Quality Tactical Lights-Essential Equipment

In my book "Own the Night" I go to great lengths to explain the reasons for and the importance of, quality tactical lighting.  Simply put, tactical light sources are an evolution of the basic flashlight.  The basic flashlight, and I'm talking the old 3 cell Maglight type duty lights, provided 2 points of the light triad in the past-Illumination (to see where you are going) and Identification (hopefully) of threat.  But their power was limited by the technology available at the time.  With the advent of tactical lights, in the minimum area now of 100 lumens or more of white LED light, combined sometimes with a stobing effect, the third element of the triad is complete-Incapacition.  These lights are so bright that they can disorient an opponent at close range-an important characteristic in that your opponent is probably going to shoot at the light source. This concept was first developed by Surefire-i.e., the tactical light is now a part of the weapons system.  So with so much at stake, I urge you to spend the money on your tactical light that you feel your life is worth  Please don't go to a local discount or hardware type store and purchase a "made in China" look alike, that seems almost as good as the genuine article, as made by Streamlight, Surefire, Insight, Inova, or BLACKHAWK!  You wouldn't go into combat with a replica pistol almost as good as the real thing would you?  Don't scrimp on the light.  You can find my book "Own the Night" at http://www.gundigeststore.com/product/own-th-night/tactical/?r=TGNI...

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Permalink Reply by Scott W. Wagner on March 16, 2010 at 12:56pm
definitely-have fun with the new gear!

michael haskins said:
Scott.
Thanks for the advice. I have a set of crimson trace on my 1911 Kimber and they are awesome. I just thought the lase/light combination would be nice, since the XD has a rail. I carry a surefire 2DL defender when I carry my Kimber. It's nice to have combination set up since the gun can be equipped with it.
Permalink Reply by James G on April 27, 2010 at 3:23am
For me it’s Surefire… period

I have used Surefire lights in Iraq for over 3 years and they have never failed on me, even the cheaper models. I have also used them wile camping, hunting and trekking in Indonesian jungles, and extremely wet environment without any failures.

Flashlights are like nylon gear, don’t go cheap

But… I do have one of those cheap Chinese LED lights that I used in Iraq for when the power went off in my hooch and for midnight potty runs that has lasted for years (I still have it). So for everyday non-tactical use no need to pay for an expensive light

James G.
Founder – Editor in Chief
Death Valley Magazine
http://www.deathvalleymag.com/
.
Permalink Reply by Caleb D Smith on February 11, 2011 at 8:50am
Hey scott, I have the glock 21sf and I want to get a light/laser combo for it, but I will only purchase a green laser b/c of the high visibility during the day. I also need a holster for it and I will be using it for personal carry so I don't need a level 3 holster. If you have any products in mind please let me know. Thanx
Permalink Reply by Scott W. Wagner on February 14, 2011 at 3:25pm

Caleb,

Sorry for the delay in the reply.  I would look to Lasermax for the smallest in Green Laser technology. I think if you check their unit, you can find one that has a rail on the bottom of it for mounting a light underneath. I dont know if you tried the green lasers much, but with the few, very few, I have worked with, I found that you really dont have that much of an advantage in bright sunlight over a red laser, and especially over your sights. I think in bright sunlight, no matter what type of laser you are using, you will spend more time trying to find the dot than worrying about your threat-which means you need to find your sights before you find the dot.  Indoors and outdoors at low light, the laser is very fast.  If you want the ultimate in speed use XS big dot express sights in combination with the laser. Just my opinion

Permalink Reply by michael haskins on February 14, 2011 at 7:53pm

Thanks for the input, I totally agree with you. I intend to use only quality lights on my weapons.

 

                                                             Michael

Permalink Reply by Scott W. Wagner on February 14, 2011 at 8:36pm
Way to go Michael! I am glad that the input helped.  Why stake your life on crap? You got that much invested in a good rifle or handgun, don't scrimp on the light or other essential pieces of equipment.  Thanks for your interest in our forums.
Permalink Reply by Caleb D Smith on February 14, 2011 at 8:38pm
Hey scott what do you think of the tactical holster from fobus that is for guns with lights?
Permalink Reply by Jz12b on April 21, 2011 at 6:27pm
I have the Sig STL-900L.  Great pistol light/laser combo for under $200
Puts out 130 lumens, and has a strobe function and red laser.


Scott W. Wagner said:
One of the newer light systems that I did not get to review in time for my book was the Sig STOPLITE. This laser and tactical light combo is designed primarily as a vertical foregrip for railed rifle forends, such as the AR15 M4 type carbines. Similar in appearance to Crimson Trace's MVF, the STOPLITE's led puts out a claimed 700! lumens of light power-which is incredible. Also SIG has started marketing a tacgtical handheld, and mini-tactical pistol light, as well as green laser sights, and a tactical laser and light combo for pistols. I am awaiting one of their new Mini Red Dot sights to test on an AR. Interesting accessories indeed.
Permalink Reply by Scott W. Wagner on April 22, 2011 at 10:06am
Caleb, sorry I didnt see this question, I hope its not too late, but in general I havent been impressed with Fobus Holsters, no real retention, a concept in which I firmly believe, whether the holster is concealed or not, and thin plastic construction.  I just havent liked them

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