Since ancient times, weapons have been used to defend against, oppose, and attack enemies. This is a specific lever that shows the superiority of one opponent over another. We are not talking about situations when both sides shouldn’t use weapons. However, there are many such situations, but about problems when it is essential to use them to, for example, protect one's life or health. Weapons for self-defense were used long before the invention of firearms or cold weapons. The first weapons were sticks and stones, with which our ancestors defended themselves and went hunting against giant predators. Of course, we are not currently threatened by a mammoth or a saber-toothed tiger, but the need to protect them is paramount, so this industry is improving more and more. After stones, there were cold weapons, knives, and sabers that could injure or even kill the enemy, which became very popular in times of increased crime, and everyone who feared for his life defended himself and was ready to use the equipment against others. The only thing from which there was no protection for a very long time was darkness. The greatest danger was always hidden in it - fear, of course, except when predators, opponents, or other enemies were hiding in the dark. For a very long time, this problem had no solution. It was very acute until the invention of electricity, various flashlights, lamps, and other devices illuminating any night or space. Flashlights came in very handy in all areas because they made it possible to decorate the premises and the streets or have a small pocket flashlight when needed. In the case of defense or attack, he can also play one of the leading roles. If it is strong enough, has a thread, and a moderate weight, it can be used not only as a light but also as a means of protection or defeating the enemy at short distances. Combined with a firearm, a pistol, a rifle, a rifle, or other types of weapons, it illuminates particular objects and light for a better and clearer performance of the task. Think of action movies, when you should go into a basement or an empty dark room, how the work of a flashlight and scope are successfully combined, or you can scout the environment.
Of course, the field and methods of use can be different, even if you work in tandem with weapons.
You can check if someone broke into your home, some thief, without turning on the light and striking by surprise, the light of the flashlight can help you aim your hunting and hit the target accurately, which you can't do in the dark or twilight, or it can help you to pave a safe path while performing a task (to rescue or free someone), or in the forest, where danger may be waiting in every bush.
Benefits of Weapon Lights
Yes, flashlights intended for use with weapons have certain modifications and appearance that help conveniently hold or fix it on the device for use.
You've probably seen how the arms are crossed, with a gun on the bottom and a flashlight on the top. This is done to illuminate the dangerous area and, if necessary, strike. This method of use has certain advantages, as you can move both the lantern and the weapon freely; this can help to defocus the enemy and land a strike. Or, such a method will allow you to have a spare option or impact tool and last case and use it only when necessary. Therefore, the main advantages of a separate flashlight are its dynamism, use only when necessary, the ability to use it separately or with other devices, and the weight of the weapon itself is lower. However, a weapon-mounted flashlight has many advantages. The first is free hands and the ability to move dynamically or use the other hand for secondary or auxiliary tasks without distraction. The second advantage is that since it is fixed, you won't leave it at home or lose it; it is set in your sight, which is a plus.
Also, the weight of your weapon increases, giving you a physical weight advantage in case the target is close and you need to finish off or deal much damage.
Mounting Options
Flashlights attached to weapons also have differences, disadvantages, and advantages over other options for such a weapon addition. An essential component when choosing a flashlight is the method of attachment since, depending on the type of weapon, its shape, and modification, there are specific methods by which the lantern can be attached. Let's take a gun as an example. If the configuration provides a bar for connecting devices, then the question disappears because you can attach it to the bar; it will be reliable and safe for work, but what to do if there is no bar? The flashlight can be fixed on or under the barrel so that the light goes directly in the direction of the sight (if the flashlight does not have several light distributors, you should choose a mount so that you are comfortable and visible. This method is the simplest and most often used in cases where the sight is not needed (because it can another way is from different sides of the barrel if the lantern will not interfere with your movements, this is also a great option. However, please pay attention to the methods supported by your device since the structure is different in all of them, and therefore the mounting is possible in others. Also, try different types of reinforcement so that the light does not interfere with the view, does not blind you, and does not overload a specific part of the case; this is very important.
Light Output
Of course, the most crucial detail you should pay attention to in the first place is the level and power of the light flow because it is for the light that you need a flashlight to perform any tasks. Therefore, you need to carefully study how many beams of light the lantern provides, whether straight or scattered, to understand what area it will illuminate and how well you will see (that is, how much light the lantern can give). The more powerful the flashlight, the better you can assess the situation and the more precise you can see the enemy or your target. However, it is often necessary to choose either a powerful but large lantern or a small and powerful one with a short use duration (recharging or replacing batteries is required). Also, we recommend paying attention to the number of light outputs, the power of the luminous flux or the amount of light, and different lighting modes, depending on the environment and the temperature of the light (warm or cold shades) may rely on this. All these options are helpful and have their uses, so try different ones and choose the most comfortable for you.
Switches
If you choose a lantern with two or more outputs, you will need a switch to change modes, light intensity, the limits of its dispersion, and many other factors that can help or complicate your work. These switches are usually mounted within reach, allowing you to switch with your hands on the hook, so you'll be focused while working but still able to control the light when needed. In addition to managing the modes, the switch turns the device on and off, which is very important during a confrontation, as you need to switch on and off fairly quickly and move dynamically in space to avoid being caught. Therefore, this attachment and controlling the flashlight like a switch are necessary for quick response.
Other Factors
Of course, depending on it, you should pay attention to the weight and size of the lantern, along with the above parameters, usability, and duration. The task may only sometimes last a few minutes, sometimes several days or weeks, so bulky or heavy equipment will only hinder you. Additional features can also increase your interest in a particular model. For example, waterproofing, a necessary feature if you can get into the rain or dive somewhere, protects your device. It makes it more durable and improves its quality. The following additional feature is shockproof material. We highly recommend considering this option, especially if your tasks are often dangerous or occur in hazardous areas where you must stand up for yourself or others. Also, when you take a break and put the device on the floor, a stone, or something else, the case will constantly be deformed or scratched, affecting performance. Even if you are pretty careful with the weapon, you put it in a bag and transport it; this can also damage the case, so it is better to buy such an addition once than to change the device often.
The decision to add a flashlight to your weapon is correct, regardless of the goals and tasks that you will need to perform. Because having good lighting is much better and more comprehensive, allowing you to see around, find your target, track it, and strike. Or on the contrary, check if it is safe and calm down (if everything is fine), follows and protect if necessary, or run away if there is no point in resisting. So many different uses. When rescuing people from a dangerous place, a flashlight attached to the weapon of a rescue service or police officer is often used, or when working with criminals, chasing or searching (as in detective films or action films). Also, the military often uses such devices to perform various tasks or in everyday life (to go down to the basement, find something in a purse, illuminate the road, or protect yourself from a criminal). That is, the application is quite broad, and you will need it both in professional and everyday life; the main thing is to use it correctly in different situations. Turn it on and go if you need to illuminate the road or room. Still, when you are running away from someone on an unknown path or trying to sneak out at home, then it is better to move and turn the flashlight on and off quite sharply and with interruptions just to see where to run, a criminal or an enemy will not wait until you look around.
Consider all our tips when choosing a suitable flashlight for your weapon. Evaluate the weight and size of the device, immediately check the mounting methods and how you will work with them, and of course, the strength and power of the light beam, how much it covers the area during lighting, and the quality of illumination it provides.