Illumination is critical in a defensive or close-quarters scenario. Darkness hides both predators and prey, and identifying your target is crucial; it’s the difference between success and failure.
AR carbines equipped with Picatinny-style rails or KeyMod handguards allow operators to mount a tactical light that will illuminate the situation. Laser-equipped rifles make aiming effortless, especially in tight and close environments where traditional aiming is not always possible. The dot of a laser on a bad guy’s chest can also make a dire impression.
Some units combine both technologies, matching a tactical light with a laser for double performance. Stay in the light and use it to your advantage with this list of 17 lights & lasers for 2014.
Beamshot X1-G Green Beam Laser Sight
The X1-G visible green laser is lightweight, compact and rugged. It can take the recoil from a .50 BMG without losing zero. The dot can be projected in four modes: constant on, 2 Hz, 4 Hz or 8Hz pulse. The dot can be moved at 0.5-inch increments at 25 yards. The unit’s power source is two AAAA batteries that give the unit 1.5 hours of run time. (beamshot.com; 888-532-2221)
CenterPoint Laser Flashlight Kit
The CenterPoint Laser Flashlight Kit includes a tactical light coupled to a laser—the unit then mounts to any Picatinny/Weaver-style rail. The laser can be seen up to 100 yards at night and up to 25 yards in daylight, and point of impact can also be adjusted. Both the light and laser are equipped with tactical pressure switches. (centerpointhunting.com; 866-726-1122)
Crimson Trace Rail Master Pro
Combining a red laser and light, the CMR-205 Rail Master Pro is a compact, rugged unit that is also lightweight. The 5mW red laser and 100-lumen LED light are powered by one CR2 lithium battery. The unit has four operational modes: laser/light constant on, laser constant on, light constant on or laser/light dazzler. The unit will fit any Picatinny/Weaver-style rail. (crimsontrace.com; 800-442-2406)
ExtremeBeam SX21-HO Remote Switch
The SX21-HO remote switch for SX21-HO tactical lights employs Anti-Recoil technology effective up to .50 BMG. Two version are available, an 11-inch straight and 23-inch pigtail. Both switches offer momentary and full-on/full-off capability. The SX21-HO Tactical Light creates a light volume of 220 lumens and can project a beam up to 900 feet. It is powered by two CR-123 batteries. The 1-inch body fits into a 1-inch rail mount that can then be attached to any Weaver-style rail. (extremebeam.com; 877-579-7878)
Inforce WML TactICAL Light
The WML blasts out 200 lumens of penetrating light in a focused beam that’s designed for close to mid-range encounters. Four beam modes include constant, momentary high, low and strobe. Powered by one 123A lithium battery, the run time is 1.5 hours on high mode and 10 hours on low mode. It is constructed from fiber composite material and mounts to any Picatinny style rail without tools. A safety lever blocks the switch from accidentally being activated. Available in black and desert sand finishes. (inforce-mil.com; 401-294-2030)
Insight WL1-AA LED Tactical Light
The WL1-AA gives operators a powerful 150-plus lumens beam in a light weight and compact package. It uses standard AA batteries with a run time of about 90 minutes. The three-position switch offers constant on, momentary and off. The unit has a quick release rail-grabber mount that locks rock solid on any Picatinny-style rail. It is constructed of durable polymer and weighs less than three ounces. (insighttechnology.com; 866-509-2040)
LaserLyte Sight CM-K15
The CM (Center Mass) unit features two green laser patterns: single dot or center-mass pattern. The centermass pattern projects a ring of eight green laser dots with one green laser dot in the center. The circle pattern enlarges at 1-inch per yard. Either laser pattern is visible in normal and low-light environments. The 5-ounce unit has a six-hour run time on one CR-123 battery. (laserlyte.com; 928-649-3201)
LaserMax Uni-IR
The Uni-IR (infrared) unit is the smallest and lightest IR laser available. The Class I IR laser unit only takes up 1.75 inches of rail space and it uses two 357 silver oxide batteries. The unit’s run time is six hours. The Uni-IR mounts quickly to any Weaver or Picatinny-style rail. (lasermax.com; 800-527-3703)
Mission First Tactical Torch Backup Light
The extremely compact and lightweight Torch Backup Light from Mission First Tactical features a white light and a red laser sight. It is flat and fits flush to a Weaver- or Picatinny-style accessory rail. Working in conjunction with a vertical grip, it can provide light on an AR platform without the bulk. Since it mounts flush there are no protrusions to snag. The battery has a 10-year lifespan. (missionfirsttactical.com; 267-803-1517)
Steiner ITAL-A
The next generation of “Inline” Tactical Aiming Lasers, the “Advanced” model forges ahead with innovative enhancements. These rugged, compact, low profile lasers offer High & Low power modes of laser operation and are built to last. Features a visible green – Class IIIa laser, an IR laser, or an adjustable focus IR illuminator. (steiner-optics.com; 970-356-1670)
Steiner OTAL-Classic
Designed for M-4 style rifles, this rugged, low profile lasers can be mounted in front of scopes, holographic sight or night vision devices. It projects the visible red laser beam around the front sight. The OTAL-Classic is adjustable for windage/elevation. It comes with a Quick Release mount, battery and remote cable pressure pad switch. (steiner-optics.com; 970-356-1670)
Steiner AR-SPIR
The AR-SPIR (Special Purpose Infrared) illumination tool is a high-definition, Class I infrared LED illuminator. It is focusable between a 2- to 30-degree range and can help enhance nigh-vision performance. The LED is virtually invisible to the human eye so operators can discreetly use the LED light. It is powered by one CR-123 battery with a life of two hours. (steiner-optics.com; 970-356-1670)
Streamlight TLR-4 G
Streamlight combines a 115-lumen LED tactical light with a 510-530nm direct drive green laser in the TLR-4 G. The three-position mode switch allows operators to run the unit with LED only, LED and laser, or laser only. Depending on the mode, run time is 1.75 to four hours. The unit is constructed of impact-resistant polymer and offers quick, one-hand mounting to most rails. (streamlight.com; 800-523-7488)
SureFire M300V Mini Scout
A small package with a big 200-lumen output is what the M300 Mini Scout tactical light offers. At less than five ounces in weight with batteries and only about four inches long, the Mini Scout is compact and built for rough use. Powered by one 123A battery, it is compatible with a tape switch and mounts to any Picatinny rail. (surefire.com; 800-828-8809)
SureFire M600P Fury
The M600P Fury floods the darkness with a maximum output of 600 lumens of white light. It provides a wider reflector shaped beam with increased surrounding light instead of a tight focused beam. Powered by two 123A battery, it comes with two switches: a tape switch with seven-inch cable and a push-button tail cap. Mounts to any Picatinny rail via an integrated thumbscrew clamp. (surefire.com; 800-828-8809)
SureFire M962LT WeaponLight
The far-reaching and high-candela beam of the M962LT WeaponLight is designed for medium to long-range applications. This 1,000-lumen light is powered by three 123A batteries with a runtime of 1.7 hours. The light body in made of mil-spec type 3 aluminum. (surefire.com; 800-828-8809)
Viridian X5L-RS
The X5L-RS uses a rotary selector dial that offers multiple light and green-laser modes. A two-button pressure pad operates the unit. The light pushes out 160 lumens continuously and the green laser is visible to 100 yards in daylight and up to two miles at night. The unit is completely adjustable and runs on one CR-123 battery. Constructed of 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, it weighs slightly over 3 ounces with the battery installed. (viridiangreenlaser.com; 800-990-9390)
