INFORCE Blog

Unlike regular household or utility flashlights, a tactical flashlight is meant to be used in emergency situations which may or may not have an element of danger. With this in mind, many tactical flashlights have the ability to be used as a means of self-defense. This is why the lumen/candela count is usually high enough to cause flash blindness. It is also the reason why many of these lights have a strobe feature.

Strobe lighting, defined as very short, intense flashes of light, has been around since 1931, when Dr. Harold Eugene Edgerton, also known as “Papa Flash” employed a flashing lamp to help him photograph fast-moving objects like bullets and machine parts.

A few decades later, strobe lights became popular in the club scene to enhance the effects of LSD. However, those examples are of the rapid flashing of lights with normal intensity. A modern tactical flashlight’s strobe function involves rapidly flashing its high lumen/candela beam to disorient or blind aggressors.

The correlation between strobe lights and disorientation had been known for a long time. During World War II, the Allies mounted a searchlight with a strobe function to a tank chassis and called it the “Canal Defense Light” or CDL. This light could flash at speeds of two times a second and was used to prevent German troops from accurately returning fire. It was used to great effect when it blinded German frogmen who were attempting to destroy the Bridge at Remagen (of movie fame).

It was only in the 2000s that strobe lights on handheld flashlights became popular among law enforcement, thanks to the innovation of more intense LEDs. The Department of Homeland Security came up with a device called “the puke saber” in 2007, meant to disorient adversaries with a flashing array of colored LEDs. However, the device never went into production.

However, strobe lights did eventually find a home in the civilian self-defense market. The widespread availability of LED technology, which allowed for more compact, powerful, and energy-efficient light sources, played a significant role in this transition. Companies like INFORCE began incorporating strobe features into their tactical flashlights such as the WML series and the WILD2, making them accessible to a broader audience.

So, why do tactical flashlights have strobe functions? The primary reason is self-defense. The intense, rapidly flashing light can disorient and temporarily blind an aggressor, giving the user a critical advantage in a potentially dangerous situation. This disorienting effect can create a window of opportunity for escape or to gain control of the situation. The strobe function can also be used for signaling in emergency situations, making it a versatile tool for both personal safety and practical use.

In summary, the strobe feature in tactical flashlights is a direct response to the need for effective self-defense tools in emergency situations. Its ability to disorient and incapacitate aggressors, combined with the practical benefits of high-intensity LED technology, has made it a valuable addition to modern tactical flashlights.

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Choosing the right tactical flashlight depends on several factors such as your line of work, purpose of the flashlight, and how often you’ll need it. While choosing a tactical flashlight might seem like a straightforward thing, the reality is that a tactical flashlight for one’s rifle or pistol has to be chosen due to its compatibility with both the firearm and the user.

Beam Characteristics:

Brightness: Measured in lumens, higher lumens mean more light. While tempting to go for the most powerful option, consider realistic use cases. Ultra-bright lights can be disorienting in close quarters. A good range for tactical flashlights is 300-1,500 lumens.

Beam intensity: Measured in candelas, beam intensity is more of a factor in tactical flashlights than it is in conventional handheld units. A flashlight with a high enough beam intensity can be used to flash blind opponents, giving it a secondary use as a nonlethal deterrent.

Functionality and Usability:

Modes: Multiple modes offer versatility. A tactical flashlight should have at least a high, medium, and low brightness setting, strobe for disorientation, and a momentary-on mode for quick bursts of light.

Activation Switch: Tailcap buttons are ideal for one-handed operation while side switches offer easier access for momentary activation. Some flashlights even come with remote switches for weapon-mounted applications. INFORCE WMLs use contoured ergonomic nonslip buttons, while the WILD series of pistol lights uses patented paddle switches.

Durability and Reliability:

Construction: Tactical flashlights should be constructed from high-strength materials like anodized aluminum to withstand drops and impacts. INFORCE lights are typically made from a combination of hard anodized aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon.

