What light should I get ?

[Dr.Mavashi]

I am building my Mad Max end of the world rifle, PWS 16 inch upper, mlok rail. This is not home defense, or CQB rifle, this open terrain and some urban area purpose. Optics wise I plan to run prism scopes and thermal clip on. Is surefire really the only bomb proof option, my understanding that Scout is probably one of my options, but prices ……..

[Munny$hot]

Look at the Surefire G2X Tactical which is a decent light for the money. As for your optic setup unless you're using a 1X prism a TWS clip on will not be ideal.
Magnifying the pixels will result in a degraded image.
Generally a stand alone TWS with a low base magnification 1.5-2 is ideal for moving targets with the best field of view. A 4-5X prism with a top mounted RDS with a good return to zero QD mount and a TWS on a QD mount would be my suggestion

[tacticalcity]

The Scout is indeed pricey. Especially the vampire model which is night vision compatible. Nevertheless, it's my weapon light of choice. I'm running the rifle and pistol version on most my guns.
Surefire M640DF Scout Light Pro Weapon Light Picatinny Rail Black

I've seen a few "trusted name" type people running the Cloud Defensive Brand lights on YouTube. The REIN model is rather pricey but the RL50 seems to be reasonably priced. I do not know what the differences between them would be. Don't know much about the brand.
Cloud Defensive REIN 3.0 Weapon Light Picatinny Rail FDE
Cloud Defensive RL50, 50,000 Candela, 1100 Lumens, Flashlight,Mount Included, Black

I am running an INFORCE WML on one of my shotguns and I like it. It doesn't allow for a pressure switch, so you will need to mount it on the support hand side of the rifle. The White Light only version is very affordable, and they work great. I've got the same light mounted to my bump helmet that I use for running night vision. If you're looking to save a little cash and get a really well made weapon light this would probably be my recommendation.
Inforce WML Gen 3 Weapon Light Picatinny Rail Black

I've never tried Streamlight's rifle weapon lights. But the handgun lights of theirs that I have used were alright. I prefer Surefire and Inforce. But if you can find a Protac model at a good price they are trusted by lots of folks, including some law enforcement types. They are also half the price of Surefire but in a similar format.
streamlight protac rail mount 2 - MidwayUSA

There are lots of others, I just don't know much about them.

[Sig79]

I am building my Mad Max end of the world rifle, PWS 16 inch upper, mlok rail. This is not home defense, or CQB rifle, this open terrain and some urban area purpose. Optics wise I plan to run prism scopes and thermal clip on. Is surefire really the only bomb proof option, my understanding that Scout is probably one of my options, but prices ……..

Scout, maybe mini scout.

[Dr.Mavashi]

Look at the Surefire G2X Tactical which is a decent light for the money. As for your optic setup unless you're using a 1X prism a TWS clip on will not be ideal.
Magnifying the pixels will result in a degraded image.
Generally a stand alone TWS with a low base magnification 1.5-2 is ideal for moving targets with the best field of view. A 4-5X prism with a top mounted RDS with a good return to zero QD mount and a TWS on a QD mount would be my suggestion

So, some 1.5x TWS in front of ACOG would be ok, not too much distortion ? Thanks.

[esy]

I typically run Streamlight for a lot of my duty lights. The main reason I haven’t run their rifle light is because there aren’t a ton of good, inexpensive pressure pad mounts (may have changed in the last handful of years).

That’s why I run the Scouts on most of mine since buying a Cloud Defense pressure pad mount would increase the price more than I’d like and it won’t be too much more for the Scout.

The newer model Scouts have an integrated swivel mount on it and it gets the light tight against the rail. I like it as slimline as possible so that’s also a plus for me.

Other than that, all of my pistols get Streamlights.

[tacticalcity]

I was binge watching NCIS Los Angeles, and the team are running Daniel Defense MK18 SBRs with the Inforce WML light on them. Made me think of this post. Not saying TV Shows are the best place to determine what gear to buy, not at all. But this setup was an improvement as far as practicality and realism when compared to other rifle setups I've seen on the show. While I prefer Surefire Scout Vampire lights, the Inforce WML is a nice light. And very budget friendly. It offers a nice solid beam without bulb shadow that some less expensive lights are known for.

In case you're curious it was Season 10 Episode 16.

[Reno-Kid]

Inforce WML is on my Aero AR9. Perfect for HD.

[Dr.Mavashi]

How about this one ? Again, this is not for HD, this for madmax musket, light will be more of a utility, don’t really care about pressure pad - worry about much more about accidental flash/light discharge, position give away. I can get two ( one spare ) for half price of surefire scout ….. https://a.co/d/9xpQSvv