Is the Scout light becoming obsolete?

pointblank4445 · #1 03-18-11, 23:06

With the capabilites of the X300 (i.e. run time, brightness, weight, versatility), Is there much (other than a 30 Lumens) that the Scout offers over the X300?

I know there are some die-hard Scout guys out there; what are your thoughts?

C45P312 · #2 03-18-11, 23:19

I've never tested it, but how far can you positively ID someone at distance with the X300 versus the scout 300/600? I know when it comes to low light, you'll need to know it's a threat you're shooting at and I don't have a X300 handy to see if 25+ yards is capable. And would the X300 be more of a flood type of light while the scout be a beam type?

pointblank4445 · #3 03-18-11, 23:37

I have yet to have an issue with target ID w/ the X300. Granted, most of these situations have either been in urban areas with ambient light or close proximity. Unfortunately, we're required to use a 25y pistol range for all of our night shoots so I've yet to see what the range limits are for the light.

RyanB · #4 03-19-11, 00:32

From memory, the x600 has only a slight range advantage on the X300. Been six months since I was at a night shoot.

Chameleox · #5 03-19-11, 01:49

I've been able to ID shoot/no shoot targets at 50 yds with an X300.
No problems at least that far.

Belmont31R · #6 03-19-11, 02:19

Lots of overlap but each have their unique attributes.

I prefer the Scout lights...

bp7178 · #7 03-19-11, 04:02

The X300 has a very tight hot spot. Very different beam than say something like a 6P LED. Much more focused at the center, and much less spill. IMO, this makes it a very capable weapon light.

El Pistolero · #8 03-19-11, 06:51

While we're on the subject, is there any difference in the beam of the X300 versus that of the Scout M600? I ask because I like how low profile the Scout is with some mounts but the X300 seems like it can be more versatile if needed by swapping the back end and switching it between handgun and long gun use. I always thought the X300 would be a flood light (for indoor/short range handgun use) while the Scout would be a thrower for rifle use but when I learned the X300 uses a TIR optic lens then I'm not so sure there is any real difference in actual use.

pointblank4445 · #9 03-19-11, 07:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belmont31R

Lots of overlap but each have their unique attributes.

I prefer the Scout lights...

Ok.....why?

SRT · #10 03-19-11, 11:26

Is the Scout Light becoming obsolete? Apparently the USSOCOM doesn't belive so, as evidenced below.

SureFire Awarded Major Contract for USSOCOM Visible Bright Weapon--11/20/10

SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of high-end illumination tools and tactical products, has been awarded a contract for a Visible Bright Light III (VBL-III) in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command weapons accessories program.

The $14.9 million contract, for an indefinite quantity of SureFire weapon-mounted lights, was awarded by officials of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, in Crane, Indiana.

The objective of the VBL-III is to provide improved illumination capability for the small arms used by special operations forces. SureFire will be fulfilling the contract with its new “V-Series” LED WeaponLights, specifically, the M620V Scout Light® and M720V RAID™ light, both of which feature high-output white-light and infrared illumination from the same sealed unit. Unlike incandescent weapon-mounted lights, which require an infrared filter to produce enough infrared illumination for use with night vision devices, V-Series LED lights require no IR filter. To convert from white to IR light (or vice versa), the user need only twist the light’s self-locking selector ring, even on the fly.

Belmont31R · #11 03-19-11, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointblank4445

Ok.....why?

With a mount like the Gear Sector you can get the light really close to the rail in an ideal position. Ive tried the 12' mounting of a X300 and its not for me....especially since 2/3 of the main guns I shoot have URX rails, and I don't want to lose the built in buis functionality nor buy another sight to make it work. I then also don't want to have to buy another tail cap thingy to run a tape switch.

The Scout light you can also change the head to the Vampire if I ever get around to running any NV stuff.

