Hey....I've been researching laser/light devices to mount on a utg picatinny I just put on my mossy 500. I only use it for HD so I just want a light and laser for that purpose. I see there are brands that are upwards 700$ but as most of them have the same if not less desirable specs than half priced ones, I can't figure why anyone would spend that money except for name alone.
Any opinions on brands and their reps for reliability?  I'm almost about to buy a streamlight TLR-2 HL which is a red laser but with a 600lumen lamp. Or a TLR-2 G; 200 lumens but with a green laser (for daylight). Both from 240$ - 290$. Any opinions?

ive sampled both, if you need a light, id get the HL.
the tlr2G is cool with the green laser but light could be better.
maybe next year they make one tlr2ghl.

Remember in close quarters scenarios like home defense there is such a thing as too much light, especially if you have white walls. I have a 200 lumen light on my HD gun and at night if its completely dark it allows me to search momentary on/off without contracting my pupils too much. Not only do you blind your attacker but also possibly yourself with a high powered weapon light.

Shit. Wasnt thinkin of that. That 600 would blind the both of us.

Yeah, I have white walls. I guess I was just thinkin of one intruder and me blinding him and I drop him. Wasnt thinking about needing my eyes dark adjusted after that. I guess I don't need a crazy bright light.

Remember in close quarters scenarios like home defense there is such a thing as too much light, especially if you have white walls. I have a 200 lumen light on my HD gun and at night if its completely dark it allows me to search momentary on/off without contracting my pupils too much. Not only do you blind your attacker but also possibly yourself with a high powered weapon light.

Very good point.

OP - I would also suggest that if you want a laser that you align the laser parrallel to the bore of the shotgun.  You will need to remember that your point of impact is going to be several inches above the laser/center of light.  If you try to align the laser to "X" feet you will quickly find that the laser is very low inside of that distance and very high outside of that distance.  Due to this bore/laser offset I've actually moved away from using a laser/light combo on my pistols.  I know run the TLR light I have on my airsoft stuff and run a X300 on my pistols instead.

Very good point.

OP - I would also suggest that if you want a laser that you align the laser parrallel to the bore of the shotgun.  You will need to remember that your point of impact is going to be several inches above the laser/center of light.  If you try to align the laser to "X" feet you will quickly find that the laser is very low inside of that distance and very high outside of that distance.  Due to this bore/laser offset I've actually moved away from using a laser/light combo on my pistols.  I know run the TLR light I have on my airsoft stuff and run a X300 on my pistols instead.

Thanks for the tip. My setup would be different. I mounted a utg picatinny on top the receiver. Those TRLs are always advertised setup on a pistol under the barrel. I would have to turn it upside down and so mount it with the laser under the light - opposite of the pistol setup. So the laser will be tight to the barrel. Maybe an inch above it at most.

what about using some kind of detachable diffusor? Then if you really needed a bright light you could just pop it off?


btw do shotguns really need lasers?

what about using some kind of detachable diffusor? Then if you really needed a bright light you could just pop it off?

btw do shotguns really need lasers?

Many weapon/tactical flashlights have more than one intensity setting.  The one on my shotgun can be switched between 2 modes, 48 and 258 Lumens, just by toggling a side dimmer button.  The one on my AR-15 puts out 6, 55, 165, and 400 Lumens, also by cycling through the modes with a side button.  That one also has a strobe mode you can activate by double-clicking the side switch.  Strobe mode operates at the highest intensity.

I leave these lights preset to the lowest intensity.  If I need to switch to "blind the attacker" or "search light" mode, I have those options.

Anyway, something else to consider.  Aloha!!   

what about using some kind of detachable diffusor? Then if you really needed a bright light you could just pop it off?


btw do shotguns really need lasers?

I never heard of a diffuser or such thing. I'll check into it since its not a bad idea. But I like Moosed's info; a light with multiple settings that are easy to toggle thru with a remote switch sounds nice too.

