How Do I Choose the Best Weapon Light?
Do you require some extremely easily accessible supplementary lighting for self-defense and the unforeseen “Bump in the Night” potential threats or deadly-force encounters? Like a light put atop a weapon?
A flashlight system designed to be mounted on a weapon is considered a weapon light in general. Alternative names include tactical light, weapon-mounted light (WML), and others.
Shooters can see potential targets in the dark or low-light conditions thanks to their weapon lights. A weapon light illuminates a large area in front of them when it is turned on, allowing them to aim their weapon.
Important Factors to Watch Out For
Different gun lights are installed on weapons, each with unique characteristics. The top five characteristics of a light weapon are the mounting system, light output, power source, and size.
- Mounting System
Ensure the light is compatible with the attachment points of the firearm you want to install it on. On the bottom of the frame of most modern handguns is a brief section of Picatinny rail (or an equivalent, like the Glock rail). Baldr S Rail Mounted Light 800 Lumens is perfect for GL and PIC rails.
- Output of Light
Lumens are used to measure the luminous flux. More visible light is produced when the lumen count is larger. Strong light has a longer throw and shines brighter (illumination distance).
Not only do you need a strong light output to see in the dark, but you also need it to see through a lot of rain, fog, muzzle smoke, and other possible visibility-reducing factors. Although there is no such thing as too many lumens, 800 lumens are a decent place to start.
With a beam distance of 130 meters and an amazing 800 lumens, the Baldr S also has a highly visible green laser to improve accuracy.
- Power Supply
Most weapon lights run on widely accessible disposable batteries like CR123 or AA. Check your light’s battery kind, number, and autonomy and how much you can expect from brand-new batteries. With a CR123A battery, the Baldr S is constantly functional without recharging.
Consider employing weapon lights powered by batteries you already use in other products and appliances to streamline your logistics, even if a higher autonomy is always preferred.
- Rechargeable weapon light
The types of rechargeable batteries used in weapon lights are often impossible for the end-user to change, even though they are convenient. Be sure the model you’re interested in comes from a respected manufacturer with a strong warranty.
- Weight
Most weapon-mounted spotlights are between 2 and 7 ounces in weight. While it may not appear to be much at first, this added weight matters, especially when shopping for a handgun light.
Just because a weapon light fits on a rail doesn’t imply it’s a good idea. Instead, customize the weapon light to the weapon. The handguns should still have the smaller models, but the rifles and shotguns should have longer, heavier lights.
If you want to reduce the weight impact on long guns, you can also utilize miniature weapon lights, provided they can endure the recoil of your rifle.
Recommended Lumens
The ideal range for gun light sources is 800–1350 lumens. Although 400 lumens will identify the attacker, one desires additional information and assistance from my self-defense weapon. With my tactical tool’s 450 lumens, one should be able to see a good quantity of visible light and details and get off to a great start for my civilian tactical self-defense usage. One does need extra assistance in confusing the assailant.
Benefits of Gun Lights
The most important advantage is the ability to illuminate an area before you, allowing you to see and positively identify targets. You can see your target in complete darkness with a weapon light.
You can access a light source and a firearm without a separate flashlight if your weapon has a light installed.
Although the weapon light will make your gun slightly heavier, it also makes it easier to control recoil should you need to fire. Your muzzle will rise moderately due to the additional weight.
Depending on the weapon light type, you might be able to blind and disorient prospective aggressors, making it simpler to subdue or stop them if you can vary the light intensity or activate modes like strobe lights.
Final Words
Your home self-defense strategy should include a WML for the specified civilian uses as weapons for self-defense and to defend your life and the lives of your beloved ones. In general, I advise at least 450 lumens, with the possibility of more depending on your needs and the circumstances. This number of lumens should enable you to see indoors and outdoors at night, to recognize and confuse criminals, and to aim and engage the bad guys.
