HOW TO CHOOSE WEAPONLIGHTS

HOW TO CHOOSE WEAPONLIGHTS

PRIMARY CONSIDERATIONS

Given that most modern handgun and long gun WeaponLights now use LED emitters—and that the output of all Laserwin WeaponLights far exceeds the 180lumen minimum necessary to degrade an aggressor's dark-adapted vision at close combat ranges—there are currently four primary considerations in selecting the proper weapon-mounted light for a given application or mission:

1. Reliability — The light must be reliable, able to handle weapon recoil and expected combat conditions.

2. Output and Beam Configuration — The light needs to provide the necessary output and beam shape (flood, spot, or a combination of both) to locate and identify potential threats at the anticipated combat range.

3. Ergonomic Switching — The light should feature intuitive switching that allows easy operation without significantly altering a fundamentally sound grip on the weapon.

4. Compactness — The light should be as small and lightweight as possible.




BEAM CONFIGURATION

Beam configuration refers to the three-dimensional shape of the light emitted from an illumination tool (typically cone-shaped) along with how the light is distributed within that shape. There are two primary beam configurations used by most weapon-mounted lights:

1. Flood Beam, Figure 1, right. In a flood beam, also known as a wide-angle beam, the emitter’s light is focused into a wide cone or near-hemisphere with uniform light distribution throughout the beam. This produces more-natural lighting conditions (more like the sun) and maximizes area and peripheral illumination. But wider-angle illumination comes at the expense of reach, thus reducing situational awareness and target ID/acquisition capability at longer ranges. Typically, wider-angle beams are produced by using smaller-diameter reflectors to focus the beam.

2. Spot Beam, Figure 2, right. In a spot beam, the emitter’s light is focused into a narrow cone. This narrow beam achieves maximum “reach” for the illumination tool’s given lumen output, but it comes at the cost of less area/peripheral illumination at closer ranges, thus diminishing situational awareness in close-quarter and more-confined spaces. Spot beams are achieved by focusing an emitter’s light with either a larger-diameter reflector or a lens that projects the light forward.

Because weapon-mounted-light applications are not typically always long-range or always close-quarter in nature, SureFire LED WeaponLights produce a third type of beam:

3. Beam with Reach and Surround Light, Figure 3, right. These best-of-both-world beams—with both ample reach and sufficient peripheral illumination—provide benefits of both extremes for maximum versatility. SureFire biases individual WeaponLight beams toward spot or wider-angle, depending on the intended application, by using either a precision-machined reflector or one of our patented Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lenses to focus the emitter’s light.






Close-quarter applications — Generally speaking, a WeaponLight intended specifically for indoor and close-quarter applications should have a moderate-output, wider (flood-biased) beam. This will:
Maximize peripheral vision and situational awareness
Minimize hot spots and beam splash-back from light-colored walls and reflective surfaces that can degrade the user's night-adapted vision
Provide a broad light cone capable of disorienting one or more opponent’s dark-adapted vision

In close-quarter context "moderate-output" means at least 100 lumens. For single-output WeaponLights the maximum desirable output will depend on the maximum engagement distance expected, as well as considerations concerning the size, weight, and runtime of the WeaponLight (see "IS MORE LIGHT ALWAYS BETTER?" below). Of course, a variable-output WeaponLight permits adjusting output for a particular situation.



Mid-range to longer-range applications — For these applications, a WeaponLight should have high-output, narrow (spot-biased) beam. This will:
Increase reach, maximizing target ID capabilities and stand-off engagement range
Extends blinding/dominating effect to longer ranges




IS MORE LIGHT ALWAYS BETTER?

Given that combat conditions are continually changing, it is nearly always better to have more light available, since it provides greater reach, greater situational awareness, enhanced target identification capability, and enhanced domination through light. However, sometimes more light can be detrimental. Here’s why:
In close-quarter situations an excessively bright light can bounce off walls, windows, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces and into your eyes, dangerously degrading your own night-adapted vision.
Higher light output usually requires more power, meaning more batteries, which can add weight to your WeaponLight. More weight means a heavier, less maneuverable weapon. The more your gear weighs, the more energy you expend transporting it, which can add up in combat conditions and training exercises.
High-output WeaponLights typically don't run as long as lower-output lights powered by the same number of batteries. A shorter runtime means you'll consume more batteries and may necessitate carrying more spare batteries on missions.

