In low light situations, a light is a necessary tool to locate and evaluate threats. With a weapon-mounted light you are never without this tool. The tactical light becomes an extension of your weapon; it is always aligned and can be easily activated without the need to shift your grip. This is accomplished through the use of a pressure switch that can be located within reach of where your hand normally rests.

Because a tactical light becomes a "permanent" part of your firearm, it needs to be securely mounted where it will not affect the handling, function or field of view. On the AR-15 series this usually means either above or below the barrel, forward of the front sight.

A tactical light will be subjected to the weapon's recoil, which has a tendency to render lights not specifically designed for this purpose inoperable rather quickly. So we will further define a tactical light to be one specifically designed to be attached to a firearm; not a flashlight taped on to the barrel of your rifle, or a penlight attached with a clamp. Just as with your firearm, you want to make sure you are using quality equipment that is durable and reliable; your life depends on it.

Tactical lights can be powered by either lithium or rechargeable (Nicad) baterries. A lithium battery has a shelf life of 10 years and so will always be ready on a light you don't use often. However, lithium batteries are expensive, and so rechargeable batteries make more sense on a light that gets frequent use, such as during training. The better light systems allow you to use either type, so you can practice with rechargeables, and keep a fresh set of lithiums while the weapon is not being used.

In most situations, the use of the tactical light will be with a momentary switch; while you hold it on, it stays lit, as soon as you release pressure, the light goes off. If you use a contant-on switch as well, you want it to be completely isolated from the momentary-on switch. You do not want to have a light surprise you and stay on when you want it off.

One of the advantages to a bright light is it's ability to temporarily blind an suspect, but keep in mind that it's use will also seriously destroy your own night vision. For this reason, red filters can be added to your light, but this also eliminates the "blinding" effect on the suspect. In most cases you will not want to use filters, but rather concentrate on using the light effectively, with full knowledge of its effects, and combined with proper movement techniques. Practicing with your equipment cannot be overstated.

All photos show a Laser Products SURE-FIRE Tactical Light (U05 housing, M10/M14 mount pair, with an L60 lamp module installed) mounted to a PWA Commando with a 16" fluted barrel and collapsible stock.