If you’ve ever tried to hit a target in very low-light conditions, you know how much more difficult it is compared to shooting under full light at the range. If you think that’s tough, try hitting (or even identifying) a target in complete darkness. Even with the best night sights, it’s an extremely challenging task.
Unfortunately, criminals often conduct their illegal activities under the cover of darkness. Whether it’s home invasions, robberies, or street attacks, they know that darkness gives them an advantage and reduces the chances for a good guy to shoot back.
That realization has led to an entire segment of the firearms industry focused on helping gun owners shoot accurately even in the dark. Handgun-mounted lights were invented, and since then, they have become smaller, more powerful and easier to use than ever. Laser aiming units that attach to the rails of many handguns have also become popular. Simply place the dot on yourintended target and squeeze the trigger. If the unit is sighted in correctly and you do your part, the bullet will impact very close to where the laser was aimed when the trigger was squeezed.
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If you have a pistol for self-defense or home-defense, a handgun-mounted light, laser, or combination unit might be just what you need to protect yourself in low- or no-light situations. To choose the right light or laser for your needs, however, there are some factors that you must consider.
Lights
Brightness is a key factor when choosing a handgun-mounted light. The required brightness depends on how you’ll use your firearm. For outdoor and tactical situations, lights with beams between 800 and 1,200 lumens are ideal. For indoor and close-quarters use, 300- to 500-lumen lights are typically preferred.
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Another consideration is the power source used to operate the light. Traditional disposable batteries are reliable and easy to replace quickly in an emergency, while rechargeable batteries are convenient and cost-effective. This largely comes down to personal preference. Note, however, that regardless of which you choose, a light with longer battery life is always better than one that drains the battery more quickly.
How you attach the light to your handgun is also important. Make 100% sure that any light you consider will fit on the rail of your firearm. Retailers should familiarize themselves with different rail types and mounting compatibility to better help their customers choose the best light for their needs.
Another important factor to consider is the light pattern of any tactical light you are looking at, especially whether it emits a tightly focused beam or a wide beam that covers a larger area. Flood beams offer better peripheral vision and are often more useful in close-range situations. Focused beams concentrate more light into a small area, making them better for longer distances.
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Lasers
Of course, choosing the best laser for your needs also requires some consideration. Laser color is also important to some, with most lasers being either red or green. Some companies produce laser sights that feature both red and green options, allowing you to use whichever works best for the current sighting conditions.
Like lights, battery life is also crucial for lasers. For most shooters, installing a battery and knowing it will last for several years offers peace of mind that’s worth a few extra dollars. Laser units with replaceable batteries that can be swapped without removing the pistol help prevent the need to re-sight the laser after a battery change.
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The activation method is another crucial factor to consider. Grip activation automatically turns on the laser when a firing grip is used. Button activation requires pressing a dedicated button to turn the laser on and off. Pressure pad activation involves pressing specific pads on the laser unit to activate the beam.
Last but not least, mounting style is also an important factor. Some lasers mount on the frame rail under the barrel, while others attach to the pistol’s grip, the top rail or even the trigger guard. Try a few if possible to see which one you prefer.
A Few To Consider
In the category of handgun-mounted lights, Streamlight’s TLR-1 HL-X USB delivers an impressive 1,500 lumens of ultra-bright light for any situation with a beam that extends up to 283 meters.. This light features a Streamlight-exclusive rechargeable battery and a convenient USB recharging port. With a tool-free rail clamp system, the light is easy to mount, and it is verycompact, measuring just 3.45 inches long and weighing only 5.19 ounces.
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For a laser, LaserMax’s GS-Max9-G uses the company’s patented GripSense Technology, similar to capacitive touchscreens found in smartphones. The device has a sensor where the user’s middle finger rests on the trigger guard. This sensor detects the user’s grip and activates the laser immediately when a firm hold is detected. Featuring a green laser, it can be easily programmed for steady or high-visibility pulsed laser beams.
A good combo unit is the SureFire X400. Designed to fit almost any rail-equipped pistol, its recoil-proof LED and TIR lens emits 1,000 lumens of light into a smooth, long-reaching hybrid beam with a large central spot and plenty of spill light. The light lasts for 1.25 hours, and the laser, available in red or green, operates for 24 hours.
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