PPHA Forums

Predator Hunting => Night Hunting => Topic started by: paul555 on July 12, 2007, 08:39:10 AM

Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: paul555 on July 12, 2007, 08:39:10 AM
So...

Now that we will soon be able to use them, suggestions on a good gun-mounted light?  Preferably something that doesn't have a battery pack to carry.  I have a Lightforce handheld that I like for scanning, but I don't want to carry 2 battery packs.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: bigben on July 12, 2007, 09:39:20 AM
that is going to be a hard one.  most gun mounted lights are designed so that they are not to heavy so the batt is sperate.  I have a nitelight that I plug the gun mounted light into so I only carry one batt.  I doubt that you will find one short of mounting a mini mag or a surfire light right on the gun.  I know the shurfire lights they use out in texas a good bit because they are one inch round on the outside so it fits a weaver scope mount.  they then mount it on some mount on the gun.  there is a pressure switch on the back of the light so you shoulder the gun and press the light switch.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: tom p on July 12, 2007, 11:35:14 AM
paul nite light makes a great scope light.  ive had 1 for years---you can get 1 that plugs into your nite light hot lite.  what ive done with mine is use a 4 c--battery holder from radio shack that i tape 2 the gun stock  i also wired in an on-off switch that is taped near the tigger guard.  ill probably have my gun rigged up 4 the picnic.   hope thgis helps
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: longhair on July 12, 2007, 12:00:30 PM
Hey guys, ain't these set ups kinda heavy ? Geeeeesh, if you put three d cell energizer batteries on your gun------well that would be like toting a 50 cal around. What we need is some technical wizard to invent a LED lite weight light. Everything contained in the light itself including the battery. I got the optronics 350. It's the wires and battery that's a pain. But then again, I carry everything on my quad so it's really not a big deal. 8)
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: TrappinJohn on July 12, 2007, 12:31:10 PM
I use the nite lite for fox hunting.  Battery pack on a belt and the light on my hat.  Nite lit e has a nice light weight gun mounted light that plugs into the battery pack.  For me this won't be much more than I was already carrying.

(http://www.huntsmart.com/images/override-m/nlp44b-m.jpg)


I have the older heavier model, but my Brother has the wizard and really likes it.  

http://www.huntsmart.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/displayleaf/sid/12114311192249477184468/lh/h-0,c-87,l-3320/pos/11
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Buckwheat on July 12, 2007, 05:47:39 PM
http://www.vetvax.com/coonhuntinglights.html

http://www.optronicsinc.com/varmint.htm

http://www.opticsplanet.net/streamlight-m-3x-tactical-flashlights.html

I would just like to say, is this not great just to be able to have this discussion.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: BP on July 12, 2007, 06:53:33 PM
2 million candlepower, LEDs, 50 hours on one charge, and only $10.
I'm buying one, adapting the swivel handle to mount on the gun. I will cut off the battery housing, mount a switch on the gun, put the battery in my pocket or on my belt. For $10, I just gotta see it!

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200332693_200332693
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: paul555 on July 12, 2007, 10:13:13 PM
Tom (and anyone else interested),

If people with setups would bring them to the picnic to show others, that would really help those of us who never used a GML before.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Dale on July 12, 2007, 10:37:32 PM
Paul... save yourself a lot of headaches down the road and get yourself a NiteLite set up... head mounted light and gun light... one battery that you can wear on a belt or carry in your pocket to run both lights...

I got a spare light and a spare battery, and use them ahhhh, never except to switch off and give them a little exercise... one charged 6 volt battery will last you all night for both lights...
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Dale on July 12, 2007, 10:54:40 PM
does anyone remember the name of the guy at the Randy Anderson seminar from up state that was set up to the left, right outside the side door that had the Nite Lites and other stuff... the name Hunlock creek sticks in my mind, I think that's where he's from...

 he also tanned hides etc... I've lost him from my favorites list...

sure would like to get with him again about some tanning work...

plus he had exceptional prices on nite lite stuff...
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: paul555 on July 12, 2007, 11:09:34 PM
OK, I see Optronics has some lights that seem easy to use, although they have several different ones.

