source: coltontaskforce.com
I’m sure that one of the reasons why many of you love the AR-15 is the firearm’s modularity potential. And thanks to the vast AR15 aftermarket, you can mount pretty much whatever you want on the rifle. If you frequently use your AR-15 for hunting, then you’ll definitely want to get a solid AR-15 scope. If you don’t use the rifle for long-distance shooting, but you’d still like to improve your accuracy, then you should consider getting yourself one of these red dot sights for AR-15 rifles.
However, if you frequently find yourself in low-light environments, then the best upgrade you can go for is a tactical light for AR-15s. And that’s exactly why I’m here today, to shed a bit of light on the best AR-15 flashlights you can get in 2022. Let’s get down to it.
The 6 Best AR-15 tactical flashlights
Olight is one of the world’s leading tactical flashlight brands and their Odin Mini for AR-15 rifles is the best proof you can ask for. This Olight AR-15 flashlight boasts an impressive 1250 lumens and it can run for 5 hours. A great feature of this tac light is that it’s USB rechargeable. Also, thanks to the attached M-Lok mounting system, this AR15 flashlight is compatible with all sorts of rails.
- Power output of 1250 lumens
- Features an optical PMMA lens
- Maximum runtime of 5 hours
- M-LOK mounting system compatible with Picatinny rails and Key-mod mounts
- Beam distance of 240 meters
- MCC3 USB magnetic charging cable with a 1.5A current for fast charging
- Vibration battery indicator
- Silent stainless-steel tail switch
- The light is IPX8 waterproof
- Made of aluminum alloy for enhanced durability
- Available in black and desert tan colors
- 5 hours runtime
- Impressive power output
- Fair price
- Below-average beam distance
I could hardly think of a more popular weapon-mounted flashlight producer than Streamlight. Their ProTac HL-X is intended for professional use, which is why it features the popular Strobe mode. The light’s lifetime is an impressive 50.000 hours. This Streamlight AR-15 flashlight works on a 2x CR123A or 1x 1865 battery. The runtime differs based on the selected mode. When in High mode, the flashlight runs for 1.25 - 1.5 hours, which isn’t anything stellar, but the power is there. This AR15 Streamlight also boasts so-called Ten-Tap programming for easy setup of particular modes.
- Power output of 1000 lumens
- TIR optic for a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination
- 50.000 hours lifetime
- 1.5 hours runtime in High mode
- Features the popular Strobe mode
- Excellent choice for professional use
- Ten-Tap programming for easy setup of modes
- Works on 2x CR123A batteries or 1x 1865 battery
- Allows for momentary and constant operation
- Available in black color
- TIR lens for concentrated beam
- Features Strobe mode
- Easy setup and manipulation
- High mode only offers 1.5h runtime
- Could be a bit more compact
If you’re not completely new to the world of firearms, you’ve most definitely already heard about the Streamlight TLR-1, the world’s best selling rail-mounted tactical flashlight. The Streamlight TLR-1 HL for AR15 rifles boasts 1000 lumens and a 1.5 hours runtime on constant mode. With just 3.39’’ of overall length, the light is quite compact (when compared to the rest of the AR15 lights on the list). For such a small package, the light offers a surprising beam distance of more than 280 meters. This Streamlight TLR-1 for AR-15 rifles also features the popular Strobe mode and it’s both shock-proof and IPX7 waterproof.
- Power output of 1000 lumens
- 1.5 hours runtime on constant mode
- Beam distance of 283 meters
- Employs the popular strobing mode
- Resistant to all sorts of impact
- IPX7 waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes
- Compact and lightweight design
- Available in black, flat dark earth, and flat dark earth brown colors
- Compact design
- Features strobe mode
- Could be a bit cheaper
- Lower runtime
Ozark Armament isn’t as popular as some of the other flashlight brands on the list, but their TFL-1-R flashlight for AR-15 rifles is definitely worth a try. The light doesn’t offer much as far as power output goes, but 600 lumens is still enough for most low-light environments. Not only is this tactical AR15 light built from aluminum alloy (which makes it super durable), it’s also fully sealed to prevent dust and moisture. The light is also fully shock and water resistant. Also, this weapon-mounted light features the popular strobe mode and it’s fully backed up by the company's “NO B.S.” lifetime warranty.