A WeaponLight with multiple- or variable-output capability eliminates these issues and provides the best of both worlds—and maximum versatility.




OTHER CRITERIA TO CONSIDER

Light Spectrum — White light is not always the first choice for certain operations. When used in conjunction with night vision devices, infrared LEDs provide stealth illumination that’s virtually invisible to the naked eye. Lower-output and colored secondary LEDs, used for navigation, minimize light signature and help preserve dark-adapted vision. SureFire makes V-Series WeaponLights with white-light and IR output capability, as well as Vertical Foregrip WeaponLights featuring lower-light-signature LED navigation lights.

Laser Capability — Along with sufficient light to illuminate a target, some users want a laser sight for effective aiming, particularly in unconventional, highly stressful situations. 2HY06 WeaponLights offer white-light plus vibrant laser sights in Green.
Switch Selection — In high-stress situations, when there’s no time to think, just react, operating your WeaponLight needs to be second nature. An ergonomic, intuitive, fail-safe switch on your light is critical. You need one that turns on when you need it, off when you don't, and won’t accidentally activate and give away your location. A switch that does all of these things, and allows you to operate your light without sacrificing a fundamental shooting grip, meets all the necessary criteria. Every SureFire WeaponLight gives you all of the above.




Mounting/Attachment — WeaponLights can be mounted in a variety of ways: to a railed pistol, an accessory rail on a long gun, as a semi-permanent dedicated forend that replaces a weapon’s original factory forend, or even to a long gun’s barrel or gas tube. SureFire offers WeaponLights that mount or attach securely in many ways, to accommodate virtually any firearm. The three basic attachment methods are shown below.





Picatinny Rail Mount

A thumbscrew clamp or throw-lever clamp attaches the WeaponLight to the MIL-STD 1913 ("Picatinny") rail of a long gun or hand gun.


Barrel or Tube Mount

For firearms without rails, or for those with rails already occupied by an accessory. A clamp attaches the WeaponLight directly to the barrel, magazine tube, or gas tube, depending on the weapon.


Replacement Forends

Replaces your firearm's original factory forend. Light and switching are integrated into the forend without any exposed wires or cables.




Batteries — A high-performance WeaponLight demands an equally high-performance power source. All SureFire WeaponLights for hand-held weapons are powered by SureFire 123A lithium batteries. These 3-volt high-energy cells are powerful, affordable, disposable, and offer significant advantages over alkaline batteries, including:





Longer shelf life
Better temperature tolerance
Higher power density
More voltage, smaller size
Superior voltage maintenance
Built-in fault/heat protection

A Comprehensive Weapon Lights Guide

A Comprehensive Weapon Lights Guide

The concept of weapon lights was first presented in the 1930s, and it was aimed to assist law enforcement personnel and the military in recognizing targets before shooting. Due to the introduction of these beneficial lights, searching for individuals in complete darkness and low-light settings have never been easier.

It is pretty common to see police and military personnel carrying weapon lights, and today tactical lighting has advanced immensely and has a wider selection of lightbulb, batteries, and technologies that allow users to employ the light in a one-handed fashion or hands-free.

Law Enforcement Use

The people behind the invention of the tactical flashlight were police departments. Focused tactical lights were designed and provided with advanced technology so it could be carried along with a weapon and let police officers perceive whatever the firearm was directed at.

As police and military gear have been given upgrades through the years, we can now avail of tactical flashlights with LED bulbs that make for exceptional lightbulb lifespan with the lowest battery use. There are also custom-built models which can endure impact and can be fastened physically to the weapon itself so users can easily grasp their weapon with both hands.

Defense Forces Use

Similar to law enforcement personnel, the army has an urgent need for focused tactical lighting that will not disrupt with their duties. Tactical flashlights for the military are available in a wide selection of styles, several of which are the same as flashlights used by the police force.

Plenty of military tactical flashlights can be fastened to clothing or the weapon, which enables soldiers a broader view of the location while allowing their hands to be capable of handling pistols and other sorts of weapons.

The majority of these lights will include special filters, and in several cases particular lightbulbs, which let them light a spot for night vision.