I also hear a few people mention Nite Light.  I have a Hot-Lite Pro.  Which scope light would I need to be compatible with that same battery pack?
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Dale on July 13, 2007, 12:06:13 AM
Quote from: "paul555"
OK, I see Optronics has some lights that seem easy to use, although they have several different ones.

I also hear a few people mention Nite Light.  I have a Hot-Lite Pro.  Which scope light would I need to be compatible with that same battery pack?


I had an Optronics 250 that I found to be to bright for close in work, under 100 yards... the fox were blinking all the time cause the light was to intense...

NiteLite has a gun light that'll plug right into the charger port of your HotLite pro... haven't seen it on Huntsmart site lately but you can give them a call and they'll be able to hook you up... I'm thinking the number for it is NLSL6... it is a sweet unit, sits low on the scope, doesn't weigh much, mounts securely and uses the same bulbs as your current light...
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: gdragon on July 13, 2007, 03:24:47 AM
NLSL6 is the correct code for it. I don't think they list the red/amber covers for it but they do have them, you just have to ask. The NLSL6 isn't pictured on the site but it is identical to the one shown in the background with the Wizard setup.

If you search www.huntsmart.com for 'scope light' it comes up on the second page.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: TrappinJohn on July 13, 2007, 05:40:11 AM
Quote from: "Buckwheat"
I would just like to say, is this not great just to be able to have this discussion.


YES!!  A huge thank you to you and everyone else that put many hours in getting this passed.   I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas, can't wait for the season to get here.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: longhair on July 13, 2007, 11:21:08 AM
The one other thing that I really like about optronics is that the light has ajustment knobs so that you can ajust the beam to your scope. Although if you are using this within 100 yards then this would really be quite bright. One thing is for sure, I'm gonna find out come sept. 3rd !!!!!! 8)

TJ, I'm with ya buddy !!!!!!!!! :D  :D  :D  :D  :D  :D
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: tom p on July 13, 2007, 12:38:42 PM
guys im looking into selling nitelight products along with my fishing tackle im going to be giving special price for club members.  in the next couple of weeks i should have a price list.  im hoping to take orders 4 lights & be able to deliver light at the picnic   ill be posting the prices here on the site. im hoping that ill be able 2 match nite light catalog price or a little cheaper with no shipping added on to the price.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: dreamcatcher on July 15, 2007, 01:06:32 PM
I have the Optronics GL-100, which is good to a 100 yards. I like it and have had good dealings with the company.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Dale on July 20, 2007, 09:23:14 PM
here's the link to the guy that was at the RA show last year... he did PPHA members well on his prices...

http://www.blosehollow.com/

he handles all the NiteLite line up... Western Rivers also...
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: BP on July 21, 2007, 02:11:52 AM
Is he a PPHA member like Tom P, above? 8)
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Dale on July 21, 2007, 10:19:54 AM
not sure but he takes care of us...
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: BP on August 11, 2007, 02:25:38 PM
Quote from: "tom p"
guys im looking into selling nitelight products...im hoping to take orders 4 lights & be able to deliver light at the picnic.


How is this project coming? I need to get things in order before the season is upon us.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: gdragon on August 11, 2007, 03:59:22 PM
Huntsmart.com offers a 5% discount to new customers.

Also the discount gets better as people order more stuff. I'm about half way to the 10%discount if anybody wants to get in on it.


---------------------------------------------------------------
This is a copy of the email you should receive:

Hi! I just joined a HuntSmart.com Buyer's Club for hunting and outdoor products. I saved 5% on my first order and thought you maybe interested in this?

This is basically how it works. After you join a HuntSmart.com Buyer's Club you will receive a 5% discount on your initial order. Then you can invite anyone you know to join our Buyer's Club. The more people we can get to join and buy, the more money we can save on our hunting supplies. If we all get a few people to join, it should not take long before we are getting the maximum 15% discount.

The name of my buyers club is joshmill@ptd.net Click on the link below and go to the "Join An Existing Buyers Club" section. Then enter joshmillATptdDOTnet in the white box and click continue. It is really that easy.

Thanks!