- Power output of 600 lumens
- Features a genuine CREE XML U2 LED
- 4 different light modes
- Lightweight yet durable
- Sealed for dust and moisture prevention
- Remote switch with pressure activation
- Employs the popular strobing mode
- Resistant to all sorts of impact
- IPX7 waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes
- Compatible with any standard Picatinny rail
- Available in black color
- Great budget option
- Features strobe mode
- Sealed for extra protection
- Only 600 lumens
Feyachi is a tac light company that has made its name known by offering solid quality at great prices, and their FL14-MB flashlight for AR15s is a great example of that. At a very, very favorable price (just $35.99 at the time of writing), this light offers an amazing 1200 lumens. Feyachi claims the light is virtually indestructible, which I don’t really have a problem believing as it’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. The light is IP65 water resistant, which means it will shine brightly even in heavy rain. Just like most AR15 flashlights, the FL14-MB features both constant on and momentary on modes. The packaging also comes with M-Lok offset ring mount, pressure switch, and Allen wrench for easy installation and minor adjustments.
- Power output of 1200 lumens
- Beam distance of 200 meters
- Allows for a number of different mounting options
- Dual-switch tail cap which allows for easy single-handed operation
- Excellent tactical choice
- Claimed to be indestructible
- IP65 water resistant
- Momentary on and constant on remote switch
- 5 year warranty and decent customer service
- Available in black color
- Huge bang for your buck
- Multiple mounting options
- Only 200 meters beam distance
- No strobe mode
The cheapest AR-15 flashlight on our list was developed by Garberiel, a fairly new and unfamiliar company. However, the fact that it’s not a Streamlight doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying, right? Even though I kind of find it hard to believe, the light is said to offer an incredible 3000 lumens and it can reach as far as 548 meters. If it really does all that, it might be one of the most powerful flashlights for AR 15 rifles. The light is also USB rechargeable and IPX65 waterproof. On top of all of that, this Garberiel light offers 5 different modes, including the popular Strobe mode as well as SOS mode.
- Power output of incredible 3000 lumens
- At night, the beam reaches as far as 548 meters
- High mode offers 2 hours of runtime
- 5 different light settings, including Strobe and SOS modes
- USB rechargeable
- Battery life indicator
- IPX65 waterproof
- Available in black color
- Incredible power output and beam distance
- Super budget-friendly
- Strobe + SOS modes included
- Could be a bit smaller
- Not the most popular brand
Conclusion - What’s the best flashlight for my AR-15?
Now it would be quite bold to say that the AR15 light I like best really is the best one out there. However, it’s not too daring to claim that any of the flashlights for AR15 rifles on our list is a great choice. Choosing the right one for you depends on the intended use and your expectations, though.
If you want to get as much power output and throw distance as possible, I’d go with the last one on our list - Garberiel 2 in 1 L2 LED Flashlight. Not only does it seem like the most powerful option (mind it delivers an incredible 3000 lumens and beam distance of over 500 meters at night), it’s also surprisingly cheap. The only problem is that it’s not developed by a brand that’s been around for that long.
However, if you search for something field-proven and you don’t mind to invest a bit more, then I’d say you should go with the first AR15 light on our list - OLIGHT Odin Mini - Not only does this tactical light provide satisfactory 1250 lumens, but it can run for 5 hours. And it’s not that expensive at all.
Alright, I hope today's list has helped you find your new AR-15 tactical light. Now the last thing you need is to get yourself a custom leather holster for your sidearm, which you should definitely carry in case there’s no time to reach for your AR-15.