Tac light for AR15

[KenM]

I have a shorty Bushmaster carbine that I want to put a tactical light on. I've looked at some of the products out there and can't decide. Just saw the "Millenium" light systems, but they seem a little pricy to me at about $320. Anyone have any components they've put together on a budget? I went to GT Distributors in Austin today but I only got a LOT of attitude and very little help. Any replies are appreciated.


------------------
"Trust me. I'm from the government, I'm here to help."

[This message has been edited by KenM (edited 12-02-2000).]

[MBH]

I don't know anything about tac-lights. I do know not to show attitude to a man holding an AR-15. http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Monty Ealerman]

KenM:

I don't recommend attaching a visible light to a firearm, because using it, although it may help you to target someone, may also help someone to target you. If you're confident that the enemy isn't using IR gear, you could use an IR light and scope.

The AR-15, even the carbine version, is intended for longer range than the light is helpful for. It's still an excellent weapon at close range, but may inflict collateral damage due to the extreme velocity.

SureFire makes good tactical light equipment. You can check out what they offer at http://www.surefire.com .

Regards,

Monty

[This message has been edited by Monty Ealerman (edited 12-02-2000).]

[tcsd1236]

Sorry, I dont agree with the above. I've been through a rifle school where the benefits of having a dedicated light ON the weapon vs. a hand held clutched in the weak hand was driven home quite clearly. The momentary switch on the Millenium (and I assume any other mounted light), if used properly, will allow you to illuminate an area quickly and much easier than the hand held alternatives.
I own and carry a Bushmaster Dissipator , BTW.
If the retail price for the Millenium is a bit pricey, I suggest you find a table top FFL dealer in your area who can get it for you at Dealer cost. I am an FFL, and can get my Milleniums for around $200.

[cyberpol99]

Originally posted by KenM:
I went to GT Distributors in Austin today but I only got a LOT of attitude and very little help.



The attitude at GT has always been "If you don't know everything there is to know about firearms/equipment etc. then why am I wasting my time with you..."

Been there... been treated like that. But they have a decent amount of toys there. None that I could ever afford but neat to look at none the less.

[KenM]

I appreciate the replies. Yeah Cyber, they did have a LOT of attitude and treated me like I didn't know jack. I think that's the last time I make that trip to Austin.

Monte, thanks for the reply but a tac light is perfect for my uses. Infrared, lasers and any type of sighting system is prohibited from duty weapons. Open metal sights make a dedicated light a must. Keeps your hands on the weapon where they need to be.

tcsd, I'll check with one of our reserves who holds an FFL. I didn't even think to go that route.

------------------
"Trust me. I'm from the government, I'm here to help."

[Sparky]

Weapon lights are a must for a patrol rifle and are perfect for police usage. Sure Fire makes the best by far. They still offer the "old" systems that they made before the dedicated housing.

I actually prefer the old system myself.

As a former swatter, I would also say that you shouldn't be worried too much with how bright the light is. The less expensive two cell lights are extremly adequate and are also much lighter. They give you PLENTY of light for target acquisition and identification and are bright enough to work for most of the close distances that you would be shooting in on the street.

If you want to upgrade later, you can do so pretty inexpensively by just buying another "tube" that's long enough to hold another btty. and get a new lamp module.

I really like the aimpoint comp optics, but they are somehting else to buy a btty for.

Ashley Outdoors offers a tritium front sight post that i would love to T&E.

...there's alot of good optics out there for you, but the good old iron sights work just as fast with a little practice.

bottom line...no m,atter what you choose in their line...go with Sure Fire. I wouldn't use anything else.


Of course you could do it the old fashioned way and duct tape a kel light to the handguards. http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif heavy...but it does work http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
-Sparky

[Sparky]

Oh yeah...I also strongly recommend a barrel length no shorter than 14.5 inches.....

the 5.56 loads are not made to shoot out of a bbl that short and lose too much velocity.

Will work fine for CQB stuff...but after about 50 meters or so (roughly) they really start to lose their effectiveness.

Considering the tax stamp hassle...I'd stick with a 16" bbl.

------------------
-Sparky

[Sparky]

Okay..I gotta make a retraction...

Im not sure about the barrel length thing...someone who probably knows better than I told me that it really isn't that bad. Mostly unneccessary, but not THAT bad.

------------------
-Sparky

[tcsd1236]

Muzzle blast is reported to be pretty bad, and cycling is also reported to suffer. I wouldn't apologize Sparky.
I should clarify that I've never fired one of the shorty's, so I dont know personally.

[KenM]

Sparky, I carry a 16" heavy barrel. Mine is a civilian model so the length isn't a factor. It's highly accurate and I have no trouble with the head shot part of quals at 100yds.

I think I found what I'm gonna buy. Found it online at Brownell's. It's product #272-100-000.
www.brownells.com (http://www.brownells.com)

------------------
"Trust me. I'm from the government, I'm here to help."

[Sparky]

Oh yeah...the muzzle blast is fearsome....especially indoors!!!

as to the cycling problem....very likely caused when converting a 16" to a 10". You're supposed to adjust the gas port or something (???) What I was told anyway.

but I had always heard that with the regular milspec round, accuracy and penetration was negatively effected because the bullet loses so much velocity from the shorty barrel. This is okay for CQB, but for out to 100 yds and further, you'll be a little off, and the bullet loses it's whalop.

But then again, somebody told me that 10" is okay about the velocity thing, but you would need to use special ammo for a shorter bbl than that.

The thing is, while a 10" bbl may be easier to handle and lighter to drag around. (and ALOT better in stairwells!!) you really dont NEED a shorty bbl anyway. If the velocity suffers so much, it sort of defeats the purpose of having a rifle.

It seems like a lot of trouble and expense just to shorten the bbl by 6". If things are that close, you might ought to transition to the ole pistola anyway.

basically, the 5.56mm round was not designed for bbls under 14.5 inches at all. So when you mess with the bbl length, you start messin with the whole formula.

It's all over my head...I was never an armorer! http://www.officer.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
-Sparky