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  • Post last modified:May 6, 2023

If you're looking for the best weapon light for AK 47, you're in the right place. Thanks to the modern AK's modular design, mounting accessories such as rifle weapon lights has never been easier. In this article, we'll explore some of the top options for AK 47 weapon lights and their mounting accessories.

Our top pick for the ultimate combination of lumen intensity and durability is the Surefire M600DF. However, if you're looking for something lightweight, the Inforce WML is a great option. Of course, there are plenty of other tactical lights available for long guns that are also worth considering.

Best AK 47 Weapon Lights

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AK is a piston-driven gun, and it's front-heavy, so please consider the weight when adding a light.

Best Overall

Surefire M600DF

surefire m600df
  • 1500 Lumens
  • 16000 Candela
  • Throw/Spill
  • 5.15 oz

Best Value

Streamlight HLX

streamlight
  • 1000 Lumens
  • 27600 Candela
  • Throw/Spill
  • 6.4 oz

Best Modularity

MODLITE 

modlite full size
  • 1350 Lumens
  • 54000 Candela
  • Throw
  • 5.4 oz

Best Durability

Cloud Defensive REIN

rein v2 full size
  • 1100 Lumens
  • 71000 Candela
  • Throw
  • 7.25 oz

Best Price

Olight Javelot

olight javlot tac
  • 1000 Lumens
  • 88320 Candela
  • Throw/Spill
  • 6.38 oz

Smallest Size

Olight Odin Turbo

streamlight tlr 1 hl
  • 1000 Lumens
  • 15000 Candela
  • Super lightweight
  • 4.18 oz

Surefire M600DF Ultra Scout

Surefire-M600DF-light-beam-pattern

The Surefire M600DF Ultra Scout is an upgraded version of the standard M600 Scout light designed for long guns. It has the same dimensions and body profile, but is much brighter than its predecessor.

With a maximum output of 1500 lumens and 16,000 candela, the M600DF is capable of providing extended range and focus, making it ideal for medium and long-distance illumination. The flashlight can be powered by either an 18650 battery or a CR123A battery, with the former being recommended for high-intensity lumen LED lights.

The M600DF features a Surefire TIR lens that can absorb shock and produce enough surround illumination for maximum peripheral situational awareness. The flashlight also comes equipped with a Z68 tailcap switch that offers both momentary and constant-on modes, and is compatible with various pressure switches.

The light is constructed from lightweight 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum and finished with a Mil-Spec Hard Anodized coating, the M600DF is designed to withstand combat-like conditions and is O-ring sealed to keep out the elements. This makes it a reliable and durable tool that can be trusted to perform in critical situations.

MODLITE PLHv2

MODLITE-plhv2-head-light-beam

Modlite offers a high-performance LED light head that provides even more lumens and throw than the Surefire M600DF. The Modlite PLHv2, for example, produces an impressive 1350 lumens and 53K candela, making it one of the brightest and most versatile lights available. Other Modlite options include the IR 850 with 1100mW and the OKW with 680 lumens and 69K candela.

If you already own a Surefire M600DF, you can simply replace the KE2-DF head with a Modlite light head to improve the throw performance, especially on medium to long-range rifles. The Modlite light heads are designed to fit on the 18650 body of the M600DF, making it an easy upgrade.

For those in the market for a new weapon light, the Modlite is highly recommended. Its complete, all-in-one package or individual replacement heads offer superior performance, versatility, and durability. With its impressive output and unique reflector design, the Modlite PLHv2 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance weapon light that can handle a wide range of applications.

Inforce WMLx White/IR Gen 2

inforce wml light beam pattern

The Inforce WMLx is an affordable and lightweight white visible light that is perfect for AK rifles. Since the AK is already a front-heavy rifle, keeping it lightweight is essential.

The light is easy to install and does not require any tools, as it mounts on the M1913 Picatinny rail. It has an ergonomically contoured design that allows for easy on/off light operation. For optimal grip, it is recommended to mount the light on the side handguard rail of the AK.

It is essential to avoid mounting the light on the railed AK gas tube for C Clamp grip due to heat. This location is uncomfortable, not temperature safe, and not recommended.

The Inforce WMLx Gen 2 is made with an impact-resistant, glass-reinforced polymer body, which keeps it lightweight. It weighs only 4.02 oz with batteries installed. The light can produce up to 700 lumens of intense white light through 3 mode functions: momentary, constant on, and strobe.

Additionally, the 400mW infrared light mode gives the shooter an unfair advantage in the darkness. This mode is ONLY visible under a pair of night vision goggles. Users can easily switch between white and IR light modes with just a flip of the lever.

Streamlight Pro Tac

streamlight protac hlx hallway light pattern

The Streamlight ProTac HLX is an excellent alternative to the Surefire M300 for those looking for a more affordable option. It is particularly suitable for AK rifles for close-range applications.

The ProTac HLX runs on one CR123A or one AA alkaline battery, making it a dual fuel weapon light. It can produce up to 350 lumens of brightness, which lasts about 1.75 hours on high mode and up to 15 hours on low mode.

One of the benefits of the ProTac HLX is that it has the same mounting footprint as the Surefire M300C and M600. This means that users can use light mounts made for the Surefire on the ProTac without any compatibility issues.

Additionally, the ProTac HLX comes with a pressure switch at no additional cost, making it an even better value. Overall, the Streamlight ProTac HLX is a high-quality and affordable weapon-mounted light that is perfect for AK rifles.

Streamlight TLR 1 HL - Smallest Size

streamlight tlr 1 hl beam pattern

The Streamlight TLR-1 HL is a handgun light designed to be mounted on handguns, but it can also be used on other firearms with a Picatinny rail, including AK rifles.

However, the TLR-1 HL is significantly smaller and less powerful than the Streamlight ProTac HLX or the Inforce WMLx, which are designed specifically for use on rifles. The TLR-1 HL has a maximum output of 800 lumens, which is the same as the Inforce WMLx, but it has a shorter runtime and a shorter effective range.

While the TLR-1 HL may be suitable for use as a secondary or backup light on an AK rifle, it is not ideal for primary use. The TLR-1 HL is relatively small and may not provide enough illumination for certain applications, such as low-light or tactical shooting situations. 


FAQ

If you have an old school AK and don't have a railed handguard, the RS Regulate BM1 light mount is the best way to mount a light securely. The mount clamps around the barrel and provides a stable platform for mounting a weapon light.

The user can orient the mount in any direction and use either tail cap activation or a pressure switch for operation. This allows the user to configure their AK the way they want it.

For those who prefer to mount a weapon light on the railed AK gas tube, the most common and modern method, there are a variety of light mounts available. Some popular options include the SLR rail or those made by Midwest Industries.

The Impact Weapon Component Throntail light mount or the angled version are also great choices. These mounts offer various angle offsets and lengths to provide the best ergonomics. They are also compatible with dedicated Scout lights if the right one is purchased.

For modern AK users who have KeyMod, M-LOK, or M1913 Picatinny handguards, mounting a tactical flashlight or any other accessory is simple.