It’s late at night. You worked late and now all you want is to get home and relax. As you walk to your car in the dark parking lot you hear someone behind you. Looking into the dark you see a figure a ways off. As you speed up, they speed up. Next thing you know you’re on the ground. You are armed but never got the chance to draw your weapon.
A flashlight would have made the difference between defending yourself and being robbed.
If you’re like some people you typically think of flashlights as something kept in the junk drawer in the kitchen in case the power goes out or when you go camping. A flashlight is something everyone should have with them at all times. If you conceal carry, I would say it is essential. A tactical flashlight is more than just a penlight stuffed in your pocket. Tactical flashlights are designed for tactical, law enforcement or military, use. Many of them are designed to be mounted to weapons. They are usually smaller and brighter than a off-the-shelf type of flashlight. They are built much more tough than those 3 dollar lights.
Many years ago I started my service to the Boy Scouts of America as a leader. I love the Scouting movement. In the 80’s when I started as a leader I carried a swiss army knife. I wanted a case that had a clip where I could take the case on and off without removing my belt. It took a while but I found one that is great. It was a “Nite Ize Pock-its” case. I used to work on active flightlines in the military. This case is great because it has a cover that keeps it’s contents covered and retained. They were very careful with what we called “FOD” (foreign object damage) on the flightline. A lost tool could be sucked into an aircraft intake and ruin a multi-million dollar aircraft engine. Anyway, this case came with a pocket for a light. I decided to use it and bought a mini-mag light. I can’t tell you how many times I have used a light from my case. I will never be without a flashlight again. It is an important part of my EDC (every-day carry).
A flashlight can also be an effective defense tool. If you carry a gun you know the importance of target identification. In low-light or dark situations you want to make sure that target you are pointing your weapon at is really a threat. Even if you don’t carry a gun a flashlight, when used correctly, can be a real asset. Flashlights can be carried onto planes and into places where guns cannot go. There are 2 functions that a tactical light serves. One is threat identification. The second is as a weapon itself. It can disorient or blind a threat when it’s dark and the light is shined in the threats eyes. This few seconds of blinding can give you the opportunity for fight or flight. Some tactical lights have serrated or toothed bezels. Supposedly this is to break a glass window in a car to get someone out. The glass breaking has been tried and it failed miserably. These lights may not be able to break car windows but as a weapon they are pretty good! Be careful though, a TSA officer or other authority may deem it a “striking tool” and confiscate it. If this worries you, put it in your checked bags or keep it concealed.
What should you look for in a tac light? There are several features I think are important.
Size: Choose a small, light flashlight so you feel inclined to carry it.
Operation: Choose a light that is easy to use. Some have several lighting modes for signaling or different brightness. Stay away from these and find one that has just an on and off switch. Also, choose a light that you can work with one hand.
Construction: I like metal for the weapon factor. Plastic won’t work as well as a weapon. Anodized aluminum is my best pick. Also, make sure it is water proof.
Output: I recommend at least 200 lumens. Anything less is too weak for my taste. 120 lumens is ok but I like more power. Also, get a LED is the only way to go. Anything else can’t handle being dropped or banged around. LED is also better on your batteries. You won’t go through as much.
If you must investigate something in the dark and you fear someone out there is armed and dangerous there are ways to investigate to keep you safe and effective. Use interior or exterior lighting. Usually that’s the best. Now is the time to look at your home and property inside and out of buildings. Is there adequate lighting for safety and security? If not, make the changes now. But if you can’t get to the switch or turning on a light is impractical or impossible you may need your flashlight. If you suspect your attacker has a weapon you’ll need to use your light a certain way. When moving stop, turn on your light, then off, then move. Keep your movements unpredictable. Your light gives away your position. In combat you’re taught that when you shoot you also give away your position. So, shoot, move, communicate. Using a light is similar. Shine, then move. Zig-zag randomly. Do not leave your light on the whole time. Unless they guess, if you move with the light off your chances of being found are slim.
Even if you don’t have a gun you can defend yourself with a tactical flashlight. Shining a bright light at someone’s face in darkness will blind them for a moment. With that moment you can fight or flight. . If you don’t have any combatives training or if you don’t know whether or not your threat is armed, your best option is to flee. If you must fight a quick hit to the face should give you the time you need to flee. Low hard kicks to the groin and knees are also effective. If you carry a gun you should learn how to use a flashlight with your weapon. Practice in low light situations. Go to the range in the evening if possible. Get competent training.
There are many ways to use a flashlight with a gun. The problem is, if the light is mounted on your gun or you use a technique that holds your light with your gun, you point the gun with the light. I prefer one handed shooting and holding the light near my head. Night sights still need target identification.
Working with a flashlight should be in your regular training schedule. Learn what works for you. Also, there are many good lights out there. Check the internet for reviews. Ask those you know in law enforcement or the military or someone you know who shoots regularly. Find a light and then carry it. Like a gun, a holster, or other equipment, you have to use it to see if it will meet your needs. Like the above mentioned equipment, it can get expensive to keep buying tactical lights. Do the best research you can.
A flashlight makes a difference in effectiveness and safety. Learn why.
Semper Paratus
Burn
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