Water Resistance: A flashlight should have a minimum IPX4 rating, which signifies water resistance against splashing water. An IPX7 or IPX8 rating ensures submersion. The INFORCE WILD series are impervious to dust, sand, and dirt while also being waterproof to 66ft.

Additional Considerations:

Battery Life: Tactical flashlights should have good battery life, especially if carried for long periods. However, it’s critical to remember that the more powerful a flashlight is, the shorter its battery life will be.

Size and Weight: A balance between size and functionality is key. Consider how you will carry the flashlight - pocket clip, holster, or mounted on your firearm. Even a small flashlight should feel comfortable in your hand. Consider the grip texture and button placement for ease of use, especially during stressful situations.

By considering these factors, you can narrow down your choices and select a tactical flashlight that best suits your needs. Remember, prioritize functionality over raw power. A well-rounded flashlight with the right features becomes a dependable ally in low-light situations.

To shop INFORCE pistol lights, click here.

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Owning an AR-15 comes with a responsibility to ensure you are prepared for any situation that may arise. One crucial addition to your AR-15 setup that can significantly enhance your preparedness is a weapon-mounted light.

Statistics show that most crimes occur at night. As a home defender, darkness can be a significant disadvantage, leaving you vulnerable and unable to effectively assess threats. A weapon-mounted light addresses this issue by providing you with the ability to see clearly in low-light conditions, ensuring that you are not caught off guard when it matters most.

Information Gathering and Threat Identification

In any defensive scenario, gathering information and accurately identifying threats is critical. A weapon-mounted light allows you to illuminate your surroundings, helping you to distinguish between friend and foe. This capability not only enhances your situational awareness but also reduces the likelihood of tragic mistakes, such as misidentifying an innocent person as a threat.

Non-Lethal Deterrence

A high-quality tactical light can serve as a powerful non-lethal deterrent. The intense beam can be used to temporarily blind and disorient an assailant, giving you valuable time to assess the situation and potentially de-escalate it without resorting to lethal force. The psychological impact of a bright light combined with flash blindness and the reality of a firearm pointed at their face can often be enough to make an aggressor reconsider their actions, possibly leading to a surrender.

Proper Mounting and Activation

When mounting a light on your AR-15, it’s important to ensure that you can easily activate it with your support hand. The placement will depend on your specific setup, including whether you have a vertical grip, angled grip, or no grip at all, and the type of rail system you use. Modern tactical lights, such as the INFORCE WML, can be attached to any Picatinny rail. Even if you have an older AR-15 without a rail system, there are Picatinny adapters available that are compatible with various handguards, allowing you to mount a light without replacing your entire handguard.

Lumens and Candela: The Importance of Light Intensity

When selecting a weapon-mounted light, don’t skimp on brightness. The number of lumens determines the overall brightness of the light, but equally important is the candela count, which measures the light’s intensity. A high candela count can effectively blind and disorient an assailant, giving you a tactical advantage.

Recoil Management

Interestingly, a weapon-mounted light can also aid in managing recoil. The additional weight at the front of your rifle can counteract muzzle flip, leading to slightly improved accuracy for follow-up shots. This added benefit makes a weapon-mounted light a multifunctional addition to your AR-15.

A weapon-mounted light is an indispensable tool for any AR-15 owner. It enhances your ability to see and assess threats in low-light conditions, provides a non-lethal means of deterring aggressors, and can even aid in recoil management. By investing in a high-quality tactical light and mounting it properly, you can significantly improve your preparedness and effectiveness in any defensive situation. Don’t leave yourself in the dark—equip your AR-15 with a weapon-mounted light today.

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Some see the handgun light as an unnecessary accessory for ordinary, everyday firearm owners, only fit for SWAT members and Tier One Operators, but a handgun light might literally save your life if you’re fighting in a low light environment.

This is especially critical when you realize that, according to the FBI, it is 65% more likely for murders and manslaughters to happen at night than during the day. If your home defense handgun has nothing but its sights, then you are effectively blind to the threat, who is very likely to have a flashlight of his own.

