Flashlight on a Braked Rifle

K

KLRANGL

New member
I've been intending to put a Surefire X300 flashlight on my AR build for a while now, but I am a little worried as to the effects that the PWS SM556 muzzle brake will have on the flashlight's lens. Unless I move my grip back some to fit the light on the bottom, the only room for the light would be on either side which puts it in line with the back blast from the brake. The blast is not the strongest thing ever, but certainly noticeable. Anyone have any experience putting a light on the side of a braked rifle?
I'm running a 14.5inch midlength carbine in 5.56.
 
I'm currently running a Surefire G2 with Cree Q5 lamp in a Viking Tactics flashlight mount at 10:00 o'clock with a Ops Inc. two-port muzzle brake on a 16" midlength barrel. The flashlight is pushed so far forward the mount isn't even fully on the rail.

In 1,000 or so rounds in that position, no problems so far. Prior to that, I was running it in the 9 o'clock position, and prior to that in the 6 o'clock position. In all three positions, it has seen over 5,000 rounds (which is where my previous incandescent G2 had the lamp die)

I think you should be good with the X300; but I've got no experience with that particular light and can only extrapolate from my own use.
 
The only problems I have seen on my AR15s (2 braked, 1 nothing, 2, flash hiders) is that the lens can get dirty after a while. I have found this with lights on pistols as well with no brakes.

Everything gets dirty after a while. Use a decent cloth and clean the lens and you should be good to go.
 
Dirty lenses I can deal with. Good to know you haven't experienced any problems. I'm waiting to hear back from Surefire directly, but its good to get some real world experiences.
 
The Surefire X300 is a great pistol light. I have two.

For a rifle, you can buy a Surefire G2x or 6Px for substantially less money even after you purchase whatever mount you like. I have the 6Px on four rifles.

The G2x and 6Px are also LED, and a little bit more lumens than the X300. I think you would also find the tail cap on the G2x or 6Px to be a little easier to manipulate than the pistol-oriented x300. Finally, I think your options on replacing the tail cap for a tape switch or something are a dimension of the G2x or 6Px that you cannot do with the x300.

Don't get me wrong, the x300 is a great light, but it is for a pistol. Other, cheaper and more versatile options from Surefire exist for rifles.
 
Neg. X300 with the XT07 switch is the way to go. X300s make great rifle lights. Also has the added benefit of going on my pistols as I see fit.
 
I occasionally put my X300 on my Bushmaster 20" HBAR when I plan on doing evening spotlighting trips (most times its on my 1911). I mount it on the 3-rail gas block. My rifle has the Y-comp muzzlebrake. Since I have had it its probably been shot about 500 times in this configuration. The light functions perfectly. When you clean your rifle just wipe off the lens.
 
For what its worth, this is the response I got back from surefire:
Dear Customer,

I have personally seen X300s mounted in a similar fashion, and aside from some carbon build-up on the front lens, there are no detrimental effects on the flashlight. The X300 was designed from the ground-up to withstand the violent forces generated by firearms.

I would recommend applying a thin coat of oil to the front lens of the X300 prior to shooting to aid in easy clean-up.

Thank You
Click to expand...
 
Hey, if you like the X300 on your rifle, rock on. I've never gone for the tape switch, so I can make do with the 6PX. My 6PX sit near the brakes on two ARs and two AKs, and other than getting dirty I've never had any trouble. As an aside, I did have to relocate the Aimpoint Micro further forward on my AK than I had originally installed it on the Ultimak, the gas was dirtying the lens in just a few shots.

I do have two of the X300s with DG switches (one for a G17 and one for a 1911) and I love them. They have stood up to pretty intense shooting, including high round count classes.

I have lost count of the number of Surefire lights I have. The only time I had a problem with one, they fixed it up quickly and my only cost was postage.

I think you'd be fine with the X300 on the rifle. Incidentally, the WD40 pen you can get at WalMart works perfectly as a residue barrier. Apply it before you shoot, the grimy stuff wipes right off no problem.
 
The only problems I have seen on my AR15s (2 braked, 1 nothing, 2, flash hiders) is that the lens can get dirty after a while.
Click to expand...

I have personally seen X300s mounted in a similar fashion, and aside from some carbon build-up on the front lens, there are no detrimental effects on the flashlight.
Click to expand...

Coincidence? I think not! :D

Glad they confirmed everything will be fine.
 
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