B5 Systems

SureFire – New M600 AA Can Use AA Lithium or Alkaline Batteries

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The new Picatinny compatible M600 AA Scout Light can be powered by AA lithium or AA alkaline batteries, the latter of which are typically more readily available globally.

“The M600 AA’s ability to be powered by two separate types of batteries is a key element to its anticipated success,” said SureFire Product Manager Chris Skahill. “For optimal performance, AA lithiums can be used. But it can also be powered by AA alkalines, which are more readily available and usually easier to find, particularly in remote or rural areas.”

Powered by two lithium AAs, the M600 AA’s solid-state light emitting diode (LED) generates a maximum output of 200 lumens and produces tactical-level output for up to 3.75 hours on a set of batteries. The output and runtime from two AA alkaline batteries is approximately one-third that from lithium AAs, but this reduced output/runtime is theoretically outweighed by the convenience of using these easier-to-find and often less-expensive power cells. But to maximize output and runtime, SureFire recommends powering the M600 AA with lithium batteries whenever possible.

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The M600 AA uses a proprietary Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens to shape the LED’s output into a smooth, flawless beam with ample reach and enough surround light to maintain good situational awareness in close- to medium-range applications. Like all SureFire Scout Lights, it securely attaches to any MIL-STD-1913 rail, the M600 AA utilizing an integral thumbscrew clamp that attaches/detaches the light to said rail in a matter of seconds. Constructed of lightweight aerospace aluminum that’s hard anodized with a Mil-Spec finish for added durability, this new Scout Light can be easily activated via its momentary-/constant-on click-type tailcap switch, or via several remote plug-in switch models available for purchase from SureFire as optional accessories.

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The M600 AA Scout Light has an MSRP of $299.00 and is currently available for purchase through authorized SureFire dealers. It will also soon be available for purchase directly from SureFire by calling 800-828-8809 or visiting surefire.com online.

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20 Responses to “SureFire – New M600 AA Can Use AA Lithium or Alkaline Batteries”

  1. About time. The faster people move away from the 123A battery, the better off we’ll all be.

    • mike says:

      For people who use them professionally, and have them bought by work, you can’t beat the power output. Any light that takes both AA and CR123 always runs at lower lumens and for less time on AA than the CR123. AA is a great option and I’m glad they are offering it; I’ll stick to the CR123 for my personal use.

    • straps says:

      When someone shows me a AA-powered light that can push 500 lumens for a reasonable amount of time I’ll be there with you.

      In the right circumstances, at the right distances, 500 lumens can deter escalation of a conflict that would get someone shot otherwise. That’s me conceding to 50% of SureFire’s argument–50% because SureFire was selling that story back in the 100-lumen era.

      I’m hoping a rechargeable, RELIABLE L-Ion module in a 2-cell form factor (AA or 123–I’m not picky) hits the market before an AA-powered 500 lumen light does.

      • The 6P originally was 65 lumens, for 60 minutes, so I have a hard time believing that 200 lumens isn’t going to cut it, especially when the X200 weapon light was pushing a heck of a lot less not all that long ago.

        LED technology is changing rapidly. Latching on to 500 lumens as if that’s the minimum required amount is silly.

      • TracerTong says:

        But does the average gunfighter really need 500 lumens on a weapon light? I have an L4 Lumamax on my AR and I almost find 100 lumens to be blinding to look at close distances from behind the weapon.

  2. TCBA_Joe says:

    So… m300 head with a AA compatible body?

  3. D says:

    Seven inches long with mini scout performance? That’s a big step backwards. One would have to be in an unsupported role in a pretty austere environment to need this.

    Let’s go back to eotech 551s and PEQ-2s while we’re at it.

    • Bill says:

      Or I can swing by WalMart on 3rd shift and use a coupon from Sunday’s paper to by a 16-pack of AAs for a fraction of the price of 123s. Just how much power do we realistically need, and how do we balance that against cost and availability?

      Reflector and switch design are also factors that play into it.

  4. El Guapo says:

    200 lumens vs the 600 my 123 does? No thanks. We already get issued 123’s for our PEQ-15’s so they’re never hard to come by. I have a hard time seeing much of a demand for something like this.

    • SSD says:

      DoD wants out of the 123 business.

      • Bill says:

        The 123 business, or the lithium transportation issues end of it?

      • D says:

        I get it, but the DoD (and SOCOM in particular) are pretty heavily invested in it. Brighter lights require more voltage and you don’t get there by trading 3V batteries for 1.5V batteries.

        I’m not ready to trade for larger lights and lasers in order to use AAs.

  5. DP says:

    The driving factor behind this is the ban on commercial air shipment of bulk packed lithium batteries.

    Want to send a resupply of batteries, via FedEx, to your guys in Lithuania? You can’t via commercial air.

  6. Terry says:

    This is good for anyone that doesn’t get issued CR123 batteries. I don’t know about in the US, but here in Australia, if you can find CR123s in a shop, you’ll pay about 3 times as much for them as top-grade lithium AAs.

    • mike says:

      Terry, that’s still the case in the US. The difference remains the amount of power they push. This whole thread turned into 9mm vs .45ACP sort of debate.

      • joe_momma says:

        i don’t know if id go with that analogy versus more of a smooth bore to a rifled bore. in close range, will they both get the job done? yes. but why limit capabilities instead of advancing them. 60 lumens used to be the shit, but no longer is it the measuring point.

  7. Willis Bee says:

    You mean Mag-Lite coulda been in the weapon light business all these years and didn’t even know it… !! Put a new tail-switch and rail-mount on Mag 2AA and this is what it would look like.

  8. Willis Bee says:

    Mini Mag-Lite Pro 2AA, 272 lumens and focusable beam for $35.00. I found Nite Ize tail-cap switch for $7.00. Zip-Ties, hose-clamp and camo-form tape are est. $15.00. How much $$ was that Surefire one again ?