Compact Rifle Light?

[JayZee]

I have a 4" MLOK rail to mount a flashlight onto. My barrel is 5" .300 BO plus a Midwest Industries flashhider. I have a Streamlight light on my 5.56 but its as long as/longer than my 4" rail. It looks goofy and leaves no room for my hand.

I was thinking of trying a Pic rail for the MLOK and using a Sub-compact/smallest pistol flashlight I can find? Smaller/lowest profile is ideal.
I have DD fixed sights and a Holosun Greendot on the 12 o'clock position.

 

[Chuck R.]

I've gone through an evolution when it coms to lights on carbines. I Now use SureFire X300 variants on my carbines mounted in the 12 O'clock position. I find the 12 O'clock is barrier "neutral" and IF I can see the TGT, I've not obstructed my light. Bounce back with 300+ lumens when your eyes are adjusted to the dark just sucks. Also the position doesn't cast a shadow when at the low ready and is ambidextrous. On my 30AAC I lose a little sight radius, but IMHO it's worth it, since the RDS is primary.

 

[jmorris]

I have a few rifle mounted lights, the setups depend on use. The most compact one I have is smaller than the pocket flashlight I always carry and mounts along side the optic. A rear position can illuminate front sights if needed. My “walking” rifle for night hunting has one at ~9:00 that is easy to hit the button on the back with my support thumb. Eliminates the wires I dislike with my other setups.

 

[badkarmamib]

Take a look at the Streamlight TLR-3. It stays on my night stand pistol, very small, bright, uses 1 CR123 battery, twist the switch one way for momentary and other way to lock.

 

[gotboostvr]

I was going to suggest a Streamlight TLR-1 or TLR-1 HL It's not the smallest possible, but it's a good balance of size, performance, durability, accessories and cost.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

Another vote for the Streamlight TLR-1 series. Very good lights.

 

[JayZee]

I am liking the size on the TLR-3 BUT the added length of the light on the TLR-1 doesn't appear to be much. It gives me double the lumens. Thinking a 45° offset on the left hand side might make it easier to mount/keep profile further forward than a 9 I clock mount. Considering I only have one full MLOK slot at 3, 6, and 9 of clock with a half beyond it that isn't easy to use considering the gas block is right at the half m-lol slot/it's furthest forward.
So in reality I have one mlok slot on each side of the rail.
I don't have enough rail space to go 12 o'clock on the flashlight. Least unless I get the smaller TLR-3. Even then the sight picture with everything cowitnessed will be tight.

However, I think a 45° left hand offset as far forward as possible will be the ticket. Putting my front sight back one rail slot.

 

[CraigC]

I really like these little Streamlight ProTac lights when I need something compact.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1017297377

 

[gotboostvr]

I really like these little Streamlight ProTac lights when I need something compact.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1017297377

View attachment 1074579

That's a good choice if the size is right for him.

I'll probably pick one of those up in the near future for a dedicated carbine light as opposed to swapping my TLR-1 back and forth as needed.

 

[JayZee]

I think between the TLR-1/3 I will find what I need. Anyone got a suggestion for a 45° mount? I'd prefer if it clamped into the handguard rail/12 o clock mount. It could sit before or after my front sight. Left side mount. It wouldn't take much and then the light can be as far forward as possible.