At a Glance: The Best AR-15 Flashlight Mounts
Comparison of The Best AR-15 Flashlight Mounts
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Our Top Pick
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Daniel Defense Offset Flashlight Mount |
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Our Top Pick
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Monstrum Tactical Offset Picatinny Rail Flashlight Mount |
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Our Top Pick
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Fyland 1″ Ring Flashlight Mount For M-lok Handguards |
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If you’re planning to use your AR15 at night or in conditions with low light, then a flashlight is necessary. However, carrying a flashlight in addition to your rifle is not practical or convenient.
While you can buy purpose-built weapon-mounted lights, these are pretty pricey and, therefore, are not an option for shooters on a budget. Thankfully, there is another way. An AR15 flashlight mount is an affordable product that allows you to mount any standard tactical flashlight.
In the article, I will explain further what an AR15 flashlight mount is, the advantages of using one, and how to find the best ones on the market.
Our Pick Of The 7 Best Ar15 Flashlight Mounts For Your Money
It’s not difficult to find a mount for your flashlight. However, not all flashlight mounts are the same, and they are certainly not all equal in quality and performance.
To help you distinguish the very best AR15 flashlight mounts out there, I have tested and reviewed the 7 best options. For each product, I’ve included a list of pros and cons. That will allow you to quickly and confidently determine which one is most suitable for your rifle.
Daniel Defense Offset Flashlight Mount
The Daniel Defense offset flashlight mount accommodates a 1-inch diameter flashlight body. They designed it especially for use with a vertical foregrip that you mount on the bottom of a standard Picatinny rail. This design means that as your forward hand grips the vertical foregrip, your thumb has quick and easy access to your flashlight’s rear button. This clever setup eliminates any accidental thumb slips, which could cause unexpected light discharges.
The USA made mount weighs 1.3 oz and can be mounted on either side of a Picatinny rail giving ambidextrous use. It’s precision-machined from a solid block of 6061 T6 Aluminum and finished with a Type III anodized black hard coat for a concrete and long-lasting finish.
It utilizes a patented “Rock and Lock” one-piece mounting system creating an even more robust and streamlined mount and simpler installation. There are mixed reviews online for this product, but I found this mount to work very well on my standard Picatinny rail. You can mount it in so many ways that you can’t go wrong, from 1 O’Clock to 11 O’Clock.
I found the mount places the flashlight just the right distance to and from the rifle. This positioning means your thumb can reach the tail cap perfectly. Moreover, it has a very sturdy construction, and the QD swivel gives reliable performance.
If you have an out-of-spec Picatinny rail, it’s important to note that you’ll likely experience some issues with this mount. There might be some wobble and rattle, and you may have to tighten it more than expected.
Pros
- Clever design that gives quick and easy access to the flashlight button
- Eliminates any accidental thumb slips
- Various ways to mount – from 1 O’Clock to 11 O’Clock
- Robust construction with T6 Aluminum
- Ambidextrous use – can be mounted on both sides of the rail
Cons
- Doesn’t work well with non-standard rails
- Expensive
Monstrum Tactical 1″ Offset Picatinny Rail Flashlight Mount
The Monstrum Tactical mount is optimized for offset mounting and is designed for mounting flashlights to rail equipped rifles or shotguns. It will attach to any side of a standard Picatinny 1913 rail, which has the flashlight offset to the side.
The mount is 1-inch in diameter, to handle most standard-sized tactical flashlights. This means it will typically take up 4-5 rail slots. It measures 1.8 inches in length and 1.6 inches in height.
It’s light in weight, yet durable and strong. It weighs 1.6 ounces and is constructed from high quality 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum. Installing this mount is easy and super quick. It can be done in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, this model does not feature a quick-release detachment, but it does twist off easily.
I found this mount to be well made as well as easy to install and take off. It functions perfectly in a side-mounted position, which it was designed for, but it will not work well if mounted on the top of the rail.
It’s one of the lower-priced options on the list, so I wasn’t expecting the best quality and performance, but I was very impressed. After 30 rounds of shooting, everything was still tight and holding strong, with no rattle or wobble. This mount offers brilliant value for money, and for shooters on a budget, it’s one of the best AR15 flashlight mounts.