The Scout has a great many mounting options, activation options, head units, ect. The X300 is great for the 12' mounting but Im not into that. I love the way the scout with the GS mount huges the 1:30 position on the rail, and the SR07 switch works great from either side. An X300 would not improve on any of this, and cause some loss of functionality. If an X300 works for what you need the light to do then get that.

pointblank4445 · #12 03-19-11, 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belmont31R

With a mount like the Gear Sector you can get the light really close to the rail in an ideal position. Ive tried the 12' mounting of a X300 and its not for me....especially since 2/3 of the main guns I shoot have URX rails, and I don't want to lose the built in buis functionality nor buy another sight to make it work. I then also don't want to have to buy another tail cap thingy to run a tape switch.

The Scout light you can also change the head to the Vampire if I ever get around to running any NV stuff.

The Scout has a great many mounting options, activation options, head units, ect. The X300 is great for the 12' mounting but Im not into that. I love the way the scout with the GS mount huges the 1:30 position on the rail, and the SR07 switch works great from either side. An X300 would not improve on any of this, and cause some loss of functionality. If an X300 works for what you need the light to do then get that.

Belmont, this is the kind of input i'm looking for. I've always been kind of luke-warm toward my current light setup, and i've "rocked around the clock" with my X300 at 3,6,9,and 12 and have pretty much found pros and cons for all. I've always kind of discounted it because I run a shorter rail and feared a "classic" shaped light would compromise my grip. I think the Scout maybe something to consider with the longer rails i'm playing with. Again, thanks for the input

Belmont31R · #13 03-19-11, 17:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointblank4445

Belmont, this is the kind of input i'm looking for. I've always been kind of luke-warm toward my current light setup, and i've "rocked around the clock" with my X300 at 3,6,9,and 12 and have pretty much found pros and cons for all. I've always kind of discounted it because I run a shorter rail and feared a "classic" shaped light would compromise my grip. I think the Scout maybe something to consider with the longer rails i'm playing with. Again, thanks for the input

They work really good with the longer rails and the SR07 switch. You can get a fully ambidextrous setup, and with the GS mount the light rides high up yet tucked against the rail really nicely. Another benefit to the longer rail setup is the further forward the light is the less barrel shadow you get.

I have this same setup on my SR15, too, which has a 10 3/4" rail. This one is 12".

Side:

Top:

Hand position normal:

Hand position weak side:

Ironman8 · #14 03-19-11, 18:10

Belmont,

Got a few questions,

1) How focused is the beam on the scout light? Is it focused enough to ID targets out at distance? How far?

2) What kind of tape switch setup is that? Is it the one included with the light?

3) How easy is it to AD the light with a tape switch? That's really the only real reason I don't run one currently...I figure a push button setup has less chance of AD

The application for this setup is for an SBR for HD use at CQB distances....however I would like the capability to ID targets at distance...just in case

EDIT: Is yours the mini scout or the M600C?

Belmont31R · #15 03-19-11, 19:22

1. At least 50 yards. But your definition of ID'ing a target may be different than mine.

2. SR07. No its not.

3. The SR07 requires more force to activate than the regular tape switch, and the constant on/off button is protected (little round button the back). I was worried about AD of light, too, but it hasn't happened yet. You can always twist the end cap on the light so it wont activate. It only needs maybe a half turn to where it won't turn on. I experimented with an X300, and with the knobs on the back I AD'd it many times around the house. On the couch, resting it against a wall, ect.

4. Its the full size Scout with LED head.

kcmo83 · #16 03-19-11, 20:03

Combat arms .mil perspective: I/we much prefer the Scout-style light due to its weight, focused throw and bomb-proof tailcap. I personally have experimented with X300s/TLRs as long-gun lights extensively and like the compact design and light weight, but I abhor the toggle switch. It is great for not having to drastically change hand position, and ambidextrous actuation, however I have experienced NDs when: storing it in a case, shooting asymmetric positions, and going hands-off, while the weapon is slung (by knocking into/bumping something, etc...). I simply have a myriad of experiences which contraindicate the use of a toggle switch for serious use.

Coming from the .mil side, where simplicity and ruggedness rule, the 'clickie' tailcap will be forever loved by those who carry long guns routinely. Weapon lights should stay off when not needed and turn on when you want them to, all the while being intuitive and simple. (Try walking through a palm grove or orchard with a tape switch during hours of limited visibility, only to have it suddenly get snagged and torn off.)