Sports and Outdoor Use

Plenty of sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts and hunters will also employ similar devices when moving through woodland areas or hunting during the early hours of the morning. Tactical flashlights are actually beneficial when assembling a deer stand or setting up a hunting spot in low-lit conditions since individuals will be capable of using their hands for other work apart from handling a flashlight.

Several sportsmen will also prefer to have sufficient light to check out what they are trying to accomplish, and they will use additional items like specialized bulbs and light filters that are the same as the ones used by soldiers in order to prevent scaring away wildlife.

Search and Rescue Team Use

These devices serve a crucial role in groups that specialize in executing rescue operations and searches. Because these operations require individuals to work with their hands at all times, the kind of flashlights that are employed by these professionals are often clipped in their clothing or kept strapped all over the head for convenience.

This particular feature not only aids in lighting the area in front of the individual, but it also lets them use their hands doing other jobs.

Self-Defense and Home Defense Use

Tactical flashlights can be used as a solid tool for self-defense. The illumination that is provided by these lights is significant that it can blind a threat or attacker momentarily. It is also capable of lighting low-lit spots which are possible hiding places of targets.

It is efficient when it comes to animals that might attack the individual as well. Directing the light into the eyes of the animal will throw them off and allow the user to escape.

What Makes a Good Pistol Light?

The pistol or handgun light is a flashlight that can be attached to the weapon so that it can present light that is more concentrated on a single aimed target. Plenty of guns these days come equipped with rails on them so gun owners can easily supplement them with flashlights and other kinds of weapon accessories.

There are two common types of rails available: the Picatinny rail and the weaver rail. Both rails have slight differences but experts often say that the best weapon light being sold in the market today can be fitted in either of the two rails. Here are some of the features that make a good pistol light.

Off-set flashlight mount

The offset flashlight mount is something that has been built to carry and grip the flashlight off to one side, instead of positioning it beneath the barrel. This kind of mount is also important since it lets users position their thumb right on the On and Off button and allows sufficient space below the barrel.

Quick-release pistol light

The gun owners have to be comfortable with turning their lights on and off as they employ the lights on a regular basis. This is an important feature for users who want to hide their identity under the cover of darkness.

Tactical light and laser combination

They are particularly built for individuals who require both the workings of a laser jet and a flashlight on the weapon. The light can be employed for lighting, while the laser is employed for directing or aiming reasons. These two elements work together since they will aid the user to acquire a peek at the target without missing a detail.

Pistol pressure light switch

Having this switch on hand allow users to move the On and Off switch anytime they please.

What Makes a Good Tactical Flashlight?

Since they have functions that are more complicated than standard flashlights, tactical flashlights differ significantly in terms of features. It is crucial for gun owners to take into account their needs and preferences to find out which features will benefit them the most. For instance, gun owners must mull over if they require brighter lights, even if it means the battery will be drained faster than usual.

Or perhaps, they devote lots of time in field operations without direct access to batteries and other supplies, which make extended battery life and low lumen ratings recommended. Overall, tactical flashlights have three components: the battery compartment, the tail cap and the housing for the LED bulb.

Power button

The power button usually manages the available light settings. There is always a low setting provided in order to save batteries and present lower light, plus a high setting to offer bright lights. There are several models that also include medium settings so users can have more options. A number of models also come with a strobe setting to hide the movement or the user or confuse attackers.

Battery

Batteries for tactical flashlights vary significantly based on the product’s make and model. Plenty of budget models operates with disposable batteries, while the majority of mid-range and high-end models include rechargeable batteries. Battery types also differ when it comes to brands.

Accessories

The device can work on its own or it can also work together with accessories. The weapon mount fastens a tactical flashlight to a rifle or a shotgun. The rifle needs a pressure switch which can be bought separately to act as a sub for the light’s regular power button. Gun owners can also supplement the lights with a holster clip or a lanyard for convenience.

Light spectrum

Although useful in certain circumstances, white lights are not always ideal for some applications. If used together with night vision units, infrared LEDs present covert lighting that practically goes unnoticed. Low-output and colored ancillary LEDs that are utilized for navigation reduce light signatures and assist in maintaining the vision that is used in the dark.

Laser capability

There are also users who will be interested in using a laser sight for a more efficient aim, especially in situations with a higher level of stress.

