount, but Surefire stopped selling to them, and adopted a policy of selling only to stocking dealers, or selling at list price on the internet themselves.

Here's a list in no particular order.

1. A2 Aviator. This is a good little two lithium cell light, available in blue, green, red, and white LED's that supplement it's incandescent bulb. That's the great thing about this flashlight, you can use the low power LED's with a partial push of the button, or go to full power at full push. Saves on battery consumption. I own two, one red and one white. I'll be replacing the red LED's with white soon, the red just isn't that useful.

2. M2 Millenium Centurion (isn't that a great name). Another two cell light, but with a better, more focused lens/bulb housing than the A2. Replace the momentary button with one that is momentary or stays on improves the utility of the light. This is a true weapon usuable light. I have one, my wife has one in her car.

3. M3 Millenium Centurion (there it is again), a three cell version of the M2 with a brighter bulb and bigger lens. It can take a Turbo head as well for truly amazing light levels out to 100+ yards.

3. Shotgun fore end weapon light. I have one on/in my 12ga. home defense weapon, first class target ID tool. Uses two cells with a special pad between them to reduce recoil effect, and then heatshrink tubed together. They come from Surefire that way.

4. Tactical rifle light mounted on fore end picatinny rail. Another great use of a special light. Good out to 100+ yards.

Surefire makes a more cost effective version of the M2, called the G2, it's made out of their proprietary Nitrolon material, but uses the same bulb and lens. A pretty good light for less than half of the cost of the M2.

Buy a couple of spare bulb/lenses, and I'd recommend Surefires battery case kept with your lights, one per light. It holds ten batteries and a spare bulb, in a lexan case with an o-ringed screw on lid.

Great stuff.

I'd never attach one to a handgun though, increases bulk in a weapon that's small size is the major reason to carry.

[DavidI]

We are going to "field test" a flashlight that also contains pepper spray. I'll report back with results, David

[wludavid]

Is there a flashlight that emits an HID-like beam? Not the white-ish color so much as the uniformity of the beam. I've been doing a lot of trail running at night recently, and something like this would really be great. (And prevent me from running into any more trees. )

[fastpat]

Originally posted by wludavid
Is there a flashlight that emits an HID-like beam? Not the white-ish color so much as the uniformity of the beam. I've been doing a lot of trail running at night recently, and something like this would really be great. (And prevent me from running into any more trees. )

Have you looked into any of the newer LED head mounted lights? they're very light and emit a very wide beam. The battery pack can be mounted at your waist I think to keep the weight off your head while running.

[Rick Lee]

My Chinese LED light has finally given up. I got it for free from a Chinese friend who was here at a trade show. It was a super little light, but I fear it has some cold solder joints and it's unreliable. I am in the market for a Surefire, but want to keep it south of $100.

Nostatic, did you get a P220 yet? Everyone needs one. I have all the SIG's I ever wanted and am just waiting for their new compact .45 to come out. I didn't like my P245 very much. I don't care much for gun lights either, though I plan to build my own AR-15 in the coming year and will probably put a light on it.

[wludavid]

I've played with a few LED lights. The problem is that they're so hard to focus (lenses rather than reflectors) that in order to have enough throw to see, you start re-thinking halogens. The candlepower forums actually has a lot to say on this topic. What I've gathered so far is that when in a complex environment with a lot of foreground stuff (leaves and branches) to reflect light back to your pupils, you can actually see further with a narrower, dimmer beam. That creates a dilemma, because I want to see pretty far down the trail, but also illuminate the branches a little so I don't run into them so much.

