Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black Review

The Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black Made a Bold First Impression

I’ve spent years tweaking and perfecting my weapon light setups. I was always searching for ways to optimize the balance, clearance, and overall ergonomics. That’s why the Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black immediately caught my eye. This minimalist body promises increased compatibility and a cleaner profile compared to the standard Surefire Scout Light bodies.

My primary frustration stemmed from the limited space on my SBR’s handguard, particularly when using angled foregrips and wanting to keep my front sight unobstructed. The Arisaka body seemed to offer a potential solution by eliminating the integrated Picatinny mount.

Upon receiving the Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black, the first thing I noticed was its incredibly light weight. The CNC-machined 6061-T651 aluminum felt robust, and the MIL-A-8625 Type III hard coat anodized finish gave it a premium look and feel. Compared to the factory Surefire M300 body, the Arisaka felt significantly less bulky.

I was initially considering the Impact Weapons Components Thorntail Scout mount for a similar low-profile setup. I also briefly looked at replacing the entire light with a smaller option from Streamlight. However, I already had a substantial investment in Surefire heads and tailcaps, making the Arisaka body a more cost-effective and sustainable upgrade.

I was excited to see if the Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black could truly deliver on its promise of improved clearance and a streamlined setup. I hoped it would provide a more comfortable and functional lighting solution for my AR pistol.

Real-World Testing: Putting Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black took place at an outdoor shooting range during a low-light training session. I mounted it to my 10.5″ AR-15 pistol using an Arisaka Inline Scout Mount on a Magpul MOE SL handguard. I paired it with a Surefire KE1A head and a DS00 tailcap.

The difference was immediately noticeable. The Arisaka body, combined with the Inline Scout Mount, allowed the light to tuck much closer to the handguard. This resulted in significantly improved clearance for my Magpul MBUS Pro front sight. Even in slightly damp conditions, the grip remained solid and the light’s activation was reliable.

I encountered no issues during the first use. The light body integrated seamlessly with my existing Surefire components. The activation button was easily accessible, and the light output was consistent.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black has held up exceptionally well. I’ve used it in various conditions, including a rainy weekend camping trip and multiple dusty range sessions.

There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the hard coat anodized finish. The light body remains securely mounted. The modularity of the system has allowed me to swap out light heads (KE1A, KM1E) depending on the specific use case.

Cleaning and maintenance are simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or debris. Compared to my previous setup with the standard Scout Light body and a Picatinny rail mount, the Arisaka is far more streamlined and less prone to snagging. It definitely outperforms the previous bulky setup.

Breaking Down the Features of Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black

Specifications

• Arisaka Defense Item Number: LB-300. This is the product’s unique identifier, making it easy to find and order the correct part.
• Replacement Light Body for Surefire M300 Weaponlights. This body directly replaces the stock Surefire body, upgrading its functionality without replacing the entire light.
• Fits Any Aftermarket Scout Light Mount. Its compatibility ensures flexibility in mounting options, integrating with a wide array of aftermarket accessories.
• Supports Infrared Light Heads. This feature is crucial for night vision applications, enhancing versatility for different operational needs.
• CNC Machined from 6061-T651 Aluminum. The high-grade aluminum provides exceptional strength and lightweight properties, essential for tactical gear.
• MIL-A-8625 Type III Hard Coat Anodized Finish. This finish provides superior resistance to abrasion and corrosion, ensuring longevity and reliability in harsh conditions.
• Weight: 0.5 oz. The extremely lightweight design minimizes added weight to the weapon, crucial for maintaining balance and maneuverability.
• Color: Black. The black color provides a non-reflective and tactical appearance, blending seamlessly with most weapon systems.
• Fits Surefire Scout Light M300 series tailcaps and heads such as KM1E, KE1A and KX1A. This broad compatibility allows users to mix and match components based on their needs.

These specifications matter because they translate directly into improved performance and user experience. The lightweight and durable construction, combined with its compatibility and streamlined design, make it a significant upgrade for any weapon light setup.

Performance & Functionality

The Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black excels in its primary function: providing a low-profile and secure mounting platform for Surefire M300 series lights. It achieves this by eliminating the integral Picatinny mount. This allows for greater compatibility with various mounting solutions, particularly those that position the light closer to the handguard.

The primary strength is its minimalist design. This reduces bulk and increases clearance for other accessories. There’s really nothing to improve given its purpose.

The product meets and exceeds expectations. The improved ergonomics and streamlined profile make it a worthwhile upgrade.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is exceptional. The Arisaka Defense body is machined from high-quality aluminum. At just 0.5 oz, it adds minimal weight to the weapon system.

The Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black is extremely user-friendly. Installation is straightforward. Simply unscrew the existing light head and tailcap from the factory body and attach them to the Arisaka body.

Durability & Maintenance

The hard coat anodized finish provides excellent resistance to scratches and abrasions. The Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black is built to withstand the rigors of demanding use. With proper care, this light body should last for many years.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down after use is typically all that’s required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black itself does not come with any accessories, as it is designed to be used with existing Surefire M300 components. However, it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket Scout Light mounts from Arisaka Defense, Magpul, Impact Weapons Components (IWC), and others.

The light body also supports various Surefire M300 series tailcaps and light heads, including white light and infrared options. This allows users to customize the light’s output and functionality based on their specific needs. It provides excellent customization flexibility.

Pros and Cons of Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black

Who Should Buy Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black?

The Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black is perfect for shooters who prioritize a low-profile, lightweight, and modular weapon light setup. This is ideal for tactical users, law enforcement professionals, and competitive shooters. Anyone who wants to minimize bulk and maximize compatibility with various mounting solutions will benefit from this upgrade.

Those who are looking for a complete weapon light solution straight out of the box should skip this product. This is because the Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black requires purchasing a separate Scout Light mount, head, and tailcap.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality Scout Light mount from Arisaka Defense or another reputable manufacturer.

Conclusion on Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black

The Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black is a well-designed and thoughtfully executed upgrade for Surefire M300 Scout Lights. It offers a significant improvement in terms of reduced bulk, increased clearance, and enhanced modularity.

At $56.99, the price is justified considering the quality of materials, precision machining, and the functional benefits it provides. The value proposition is excellent.

I would highly recommend the Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black to anyone looking to optimize their weapon light setup. It delivers on its promises and provides a noticeable improvement in ergonomics and functionality. Upgrade your weapon light today with the Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body Black.