Therefore, my opinion driven from my personal experiences- toggle actuated lights (X300/TLR1/2/3) simply remain a less-optimal design for long guns that see multi-environmental hard use (day/night etc...).

All that said, take my experiences for what they are, as they may/may not apply to your needs/requirements.

Belmont31R · #17 03-19-11, 20:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcmo83

Combat arms .mil perspective: I/we much prefer the Scout-style light due to its weight, focused throw and bomb-proof tailcap. I personally have experimented with X300s/TLRs as long-gun lights extensively and like the compact design and light weight, but I abhor the toggle switch. It is great for not having to drastically change hand position, and ambidextrous actuation, however I have experienced NDs when: storing it in a case, shooting asymmetric positions, and going hands-off, while the weapon is slung (by knocking into/bumping something, etc...). I simply have a myriad of experiences which contraindicate the use of a toggle switch for serious use.

Coming from the .mil side, where simplicity and ruggedness rule, the 'clickie' tailcap will be forever loved by those who carry long guns routinely. Weapon lights should stay off when not needed and turn on when you want them to, all the while being intuitive and simple. (Try walking through a palm grove or orchard with a tape switch during hours of limited visibility, only to have it suddenly get snagged and torn off.)

Therefore, my opinion driven from my personal experiences- toggle actuated lights (X300/TLR1/2/3) simply remain a less-optimal design for long guns that see multi-environmental hard use (day/night etc...).

All that said, take my experiences for what they are, as they may/may not apply to your needs/requirements.

Thus the cable is zip tied to the rail, and the SR07 itself is pretty secure on the rail.

kcmo83 · #18 03-19-11, 20:47

Please don't take my post as an attack or that tape-switches/pressure switches are not totally viable. My primary intent was to convey for the OP that 1) The M300a/M600c are preferred over the X300 type series, mainly due to the switching methodology employed in pistol-type lights, and 2) to relay what worked for me and mine overseas. I see the merits of running pressure switches, especially when weapons begin to fill up with lights/lasers/vfg's, etc..., however my experiences have led me to the conclusion that the 'clickies' contribute less to white-light NDs, are more rugged, less of a snag hazard, etc...

I'm sure someone could go to certain lengths to ensure that a pressure switch performs as desired, however, even a ziptie does not prevent eventual damage caused from the wires being bent at steep angles and the actual 'plug-in' connector from becoming possibly damaged in the event of snags, drops, mud/grit/dust etc... As pressure switches improve (with the newer SR07 and the like), I see them becoming a durable option as well. Again, no offense intended, I'm just expounding upon my experiences and how they applied to me.

TRIDENT82 · #19 03-19-11, 21:02

Great pics Belmont...a scout in a GS mount is unbeatable Ive found. I found a SR07 for $55 that will be here on Monday so I look forward to finally trying that way overpriced piece of kit out.

Belmont31R · #20 03-19-11, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcmo83

Please don't take my post as an attack or that tape-switches/pressure switches are not totally viable. My primary intent was to convey for the OP that 1) The M300a/M600c are preferred over the X300 type series, mainly due to the switching methodology employed in pistol-type lights, and 2) to relay what worked for me and mine overseas. I see the merits of running pressure switches, especially when weapons begin to fill up with lights/lasers/vfg's, etc..., however my experiences have led me to the conclusion that the 'clickies' contribute less to white-light NDs, are more rugged, less of a snag hazard, etc...

I'm sure someone could go to certain lengths to ensure that a pressure switch performs as desired, however, even a ziptie does not prevent eventual damage caused from the wires being bent at steep angles and the actual 'plug-in' connector from becoming possibly damaged in the event of snags, drops, mud/grit/dust etc... As pressure switches improve (with the newer SR07 and the like), I see them becoming a durable option as well. Again, no offense intended, I'm just expounding upon my experiences and how they applied to me.

Ive used a tape switch while deployed and never ran into crinked wires but maybe you guys were just a lot harder on stuff than we were. Tape switches are also part of the SOPMOD II kit.

Its just another option....and obviously run what works for you and what you're comfortable with.