I offer my thanks the good folks at Stik-N-Shoot for their patience.  This cool little light system has been in my possession, awaiting review, for quite a while.  It seemed logical to wait until I could take it to the range and put it through its paces before finishing the review.

Stik-N-Shoot is a Texas based company that specializes in Magnetic Lighting Systems – specifically for firearms.  The web site shows versions for rifle, shotgun, bow and handgun.  The particular sample they sent is labeled “3” Magnetic Rifle/Shotgun/Crossbow Tactical Green 200 Lumen High Intensity Light”.  They also included a pressure switch that replaces the standard click activated tail switch.

From the web site and literature:

-3” Block supports 4 zinc coated Neodymium Rare Earth Magnets that pull 108 lbs. of        magnetic pressure on your barrel

-Flashlight:  4” custom designed CREE XP-3 Technology LED Green light produces 200 lumen of tight tactical beam

-3 AAA batteries = 5+ hours of continuous use

-Temperatures are not a factor for our technology

-Lighting distance of 150 yards

-Calibrates to almost any metallic barrel with 3” of empty external barrel space

Stated warranty is to the original owner for 1 year from date of purchase against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service.  It is stated in bold print:  “FOR BARREL PROTECTION, ADHERE TO MAGNETS.  NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE TO BARRELS BY MAGNETS.”

Strong 3″ Magnet

This is a clever system – another one of those “why didn’t I think of that” ideas.  The light is VERY solid and heavy and has a quality feel to it.  The switch is 1 level and has a nice tactile ‘click’ when switching on and off.  Removing the included switch and installing the pressure switch is very simple – just unscrew one and screw the other one on – and the pressure switch has ample cord length and includes 2-sided tape should you wish to affix the pressure pad to the side of your firearm.

Simple Click Activated Switch

My integrating sphere does not perform well measuring green light, but I have no reason to doubt the manufacturers’ 200-lumen rating.  The beam is tightly focused and ‘throws’ well – the manufacturer claims that it will illuminate targets up to 200 yards.  While I didn’t test that claim, there are multiple “testimonials” on the manufacturers’ web site that seem to confirm the claim.  Again, just using the light around my neighborhood at night gives no reason to doubt the claims.

I applaud the manufacturer for using the ubiquitous AAA battery for power – 3 cells required with a claimed 5 hour run time.  Since AAA batteries are small, cheap and easy to find you would most likely always have access to replacements.

My shotgun collection is pitiful – an old Ithaca that I treasure and an inexpensive IAR that has been modified for home defense.  While (as seen in the photo) the light attached easily, it required not fully returning the slide to the home position after racking.

Showing Click Switch installed

Pressure switch installed

However, the plan all along was to go the range with my brother – he has a Mossberg shotgun with an extended magazine.  The ‘plan’ was to video my brother firing buckshot from his Mossberg with the light affixed to the tube.  The good news – we finally were able to go.  The bad news – the video didn’t take.    As disappointed as I am in that bad news, the goal was achieved – to test how well the light would hold under such extreme circumstances.

It gave a valiant effort!  My brother fired 5 shots – and with each shot the light shifted out towards the end of the barrel about an inch.  I watched (in horror) after the 4^th shot as the light teetered on the end of the tube – half on and half off.  I had nightmares of the next shot somehow impacting the light and sending buckshot everywhere!  Not to worry – no such bad luck – but the 5^th shot did send the light careening to the ground.

This is not meant to criticize the Stik-N-Shoot – it held very well under extreme circumstances and I have to believe that in normal use you would not encounter any such aggravation.  Remember, the magnet held to the tube but the laws of physics are just bound to come into play.  If that shotgun can back up a 230-pound man, then any magnet is bound to be ‘moved’ by the force.  I do have to wonder if application of a slightly grippy, padded surface (to the magnets) might minimize the sliding and even offer additional protection to the gun?  Just food for thought.  Incidentally, the metal on my brother’s shotgun suffered no ill effects from the application and subsequent sliding of the light’s magnets.   My only regret is that my video failed!

For the intended use this is a good system.  I say “for the intended use” because this probably would not be your choice for a general flashlight, but if you have need to attach a light to multiple weapons, and some/all of them do not have a rail system or perhaps you don’t want to spend $$ on weapon lights, this concept/product is a home run.

I would really like to see the output from the “white light” version, but this green version fills a niche with very few alternatives.