Improved target identification: In low-light situations, a handgun light can help you see your target clearly. This is important for both safety and accuracy. You don't want to shoot something you can't identify. However, we must always remember the second rule of firearm safety – never point a firearm at anything you don’t intend to destroy. This holds true for handgun lights as well.

When you’re not ready to shoot, point your weapon up at the ceiling so it creates an ”umbrella light” which illuminates the room around you in all directions. This is far more effective than a single white light beam pointed towards your target. In this latter scenario, with your eyes focused only on the spot illuminated by your light, your peripheral vision is reduced. In addition, you’ll be holding a bright light that can attract any hostiles in the area. Therefore, pointing your handgun light directly in front of you while you’re scanning for threats is generally not the best idea.

There’s also the danger that in the adrenaline rush of something you perceive to be a home invasion, you might have a knee-jerk reaction to shoot at the first thing that moves, which might be your dog, your kid, or your partner. This is why identifying your target with your light is so important.

Disorienting an attacker: Flash blindness caused by a handgun light can be a valuable tool for gaining a tactical advantage in a self-defense situation. When shone directly into an attacker's eyes, the bright light from a high-lumen handgun light can overwhelm their vision. This is why tactical handgun lights like INFORCE’s WILD1 and WILD2 focus on lumen intensity.

This effect, known as flash blindness, temporarily disrupts the photoreceptor cells in the retina, essentially leaving the attacker momentarily seeing nothing but a bright afterimage. The severity and duration of flash blindness depend on factors like light intensity, beam width, and the attacker's eye adaptation.

This window of disorientation can be critical in a self-defense scenario. By momentarily blinding your attacker, you can buy precious seconds to assess the situation, take cover, or create distance. It's important to remember that flash blindness is not a guaranteed incapacitation method. An attacker may regain some vision quickly, and handgun lights are not substitutes for proper self-defense training. However, the disorientation caused by a well-deployed handgun light can provide valuable time and a tactical edge when facing a threat.

However, it's important to consider limitations. Flash blindness can also affect your own vision if the light reflects off a nearby surface or the attacker is close quarters. Additionally, not everyone reacts the same way to bright lights. Practicing deploying your handgun light safely and effectively in a controlled environment is crucial for responsible use in a high-stress situation.

Signaling for help: Flashlights can be a fantastic tool for silent communication, especially within your own home.

Imagine a situation where you hear a bump in the night. Reaching for your handgun might be your first instinct, but what if your partner, sibling, or roommate is also investigating the sound? A pre-determined flashlight signal can avoid confusion and potentially dangerous situations. You can create a simple code using the following methods:

Number of Flashes: Agree on a specific number of flashes to signal "all clear" or "intruder." For example, two flashes could mean "it's me" while three flashes signal a potential threat.

Flash Duration: Short, quick bursts could indicate confusion, while longer sustained flashes might signify danger.

Flash Location: Shine the light in specific areas of the house to denote location. For instance, a flash at the window could mean someone's outside, while a flash near the bedroom door might indicate an intruder has entered that area.

Combined Signals: Combine the above methods for a more intricate code. For example, two short flashes from the window could mean your partner saw someone outside but believes they're harmless.

Remember, the key is to keep it simple and pre-determined. Practice these signals in various scenarios during the day so you're both comfortable and familiar with them in the dark. This way, a quick flashlight message can avoid confusion and potentially save precious time in a tense situation. Plus, it could be another fun thing to do during your days off if you practice with inert blue guns or laser training aids.

In conclusion, a handgun light is not just an accessory for the elite of the elite. Everyday firearm owners can use it to enhance their own safety and effectiveness in low-light situations. The ability to identify threats clearly and disorient attackers through flash blindness is invaluable for any close quarters combat scenario. Moreover, integrating flashlight signals for communication can prevent tragic mistakes in high-stress situations. By understanding and practicing with your handgun light, you can ensure it serves as a reliable aid in protecting yourself and your loved ones.

To shop INFORCE handgun lights, click here.