[vash]

hmmm, just started shopping for a P220.

and i used my surefire all night sunday. it was awesome! mine has the high intensity bulb (good for only 75 minutes) but the distance you get with the light is great. LED's are fine for close work, like reading plans and stuff in the dark. but for peeking into creepy places, my surefire or stinger is my choice. FYI, surefire sells the lithium batteries for $1.25 each, so it isnt that expensive to own and use. EBAY can fetch you a surefire south of $100.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by vash
hmmm, just started shopping for a P220.

and i used my surefire all night sunday. it was awesome! mine has the high intensity bulb (good for only 75 minutes) but the distance you get with the light is great. LED's are fine for close work, like reading plans and stuff in the dark. but for peeking into creepy places, my surefire or stinger is my choice. FYI, surefire sells the lithium batteries for $1.25 each, so it isnt that expensive to own and use. EBAY can fetch you a surefire south of $100.

Botach Tactical sells the lithiums considerably cheaper than that, Sanyo Brand. http://www.botac.com/

I order them 20 at a time for between $15.00 and $18.00 when you catch them on sale.

[Rick Lee]

Ok, I want something kinda long, which probably leaves me with the Surefire Centurion. What else should I look at?

[fastpat]

Originally posted by Rick Lee
Ok, I want something kinda long, which probably leaves me with the Surefire Centurion. What else should I look at?

Looks like the M3 is your best bet. Here's one http://tinyurl.com/8bzqo

And a description on Surefire's web site:
http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/403/sesent/00#

You can get the crenelated housing for close quarters combat, or the one with smooth lens housing which is what my older one is. I've probably had mine for 5 years or so, functions extremely well and no issues other than battery changes, which cost about three bucks per change.

[cvfncrew]

Great Products, Good price.

http://www.pelican.com/lights.html
2320 M6 LITHIUM

http://www.pelican.com/new_products/trade.html
2390 M6 3 Watt LED

[wludavid]

The Streamlight Scorpion seems comparable to the Surefire M3 or the Pelican 2390 for about one-third to one-half the price.

http://flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_scorpionled.htm

[Rick Lee]

That looks pretty cool, but I'm not sure I wanna stick with LED. Still mulling it over.

[FrayAdjacent911]

Why won't Maglite get into making lithium powered flashlights? I dig my Maglites, but these smaller 2x lithium cell lights are much MUCH brighter.

[Tim Hancock]

The Surefire G2 (the black plastic one) can be had at places like Gander Mountain for $30.00. Like stated earlier it is the same power as some of the dedicated "tactical lights" also made by Surefire. I am making a simple quick attach clamp mount to mount to my AR-15 and my pump shotgun. I used to use a 4D cell maglight on my shotgun which believe it or not can't hold a candle to the tiny Surefire. In the spring and early summer, at least once a week I have to go out to the back deck where our cats eat, to pop a skunk, coon, or possum. These little lights work awesome for getting a bead on the varmints at under 50 yard range!

[vash]

tim hancock, that is very true.. i forgot about the G2. cabela's sells it for the same $30. same guts as mine.

dont discount the streamlight stinger. that rechargable battery is convienent. mine is 11 years old, and i just replaced the battery a week ago.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by FrayAdjacent911
Why won't Maglite get into making lithium powered flashlights? I dig my Maglites, but these smaller 2x lithium cell lights are much MUCH brighter.

One of the secrets of Surefire is the bulb/reflector unit. The focus is fixed at the factory and optimized for the lense diameter. The lense is pyrex glass to withstand the heat generated by these little powerhouses, and you can ruin good furniture by leaving the light on and setting it lense down.

Of course, the other neat things about the Surefire is the absolute hight quality of the lights, O-ringed housings, and extensive line of accessories to custom outfit the lights makes for a great product, just not a great price.

Here's the shotgun weapon light on my 12ga. home defense weapon:
http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/carfnbr/120/prrfnbr/857

[911carrera1984]

you may want to check with your local surefire dealer soon. ask them about the new k2 kroma. if you any of you went to the shot show in vegas, you must have seen it. had a friend call me as soon as he saw the new product. needless to say, i've got mine ordered.
regards
steve
surefire fenatic
3 g2
1 e1l
1 e2l
1 m6 cb