Nightstick LGL-160-T

Weapon Light Review

Weapon lights are something that can be very useful on a long gun. They can light up a room, possibly disorient an intruder, or identify a target. Sometimes a more specialized weapon light is needed, that is where the Nightstick LGL-160-T comes in. The LGL-160-T is a version of Nightstick’s LGL-160 but uses a more focused beam. This allows the user to see farther into the night.

Nightstick calls the LGL-160-T the “Turbo Long Gun Light”. The “Turbo” translates to a high candela output. They spec the 160-T at 100,000 candela and 800 lumens. Lumens translate into total light output, while Candela translates into focus. So the higher the candela, the more the light beam will be focused. A lower candela would produce a wide beam. This weapon light definitely has a very focused beam width. One advantage of the very focused beam is that you can identify targets out to much longer distances. Nightstick specifies the beam distance out to 632 meters. My experience is that most lights have about half of the usable range of their advertised specifications. This seems to be about right for the LGL-160-T, as I could make out landscape features at around 400 yds.

One of the best features of the Nightstick weapon lights are that they come with everything needed to get them up and running. This is not just true for the LGL-160-T, but also other lights in the Nightstick line. Besides the light, the kit comes with a pressure switch, cable management, a normal and 45 degree picatinny mount, and batteries.

I do like the fact that the LGL-160-T comes with all that stuff. However, it does not use the standard “scout mount” hole spacing on the light itself. This means that if you want to mount it directly to an M-Lok or Keymod slot, you will need to get a separate mount from Nightstick. These mounts are inexpensive at around $20, so it shouldn’t be a big deal. They did supply me with their 45 degree M-Lok mount, which is what I used to mount the light. The 45 degree mount holds the light well and I really like where it places the light on the handguard.

There are two different ways to operate the LGL-160-T. One is by the standard push button tail switch. Just push it lightly to momentarily turn the light on. Or click it to turn the light on or off. This is how I use the light. However, the second way to use the light is with the supplied pressure switch tail cap. This pressure switch has both a pressure pad for momentary on/off and a push button clicky switch for on/off. The pressure switch and clicky work well. To aid with the pressure switch, Nightstick also includes their picatinny wire management clamp. I have used these clamps in the past and do like them. They definitely clean up how the cable runs along the handguard.

Now, what everyone wants to know, how well does the LGL-160-T work? Let us just say it is bright! Do not let the 800 lumen rating scare you away. Look at the Candela. It is definitely bright and laser like. It also does an okay job of lighting up a room, if you can reflect the light off of something like a white ceiling or light colored floor. Where it really shines is illuminating targets out at farther distances.

The Nightstick LGL-160-T is also dual fuel. So instead of the supplied CR213’s, you can use a rechargeable 18650. I really like the use of 18650’s. I tend to keep the CR123’s on hand for when rechargeable batteries are not an option, or I do not have a place to recharge batteries. This light will also run for 2 hours with the CR123’s, which is a pretty decent run time for a light of this type.

I mounted the LGL-160-T on a 12.5” AR style pistol. The light actually extends out over the muzzle brake. So every time I fire the AR it blasts the light head. The Nightstick has survived at least 500 or so 556 rounds to the face, or so one could say. I did not mount it that far forward just to abuse the light, I actually like the position of it. Being a pistol AR, it also does not have as much rail space as a full rifle length handguard. I was able to hit targets at 200 yds, at night, just using the light to illuminate those targets. This was with a red dot 1x optic, so no magnification. Yes, it is bright enough that a lot of light gets reflected back from the muzzle blast, but that is a problem with most lights. I was really pleased with the Nightstick weapon light’s performance.

If you are looking for a weapon light to illuminate targets farther out than normal, the Nightstick LGL-160-T might work for you. It can be had for around $150 street price, which is a decent deal when you figure in all the extras you get. The LGL-160-T also took a pretty good blasting from the muzzle brake, so it should keep up with any abuse you might put it through. Take a look into the Nightstick LGL-160-T “turbo” long gun light. It might not be a close up light, but it can reach out and say “Hello.”

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Long throw, high candela weapon mounted light

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a long throw weapon light

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Lumens: 800
High Beam Distance (m): 632
Candela: 100,000
Drop Rating: 2 m
Water Rating: IP-67 Dustproof/Waterproof
Runtime: 2 hours
Switch Function: Tail Cap Switch, 6" Remote Pressure Switch - Momentary and Constant-On
Case Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum, Black Anodized
Power Source: 2 x CR123
Diameter: Bezel - 1.4 in, Body - 0.9 in
Length: 5.3 in
Weight: 6.3 oz
Package Contents: Weapon light with standard Picatinny mount w/thumb screw and tail cap switch, Remote pressure switch (6” cable), 45º offset Picatinny mount w/thumb screw, pressure switch rail mount, wire management clamp, (2) CR123 batteries, 2.5mm Allen wrench, Alcohol prep pad, Adhesive-backed Velcro mounting strip, Instruction manual
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty