Flashlights

Weapon-mounted lights are a great addition to any solid general-purpose or home-defense rifle. While there are a few who disagree, most of us know that having a light on your rifle is a very good idea, almost a necessity. When it comes to my guns for self or home defense - all of them have lights. While most of us civilians might never find ourselves clearing multi-story buildings, or trying to ID a bad guy way off in the distance in the dark, defensive scenarios are a very different story. If someone breaks into your home or you hear odd noises on your property at night, it’s crucial to be able to properly identify what you’re hearing, especially in low-light conditions, before taking any direct action.

Viridian has introduced its new 4LUX 2K and 2K Duo, offering shooters the ability to combine their weapon-mounted accessories with a light, grip and even a laser all integrated into a single rail-mounted unit.

Want a weapon-mounted light, but you’re packing a sub-compact pistol? Streamlight sees your need, and from the darkness offers you their new TLR-7X sub.

Modern rifle lights are great for more than up-close shooting. New high candela high lumen lights can now reach and illuminate targets at distances that rival the range of some of your rifles. This is also the case for the new Nightstick LGL-160-T Turbo High Candela Long Gun Light kit which claims to have a 632-yard "tight beam" illumination distance. This new light comes complete with a mounting kit that features both a regular tail cap and the ability to use the light with an included remote pressure switch.

Princeton Tec has announced the introduction of their NEW Charge X Helmet Light for those who are donning ballistic helmets and need to shed a little more light on a situation. The new Charge X Helmet Light is compatible with existing Princeton Tec Charge mounts and will additionally include both an M-LOK mount and hook ‘n loop mounting solutions.

SIG Sauer has a new weapon light for long guns. The FOXTROT MSR combines a lot of the most popular features in current lights at a very competitive price point. Keep reading to see what SIG has created. 

Over the last few months, Streamlight has been quietly stepping up the output on a number of their weapon lights. The latest model to get this treatment is the TLR-7; the new TLR-7 HL-X is a dual-fuel version of Streamlight’s weapon light for compact handguns and has more lumens and candela than the previous version. Hop stopped by the Streamlight booth at NRAAM 2024 to check out their new crop of lights.

Streamlight has a new, brighter compact weapon light. The TLR-7 HL-X USB packs 1,000 lumens and 22,000 candela into a small package. It also can run on multiple power sources.

Luke C ( @BallisticAviation ) is checking in with Andrew from SureFire LLC to check out the release of the XR1 and XR2 rechargeable pistol lights. Teased throughout the last couple of years of the SHOT Show, the XR1 and XR2 have been some of the most highly anticipated pistol lights and today SureFire has confirmed their release in just a few months. The XR1 and XR2 lights are compact size lights that boast powerful output, and rechargeable batteries. In addition the the XR1 and XR2, Andrew also has a newly redesigned tape switch with hints at a new dual-lead switch on the way.

At SHOT Show 2024, Hogue, a manufacturer specializing in firearm accessories, hinted at an innovative addition to their product lineup—a mini-flashlight designed for pistols. This forthcoming flashlight aims to offer a more compact lighting solution for firearms without the added bulk typical of larger, traditional units.

At the SHOT Show 2024, the renowned flashlight maker Streamlight launched three innovative products –  the TLR-7X weapon light, SpeedLocker storage box and TLR-6 HL weapon light.

James Reeves is at SureFire to see the new Stiletto Pro II. The Stiletto Pro is already James’ most favorite EDC light, so what does the Pro II bring to the table? Glad you asked: It adds a Multi-Output Dual Beam, USB-C rechargeable (finally), 1,500 lumens with a 500 lumens and 25 lumens setting (50% more than Stiletto Pro), and 35,000 candela (5X more than Stiletto Pro).

SureFire, known for its range of flashlights, weapon-mounted lights, suppressors, and other tactical equipment, has announced the release of its latest products including the Surefire XR2 weapon light, CSM-07 and CSP-07 remote switches, and a new Stiletto EDC flashlight. The XC2 is a compact, durable, and high-output concealed-carry handgun light that has increased lumens and candela over the previous versions of compact pistol weapon lights.

Viridian has a new combination light laser unit for concealed carry pistols. The C5L Micro combines a green laser with a 550-lumen light. It is sized to fit on the most popular everyday carry guns.

It is Friday night and you know what that means here at The Firearm Blog, it is FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS! Earlier we took a look at an obsolete weapon-mounted laser that has gained notoriety in Hollywood sci-fi films. Well, today we look at some more antiquated and obsolete technology from Wilcox Industries. Specifically, Wilcox Grips like the Nightstalker PowerGrip and their Ultimate Control Grip.

In the world of tactical gear, a weapon-mounted light is not just an accessory – it’s a critical tool that can mean the difference between clear sight and obscurity, accurate identification and guesswork. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, a hunter, or a responsible civilian who believes in the right to self-defense, the right weapon light can enhance your accuracy, identify threats, and even disorient potential attackers.

This is the second part of the SureFire M640DFT-PRO weapon light review so if you have not read part 1 click here. 

