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While outfitting your favorite firearm with a weapon light is an easy process, picking the right one for your needs requires some more consideration. There are tons of tactical lights on the market, with many of them being specialized to focus on different areas or features. To determine which one is right for you, you have to consider how you plan to use the weapon light, what features you're looking for, and many other aspects to inform the decision. For example, the weapon light you need for home defense may not be the same one you want if you're participating in CQB training or keeping a sidearm on you when you hike through the woods. Thankfully, we have plenty of weapon lights available and some helpful strategies for ensuring you get the best one possible, so here is what you should know.
1. Focus on Brightness
The brightness of a weapon light often comes down to a discussion between the terms "candela" and "lumens," and each one plays an important role. Candela is the light's intensity when facing a certain direction, while lumens refers to the total amount of light that the flashlight emits. Candela is often referred to as the light's throw, or how far away it can brighten an object. Taking this into account, you'll want to focus on a flashlight with a high candela rating if you're planning on using the light outdoors or in open spaces. This gives you the light you need to identify targets and sweep an area.
On the other hand, if you're planning on being in close quarters, such as for home defense or law enforcement applications, you should focus more on lumens. This is because an extremely bright, intense light will help fully illuminate an enclosed space and can help you blind targets and identify smaller details. This is especially useful for home defense because it may not be practical to turn the lights on inside the house if someone is breaking in, so a weapon light gives you a tactical advantage.
2. Check for Important Features
While the main goal of a tactical flashlight is to illuminate your targets and the surrounding area, modern options have plenty of other features that can come in handy. When shopping, look for versatile weapon lights that have some of these features you might need. For example, the Streamlight TLR RM 2 Weapon Light has several lighting modes depending on what you need. It can function as a static flashlight for normal circumstances and it can switch to a strobing mode to help identify yourself in an emergency. It even has a built-in green laser sight to help you aim. This is an excellent addition if you want to minimize attachments on your firearm or don't have a lot of space for extra components, as it combines the flashlight and laser together.Â
3. Prioritize Easy Functionality
One of the most important parts of a tactical weapon light is being able to turn it on and off as easily as possible. Whether you need quick access to the flashlight in a home defense situation or you're a law enforcement officer training to clear a house, you need to be able to turn the flashlight on and off at a moment's notice. This means that the switch or button should be in an accessible place that doesn't require you to mess around with to access. One popular option is the SureFire X300 Ultra LED Weapon Light, which has an abidextrous switch for both right- and left-handed shooters. It is also a push/toggle switch that you can hit without altering your grip on the firearm, allowing you to choose between momentary and constant light, depending on if you toggle it or not. This gives you the versatility you need in a high-stress situation.
4. Ensure Durability
Often, when you need a weapon light the most, it is a high-stress situation. This can often lead to mistakes and accidents, and if you need to holster the firearm quickly or you accidentally drop it, you don't want the flashlight to break. Even if you don't drop the firearm, it may accidentally hit a wall or experience damage when you are transporting the firearm, which can damage the sensitive technology inside the light. When shopping for a tactical light, make sure you get one that is made of a durable material that can withstand regular use and potential impacts. Many of the most popular options are made from sturdy aluminum to minimize weight and maximize durability. Additionally, pay attention to the sealing used on the flashlight. The best practice is to purchase a flashlight that is waterproof and dustproof, as this prevents outside contaminants from frying the electrical components and clouding the lens.
Shop Weapon Lights at OpticsPlanet
No matter what kind of attachments you're looking for for your favorite firearms, we have them right here at OpticsPlanet! We have tons of weapon lights from Streamlight, SureFire, Viridian Weapon Systems, and more, so you can find the perfect complement to your setup. We also sell a huge selection of red dot sights, AR15 Parts, and other firearm accessories, so you can build your dream firearm from the ground up. And, we offer Free Shipping on most orders over $49, so now is the time to get yourself some new gear!