Range of switches

A good weapon light is fuss-free, has an ergonomic and minimal design. It should have an efficient switch that can be accessed easily, so users can instantly turn it on or off if needed. It must not activate accidentally and give out the user’s location.

A switch that can accomplish those enables users to work on the light minus having to forfeit a crucial shooting grip.

Mounting mechanism

A weapon light can be fastened in a range of methods, ranging from a railed pistol, a long gun, an accessory rail, or as a temporarily focused forend that subs the firearm’s primary forend. There are three kinds of attachments and they are called the Picatinny rail mount, the barrel mount, and the replacement forends.

The Picatinny kind is a thumbscrew or throw-lever grip that fastens a weapon light to the Picatinny rail of a handgun or long gun. The barrel or tube mount is meant for weapons without rails or for weapons whose rails already include another accessory.

The clamp fastens the tactical light straight to the barrel, gas tube or the magazine tube based on the firearm. The replacement forends act as a sub to the chief factory forend of the weapon. The light and the switching are built into the forend, minus visible cables or cords.

5 Recommended Weapon Lights

Conclusion

The weapon light is required accessory for gun owners, especially for those who purchased guns to beef up home security. It will prove to be beneficial if you plan on shooting in the evenings and in low-light settings. The products that were mentioned in this article all work exceptionally well and they are sufficient enough to make you interested in checking them out.

They will provide excellent lighting, will endure recoil and other impact that comes from firing away weapons and withstand harsh weather conditions too. If you want to know more about the best weapon lights for you, do read our other provided articles.

Tactical Flashlight Guide

Tactical Flashlight Guide

Introduction
Output
Construction
Interface
Mounting

Different users have different needs when it comes to LED flashlights. Sure, we all want something that’s tough, bright, and reliable, but for men and women in uniform, a new set of features and functions must be available to meet the stringent demands of tactical users. Whether they’re police officers, military personnel, or security professionals, tactical users need their lights to fulfill a wide range of tasks, from simple illumination, to self-defense.

If you’re in the market for a tactical flashlight, look no further than LASERWIN. Laserwin is known for its long-lasting high performance flashlights. Our reputation for building some of the world’s best tactical lights has been earned by the trust of military members and police officers across the globe. Here’s what you need to know about what separates these incredible devices from the rest.

Huge Outputs:

A tactical flashlight needs to be able to cast light on every corner. When almost enough light doesn’t cut it, look to some of the ultra-powerful lights built by laserwin.

Advanced LED technology now allows for outputs of over 500 lumens from hand-held devices. More than just producing a lot of light, these torches have been fitted with expertly crafted lenses and reflectors designed to spread light evenly across the beam.

Rugged Construction:

This goes without saying but remember there are a lot of pretenders out there. Every flashlight Fenix builds is made with tough materials and built to withstand the punishment that comes along with being a frequently used tool. Tactical flashlights should be built out of military grade anodized aluminum and feature stainless steel components. These materials hold up to impacts and drops as well as scratches, moisture, and corrosion.

tactical flashlights also include rubber O-ring seals to protect against prolonged exposure to water. Attention to reliability is one of the reasons LASERWIN has become a go-to brand for military personnel as well as hunters and hikers who need to know they can trust their gear when the going gets rough.

Tactical Interface/Strobe:

Big outputs are only half the battle. Accessing the light’s functions is equally important. Look for a tactical flashlight that has multiple output modes. The ability to shine just a little light can be critical when you’re worried about giving away your position.

To toggle between these output modes, a tactical flashlight should have an interface that allows single-handed use. This will make things easier should one hand be incapacitated or if you’re using the light in conjunction with a firearm. Tail-mounted switches are ideal for tactical users because of their easy one-handed access. This configuration also allows users to keep the light pointed down range as they activate it and cycle through outputs.

Weapon Mounting:
Tactical Weapon Mount Several  flashlights can be fitted with accesories including weapon mounts. These allow your lightto be attached to any standard Picatinny rig. This function means your hand-held device can become an effective weapon light in no time at all, adding tremendous versatility for tactical users and hunters looking to free up a hand.

It takes a special kind of flashlight to handle the shock and recoil that comes with weapon mounting. Luckily, Fenix knows a thing or two about building a proper light. Dual-contact springs and ultra-secure circuitry mean the light, its power source, and its components won’t be shaken loose when things get bumpy.