SureFire is a renowned name in the world of tactical lighting and firearms accessories, with a history that dates back to the late 1970s. The company was founded by Dr. John Matthews, a visionary engineer and entrepreneur with a passion for innovation in lighting technology and firearms equipment. SureFire’s journey began with a groundbreaking invention: a laser sight for firearms, designed to improve accuracy and target acquisition for law enforcement and military personnel. This pioneering product set the stage for SureFire’s future success and established the company as a trailblazer in the industry. As the years went by, SureFire expanded its product line to include weapon lights, flashlights, suppressors, and various other tactical tools and accessories. Their weapon lights, in particular, became highly sought-after by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Around six months ago Surefire sent me their new M640DFT-PRO Weapon Light to test and evaluate.

Having just gotten back from my first-ever Tactical Games event, I wanted to put together a write-up on all of the gear I used down at the GTI in South Carolina. I will also be including the prices of all of the gear that I utilized as I feel like I spent a lot of money just to compete at this event. Also, please keep in mind that this was my first event, and I will be doing a follow-up article on lessons learned and how I would tackle my second go around at the GTI Tactical Games. Also, all prices will be MSRP aside from the pistol and ear pro.

Portable lighting has become pretty important for me as I get more and more into night vision shooting. At the end of the night, when you want to clean everything up, using night vision devices really isn’t the best way to do things, and this is where products like the new Bushnell branded portable lighting equipment are. This new collection has everything from hall handheld lights to portable lanterns and of course the ever-useful headlamp! This new product line is due to the new partnership that Bushnell has made with I2D Licensed Brands, in an effort to expand Bushnell’s product offerings in the outdoor space.

It was less than 2 weeks ago that we reported on Optics Planet and Viridian Weapon Technologies teaming up to produce some 30mm mounts for sporting rifles (AR-15s, AK-47s, etc) through their OPMOD series of products. Now, these two manufacturers are back at it again with another collab for some lights and laser beams – Omega Universal Lights and Green Lasers.

We looked at the Villain Weapon Systems diffuser for the DBAL-D2 almost a year ago. In that time he has been busy making other upgrades like focus lenses and diffusers for MFAL (Multi-Function Aiming Laser). Like a focus lens for the L3 ATPIAL-C and makes it useful. Well, now he is making an EFL (external focusing lens) to make the Streamtlight TLR-VIR II IR Illuminator more useful.

If we asked you to do a “pocket dump,” what would be a part of your everyday carry (EDC) collection? Most people have the basics – keys, wallet, cellphone, maybe a CCW handgun – but fail to carry an EDC knife or flashlight. In terms of defense, an EDC flashlight is just as important as a handgun or knife. It is a tool for escalated situations to not only fix your truck on the side of the road, but also to blind Creeper McCreepyFace in the Mcdonald’s parking lot when you’re buying some chicken nuggies. For scenarios like your late-night chicken cravings and much more, the new Streamlight Wedge XT everyday carry flashlight will be right up your alley.

Welcome back to this week’s Friday Night Lights. Last week we took a look at the Tracer Tactical Head Harness. Well, this week we revisit our friends at Gibbous Outfitters and see what they have come up with now. Gibbous Outfitters upgrade the MP5K, the infamous MP5 briefcase, along with some unexpected upgrades for other weapon systems.

High Speed Gear is well known within the soft goods industry for producing some very high-quality tactical gear like slings, magazine pouches, admin pouches, and IFAK kits. Today they’ve announced the introduction of the new Uniform Line of products that cater to those who carry a firearm and tactical gear as part of their daily duties (law enforcement, private security, etc). In a world dominated by basketweave gear, the new Uniform Line looks to combine modern materials and design and has a sleeker appearance.

Welcome back my nocturnal friends to another installment of Friday Night Lights. Last week we took a close look at Gibbous Outfitters up and coming weapon light mounts for the MP5 platform. Well, this week we take a look at the weapon lights of yesteryear, actually photos of said weapon lights.

Good news everyone, it is Friday and night is here. You know what that means, Friday Night Lights! Last week we took a look at the iRay USA RS75 high-definition thermal weapon sight. Well, today we take a look at Gibbous Outfitters weapon light mounts for the MP5 platform.

When talking about firearm safety, most people focus on preventing negligent discharges. When I ask for a safety rule, I usually hear “Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.” This is a great rule, but what if you do want to send a round? Then knowing your target becomes the most important rule. Positive identification (PID) is extremely important, especially for a trained civilian. The best way to know your target is to see it, and in dark environments, that can be difficult. Thankfully, the weapon light market has you covered with tons of high-quality lights for your carry guns. The newest from SureFire is the XSC-B Subcompact Handgun WeaponLight.

Armasight, a manufacturer of night vision optics, thermal imagers, and illumination devices, has just released a new IR illuminator. The Armasight Watchman IR illuminator can be handheld or weapon mounted, runs on either a single 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123 lithium batteries, and has a high output of 600 mW. The package includes a weapon mount, tape switch, and an 18650 battery.

Thyrm is known for their battery holders as well as their flashlight rings and pocket clips. They made an ARC rail-compatible VariArc for mounting lights on your helmet. Well, now they have a new version called the VariArc-VS which allows you to attach a light to Velcro on your helmet.