Pros
- A brilliant mount for side rail attachment
- Easy to install and remove
- Holds strong and stays secure
- Lightweight but tough construction
- Affordable option
Cons
- Will only work in a side-mounted position
Fyland 1″ Ring Flashlight Mount For M-lok Handguards
The Fyland offset ring mount is solid and lightweight, specifically designed to give a perfect fit for M-Lok rail systems. It can be placed at 1, 5, 7, and 11 o’clock positions.
Made in the USA, the AR15 flashlight mount features a strong but lightweight 6061 billet aluminum construction and boasts precise machining. It has a 1-inch diameter to fit any 1-inch flashlight or other tube accessories. The mount comes with a hex wrench, screws, nuts.
I installed this mount super easily without the need for instructions. I like the flashlight placement the mount gives as it is perfectly in line with the barrel. That allowed my shots to connect with where the light was shining.
The flashlight mounting system is also robust. It has 4 screws to lock down the flashlight in an even way, plus 2 screws to secure it to your AR15 rifle platform. It has a perfect offset to dodge the other gear on a crowded handguard, plus it can be easily adjusted when needed.
It doesn’t rattle off the rail from the vibration, but some users have reported that it needs to be re-tightened after a few months, which is no problem. Furthermore, for such an affordable price, it’s fantastic that they include spare parts and tools.
Pros
- Designed explicitly for M-Lok rail systems
- Multiple position placements
- Strong and lightweight construction
- Comes with all installation tools needed
- Trouble-free to install and adjust
- Affordable price
Cons
- None
Modkin Led Tactical Quick-release Picatinny Rail Flashlight Mount
The Modkin LED tactical flashlight mount presents a quick attaching and detaching structure. It’s equipped with a QD cam lock allowing the mount to detach from your rifle in seconds. It also enables you to mount your flashlight at an offset position, aiming the sight more flexibly. That gives more support and comfort during shooting.
The mount will secure a flashlight, tactical LED light, night sight, or red dot diopter. It has a ring diameter of 1-inch and will fit all Picatinny and Weaver rails. Moreover, at 1.9 oz, it’s a lightweight gun accessory that won’t increase your rifle’s weight.
The mount has been precision machined from high-quality aluminum and features a black anodized matte finish, resulting in durable performance in the field. The mount includes 2 hex-keys, one to install the flashlight mount, the other to install the QD cam lock.
The offset allows for enough room to work the pump-action without any problems. It gives an excellent setup for home defense shooters using any long weapon with a rail. I particularly liked the quick-detach cam lock. This makes it stand out from other options on the market as many do not have this feature.
Overall, this mount is strong, sturdy, and versatile. It’s well made, fits well, and for the low price, it’s easily one of the best AR15 flashlight mounts currently on the market.
Pros
- Quick detach cam lock
- A very lightweight accessory
- Offset design for more flexible and comfortable shooting
- A high-quality mount for an affordable price
- Gives a very durable performance
- Comes with 2 hex-keys
Cons
- None
Modkin Picatinny Quick-release Mount For 25-30mm Flashlights
The Modkin Picatinny mount is ingeniously designed with an additional casing for use with different size O-Ring scopes. That means the mount will fit all 25-30mm flashlights or sighting scopes.
The original ring is 1.18 inches (30mm) in diameter, while the second ring is for 1-inch diameter scopes. If you have a 1-inch flashlight, you will need to unscrew the original ring screws and fit the alternative, smaller diameter ring inside the original.
Like the previous Modkin mount, this model is equipped with a QD cam lock for quick attaching and detaching. It works with all standard Picatinny and Weaver rails and comes with an Allen key to assist with the installation.
The construction is durable yet lightweight. It’s built from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and is then given a black anodized matte finish.
The mount is nicely made, but in my opinion, other models on the list gave better sturdiness and durability. It seems like the quick release latch does not have enough spring tension. It quickly loosens, and the flashlight could potentially get knocked off if hit hard enough. Therefore, I would suggest tightening the nut extra firmly. Other than that, the price is unbeatable, so it’s still a worthy contender.
