low cost light, laser, and ammo for defensive AR-style rifle

[B yond]

I'm a long-time shooter who's only recently decided to build an AR-style rifle for defensive uses. My previous experience with AR-style rifles has just been a lot of paper-punching and plinking.

I'm building a simple defensive rifle and trying to keep the price down so I can spend more on ammo to practice with and hopefully find a good class to take.

I've decided on a few accessories I'd like to add to the weapon that I feel could be useful in a defensive situation, and would like your opinions about the best quality/reliability for the lowest price point, and where they can be purchased online.

These accessories are:
-Light with momentary switch (to identify threats/targets in the dark)
-Laser (to be more accurate if unable to obtain a proper sight picture)

I'd also like your opinions on which ammunition would be the most appropriate for defensive use in an urban environment. I want to be able to defend my family without endangering the neighborhood with over-penetrating rounds.

I do reload, but until I've worked up a load and tested a few hundred rounds for consistency, reliability, and accuracy I'd like to stick with factory ammunition for defensive use. I'm thinking TAP but haven't done too much research on the subject yet. If there's a good option out there with a lower price point I'd love to hear about it.

If you need information about the rifle to help point me in the right direction; its a featureless build with a MonsterMan grip, A2 stock, 16" flattop upper with midlength gas system and detachable carry handle attached. There are no exposed rails, so I'll be adding a small rail attachment for the light and laser (I'm also undecided on which rail option I'll use). I do not plan on adding optics to this rifle.

Thanks in advance.

[tomd1584]

I would suggest either the following:

streamlight TLR-2 is a light/laser combo.

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=81

Or a slightly lower profile, overall better built, Surefire X-400:

http://www.surefire.com/X400product

Attach these to a small rail on your handguards and you'll be GTG.

-Tom

[ChrisO]

^^^ This. Probably the best combination you can get for the price of a light AND laser. I had a TLR-2 and it worked GREAT.

[B yond]

Thanks guys.

Any lower cost options out there that aren't complete junk?

[Omega13device]

Gunfighting/defending yourself with your rifle has little in common with shooting at the range so unfortunately your previous experience doesn't help much. Sort of like the difference between playing catch and playing competitive baseball. You have to learn a whole new set of fundamentals before things like lights and lasers are useful.

Along those lines I'd suggest skipping the light/laser purchase and put that money towards a solid optic (Aimpoint or EoTech) and carbine classes first. Then you'll have a better sense of what works for you and what you really need vs. what you think you need.

[tomd1584]

Gunfighting/defending yourself with your rifle has little in common with shooting at the range so unfortunately your previous experience doesn't help much. Sort of like the difference between playing catch and playing competitive baseball. You have to learn a whole new set of fundamentals before things like lights and lasers are useful.

Along those lines I'd suggest skipping the light/laser purchase and put that money towards a solid optic (Aimpoint or EoTech) and carbine classes first. Then you'll have a better sense of what works for you and what you really need vs. what you think you need.

He said he's trying to keep it simple so he can focus on ammo and training. IMO, any weapon going to be used as a defensive tool needs a light. He's pretty clear in his 2nd sentence...

[ChrisO]

He said he's trying to keep it simple so he can focus on ammo and training. IMO, any weapon going to be used as a defensive tool needs a light. He's pretty clear in his 2nd sentence...

Agreed, Paint your front sight middle blade with some glow in the dark paint and put some different color glow in the dark paint on your rear peep. I feel to many people go out and buy 600+ dollar optics and never learn the fundamentals of using iron sights. A light is a essential piece of kit for a HD weapon and well a laser makes sense to me if your not running a RDS. Nothing wrong with running a KISS rifle Less s*** to go wrong.

[civilsnake]

I agree that knowing how to use irons is important, but a dot/holo sight is one of the most useful things you can put on a defensive rifle. Both eyes open allows for greater situational awareness, retained depth perception, and focus on the threat instead of a front sight.

I would save the money meant for the laser and put it toward a used aimpoint instead.

[zeus45c]

For a low price light that will withstand recoil, pick up either a surefire G2 or 6P of Ebay. The 6P will add more heft as it is a metal body. The G2 will be lighter as its polymer. If you dig around you will actually be able to find both for roughly the same price ($35 - $50). Stick one of these in a cheap one inch scope ring ($5 -???) or an offset mount ($25) and you have a cheap option that will withstand abuse and comes with a great warranty and customer service. In addition, you can later upgrade the lamps if you need more light.

Regarding the laser and optics, I do recommend training with irons first. However, try to see if anyone can let you fire some rounds with their devices. You may find out, after becoming proficient with your weapon, that you don't need a laser. This saves you money. See which red dot serves you and your eyes best (faster target acquisition and precision). Then decide if the battery life will serve your purpose. Guns shows are good for this as you can molest the different optics available. Then again, see if someone can let you squeeze off some rounds.

Stick with the big three for optics: Eotech, Aimpoint, Trijicon. There are others but are even more expensive than Trijicon Acogs.