For AR, I like mounting WML on the top rail at the muzzle end.

I like the original Streamlight TLR-7 with the side activation. It’s low profile enough that it doesn’t block out the front sight post. But it’s only 500 lumens. Acceptable minimum but not great.

The TLR-1 HL is great at 1000 lumens, and the rear activation switch also works very well for the 12 o’clock position. But it’s just thick enough that it almost completely blocks out the front sight.

The Streamlight TLR RM-1 HL-X has 1000 lumens and low profile like the TLR-7. The activation button at the top rear is OK, but I really prefer not to have the thumb in the way of the line of sight.

The Surefire X-300 Ultra checks (almost) all the boxes but is unjustifiably pricey, imo.

So, want: A WML with a 1000 lumens, low profile with a side activation button. Who makes it that is in the Streamlight price range.

Side activation buttons are uncommon.

How about the TLR RM1 HLX's remote switch?

You can put it on the top rail behind the light to keep the thumb down below the sight line, or run it to the side of the handguard to keep the thumb even further away from the sight line.

Remote switch with cable running around is not my preference.

I was just “chatting” with AI, and the suggestion is to get the TLR-7 HL-X. No side activation, but I can use the thumb to push the ambidextrous rear paddle (high switch appears to be easier) without getting into the line of sight. Low profile, 1000 lumens, good activation and priced right.

Have you looked at Inforce?

https://inforcelights.com/coll...ucts/wmlx-white-gen3

1100 lumen, I think the switch might be what you’re looking for.

^^^^ It’s pretty long (over 5 inches). It would take up a lot of real estate, shortening the sight radius. Or does it really matter, when you’re talking close quarters? The TLR-7 HL-X is 3 inches long. Dimensions provided by AI, which could be dubious. The original TLR-7 I have measures 2&1/8 inches end-to-end, so I can't imagine the HL-X, even with the rear activation tab, is much longer (to 3 inches).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 12131,

Why does it have to be on top?
Mine is on the side activated by a top mounted pressure switch.
It could just as easily be mounted on the bottom rail with no possible sight complications.

quote:

Why does it have to be on top?

My preference. The position works best for me. Plus, making the rifle more streamlined/less bulky is a plus.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
The TLR-7 HL-X is 3 inches long. Dimensions provided by AI, which could be dubious. The original TLR-7 I have measures 2&1/8 inches end-to-end, so I can't imagine the HL-X, even with the rear activation tab, is much longer (to 3 inches).

The HLX also uses a longer bezel/lens/reflector assembly, as well as the rear activation switches.

According to Streamlight, the original TLR7 with short lens and side switches is 2.1", the TLR7A and TLR7X with short lens and rear switches is 2.6", and the TLR7 HLX with long lens and rear switches is 2.9".

Oh I see. Didn’t realize the HL-X has a longer head.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
^^^^ It’s pretty long (over 5 inches). It would take up a lot of real estate, shortening the sight radius. Or does it really matter, when you’re talking close quarters? The TLR-7 HL-X is 3 inches long. Dimensions provided by AI, which could be dubious. The original TLR-7 I have measures 2&1/8 inches end-to-end, so I can't imagine the HL-X, even with the rear activation tab, is much longer (to 3 inches).

There's a shorter one, but it drops it down to 450 lumenes.

A shorter sight radius isn't much of an issue for close quarters.
longer distance, yes.

Agreed. A couple inches shorter iron sight radius won't matter much at close quarters. Especially if they're just backups to an optic.

But if you're really concerned about having the longest possible iron sight radius, you could use one of these style of front sights to mount just in front of your 12:00 flashlight.

https://www.dlptactical.com/pr...t-flashlight-adaptor

I have an Inforce that I mounted at 12:00 at first, no front sight installed.

I now use a BCM offset mount, the base can be moved fore and aft.
Tucks in in better and the switch is right by my thumb.