AR weapon light

[AmbulanceDriver]

My little brother is about to buy his first AR - and his goal is to have it as a home defense gun (as well as a range toy in general).   Now a rifle is not my first choice as a HD gun, but a rifle is better than sharp words...  Since it's been waaaaay too long since I looked at weapon lights, any good suggestions for a budget (~$100 or less) weapon light that's not gonna blind him if he flips it on in the house?

[HankB]

I have a Surefire G2 LED nitrolon on my AR . . . IIRC, it cost me about $50 several years ago, and it follows the KISS principle - on, off. No multimode/strobe/focus stuff to distract or complicate its operation.

[Fly320s]

Surefire G2 LED is a good light.  I also like Streamlight. 

There should be plenty of lights under $100, but not all come with mounts.

Depending on how his rifle is set-up, such as quad rails, M-lock, or other, and whether he has an A2 front sight post, something like this might work:

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-69220-Mounted-Tactical-Locating/dp/B001T7GZQQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1520139444&sr=8-3&keywords=streamlight+tlr-3

I use a similar model on one of my carbines.  Not too bright for indoor use, but plenty bright enough to see what is going on.  It is ambidextrous-friendly, too.  I have mine mounted on the top rail.

If he gets a Surefire G2, or similar tube light, he will need a mount.  I use this Viking Tactics mount on another rifle.  It is a good as any other mount.  I like the fact that it is not quick release, which means it is less likely to come loose.  https://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/flashlights-accessories/flashlight-mounts/flashlight-laser-mount-black-sku100004371-27329-53456.aspx?cm_mmc=cse-_-Itwine-_-shopzilla-_-100-004-371&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=connexity&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_content=100-004-371

That plus a Surefire G2X from Amazon totals just under $75 for a quality set up.

[Fly320s]

Ideally, he wants an ambidextrous friendly light.  Many of the side mounted tube lights, such as the Surefire G2, are hard to use with the other hand because of the way we hold the forestock of the rifle.  That is why I put a Streamlight with rocker switch on top of my rail.  Both hands can reach it and activate it easily.

Tell him not to bother with the gimmicks.  He doesn’t need hi/low beams or strobe effect.  No integrated laser either.  That should be a separate unit.

Mount the light as far forward as is comfortable for both hands to reach.  If he is using a front sight that is mounted on the upper rail, he can put that behind the light.  The difference in distance from the rear sight won’t make a difference that he will notice.

Try to get a light that uses AA batteries.  Those CR123 batteries are nice, but kind of pricey.  Change the battery at least every year (CR123) or six months (AA).  You can buy the CR123 in bulk for about $25 and they store well, but AAs are cheaper and everywhere.

[bedlamite]

Here's the budget choice:

https://www.amazon.com/Skysted-Portable-Handheld-Flashlight-Activities/dp/B016N029NQ

It's 1" diameter, so a cheap scope ring on a pic rail works. remote switch is available too:

https://www.amazon.com/TOOGOO-Switch-Remote-Headlamp-Flashlight/dp/B071Y3QK8W

[dogmush]

I use TLR-1 s on my pistols and carbine.

Good lights, rugged, and bright enough without being retina searing.

They tend to be right around $100

[Ben]

I have TLRs on a pistol and a couple of shotguns and think they're the bomb.

[MechAg94]

I have heard good things about brands like Surefire, Streamlight, and Inforce.  The Olight lights I have used work well and they are often rechargeable.  I am sure there are other brands people have been happy with.