Insights Weapon Lights

[Deputy Dan]

M3Xs were incandescent initally... i am holding an old one right now that was issued to me in 2005. They are made with LED lamps now.

The incandescent M3X used to blow bulbs at an inconvenient time, and I didn't have a lot of faith in it. It was replaced with a few different iterations of Surefire weapon lights... currently using a few X300s, with no complaints.

[Voodoo_Man]

I have a WX150 and a TRL1s

I would buy a TRL1s again.

[Spiffums]

They have an upgrade kit for the older lights to LED but I haven't read a real favorable review of them yet.

[Street Dog]

I use an XM150. It is LED, fits the holsters made for the M3 series of lights. 150 lumens, waterproof, and has strobe, if you like that. I also prefer the independant togels.

[ra2bach]

I have a WX150 and several TLR1s. the WX150 uses two separate articulating arms to activate the light in either constant or momentary mode. the TLR1 uses a rocker lever.

I am left handed and mounted on a pistol, the TLR locks into constant with a down push from the right side. mounted upside down in the 12:00 or on the left rail of an AR it works in momentary with a down push from the support side. the TLR is not suitable for me as a left-hand shooter on a pistol but is my choice for an AR.

the WX150 using two arms, works in momentary with a down push from either side and so is useful for both left and right hand use on a pistol. mounted upside down at 12:00 or on the left rail of an AR, a down push locks it in constant so, IMO, it is not a viable AR light.

[SW-Shooter]

I have a WX150 and several TLR1s. the WX150 uses two separate articulating arms to activate the light in either constant or momentary mode. the TLR1 uses a rocker lever.

I am left handed and mounted on a pistol, the TLR locks into constant with a down push from the right side. mounted upside down in the 12:00 or on the left rail of an AR it works in momentary with a down push from the support side. the TLR is not suitable for me as a left-hand shooter on a pistol but is my choice for an AR.

the WX150 using two arms, works in momentary with a down push from either side and so is useful for both left and right hand use on a pistol. mounted upside down at 12:00 or on the left rail of an AR, a down push locks it in constant so, IMO, it is not a viable AR light.

I too own both the TLR 1s and the WX150, the WX150 is a very good light but not quite as good as the TLR 1s. I think your statement is incorrect, it is not a viable AR light (but not because of your example), maybe not in the 1200 position but in other positions it is. You see the 1200 position may be the current "cool guy" way of mounting a light, but not everyone mounts their light there.

The WX150 is not a viable AR light because of it's simplistic single locking bar mounting system. It is prone to movement, and can and will fall off of the rail system because there is no true locking mechanism. I've used both locking bars on rail systems and each one moves, not matter how it is placed on the rail. They have now completely changed the mounting system because of the flaw in the original design.

The TLR 1 series at least has a locking system that prevents any movement when installed correctly.

Just a minor disagreement in how you perceived things, nothing to get stirred up about.

[ra2bach]

...I think your statement is incorrect, it is not a viable AR light (but not because of your example), maybe not in the 1200 position but in other positions it is. You see the 1200 position may be the current "cool guy" way of mounting a light, but not everyone mounts their light there.

The WX150 is not a viable AR light because of it's simplistic single locking bar mounting system. It is prone to movement, and can and will fall off of the rail system because there is no true locking mechanism. I've used both locking bars on rail systems and each one moves, not matter how it is placed on the rail. They have now completely changed the mounting system because of the flaw in the original design.

The TLR 1 series at least has a locking system that prevents any movement when installed correctly.

Just a minor disagreement in how you perceived things, nothing to get stirred up about.

I'm not stirred up. but let me ask where you mount your TLR1 if not the current "cool guy" location?

if you mount it at 9:00 (left rail), as I mentioned, then you still have to deal with the toggle-type switch which requires an outward push on the top lever for momentary. this is unworkable, IMO. or an inward push using the lower lever. I don't grip my gun in a way that makes accessing the lower lever useful.

If you mount at 3:00, it requires an outward push on the lower lever with a fingertip from underneath to access the momentary, which seems an ok solution. or if you grip over the top, it requires an inward pull with your thumb which, to me, is cumbersome.

the locking system of the TLR1 has been mentioned many times as a problem in that it can loosen with use. I don't consider it a problem nor do I loctite mine. I just tighten it up well and use a witness mark which I check frequently. someone here once said you should "inspect what you expect" and I etched those words on my mind.

on the other hand, the WX150 requires an outward push on either lever no matter which location it is mounted in. to me, this removes it from consideration as an AR light.

and like the Nationwide guy, on yet the "other" hand, I have a WX150 mounted to an M&P FS and the mounting system is solid and secure and never budges unless I remove it intentionally. this left-hander likes it as a pistol light...