The rifle-mounted flashlight has been around ever since the Second World War. Initially, these lights were rudimentary and primarily adapted from handheld flashlights. They were bulky, not particularly bright, and often unreliable under the rigors of combat. However, the concept proved its worth, highlighting the need for improved designs that could withstand the demands of military use.

Flashlight designs have undergone some major changes to accommodate various weapon handling techniques through the years. One of the first significant innovations was the addition of the push-button tailcap. This simple yet effective modification allowed soldiers to quickly activate the flashlight with a thumb press, making it easier to operate the light while maintaining a solid grip on the weapon. This design became a standard feature in many tactical lights, offering both momentary and constant-on modes.

Another important advancement was the pressure pad switch, which revolutionized the way flashlights were used in conjunction with firearms. These switches, often referred to as remote pressure pads or tape switches, enable users to mount the activation button anywhere on the rifle, typically along the foregrip. This placement allows for more ergonomic and intuitive operation, especially in high-stress situations where rapid response is crucial. The pressure pad switch minimizes movement and noise, as the operator does not need to reposition their hand to activate the light.

The development of the modern tactical light has further enhanced the utility of weapon-mounted flashlights. These lights are now designed to be strong, compact, and made with durable materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum and high-impact polymers. Modern tactical lights are often waterproof, shock-resistant, and capable of withstanding the harsh recoil of repeated gunfire. Additionally, advancements in LED technology have allowed these lights to produce intense beams with longer battery life compared to older incandescent bulbs. Many tactical lights now feature adjustable beam patterns, multiple brightness settings, and strobe functions, providing versatile illumination options for various operational scenarios.

Furthermore, the integration of weapon-mounted flashlights with other tactical equipment has seen significant progress. Some modern designs incorporate laser sights, allowing for simultaneous illumination and target acquisition. This integration not only saves space on the weapon rail but also enhances the operator's effectiveness in low-light environments.

Evolution of Weapon Mounted Lights

Lights also evolved to suit different rifles, with designs becoming increasingly specialized to meet the unique needs of various firearm platforms. The earliest dedicated flashlight mounts for the M16, one of the most iconic rifles in military history, typically had the light clamped under the rifle’s barrel. This positioning allowed soldiers to illuminate their targets while maintaining a relatively balanced and unobstructed line of sight. However, these early mounts were often bulky and added significant weight to the front end of the rifle, potentially affecting handling and maneuverability.

In contrast, the first lights designed for the Heckler & Koch MP5, a submachine gun famously used by the British SAS during Operation Nimrod, took a different approach. These lights were mounted on the upper receiver, directly in line with the shooter’s sight picture. While this positioning provided effective illumination, it had the significant drawback of obstructing the user's ability to aim down the sights, thereby complicating target acquisition and accuracy. This limitation highlighted the need for more innovative mounting solutions that would not interfere with the weapon’s primary function.

As tactical requirements evolved, so did the design and placement of weapon-mounted lights. The introduction of Picatinny rails and other modular rail systems provided a standardized method for attaching various accessories, including flashlights, to a wide range of rifles. This development allowed for more flexible and customizable mounting options. For instance, lights could now be placed on the sides or top of the rifle, giving operators the freedom to choose the optimal position based on their specific needs and shooting style.

In addition to improved mounting systems, advancements in light technology itself have played a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of weapon-mounted flashlights. Modern lights are significantly more compact and lightweight than their predecessors, thanks to the use of high-strength, lightweight materials and more efficient power sources. LED technology, in particular, has revolutionized the industry by providing brighter, more reliable illumination with minimal power consumption and heat generation.

Moreover, contemporary designs often include features such as quick-detach mounts, allowing operators to rapidly attach or remove the flashlight as the situation demands. Some advanced models even offer integrated laser sights or infrared (IR) illuminators for use with night vision equipment, further enhancing the versatility and capability of the weapon system.

