Trying to find the best AR-15 flashlight mount can be a challenge. Especially if you’re looking for something that will allow you to easily attach a flashlight to your rifle so you can use it in certain night time or low-light applications. For example, a good flashlight might be useful to you if you’re using your AR-15 in a night hunting scenario. Or it will be even better for you while you’re navigating around your home while defending it against burglars and prowlers.
To help you on the right path, we’ve taken the liberty of putting together a list of five of the best AR-15 flashlight mounts that are currently on the market.
Before we get to our list, we’ll discuss whether or not all flashlight mounts are the same or if they’re different in some other way. We’ll also provide you with a brief guide on how you can choose one for your own AR-15 rifle.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR15 Flashlight Mounts
- OUR TOP PICK: Odin Works KMod Flashlight Mount
- BlackHawk Offset Flashlight Rail Mount
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Monstrum 1 inch Picatinny Rail Mount for Flashlights
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Flashlight Mounts
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
Are All Mounts The Same?
The short answer: no. Despite sharing the same purpose, they’re not the same because they come in different types of designs. In a way, they’re like scope mounts. They come in different forms.
You can get a mount in a straightforward style mount or you can be able to mount your flashlight to some good old fashioned ring-style mounts. Like scope mounts, they can easily secure a flashlight in place and makes sure it stays there even after you’ve fired off many rounds with your AR-15 rifle.
How to Choose a Flashlight Mount For Your AR-15
This should serve as a brief guide to what you should be looking for if you’re in search of your own AR-15 flashlight mount. If you’re a first-time buyer, there’s a good chance that this will be something that you will often refer to if you’re stuck on which mount is best for your personal needs and preferences. Here is what to look out for during your search:
Price
If you’re a budget shopper, then you might be holding the price to a high importance. That’s understandable if you’re strapped for cash. Remember, there are a lot of cheap models out there that damage easily and won’t be able to get the job done. That is why you should consider finding one that is high in quality but is affordable for most budgets. They do exist. While they’re affordable, they’re usually a bit higher in price than the cheaper models.
Material
The material of which these mounts are made of are high in quality. Which means they are designed to be durable and resistant to all kinds of damage. Some of the popular materials that manufacturers have used are aluminum and steel. These are proven to be durable and highly protective of any recoil or shock that might throw the flashlight out of alignment.
Installation
The good news about these mounts is that they are easy to install. Even if you don’t have any gunsmithing skills at all, these take only a few minutes to install. This means you won’t have to rely on a gunsmith getting the job done for you, which will, in turn, cost you a lot of money for the service. Why do that when it’s something that only takes a few minutes and the right tools to accomplish?
Review of the Best AR-15 Flashlight Mounts
The following is a list of the five best AR-15 flashlight mounts that are currently on the market. It’s important for you to take a look at each of these flashlight mounts carefully so you can make a note of the features of each one and determine if it’s the right fit for you.
One of these five might end up being the one you choose. Or one that is not listed may be what you’ll end up purchasing. Either way, this should give you a good idea of what to look for. With that in mind, let’s get started with the flashlight mount we chose as the “best overall”:
Best Overall:
BlackHawk Offset Flashlight Rail Mount
Pros
Cons
Up next, we’ll be taking a look at the BlackHawk Offset Flashlight Rail Mount. This is designed to set your flashlight off to the side so it won’t obstruct the view of any scopes or optics that you decide to add on in the not so distant future. Having a good optic and a flashlight work together will definitely be a convenience when you’re using an AR-15.
Especially if you’re out on a night hunt or if you’re warding off any home invaders in a self-defense situation. This mount is made from high-quality aluminum, which is durable and will take on all kinds of abuse and recoil. Don’t be shocked after so many rounds that the flashlight you use remains in place with no wiggle room to speak of. It will hold it in place for as long as you need it.
This will fit almost any Picatinny-style rail and is low-profile to ensure that your rail usage is uninterrupted. Meaning that it won’t get in the way of any optics or scopes. If you have any accessories that you need to add on, the mount won’t be much of a problem.
This is compatible with flashlights measured up to one inch in length. If you don’t have a flashlight to add on yet, make sure you get one that will not only help you see better but will also fit this mount without any issues.