Click here to Join!
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Duffman on November 05, 2007, 06:50:47 AM
There are a few good lights out there, but Lightforce has them beat by a mile.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Dale on November 05, 2007, 09:14:29 AM
Quote from: "Duffman"
There are a few good lights out there, but Lightforce has them beat by a mile.


beat as far as what?...

they're over priced, to big, eat up batteries to quickly, to bright... no way can those over sized,  bulky, over priced things even begin to compare to the versatility, convenience and economy of the Nitelite systems...

we hunt ALL night long with one battery that fits in a coat pocket running both the head and the gun light...
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: BP on November 05, 2007, 10:35:35 AM
I agree with you Dale.  I think after everyone mortgages a Liteforce they feel like they've bought membership into an elite club. I've been reading for years all the problems and fixes for them.  Someone sends them repair parts from Home Depot to "fix" design problems and the next thing you know, the "Liteforce" member is bragging up great customer service! Buy a Nitelight and spend your time hunting.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: bigben on November 05, 2007, 12:26:27 PM
I am not going to say that they are not nice lights but I do feel that they are excessive.  you could build one cheaper then ever buying one.  but the 6 volt lanterns are all I have ever needed.  I have never needed any more light power.  I guess if you had to shoot 200 yds and make it look like daylight then ya they are great but what fun is that.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: paul555 on November 05, 2007, 05:46:45 PM
Quote from: "Dale"
they're over priced, to big, eat up batteries to quickly, to bright... no way can those over sized,  bulky, over priced things even begin to compare to the versatility, convenience and economy of the Nitelite systems...


I have both a Lightforce and a Nitelite, and I love both.  Either will last all night long, both are tough to carry if carrying in your hand, but both have a way to carry on your belt or shoulder.  Both have a rheostat to adjust brightness.  Nitelite costs less.  Lightforce is brighter if you need light at a farther distance, or for lighting up an area after a shot, looking for blood.

Personally I prefer my Nitelight when hunting with a shotgun, as I can hold the light and gun comfortably at the same time.  I prefer the Lightforce for rifle hunting (as my hand-held light) and for looking for animals or blood after a shot.  Lightforce is also good for spotting deer.

In my opinion (everyone has their own opinion), both lights serve me well.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Duffman on November 05, 2007, 05:48:44 PM
Quote

they're over priced, to big, eat up batteries to quickly, to bright... no way can those over sized, bulky, over priced things even begin to compare to the versatility, convenience and economy of the Nitelite systems...

we hunt ALL night long with one battery that fits in a coat pocket running both the head and the gun light...


They may be overpriced but very well worth the price. Ahh,tthey aren't that bright. When you have at full blast yes they can be a bit bright. But I usually keep it low to medium when scanning. You do know they have a dimmer switch right? And the battery will last me all evening.

I'm not saying Nitlite systems arent good lights, they are excellent lights. And am thinking of buying one to put on my gun. But I chose to go with Lightforce first. And you chose Nitelite. You do your thing, I'll do mine. :)
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: paul555 on November 05, 2007, 05:50:14 PM
Quote from: "BP"
I think after everyone mortgages a Liteforce they feel like they've bought membership into an elite club.


I think the same could be said for NiteLite, FoxPro, your favorite rifle, your favorite shotgun, etc, etc.

Quote from: "BP"
Buy a Nitelight and spend your time hunting.


See what I mean.   :wink:


If we didn't like the products we personally use, we wouldn't be using them.  So everyone chimes in with their favorites when someone else asks, and then the person asking can make an informed choice.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Duffman on November 05, 2007, 05:58:54 PM
Quote from: "Duffman"
Quote

they're over priced, to big, eat up batteries to quickly, to bright... no way can those over sized, bulky, over priced things even begin to compare to the versatility, convenience and economy of the Nitelite systems...

we hunt ALL night long with one battery that fits in a coat pocket running both the head and the gun light...


They may be overpriced but very well worth the price. Ahh,tthey aren't that bright. When you have at full blast yes they can be a bit bright. But I usually keep it low to medium when scanning. You do know they have a dimmer switch right? And the battery will last me all evening.

