If you are going to shoot in two different spectrums, you need the ability to illuminate and target ID in both of them. Enter the SureFire M600V Scout Light. SureFire’s dual output weapon light, helping you see in the visible spectrum as well as IR (infrared).
While SureFire is well known for their weapon lights, their line of Vampire lights is arguably less known. Yes, I said vampire. The “V” in their light models is in reference to Vampire. The ability for a light to produce IR light for use under NODs (Night Observation Device).
This might be a feature outside of some people’s use case, but if you are going to be working with Night Vision, it is invaluable. The newer Gen III tubes used in PVS-14s and PVS-31s are great, but sometimes you need supplemental illumination. And having a white light is needed when you aren’t running Night Vision. This light bridges that gap.
On the visible side, the light puts out about 350 lumens. While this seems paltry compared to the SureFire Duel Fuel Scout light, which boasts 12,000+ lumens, let’s look at it in application though. Because lens geometry plays a huge role.
Below are some photos of the M600V next to the DF Scout Light. While the numbers on paper are vastly different, you can see a marked difference in the output. The M600V keeps a much tighter beam with a hot spot in the middle. This in turn pushes further out as seen at 50 and 100 yards. The same holds true for the IR side of the light as well. Pushing out a hotspot but still having plenty of usable splash, even at indoor distances.
And with SureFire, there are options. One of my favorite things about these lights is how well they are supported by SureFire as well as the rest of the market. Depending on your needs, you can find all kinds of different mounts as well as tail caps and buttons for these lights.
When it comes to mounts, SureFire has a number of options. Ranging from mounting directly onto MilStd-1913 rails, or onto M-LOK. They also have their new PRO version which allows you to swing the light body out away from or towards your hand guard. This feature lets you get them in nice and close so that it isn’t a snag hazard. Or, if you need to clear a laser or other accessory, you can move the light out away from it.
They also offer a number of tail caps. Such as your standard clicky switch, with a momentary-on when half depressed or constant on when clicked. Or a tail cap that lets you connect one of their pressure pad switches. And they’ve created a standard that the market has adopted as well. So you can buy things like the Hot Button from Unity Tactical which lets you mount a low profile clicky switch to 1913 or M-LOK.
And the other thing you’re getting with SureFire lights is a known quantity. They supply the Military and Law Enforcement with lights for hard use. Their light bodies are made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is hard coat anodized. They feature O-ring seals as well, meeting the IPX7 standard of being able to be submerged in 1m of water for 30 minutes without damage. And thanks to their LED heads, they can withstand the constant punishment of recoil without being damaged.
The runtime with the 350 lumens of white light is approximately 2.5 hours. On the IR side, with an output of 120 milliWatts, the light will run for 16.75 hours. The light will throw a beam approximately 225 meters and has a weight of 4.8 oz with batteries.
Lastly, one of my favorite features of the M600V Scout Light is the bezel. As I mentioned before, this light can switch between spectrums. This is accomplished by moving the bezel of the light from Visible to the IR setting. And in between the two settings is an Off position. This is a great feature. It lets you turn the light off so that it can’t be accidentally activated during storage or transportation. And it also ensures you don’t have a white light/IR accidental discharge. Thanks to the knurling on the light head, it is very easy to move the light from one spectrum to the other, even in the dark with gloves.
All of this sounds great, but what about the cost? Spoiler; USA-made gear and equipment that is high quality doesn’t come cheap. And most anything related to night vision is pretty pricey. The M600V is no exception. They can retail for up to $450.00, but you can often find the M600V Scout Light for under $350.00. Expensive? Yes. But if you are going to be working in both spectrums, they are amazing. All the capability of two lights in one.
Good post and it seems pretty helpful.