Bottom Line
Right away, the design is something that impressed us the most. BlackHawk definitely had the idea of customization in mind when they designed this scope mount. This will work with the scope or optic of your choice for sure.
Plus it takes the stress out of having to use one hand for your flashlight as well. This places the flashlight right where it’s supposed to be -- on the side of your rifle. If you’re looking for a mount that will serve as your extra hand for holding your flashlight, the BlackHawk might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Best for the Money:
Monstrum 1-inch Picatinny Rail Mount for Flashlights
Pros
Cons
For our next flashlight mount, we’ll be taking a look at the Monstrum 1-Inch Picatinny Rail Mount. This is a tough, lightweight little unit that is designed to take on a lot of recoil and punishment all while holding your flashlight in place. If you have a flashlight that is measured up to one inch in diameter, then it will fit on this mount.
It’s compatible with pretty much any Picatinny rail out there. Just attach it where you want it so you can make way for other customizable accessories like scopes or sights. The body is made from high-quality aluminum that will not cause damage if it hits the ground, nor will allow the flashlight to fall out of place after many instances of recoil.
On top of it all, it’s easy to attach. So you won’t need any gunsmithing skills to install this. Just the right tools and a few minutes of your time will be sufficient.
Bottom Line
This mount works with most Picatinny rails so it can cooperate with all kinds of scopes and optics. If you hold accuracy to a high level of importance (especially in night time conditions), you want a scope and a flashlight that will work together to give you an unfair advantage over your targets.
To start, all you’ll need is a flashlight mount that will keep your flashlight held together. The Monstrum just might be what you need, especially if this is your first time buying a flashlight mount for your AR-15.
3. Elzetta ZORM Tactical Flashlight Mount
Pros
Cons
Now we’ll be taking a look at the Elzetta ZORM Tactical Flashlight Mount. This is a single ring flashlight mount that is as close as you can get to something that’s tactical-style. It’s made from high-quality aluminum that will work to make your flashlight stable and secure once installed.
It is also compatible with most Picatinny rails. So if you have one that has just enough room for you to add on another accessory aside from an optic, then this will be good enough to add on. These will take on flashlights measuring from 0.7 inches to 1.1 inches in diameter.
If you already have a flashlight for your AR-15 please measure to ensure that it will be a perfect fit. If you have yet to get a flashlight, make sure that the measurements are in between that range.
The mount is easy to install and won’t take long before you’re able to tack on your flashlight. If you’re looking to turn your AR-15 into a force to be reckoned with in low light conditions, it starts with the right kind of flashlight mount. The Elzetta ZORM might be the best choice for you if you’re looking for something that will hold up in a tactical or home defense situation.
Bottom Line
The Elzetta ZORM is only a single-ring mount. But don’t let that discourage you in the slightest. It does a fine job holding your flashlight together in the applications where you need to use it the most. You’ll be able to quickly navigate through almost every obstacle no matter the application.
Plus, it’s a lot better than having to hold your flashlight in one hand while dealing with your AR-15 rifle at the same time. Other than that, it’s a solid little unit that will work with most Picatinny rails and won’t get in the way with some optics or scopes. If you’re looking for a flashlight to add on as one of your customizable items, then the Elzetta might be the mount to get.
4. Gear Sector - AR-15/M16 Offset Flashlight Mount
Pros
Cons
Next on the list, we’ll be taking a look at the Gear Sector AR-15/M16 Offset Flashlight Mount. If you’re looking for the best AR-15 flashlight mount that is affordable for almost any budget, then the Gear Sector brand flashlight mount might be exactly what you’re looking for. The design is a little unique upon first glance.
But it appears it’s an offset design so it won’t be able to obstruct any optics or scopes that you choose to put on your rifle. If the design is more of a convenience for you, then this flashlight mount could be a welcome addition to your AR-15. This is a low-profile and lightweight mount that will fit on almost any Picatinny rail. Which is a good thing considering that you can use it to customize your AR-15 with a few much-needed accessories.