I'm not saying Nitlite systems arent good lights, they are excellent lights. And am thinking of buying one to put on my gun. But I chose to go with Lightforce first. And you chose Nitelite. You do your thing, I'll do mine. :)


Quote
I guess if you had to shoot 200 yds and make it look like daylight then ya they are great but what fun is that.


dang, thats a good ways off for night hunting. You ought to see that sucker when its at full blast with the red lense off. Then its like daylight. But with the red lense on it cuts down on the brightness a bit and like I said, I'm only using probably 100,000 CP power when scanning when I can go up to 530,000CP. I have picked up eyes well over 125 yds when at  low power. I guess if you wanted to shoot out farther than that, then you might need it on medium. But hey what fun is that? :)  

I mean if I was using a NiteLite that'd have to be within 40 yds to pick up the eyes. 8)

Just joking with ya. You guys are alright. :)
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: BP on November 05, 2007, 06:00:56 PM
Quote from: "Duffman"


They may be overpriced but very well worth the price.

                                     :roll:
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: bigben on November 05, 2007, 06:12:06 PM
I tell ya duff both the nitelite and my 6 volt latern will reach to 400 yds easy.  come on up and I will show ya.  I have hunted with the light force with john1951 on huntingpa.  and for the money I am not impressed.  I now how much it takes to make one of your own.  and yes paul it is like anyone that has a foxpro or a new rifle.  everyone has their own place where there loyalty lies.  it is like the old chevy vs. ford debate (chevy is better LOL)  but just like we defend our nitelites you guys will defend your light forces.  it's just when I can spend 75.00 on a light I can spend the other 150.00 on a rifle.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Duffman on November 05, 2007, 06:43:13 PM
I never said a Nitelite wouldn't reach out that far. I know many guys including you that love these lites and I have nothing aginst them. But I have a Lightforce and thats what I'm using for the time being until it goes bad in about three or four decades. :D J/k

Quote


They may be overpriced but very well worth the price.


Quote
:roll:



 I'm not bragging or anything... :lol:  :D

I love joking with you guys. Don't take me serious if I say somthing that you might think I'm an ass. I just like messin with ya. :)


I agree with ya ben, the chevy has a ford beat. 8)
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: bigben on November 05, 2007, 06:59:06 PM
I am not trying to be a jerk but I think what the rolleyes for was you say they are overpriced but they are well worth it.  if it was overpriced then you think you should have not paid as much for the quality you recieved.  atleast that is what I get when you say something is overpriced.  JMO.

"I mean if I was using a NiteLite that'd have to be within 40 yds to pick up the eyes."  
and this quote tells me that you think that they need to be 40 yds to pick up eyes and that is why I said about being able to reach out 400 yds.  

I think that it is great to have a healthy disscussion on a topic.  it gives people both sides of the argument.  

read my posts as if we are discussing something not argueing.  I never get too worked up over this stuff.  normally I just turn the computer off and have a beer.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: madcatter on November 05, 2007, 07:02:41 PM
i have a western rivers "the knight"
its 21 volt with a rheostat,hi/lo setting and the handheld light is pretty bright,i have seen eyes past 200 yards but i can't really tell what the eyes are on.i have taken the headlamp and made a holder from a old bi-pod that now mounts onto the sling screw.it is very capable of eyes to about 125 yards.the hand held doesnt eat the 1.3lb battery up uuntil about 3 hours of pretty much steady on use.i think i paid around 300,and i dont think for myself i will ever purchase another light.the bulbs (the good ones)are a 35watt 12 volt and are about 5.50 each,it also has a slow-burn fuse to protect the bulb.it also has a small blue walking light that can stay on for weeks it seems
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Duffman on November 05, 2007, 07:03:11 PM
Quote
"I mean if I was using a NiteLite that'd have to be within 40 yds to pick up the eyes."
and this quote tells me that you think that they need to be 40 yds to pick up eyes and that is why I said about being able to reach out 400 yds.


I was just joking around with ya Ben. I know they will reach out much beyond that distance.