View Fenix Store’s selection of Tactical flashlights and see for yourself how Fenix has established itself as a leading builder of high-end LED flashlights for men and women in uniform around the world.

GUIDE TO PISTOL WEAPON LIGHTS

GUIDE TO PISTOL WEAPON LIGHTS

When you’re shooting in the dark it’s hard to hit stuff. Not being able to see makes it hard to identify your target and hard to see your sights. And just try getting a perfect two-handed grip when you’re also juggling a flashlight – it’s not optimal. This is why many small pistol mount-able weapon lights have been designed and produced. To solve some of these tricky problems.

The biggest advantage of a weapon light mounted to a pistol is that you can keep both hands on the firearm while illuminating your target, giving you maximum recoil control, target transitioning, and a quick re-acquisitioning of your sight picture. It’s also easier to execute reloads and clear malfunctions since your support hand isn’t struggling to hold a flashlight.

PISTOL LIGHT BUYING GUIDE

PISTOL LIGHT BUYING GUIDE 

If you are not a part of the military or law enforcement, you might not see the varied benefits of the tactical flashlight to a shooter. For a variety of different reasons, a flashlight, whether mounted to the weapon itself or carried as an accessory, is a highly recommended tool for anyone’s self-defense arsenal. There is tons of optional gear for pistols and other firearms today and a good portion of them provide minimal utility and are not necessary. The flashlight, however, is an accessory that you can find varied uses for — even if you select a pistol-mounted model. Many pistol models already come prepared for the installation of an after-market flashlight and other accessories. Many handguns and pistols have a rail coming off the front of the gun. This is where tactical flashlights or other accessories can be front-mounted. The notion that you will use a flashlight as an attachment to the weapon is designed in the very build of most weapons. Check-list of must-haves:

• the light must be of high quality

• it needs to have both good visual spread and distance

• LED lights are highly recommended

• it should be simple to engage

Obviously, a flashlight is not suitable for all situations, but for illuminating dark places like a backyard or the woods, they work great. Used on surfaces that are shiny like tile or countertops are likely to cause glare which will do nothing to help your aim.

Hand-held versus Pistol-mounted

There are two main types of flashlights used with pistols: small, hand-held lights, or ones that are mounted directly to the weapon. In this guide, we are only going to review weapons-mounted options, as we feel that the benefits far out weight the benefits of a hand-held flashlight. First and foremost, a hand-held flashlight takes some practice and getting used to. If you find yourself in a high stress or tenuous situation, having something that requires grace and skill is not exactly ideal. For people who have a lot of practice, there can be a preference for a hand-held light as you have more flexibility in where you can aim it and still have your weapon pointed at a target.

First and foremost, a hand-held flashlight takes some practice and getting used to. If you find yourself in a high stress or tenuous situation, having something that requires grace and skill is not exactly ideal. For people who have a lot of practice, there can be a preference for a hand-held light as you have more flexibility in where you can aim it and still have your weapon pointed at a target.

As the name implies, pistol-mounted flashlights are tactical accessories that are attached to that ramp described above on the front of most modern handguns and pistols. A self-attached light is already ready to go and does not require you to have the coordination to engage. This could give you vital seconds in protecting your home or your family.

Most pistols mounted flashlights use one of two common types of batteries:

• AA

• CR123

These are affordable and easy to find. It should be noted that the brighter the light — even the more energy efficient LED lights — the more “juice” it takes to power the light. It is highly recommended to keep a stash of spare batteries for easy access at all times to ensure that you always have this tool at the ready.

Benefits of Pistol-Mounted versus Hand-held:

• no two-handed coordination needed

• light already attached

• turn it on with one easy step

• mounted directly on the weapon

• tons of illuminating power

It is important to look for a durable model but also be aware that the flashlight can only hand the power of the recoil so many times before it will need to be re-tightened or even replaced. The more heavy duty the model, the heftier the price tag, but you if you do your research you are paying for quality that is designed to last. Most standard, decent quality mounted flashlights will last at least two thousand rounds. It should also be noted that there is a learning curve to using a pistol-mounted flashlight just as there is when using a hand-held flashlight with your pistol. This means you need to practice with your particular model to get a feel for how it changes the weight of the weapon and shot. You will need to get used to turning it on and using it as a means to help identify potential targets or threats.