Pros
- Features 2 different size O-Ring casings
- QD cam lock
- A nicely designed, lightweight mount
- Superb price
Cons
- Not the sturdiest or most durable
- Needs to be very firmly tightened
Monstrum Tactical Offset Flashlight Mount For Keymod Rail Systems
They designed the Monstrum tactical offset flashlight mount to provide modular attachment of flashlights to Keymod rail systems, giving seamless installation onto your Keymod equipped rifle platform.
The offset design angles the flashlight to the side, giving a more flexible hand or accessory placement without obstruction from the beam. Like most of the others on the list, this mount is compatible with standard 1-inch diameter flashlights.
The mount comes with everything you need to install it onto your Keymod platform, including screws, nuts, and a hex wrench. It’s available in 2 colors, black or flat dark earth. It’s also worth noting that all Monstrum Tactical rail and mount products come with a lifetime guarantee.
This Monstrum mount is lightweight and compact with a nice finish. However, my one concern is the construction of the mount. The material used does not seem to be the toughest, and the screws are a bit flimsy, so it does not give the most secure hold.
Other than that, it’s a functional mount for an unbeatable price. It makes your flashlight very low profile, so if you want a low profile, Keymod setup, this is one of the best AR15 flashlight mounts for you.
Pros
- Offset design for more flexible placement
- Gives a low profile set up
- Made especially for Keymod rail systems
- Includes all tools needed for installation
- A lightweight and compact mount
- Extremely affordable choice
Cons
- Could have a more robust, tougher construction
GG&G 1-inch flashlight mounting ring
The GG&G mounting ring provides an inexpensive yet rugged dovetail mounting interface for tactical flashlights or other small accessories. The mount has been designed to prevent any wobble or rattle. It preserves stealth when the light is not in use and gives you a clearer picture of the premises when actuated.
The GG&G mount is built with a 6061 T6 aluminum-alloy body and given a Type III hard coat anodized matte black finish. Weighing just 1.3 ounces, the flashlight mount ring offers a lightweight choice for attaching a tactical flashlight to your firearm.
This AR15 flashlight mount also features a large knurled thumb nut for easy installation. The ring is compatible with all standard Picatinny rails. It securely holds the light with 2 screws and a J hook top strap and will fit all 1-inch flashlights and accessories.
What I like most about this mount is the minimalistic and lightweight design. It’s great because it doesn’t add any bulk or weight to your rifle. My only complaint is the screw holes that tighten down around the flashlight. I found they stripped out very quickly because the metal is too soft. To work with this, you can either use a small flat head screwdriver and apply little torque or hold the screwdriver’s shaft when tightening.
This 1-inch Picatinny rail mount is very inexpensive and is an excellent option for shooters wanting a cheap but good mount for their flashlight.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Reduces wobbling and rattling very well
- Minimalistic design to save rail space
- Straightforward to install
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Screws are a bit flimsy
What is an AR-15 flashlight mount?
A flashlight mount allows you to mount a standard tactical flashlight to your AR15.
- It will help you maintain a clear view of your target when shooting at night or in low-light conditions.
- There’s one huge benefit of a flashlight mount. You can operate your AR15 with both hands, rather than holding your rifle in one hand and your flashlight in the other.
- It also means you can use your favorite flashlight as a weapon light without splashing out on an expensive weapon-mounted light.
The best AR15 flashlight mounts will give you many more mounting options than purpose-built weapon-mounted lights. They give you more flexibility as you can place your flashlight in the best spot on your rifle.
Flashlight mounts will ensure your flashlight firmly stays in place even after you’ve fired off many rounds.
Benefits Of Using An Ar-15 Flashlight Mount
The most obvious benefit of using a flashlight mount on your AR15 is that it gives you the ability to shoot at night or in low-light conditions. But that’s not all. Here are 3 other advantages you’ll gain from this game-changing upgrade.