But about the necessity of a laser on a shotgun?  Yeah, I think its immensely practical for my application which is strictly HD. I mean you know us firearms-and-accessories aficionados, we love tricking out our toys even if its just for the 'cool' factor. But in this case, if I needed to use my shotgun in low light in close quarters where shooting thru walls and hitting family is a possibility, I'd like to be sure I'm on target. Shit, even if I had no family or neighbors, woudnt I want to make sure I'm on target so I end things as quickly as possible?  I don't know how accurate I'd be under that kind of stress and after say possibly jumping out of a cold sleep, so a laser sounds like an HD necessity!

Many weapon/tactical flashlights have more than one intensity setting.  The one on my shotgun can be switched between 2 modes, 48 and 258 Lumens, just by toggling a side dimmer button.  The one on my AR-15 puts out 6, 55, 165, and 400 Lumens, also by cycling through the modes with a side button.  That one also has a strobe mode you can activate by double-clicking the remote pressure switch.  Strobe mode operates at the highest intensity.

I leave these lights preset to the lowest intensity.  If I need to switch to "blind the attacker" or "search light" mode, I have those options.

Anyway, something else to consider.  Aloha!!   

I likey dat.....what brand do you have on your AR and SG?  Are they Laser AND light?

Instead of getting a XP9000 super light/laser combo with 4 different settings and toggle switches all over the place, keep it simple.

Simple is what you need in a high stress situation.

When the adrenaline is pumping and the stress is high, you want to avoid little buttons and toggle switches and keep everything as simple as possible.

Anyone who has actually been involved in combat or an actual shooting can tell you that simple and fast means leaving alive.

All the guys with the super duper, awesome light/laser/latte machine combos on their guns usually have ZERO real life experience.

I haven't used much for a laser.  However, if I were going to go back to using one, it would most certainly be the Lasermax laser setup.  It's right inside the guide rod, just under the barrel. (Seen here: http://www.lasermax.com/Products/GuideRodLasers.aspx).  They don't modify the holster, don't fuck with your grip, and are simple to utilize.


 I use the Surefire Fury: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B006NKLRW6/?tag=2ahawaii-20 for lighting.  I also have a surefire lawman R1 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B007VH2NXW/?tag=2ahawaii-20) that I use for work.

The fury is nice and compact - and really bright. When I flash it, I don't worry about where it is pointing, although I generally try to bounce of the ceiling.  However, splashing off the ground with it is more than sufficient as well.

Personally, and I have one of these also, is the Surefire Z2X.  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004QCA0QC/?tag=2ahawaii-20   This flashlight works well with gripping a gun in a variety of positions.  It's not the best for a WML though.

On my handguns, I have a surefire x300 and the Streamlight TLR-1.

I've seen the torches with multiple intensity settings, I'm just thinking about in a high stress situation, do you really want to be fumbling with switches and accidentally switch on a mode you didn't intend to?

with something like a simple diffusor, just switch on the light and if you need a high intensity beam slap it off
I don't even know if they make them for these type of lights. It's just a thought

I likey dat.....what brand do you have on your AR and SG?  Are they Laser AND light?

I don't use a laser on long guns.  I have red dots, which should be plenty, especially since lasers are sometimes more difficult to use in well-lit areas.  A red dot is a bit odd for the shotgun, but it's just an extra <$100 Bushnell.  I don't depend on the sight for aiming a 20" Mossberg 590A1 anyway!

I like the Fenix flashlights and have several for around the house, in all our vehicles, and for work.  The products are very well made, lots of types and models to suit your needs, and less expensive than the Surefire line.  I'm not busting down doors and clearing rooms, so I don't need something that stands up to everyday use and abuse.


Here's what I have on the shotgun:  http://www.fenixoutfitters.com/fenix-tk11-led-flashlight-r5-edt.-127
There's a limitation with the remote weapon switch Fenix offers.  It only activates on/off/momentary on.  Any intensity or strobe settings require a hand on the light base.  That's fine for the TK-11 light ... 2 intensity modes and no strobe.  Works just fine.


For AR-15 #1, I have this:  http://www.fenixoutfitters.com/fenix-tk15s2-led-flashlight-cree-xp-g-s2-led-533
I didn't add the remote switch.  I just mounted it close enough to reach the main rear button (on/off/momentary).  If I need the other modes, I reach forward about 1-2 inches with my finger, and the side button is right there.  Normally, just lowest intensity and endcap button is fine.