A Note About Brightness

While it is important to have a bright, clear pistol-mounted flashlight, you do not want it to become a dangerous or counterproductive blinding beacon. There are lights that are unnecessarily bright which can lead to vision problems of accidental victims of direct lighting. It can also make it more difficult for the shooter to see their potential target as they can cause glare on a variety of different, smooth or shiny surfaces. While a super bright light can be used to stun or temporarily blind an intruder, it can also backfire and do this to you as well. Do not choose the brightest option on the market to protect a house that is painted white with a lot of light-colored enamel surfaces. This will actually make it more difficult to see, not easier.

HOW TO INSTALL HANDGUN LIGHTS? (FIVE SIMPLE STEPS)

 While it might seem complicated, installing a weapon-mounted flashlight is not rocket science. What follows will guide you on how to install most common types of the weapon-mounted flashlight to a basic pistol. If you select a specialty model or have an antique weapon, you might want to contact a gunsmith to ensure proper installation. An aside: some people choose to buy the actual mount and the flashlight that hooks into it separately. This may be that they have a brand preference, or that they found a better deal on the items separately. While this can be economical, you take the risk that the two parts are not going to be compatible with one another. When you buy the mount and the flashlight as a combo, you have the peace of mind that they will work together properly. Ultimately, though, the decision is yours.

1) Safety First: Before you begin doing any sort of cleaning, maintenance, upgrade, or repairs to your weapon, be sure that you remove any ammunition and only work on unloaded weapons. Many people will read this warning and roll their eyes, but there are too many preventable injuries and even fatalities that result from someone working on a loaded weapon. No matter how much experience you have with a firearm, double check every time to ensure that is unloaded before proceeding.

2) Clean the Rail: Before installing any accessory to a firearm, you want to ensure that you are working with a clean, debris-free surface. Using patches or even a light rag along with sterile alcohol, gently clean the rail mount and allow it to dry for a few minutes.

3) Install the Battery Into the Flashlight: Before you even mount the light, it is recommended that you install the battery. To do this, you need to twist the bulb assembly at the end of the flashlight. Once the top is removed, you will see the place where you place the AA or CR123 batteries. Remember to gently replace the bulb assembly and do not over-tighten or you may cause threading.

4) Preparing the Mounting: You will want to use an Allen wrench for this part of the installation process. Here, you will use the including mounting by placing it on the front rail of the weapon and wrenching it firmly into place. Again, it is important that you do not over tighten the mounting assembly.

5) Attaching the Flashlight: Again, you will use an Allen wrench for this final step in the installation process. You will need to loosen the mounting bolt on the recently attached mount. Then, position the flashlight onto the mount before tightening it into place. Once again, you want to take care, not to over tighten the flashlight assembly. It is simple and takes just a few minutes to properly install a weapon-mounted flashlight, but it should be noted that they do require some regular maintenance just as any other accessory.

To properly maintain your weapon-mounted flashlight, you will need:

• clean patches

• general, all-purpose gun cleaning solvent

• silicone-based grease for lubrication

After each use, use the patches and solvent to clean any dirt, grime, or debris that may have gathered on the weapon. Using a clean, dry patch, wipe away any residue or grime that may have been loosened by the solvent. Apply a small amount of grease to the mount for proper lubrication. It is also recommended that you go through this simple cleaning and lubrication process if you are bringing out a weapon that has been in storage for any length of time.

5 BIG ADVANTAGES OF HAVING THE “BRIGHTEST” PISTOL LIGHT

1) Range and Clarity of Sight: With an extremely high quality and bright pistol light, you enhance the range of your sight line in dark situations. This is particularly true if you are using your weapon in a wooded area or one that is not subject to a lot of light pollution. Clear, high-quality light provides a more clear sight path with few fuzzy areas or areas of excessive shadow that can make it difficult to hone in on a target or potential threat. When you choose a light that is reputed for having a bright, long-range light, you ensure that you are paying for a high-quality accessory that will enhance your ability to identify targets and even just look around in dark environments. Weapons-mounted flashlights have more practical purposes as well.