This is CNC-machined from billeted aluminum, making it tough as nails and impervious to any kind of abuse. This is a snag-free design that won’t get caught up on anything and is also able to secure your flashlight in place once installed. Just add a flashlight of your choosing and screw it in nice and tight.
Once complete, you’re ready for your next night hunt or for when danger strikes and you need to fend off any prowlers or home invaders. It’s everything you want in a flashlight mount without ever having to break the bank. If that’s exactly what you’re looking for, the Gear Sector might be the last flashlight mount you’ll ever want to buy (at least for a little while).
Bottom Line
As expected, this scope mount has lived beyond the expectations of an average budget scope mount. The design itself is what makes it great. It puts the flashlight in an offset position and allows for obstruction-free usage of a scope or optic.
Plus, with the light close by, you can be able to draw some light into your scope making it helpful in low-light or dark conditions. If you’re looking for a flashlight mount that will help you see better no matter what the application, the Gear Sector could be considered a reliable mount to have if you’re strapped for cash.
5. Odin Works KMod Flashlight Mount
Pros
Cons
First on the list, we’ll be taking a look at the Odin Works KMod Flashlight Mount. This is a ring-shaped flashlight mount that is designed to give your flashlight of choice a lot of reliable support while it’s attached to your AR-15. The body is made from high-quality 6061 billet aluminum, making it a durable unit that will protect your flashlight from any shock that is produced by recoil.
If you have a VLTOR spec KeyMod rail, this mount will easily fit on there. This has all the mounting hardware you need to ensure an easy installation. The screws are at the right length so you can screw them on and keep the mount and the flashlight nice and snug.
As for position placement, you have a wide variety of positions to choose from. You can choose it at the 1 o’clock position or the 11 o’clock position. Others include 5 or 7 o’clock. Either way, you get to choose which position that best fits your personal needs or preferences.
This mount will fit flashlights that are measured up to an inch in diameter. If you have a flashlight that you’ve been dying to try out on your AR-15 rifle, it takes a nice solid mount like the Odin Works to get the job done.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the best of the best in terms of flashlight mounts, the Odin Works may be the best possible choice. The fact that you can install it so many different positions is what impressed us the most. Plus, it does its job by holding the flashlight in place so it’s more secure and won’t wobble or wiggle.
This is guaranteed to give you a maximum hold so you’re able to use your flashlight hands-free, regardless of what you’re using your AR-15 rifle for. If the Odin Works checks off any items off your wish list, you know that it’s worth buying.
Perks of Adding a Flashlight Mount to Your AR-15
If you think that using your AR-15 is only restricted for daytime use, you’re wrong. You can now use it in low-light or nighttime conditions no matter what the application. Here is a brief list of what advantages you’ll get to enjoy when you attach a flashlight mount onto your rifle:
Better Rifle Handling
It’s challenging to carry a rifle in one hand and a flashlight in the other. The same can be said if you’re even carrying a handgun. Having a mount secured in place on your rifle will allow you to better handle your firearm. You’ll also be able to move much faster and more freely in a certain application.
Better Navigation
Without flashlights, it would be impossible to move around in the dark with your AR-15 rifle. That’s why if you have a flashlight handy, you’ll be able to move around just fine. And you can navigate around corners and obstacles with the greatest of ease. Who says you can’t be more sneaky and agile in tactical or home defense situations?
Another Customization Option for Picatinny Rails
You thought Picatinny rails were only for scopes and optics? Not exactly. Sure, you can add a scope or an optic to a Picatinny rail. You can also do the same for a flashlight mount. Most of them have designs that allow for offset positioning so it won’t obstruct the view of the scope or optic that you’re using. If you’re looking to use your AR-15 rifle for round-the-clock usage, a flashlight mount definitely gives you that advantage.
Conclusion
The best AR-15 flashlight mount is out there. And it will take a bit of time and detective work to find the right one for you. There is no better thrill than to put your rifle to good use. Especially when you’re out night hunting for varmint or if you need to use it in a life and death situation like a home invasion.
You need to get around and you need to better see your targets in these types of situations. Don’t settle with using your hand as a flashlight holder. Get a flashlight mount so you can be able to pay better attention to your rifle and your intended target.