COLT LE6940 AR-15:  For this, I bought a Streamlight TLR-1s and mounting bracket combo from Botach.com.  It connects in front of & centered on the front sight:  The mounting "key" works with Surefire, Streamlight, and pretty much any other pistol-size weapon light that is thin enough to not block the sight.  I could have opted for the laser/light TLR-2s if I wanted.  I also added the optional Streamlight remote switch.  It operates the same "on/off/momentary on" as the Fenix switch plus adds strobe mode (double-click the paddle).  Simpler light with fewer intensity modes than the Fenix, but the remote strobe feature may be useful.

Note:  If anyone likes the Colt mounting bracket and decides to order it, I recommend the "long gun switch" model here:  http://www.botachtactical.com/kzcolt6940.html  The standard model mounts the light too close to the sight for the optional remote-switch-endcap to fit.  Streamlight requires you change the battery cap/switch for a longer one to accommodate the remote wire plug.  If you have no intention of ever using a remote switch and have the TLR-series light, then the standard version bracket is okay.  The extended one is fine for both configurations, so I'd still get that one for flexibility.  If you decide to use Surefire or another brand light, you'll need to check your intended configuration to verify which mount might work for your light.

For those worried about fumbling through settings and features while engaging your light during a tense situation, the way the Fenix is set up is fine.  Use the extra settings when you really need them, and keep your hand off the side mode button the rest of the time.  All the basic functions work from the endcap switch or remote switch.

Hope that is helpful.

I don't use a laser on long guns.  I have red dots, which should be plenty, especially since lasers are sometimes more difficult to use in well-lit areas.  A red dot is a bit odd for the shotgun, but it's just an extra <$100 Bushnell.  I don't depend on the sight for aiming a 20" Mossberg 590A1 anyway!

I like the Fenix flashlights and have several for around the house, in all our vehicles, and for work.  The products are very well made, lots of types and models to suit your needs, and less expensive than the Surefire line.  I'm not busting down doors and clearing rooms, so I don't need something that stands up to everyday use and abuse.


Here's what I have on the shotgun:  http://www.fenixoutfitters.com/fenix-tk11-led-flashlight-r5-edt.-127
There's a limitation with the remote weapon switch Fenix offers.  It only activates on/off/momentary on.  Any intensity or strobe settings require a hand on the light base.  That's fine for the TK-11 light ... 2 intensity modes and no strobe.  Works just fine.


For AR-15 #1, I have this:  http://www.fenixoutfitters.com/fenix-tk15s2-led-flashlight-cree-xp-g-s2-led-533
I didn't add the remote switch.  I just mounted it close enough to reach the main rear button (on/off/momentary).  If I need the other modes, I reach forward about 1-2 inches with my finger, and the side button is right there.  Normally, just lowest intensity and endcap button is fine.


COLT LE6940 AR-15:  For this, I bought a Streamlight TLR-1s and mounting bracket combo from Botach.com.  It connects in front of & centered on the front sight:  The mounting "key" works with Surefire, Streamlight, and pretty much any other pistol-size weapon light that is thin enough to not block the sight.  I could have opted for the laser/light TLR-2s if I wanted.  I also added the optional Streamlight remote switch.  It operates the same "on/off/momentary on" as the Fenix switch plus adds strobe mode (double-click the paddle).  Simpler light with fewer intensity modes than the Fenix, but the remote strobe feature may be useful.

Note:  If anyone likes the Colt mounting bracket and decides to order it, I recommend the "long gun switch" model here:  http://www.botachtactical.com/kzcolt6940.html  The standard model mounts the light too close to the sight for the optional remote-switch-endcap to fit.  Streamlight requires you change the battery cap/switch for a longer one to accommodate the remote wire plug.  If you have no intention of ever using a remote switch and have the TLR-series light, then the standard version bracket is okay.  The extended one is fine for both configurations, so I'd still get that one for flexibility.  If you decide to use Surefire or another brand light, you'll need to check your intended configuration to verify which mount might work for your light.

For those worried about fumbling through settings and features while engaging your light during a tense situation, the way the Fenix is set up is fine.  Use the extra settings when you really need them, and keep your hand off the side mode button the rest of the time.  All the basic functions work from the endcap switch or remote switch.

