This is my second Streamlight HL-X. The first one I purchased is the 88071, this is an 88066. I recommend going with the 88071 because it includes the Streamlight 18650 rechargeable battery - this model ships with two Streamlight CR123s. This was my fault, so I have not deducted any overall stars.
The light itself has great output and is well constructed. Out of the box, you get the light, two batteries, a clicky tailcap, and a tape switch tailcap. It also comes with a piece of adhesive for the tailcap, two zip ties, and two rubber feet for attaching the tape switch to 1913 rails. My recommendation is to upgrade to a Cloud Defensive LCSMK2J tape switch mount, since the zip ties can get a bit unruly and the Cloud Defensive mount has better cable management. That being said, if you are just trying to get your firearm up and running, it is great that Streamlight includes a mounting solution. The tape switch itself is somewhat mushy but can be activated across the whole length of the switch, unlike some other options I have tried where you need to press directly in the middle. The constant activation button has a helpful shield around it to prevent unintentional activations, and I tend to mount my tape switches so that this button faces away from me.
The Streamlight HL-X ships with a 1913 thumb screw mount installed in the box. This is an okay mount, but it is a bit on the bulky side. The HL-X is compatible with most Surefire Scout footprint mounts, so I replaced the included 1913 mount with a Magpul M-LOK offset Scout polymer mount and hardware from Arisaka defense. If you don't want to pay for the $3 in hardware, you can attach the 1913 thumb screw mount to the Magpul offset adapter as well since it has a slot for the cross bar.
The main downside to the HL-X's mounting system is the screw body placement. Most Surefire Scout lights and other lights that use the same two hole mounting pattern bias the mounting holes to the rear of the light to move the light forward on the gun compared to the mount. Surefire does not do this - the holes are smack dab in the middle of the light body. Combine this with the already bulky nature of the Streamlight HL-X and you may have some packaging issues when trying to set up a weapon with limited rail space. I may eventually transition to a Haley Strategic Thorntail SBR mount to remedy this since it pushes the light even farther forward. I would simply go with a longer Arisaka in-line mount and put it on the 1:30 section of 1913 rail, but the screw hole location prevents you from using the Arisaka in-lines without modifying a hex key to tighten the hardware.
Overall, for the price, I feel that this light, despite the bulk and mounting issues, is a solid contender for a carbine or shotgun. With some upgrades to accessories like a light mount and a tape switch mount I think the Streamlight HL-X will serve you well.
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