Quote
if it was overpriced then you think you should have not paid as much for the quality you recieved. atleast that is what I get when you say something is overpriced


I was just saying that people say they are over priced. And yes, I do agree they are a bit more expensive than other brands, but the quality is worth every penny. The way you guys talk about Nitelites, I'd say they are worth every penny and more for what you pay for them. I haven't had experience with these lights though.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: bigben on November 05, 2007, 07:04:04 PM
yeah i know
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: longhair on November 05, 2007, 07:31:14 PM
Timely disscussion !!!!!! I was thinking of ordering a lightforce unit.

Duff~ don't worry about offending someone on here. They're a tough bunch !!!!!! :lol:  :lol:

Best thing about a ford------they fit in the crusher better than any of the others. 8)
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: bigben on November 05, 2007, 07:34:20 PM
F ix O r R epair D aily
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: longhair on November 05, 2007, 08:13:16 PM
F ound O n the R oad D ead!!!!!!!!! :lol:
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: archerobx on November 05, 2007, 08:18:26 PM
First On Race Day
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: paul555 on November 05, 2007, 10:28:05 PM
Quote from: "bigben"
(chevy is better LOL)


At least there's no debate about that.   :mrgreen:
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: Pa Goosehntr on November 06, 2007, 05:39:10 AM
:?: I'm surprised someone hasn't mentioned one of the rice burners :?:
heck fire why don't we pull out one of them thar spot lights that they use when a new store opens...we could blind them to death :shock:

Might we be gettin a little off topic :idea:
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: longhair on November 06, 2007, 01:15:55 PM
Might we be gettin a little off topic :idea:[/quote]
 AHHHHHH ,ca'mon goose!!!!!!!!!!! :?
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: longhair on November 06, 2007, 01:19:26 PM
On the other hand, how's about mak'in a spotlight out of one of those blue/white headlights that blind your azz on the new cars. The ones that seem to burn a hole right threw ya !!!!! :roll:
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: longhair on November 06, 2007, 01:28:23 PM
OOOOOOOOHHHH, I just remembered that I have a spotlight that was made for my dad years ago. 13 volt , airplane landing light !! :shock:  Two things with this one, 1 this sucker REALLY got hot and 2, if you used it for any lengh of time, it would KILL the battery in your car !!!!! But it sure was bright !!!!!!!!!! :wink:
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: coyotelord on November 07, 2007, 01:32:16 AM
Well I have my first gripe with my new nitelite wizard that I just bought.  I went to put on the red lense filter and it cracked right up the middle while I was putting it on.  Now I have to pay another 3 bucks plus shipping for a new one which odds are is gonna break on me, too.

Is there some magic way to put these things on or was it just a defective one?
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: BP on November 07, 2007, 07:25:07 AM
That lens cap doesn't like to be pushed on real hard. They work just as well cracked though. Wrap some electrical tape around the outside to prevent sideways broadcast light.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: longhair on November 20, 2007, 12:55:03 PM
Well, I bit the bullet and bought one of those "light force"  lights. Quality--yep. Pricey---yep !!!! Happy with what I got----not totally. The "walkabout kit" doesn't come with a 110 charger. The charger that comes with the kit is for a 12 volt sorce(car cig lighter). Everyother thing that I have bought that needs a charger came with the item and is included. Called light force and complained and got me nowhere excapt that they could sell me a 110 charger for 50.00. The conversation didn't end on a happy note !!!!! :evil:

I found the very same charger that they wanted 50.00 for at wally world for 18.44 !!!!!! Just thought I'd pass this along.
Title: Gun Mounted Lights
Post by: RickLF on September 07, 2008, 11:33:05 AM
The wall charger from Lightforce /Tufflights.com, shuts off and says so on the Package.......they can be left on the battery for the entire year and it is ready when you are....

The chargers for $18.44 from Wal-mart,k-mart do not, and can ruin your Battery in a few short weeks by over charging them and bloating the battery....

If you use the $18.44 chargers and use them off and on, they will work fine as long as there below 1.5 Amp charge rate, any higher rate above the 1.5 will shorten the life of your battery.......

But in the end its Your Choice............Good Hunting

Rick....