Thread: Recommendation for scope mounted torch.

Originally Posted by hotbarrels

I've been using a Nitecore P30 since April 2018. Sold all my maxitorch stuff soon after purchasing the P30's.

Main advantages of the P30 for me are:
1. Single battery torch. Makes it way easer to manage battery's of various ages and/or capacities. Throw a battery in, run it till the light indicates its time to change, change and keep going. I found with double cell torches, one poor cell lets the pair down and you are changing out batteries unnecessarily. Means you carry less batteries for a nights shooting.
2. Single battery torch is way lighter and smaller. Less weight and less effect on rifle balance. Also makes it easy to carry a spare P30 on a belt holster just in case one fails (never happened yet, but it could).
3. Coupled to the Nitecore GM02 mount, the torch can be mounted to any short section of rail in a really slim line profile.
4. Due to the above, I mount my lights under my rifles. Using a router bit, I machine a small flat surface on the bottom of my wooden stocks dead parallel with the top of the barrel channel, and mount a small screw on section of rail. This way the torch mount is parallel to the barrel and is closer to the barrel centreline as opposed to mounting the torch on top of the scope, which puts the centre of the light beam all but dead centre with the point of impact. Once mounted the torch becomes a foregrip which helps with ergonomics of free hand shooting. A quick flick of the rear button on the torch after spotting your target with the head lamp and its all lit up for the kill.
5. P30 had two buttons. One is a separate on/off and the other is the power setting. Set the power you want once, then use the on/off. Never have to cycle through the useless flashing modes common with single button models.

If you want some photos showing the setup I can snap some images tomorrow.

Would love to see a side by side comparison with the maxtoch 2x I'd be supprised if it could match it.
The 2 battery thing isnt an issue no more complicated than changing a single battery torch twice as often imo.
If anyone in chch or North Canty wants to pit there p30 up against a 2x I'd be happy to meet up.

Originally Posted by dannyb

Would love to see a side by side comparison with the maxtoch 2x I'd be supprised if it could match it.
The 2 battery thing isnt an issue no more complicated than changing a single battery torch twice as often imo.
If anyone in chch or North Canty wants to pit there p30 up against a 2x I'd be happy to meet up.

Its not designed to match it.
The Maxtoch throws a 1200m beam as opposed to the 618 of the P30 but then its half the weight and much smaller.
P30 is also cheaper. Its a case of buying what you need and that fits into your shooting style within your budget.

Originally Posted by terryf

Its not designed to match it.
The Maxtoch throws a 1200m beam as opposed to the 618 of the P30 but then its half the weight and much smaller.
P30 is also cheaper. Its a case of buying what you need and that fits into your shooting style within your budget.

Fair call, wasn't ragging nitecore at all

Originally Posted by dannyb

Fair call, wasn't ragging nitecore at all

I've owned both the P30 and the 2x, at the same time, and have done the side by side. Due to the points I made in my previous post, and the fact that the difference in usable light output at rimfire varmint shooting ranges is negligible (.22LR, .22WMR and .17HMR), I sold the 2x and all of my other two battery torches (actually I gave three of them away here on the forum https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....en-away-43724/).

Yes, on a reflective surface "way out there" the 2x will reveal more, but shooting the P30 has never left me feeling under illuminated.
In terms of battery usage, I have found battery changes on the P30 to be less frequent than I was getting in the 2x, and I only have to carry half the number. More light output of the 2x demand more current, flattens batteries.

I have never spotlighted for deer, so on that topic I will let other share their wisdom.

Another thing to consider is, do you use a supplementary hand held torch or a head lamp for finding your quarry, and how does it's output match up to your rifle mounted light? I personally use an LED head lamp with 4x or 6x 18650 battery pack on my belt, and I only turn my rifle mounted light on when its time to shoot. My head lamp is specifically chosen so that it has a wider flood beam which is 5-10% under powered compared to the rifle mounted light. That way when you go up to shoot, you always know that your are going to have a higher illumination from the gun light for added safety.

I would have shot well in excess of 1,000 rabbits with my current setup, and probably a couple hundred possums. Love'n it!

Originally Posted by dannyb

Fair call, wasn't ragging nitecore at all

No worries, I sell Nitecore but its not best for a lot of applications and I'm the first to admit that.
I certainly wouldn't want to sell something to someone that isn't fit for purpose - in this case I believe that the P30 would be more suited to the OP than the Maxtoch in question.

Another brand to consider would be Olight, they make fantastic torches. Warrior X is a good option if the price is right and comparable to the P30.

The other consideration would be the warranty period. Nitecore and Olight are 5 years and, if memory serves, the Maxtoch is 12 months but they'll fix almost any age torch that comes across the workbench.
So all are a safe bet in terms of warranties.

Originally Posted by dannyb

Would love to see a side by side comparison with the maxtoch 2x I'd be supprised if it could match it.
The 2 battery thing isnt an issue no more complicated than changing a single battery torch twice as often imo.
If anyone in chch or North Canty wants to pit there p30 up against a 2x I'd be happy to meet up.

I don't think anyone wants a pissing competition.
The two are quite different torches in price, size, power. I think for shooting to 100m (as OP stated) the P30 or similar would be more than adequate.

Originally Posted by Shearer

I don't think anyone wants a pissing competition.
The two are quite different torches in price, size, power. I think for shooting to 100m (as OP stated) the P30 or similar would be more than adequate.

Pissing competition :-))
Like Rain wear - Sleeping Bags - Caliber's - Tikka versa "the rest" :-))))))))
Everyone who owns "x" Brand has the best and rest are not as good :-)

Re - above or below Re light position
Interesting - I do both - under is via Magnetic clamp
To be honest - do not see any visual diff - but I am getting rather blind.
I like above and I can protect the light better

"Horses for courses"