2) Illumination When You Need it Most: One of the added benefits of having an ultra-bright weapon-mounted flashlight for your pistol or handgun really has little to do with any shooting or firing of weapons. If you find yourself in the dark for whatever reason, light can literally be life-saving. It can keep you from falling off cliffs, twisting your ankle in a hole in the ground, and even alert others to your presence. You can easily pull out your pistol, turn on the flashlight, and survey your surrounding environs. You can use the light as a way to light a safe, obstacle-free path and make sure you aren’t about to walk directly into anything dangerous. These lights can also make it easier to alert people to your whereabouts and to receive help. The brightest flashlights will emit the longest and strongest streams of light which will make it easier for rescue personnel or family members to ascertain your location.

3) An Ultra Bright Light Can Be A Weapon Unto Itself: One thing that many people note about weapons-mounted pistol lights is their ability to double as a stunning device or weapon in itself. There are some incredibly bright lights currently available on the marketplace. Most shooters know that non-lethal ways of stunning or running off a potential threat are far preferable to using deadly force. When you choose one of the brighter models of the flashlight, you can use this to stun or temporarily blind a potential intruder or danger. This can give you a few key seconds that will allow you to run to safety or to get a good shot lined up undisturbed.

4) State of the Art Technology for Enhanced Capabilities: There are some incredibly flashlights available on the marketplace. From laser-based models or those that utilize energy-efficient LEDs, firearms enthusiasts swear by making the leap to getting one of the more advanced and brighter models. The newest and brightest models have been employed and recommended by many law enforcement and military personnel, giving you the peace of mind that if they work to protect and aid these types of heroes, it can also be trusted to protect your family and your home. Technology is improving at such a fast rate and these accessories keep getting brighter, more efficient, lighter, thus enhancing their utility further.

5) Ability to Illuminate and Shoot with Ease: Current models of ultra bright weapon-mounted lights tend to be lightweight and operate with one simple touch. This means that your weapon is not going to be bogged down with an unwieldy accessory that dramatically increases the weight of the weapon. The flashlight is made to be operated with one-touch, allowing one to easily utilize this feature, even on the run or in stations of duress.

WRAP-UP

When it comes to firearms today, there are so many different accessories (often gimmicks) clogging up the marketplace. Amidst all the nonsense are a few high-quality accessories that every gun owner should have in their proverbial arsenal.  This is an affordable accessory that can greatly enhance the range and utility of your firearm. Whether you choose a hand-held or weapon-mounted model, a pistol light will make it easier for you to assess a potential target or danger, even at great distances.

We recommend a weapon-mounted option for its simplicity and ease of use, but the decision is ultimately up to you. When you choose a weapon-mounted option, you only need to install it once and it does not require the same level of experience in coordination to properly wield. In this guide, we also have brief best pistol light reviews that will give you a good starting point from which to select the right flashlight for your weapon and individual needs. We describe the basic differences in options available on the marketplace. We wrap up the guide by providing simple instructions for the installation of the mounted light, as well as a rundown of some of the biggest benefits of choosing a clear, ultra-bright lighting option. 

Compact Green Pistol Laser Light Combo

Subcompact Green Pistol Laser


Fits rail-equipped standard and subcompact handguns
Easy-to-access ambidextrous on/off switch
Powerful 5mW laser provides instant targeting
Integrated rechargeable battery

Equip a Subcompact Green Pistol Laser from LASERWIN on your standard or subcompact handgun with an integrated rail system for enhanced accuracy. Powerful 5mW laser ensures visibility and instant targeting. Easy-to-reach ambidextrous power switch. Securely mounts to any Picatinny rail without the use of tools. Uses the included internal rechargeable battery.

FEATURES
Ultra compact and lightweight
Fast recharge via USB
5mW green laser
Windage and elevation adjustable
Quick target acquisition
600 yards visibility at night
Up to 50 yards visibility in daylight

The Subcompact Green Pistol Laser is a compact, lightweight sighting system that’s designed to fit any compact pistol with a weaver or picatinny mount. Its 5mW laser output is activated by an ambidextrous digital switch for instant on and off action, ideal for right- or left-handed users. The visible green laser on the unit has built-in windage and elevation adjustments to easily zero the laser sight into the firearm.