Hope that is helpful.

Yeah Moosed.....that info was great. Thanks.
On your mossy did you put the red dot on a small picatinny on the receiver mounted in the holes already in there?  I ask cause I put a utg picatinny on the mossy 500 and its about 1/2" wide, so I wasn't sure if any picatinny compatible device would mount on it. I mean there has to be a limit as far as how narrow a device can go. Not sure if I'm asking that right, but if you look up picatinny mounts for the 500/590 you'll see they're very thin and narrow. As opposed to how thick and wide a picatinny is on say a flat top AR type. If a device says it mounts on a weaver/picatinny, does that mean any and all?  I guess if Ive handled numerous devices/mounts/pic n weav rails, I wouldn't be unsure.

I've seen the torches with multiple intensity settings, I'm just thinking about in a high stress situation, do you really want to be fumbling with switches and accidentally switch on a mode you didn't intend to?

with something like a simple diffusor, just switch on the light and if you need a high intensity beam slap it off
I don't even know if they make them for these type of lights. It's just a thought

Yeah. Regardless of setup, that would be an option i'd look into. You ever see anything like that?  I guess photography equipment suppliers would have various filters diffusers etc and even colored ones.  I'll see.
THanks

I haven't used much for a laser.  However, if I were going to go back to using one, it would most certainly be the Lasermax laser setup.  It's right inside the guide rod, just under the barrel. (Seen here: http://www.lasermax.com/Products/GuideRodLasers.aspx).  They don't modify the holster, don't fuck with your grip, and are simple to utilize.


 I use the Surefire Fury: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B006NKLRW6/?tag=2ahawaii-20 for lighting.  I also have a surefire lawman R1 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B007VH2NXW/?tag=2ahawaii-20) that I use for work.

The fury is nice and compact - and really bright. When I flash it, I don't worry about where it is pointing, although I generally try to bounce of the ceiling.  However, splashing off the ground with it is more than sufficient as well.

Personally, and I have one of these also, is the Surefire Z2X.  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004QCA0QC/?tag=2ahawaii-20   This flashlight works well with gripping a gun in a variety of positions.  It's not the best for a WML though.

On my handguns, I have a surefire x300 and the Streamlight TLR-1.

Funny, I never thought of guide rod lasers but that would be perfect for my glock 21 and 26. The 21 is a gen 2 so no rails but the gen 3 26 has no rails either. They are expensive for such a small device but it would save me money on a new frame, if that's even an option......I was thinkin of putting a gen 3 21 frame on my gen 2 but I do t know if I can. I saw another post here and on a couple of glock forums I browsed but Im not clear on this for some reason. I could try emailing glock but I've heard they aren't good at answering emails. But even with the guide rod laser on my 21, I'd still want a light. I saw a YouTube post of a guy with a command arms accessory rail on his 26 with a TRL something but the whole getup was silly lookin......dudes were rankin on the guy like he was a goof but hey, it works for him I guess. I'll pass though, but the laser max sounds nice on that!

......All the guys with the super duper, awesome light/laser/latte machine combos on their guns.......

.....tricked out hippy yuppy maggot lib style!

Yeah Moosed.....that info was great. Thanks.
On your mossy did you put the red dot on a small picatinny on the receiver mounted in the holes already in there?  I ask cause I put a utg picatinny on the mossy 500 and its about 1/2" wide, so I wasn't sure if any picatinny compatible device would mount on it. I mean there has to be a limit as far as how narrow a device can go. Not sure if I'm asking that right, but if you look up picatinny mounts for the 500/590 you'll see they're very thin and narrow. As opposed to how thick and wide a picatinny is on say a flat top AR type. If a device says it mounts on a weaver/picatinny, does that mean any and all?  I guess if Ive handled numerous devices/mounts/pic n weav rails, I wouldn't be unsure.

Here's what I installed.  If you get it, make sure to orient it front-toward-front/back-toward-back.  Some Amazon reviewer complained the rail extended beyond the front edge of the receiver and over part of the barrel.  That only happens if you install if backwards!   

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001WIYQNG/?tag=2ahawaii-20  The second pic at this Amazon listing looks just like my Mossberg 590 (Marinecote finish).