Weapon-mounted lights free up the operator to control a handgun or rifle, provide better target acquisition in low-light situations, and offer another less-lethal option to disorient a subject. When added to a sidearm, lasers give officers greater ability to acquire targets and disorient subjects. View this gallery for six options to consider.
Weapon Lights and Laser Sights
LaserLyte recently announced the availability of a new laser sighting system for the popular Ruger LCP and Kel-Tec (.380 and .32) concealed carry pistols. The CK-AMF fits on the side of the pistol and is easy to mount by replacing the stock pins with supplied new screws. Programmable, the CK-AMF features a pulse or constant-on mode. There's also an auto-off function to prevent unwanted battery drain. The side mounted laser allows the pistols to fit a wide variety of holsters. List price is $99.95.
Elzetta provides a line of versatile and durable flashlights that can be attached to long guns with the company's mounts. The Elzetta ZFH1500 Flashlight Mount attaches to the standard A2 front sight base of AR15-style rifles and carbines, providing an ambidextrous mounting platform for tactical flashlights. It adds no width to the rifle and does not interfere with storage in vehicle racks and gun cases. Using an optional thumb screw, flashlights can be installed and removed rapidly without tools. No rail system is required.
Best known for laser sights, Crimson Trace has now developed a weapon light. The Lightguard is a 100-lumen white light for pistols. It fits on the front rail and is very lightweight. A slim profile makes it easy to draw and holster pistols fitted with the new light. The Lightguard's controls are designed for easy use with one- or two-hand pistol grips. Initially available for Glock, Springfield XD/XD(m), and Smith & Wesson M&P models.
The new TL-2 X tactical light from Streamlight can be used on a long gun with an optional mount. Featuring the latest C4 LED technology, the TL-2 X delivers up to 200 lumens of white light and offers high-intensity, low-intensity, and strobe settings. Power is supplied by two lithium CR123A batteries with a runtime of 2.5 hours on maximum output and 50 hours on the lowest setting.
The Javelin 600 tactical flashlight from American Technologies Network Corp. (ATN) can be hand carried or attached to a weapon. It features three LEDs and produces 600 lumens at maximum output. The Javelin has a modular bezel and is built of aircraft-grade aluminum. Power is supplied by four lithium CR123A batteries.
The SureFire X300 weapons light fits both handguns and long guns and generates 170 lumens of white light focused by a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens. Features include a rail-lock system with adapters for attachment and detachment for Universal and Picatinny rails. An ambidextrous push/toggle switch provides one-finger operation for either momentary or constant-on operation. Optional pistol grip switches are available. The light is constructed of aerospace aluminum and features an O-ring and gasket so it is submersible to 22 meters. Powered by two lithium CR123A batteries.