Better Rifle Handling
It can be extremely difficult and frustrating to carry a rifle in one hand and a flashlight in the other. That can massively slow you down and reduce your performance and accuracy.
- Having a mount secured in place on your rifle will allow you to handle your AR15 is a much more efficient way.
- You’ll also be able to move much faster, which will lead to better performance and accuracy in your shots.
Better navigation
As well as having better handling of your gun and moving faster, you will find your navigation will be so much finer too.
- With your flashlight safety secured, you can navigate around corners and obstacles with the greatest of ease.
- That will also help you be more sneaky and agile in tactical or home defense shootingg, improving your shooting skills greatly.
Easy to switch flashlights or other accessories
Along with easy mounting to your Picatinny rail, the best AR15 flashlight mounts also feature designs that allow for offset positioning. This means your flashlight won’t obstruct the view of the scope or optic that you’re using.
If you’re looking to use your AR15 for round-the-clock usage, a flashlight mount is good. You can keep the flashlight mounted even when not needed, or you can easily switch it out for another accessory, which will take just a few minutes.
How To Choose An Ar-15 Flashlight Mount
There are a few factors to take into consideration when shopping for a flashlight mount. Here are the top 3 things to contemplate to find the best AR15 flashlight mounts.
Material
Checking the material and quality of the mount is a must. The most popular materials used are aluminum and steel. These materials are proven to be durable and highly protective of any recoil or shock that might throw the flashlight out of alignment. This high quality assures you that your flashlight mount will be durable and resistant to all kinds of damage.
Price
If you’re on a budget, you may be tempted to opt for the cheapest option available. While there are many cheap models on the market, they usually damage easily and are not effective at getting the job done.
There are, however, various flashlight mounts that are high in quality but are still affordable for most budgets. They are usually a bit higher in price than the cheaper models, but because of the significant difference in quality, they will last a lot longer, and thus, they provide much better value for money.
The models we reviewed in this guide cover different price ranges to address all budgets. They include some more affordable options that do not lack in high quality and performance.
Installation
Luckily, most flashlight mounts are easy to install; however, the installation process is still something you should research before purchase. The best AR15 flashlight mounts will only take a few minutes to install and will not require any gunsmithing skills. That means you can quickly and easily install the mount yourself, even if it’s your first time. Moreover, just a few common tools are required for this process too.
Mounting Options For Ar-15 Flashlight Mounts
AR15 flashlight mounts can have different mounting designs, so it’s crucial to choose a mount that is designed for the mounting system you use on your rifle.
Each AR15 flashlight mount is designed to work with a particular mounting system. The three flashlight mounting options you will come across are:
- Standard Picatinny rail – Picatinny rail offset mounts give great flexibility allowing you to mount the flashlight on any side of your rail.
- M-Lok style rail – Flashlight mounts for M-Lok handguards are solid and lightweight ring mounts.
- KeyMod system – The modular offset design allows for flexible accessory placement without any obstruction of the flashlight beam.
As Picatinny rails are the most commonly used mounting systems on AR15s, there is a wider range of flashlight mounts that are compatible with this rail compared with the other two systems. Furthermore, some AR15 flashlight mounts only work with one mounting style, while others are compatible with more than one type.
What Is The Best Ar15 Flashlight Mount On The Market?
The best AR15 flashlight for you will depend on the mounting system you use on your rifle. As most shooters use a Picatinny rail, I will share my favorite flashlight mount for this system.
I was impressed with many of the products I tested, but the one I favored the most was the Modkin LED tactical quick-release Picatinny rail flashlight mount. There are a few reasons why. Firstly, I like the QD function and found it worked well. It was super easy to attach and detach the mount to the rail. That lets you move your flashlight around and take it off without any hassle when you’re not using it.
Secondly, the offset position gives you more flexibility, support, and comfort. On top of that, it’s lightweight, strong, durable, and a great price!
I hope this article has shown you the importance of mounting your flashlight to your rifle and helped you in your search for the best AR15 flashlight mounts available. A flashlight mount is undoubtedly one of the most affordable, useful upgrades you can make on your AR15 platform.
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