Lightforce Pred3x Lamp

Whilst lamping for predators is a more than enjoyable nocturnal pursuit, one of the main downsides can at times be the weight of the lamp and all the bits and pieces you end up carrying around. But what if you could fix a light so small to your rifle or shotgun that you didn’t even know it was there? Well now you can courtesy of the Lightforce PRED3X, so diminutive in size it makes a box of cartridges look incredibly bulky.

Now part of Sportsman Gun Centre’s portfolio and manufactured in Australia by Lightforce out of aircraft grade aluminium, the PRED3X redefines close range lamping. Based around three small hexagonal tubes, the PRED3X sits 56mm high, 47mm wide, 50mm long and weighs just 170g; the top tube contains the actual lamp and 16mm diameter lens that emits pure CRI (Colour Rendering Index) white light via CREE chips up to 80 metres. With a 220 lumen output and 4200K colour rendering, the artificial beam is as near to clear daylight as it’s currently possible to get, the end result being rapid target acquisition, the human eye not having to adjust to colour or brightness changes.

Beneath the light, the other two tubes house a pair of rechargeable 3.7V Li-ion batteries. Held in place by a small, rotating, captive flap that’s released by using the supplied Allen key, the batteries are charged in situ via a short USB cable. Plugged into the mains, or through your laptop, a full charge provides the shooter with up to 90 minutes of continuous, full power usage.

Use the Force

To attach to either rifle or shotgun, all you need is a short, 35mm long accessory rail or the optional telescopic sight mount from Lightforce. By flipping out the short lever, the sprung jaws open allowing the PRED3X to slide into position, closing the lever provides a secure, dependable lock. All you then need do is press the small button on the rear of the lamp and you’re up and running.

Clamped to the scope rail of a short, open-sighted rifle or, using the optional accessory rail around the barrel of a semi-automatic shotgun, the PRED3X very quickly proved its worth. Hit the button and the beam of white light is instant, by virtue of the mount it tracks perfectly with the gun and the shooter’s eye, whilst the lack of colour means no optical adjustment of the shooter’s iris. Likewise, the fact it weighs virtually nothing, this tiny Lightforce has no effect on how the gun handles or balances and once you’ve finished for the night, the lamp stows easily in your pocket.

And since you can recharge from a computer, the batteries can be refreshed whilst you’re at work the morning after, since you’ll nearly always have a vacant USB port. And at just £99.99 including the retro style, micro cell, foam-lined tin carrying case, the PRED3X is, as near to the all-round lamping device most shooters will ever need.