Constructed from durable aircraft-grade aluminum, the  Subcompact Green Pistol Laser is water-resistant and shock proof, offering extreme durability. Energized by two AG13 batteries, it features a continuous and pulsing operation mode to increase battery life up to 10 hours. The device provides up to 300 yards of visibility at night and up to 20 yards in daylight, making it the perfect laser sight for those seeking an advantage against their adversary.

Specification:
Laser Wavelength - 532nm
Laser Type - green Class IIIA
Laser Power Output - < 5mW
Dot Size - 2in @ 50yd
Visibility-Day - 50/46yd/m
Visibility-Night - 600/550yd/m
Battery Type - 3.7V, 60mAh rechargeable battery
Battery Life - 1
Full Battery Charge Time - 10 minutes
Battery Voltage - 3V
Maximum Recoil - 600
Adjustment Value - continuous
On/Off Operation - on/off switch
Finish/Color - matte black
Body Material - composite
Waterproof - IPX4 (weatherproof)
Shockproof - yes
Mount Type - weaver
Operating Temperature - 32 to 122 / 0 to 50
Length - 1.6 / 41
Width - 1.3 / 33
Height - 1.1 / 28
Weight - .8
INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Micro USB charging cord
Adjustment tool
PRODUCT DOWNLOADS

Compact Green Pistol Laser Light Combo

FEATURES

integrated laser and light combo

compact and lightweight

5mW green laser

180 lumen flashlight

windage and elevation adjustable

quick target acquisition

600 yards visibility in daylight

fits most full size and compact pistols

Test your tactical ability, hone your shooting skills or target your prey with the Compact Green Pistol Laser Light Combo. Designed to mount to most compact or subcompact pistols, the Firefield Compact Green Pistol Laser Light Combo is a multi-functional laser and flashlight aiming device. Featuring an ambidextrous digital switch activation, it’s ideal for both right- and left-handed shooters to use.Powered by a CR2 battery, the device features three modes: laser only, flashlight only, and a combo of the two. The 5mW green laser and 180 lumen flashlight deliver clear visibility of the target and precision accuracy, perfect for home defense application.

Specification:

Laser Wavelength, nm - 532

Laser Type - green, Class IIIA

Laser Power Output - <5mW

Dot size (in @ 50yd) - 2

Visibility-Day - 50/46yd/m

Visibility-Night - 600/550yd/m

Flashlight output power - 180 lumens

Battery Type - CR2

Battery life, hours - laser only-9 hrs, light only-2 hrs, laser and light-1.5 hrs

Battery Voltage, V - 3V

Maximum Recoil - 600G's

Adjustment Value - continous

On/Off Operation - on/off- digita; switch, modes- selector switch

Finish/Color - matte black

Body Material - composite

Waterproof - IPX4 (weatherproof)

Shockproof - yes

Mount Type - weaver

Operating Temperature - 32 to 120F

Length (in/mm) - 50mm

Width (in/mm) - 36mm

Height (in/mm) - 47mm

Weight, oz - 2.6oz

Top 12 Concealed Carry Pistols

Top 12 Concealed Carry Pistols

NEW AND TOP-RATED COMPACTS FOR RELIABLE, ON-THE-GO DEFENSE!

Concealed carry, like the term “pocket pistol,” is open to various interpretations. The only constant to either is that no one should be aware that you are carrying concealed. Achieving that goal is established by three prerequisites: the type of gun, the means of carry and your ability to proficiently retrieve the gun. The 12 guns chosen for this list cover a range of sizes and calibers, and all are ideally suited to achieving the goal of personal protection through a concealed-carry firearm. Armed with this information, you should be well equipped to choose which firearm type works best for you and your personal needs regarding concealed carry.

 

Boberg

Chiappa

Kahr

Ruger

Springfield Armory

Taurus

Charter Arms

Glock

Kimber

Sig Sauer

Smith & Wesson

Walther

New Pistols Hitting The Market 

Armalite AR-10 Pistol

Armalite M-15 Pistol

ATI Omni Hybrid

Boberg XR45-S

Bond Arms Big Bear

Century Arms TP9SA

Edge Arms Reliant

Grand Power P1

Kahr CT380

Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX

Ruger LCR 9mm

Walther CCP

Windham Weaponry RP11SFS-7

WMD Model 11.1