New Developments

As techniques and weapons changed, so did the modularity of the M4, the United States military’s premier weapons system. The M4 carbine, a descendant of the M16, was designed with adaptability in mind, featuring a shorter barrel, collapsible stock, and a flat-top receiver that, combined with an appropriate rail system, allowed the attachment of various optics and accessories. This adaptability made the M4 a versatile platform suitable for a wide range of combat scenarios, from urban warfare to open-field engagements.

In the 1990s, the Special Operations Peculiar MODification (SOPMOD) system introduced the era of weapon attachments, revolutionizing the way soldiers customized their firearms. The SOPMOD kit was a collection of modular accessories designed to enhance the effectiveness and versatility of the M4. It included items such as optics, foregrips, suppressors, laser aiming modules, and, of course, tactical flashlights. These accessories could be easily attached or detached using the M4’s integrated Picatinny rail system, allowing soldiers to tailor their weapon to specific mission requirements. The SOPMOD system underscored the importance of modularity in modern firearms, setting a new standard for weapon customization.

A decade or so later, the C-clamp grip became popular in the world of tactical competition shooting and quickly gained traction among military and law enforcement personnel. The C-clamp grip involves holding the rifle with the support hand extended out near the muzzle, with the thumb placed over the top of the barrel. This grip technique offers several advantages. It allows for better control of recoil and muzzle rise, enabling faster follow-up shots. The extended arm position also enhances maneuverability and stability, particularly in dynamic shooting scenarios.

The rise of the C-clamp grip influenced the design and placement of weapon-mounted flashlights. With the support hand positioned closer to the muzzle, the flashlight also needed to be mounted further forward on the rail. This placement allows the shooter to easily activate the light with their thumb while maintaining a secure grip on the rifle. The forward-mounted light also reduces shadowing caused by the barrel and minimizes the shooter’s profile when using the light in low-light situations.

Additionally, the C-clamp grip highlighted the importance of low-profile and ergonomically designed light mounts. These mounts needed to be unobtrusive to avoid interfering with the shooter’s grip and handling of the weapon. As a result, manufacturers developed slim, lightweight flashlight mounts that could be positioned on various parts of the rail system without compromising the rifle’s balance or the shooter’s comfort.

A Modern Light for a Modern Rifle

The INFORCE WML series is widely regarded as the single best AR15 tactical light to use with the modern C-clamp grip. This acclaim stems from its thoughtful design and ergonomic features tailored specifically for the unique demands of this weapon handling style. The C-clamp grip, with the support hand extended out near the muzzle and the thumb placed over the top of the barrel, requires a light that can be easily and intuitively activated without compromising grip or control.

The activation switch of the INFORCE WML series is one of its standout features. Contoured to the shape of a shooter’s thumb, the switch is designed for seamless activation from the C-clamp grip position. This ergonomic design ensures that the shooter can quickly and effortlessly engage the light with a natural thumb motion, maintaining optimal control of the rifle. The switch’s placement and shape align perfectly with the C-clamp grip, allowing for instantaneous illumination without the need to adjust the hand position.

Beyond its ergonomics, the INFORCE WML series offers several other attributes that make it ideal for tactical use. The light is constructed from high-strength, lightweight glass reinforced nylon, ensuring durability without adding unnecessary weight to the rifle. This construction is crucial for maintaining the balance and maneuverability of the weapon, especially during extended use or rapid movements.

The WML series also boasts impressive performance characteristics. Its LED technology delivers a powerful and focused 10,000 candela/450 lumen beam, capable of illuminating targets at significant distances while also providing sufficient peripheral lighting. This balanced beam pattern is essential for situational awareness in tactical scenarios, allowing the shooter to identify threats and navigate environments effectively.

In addition to its robust illumination capabilities, the INFORCE WML features multiple operating modes, including constant, momentary, and strobe. These modes offer versatility for different tactical situations, whether it’s signaling, disorienting an opponent, or providing continuous light. The mode selection is intuitive and easily accessible, further enhancing the light’s usability in high-stress conditions.

The INFORCE WML’s mounting system is designed for simplicity and reliability. The light attaches securely to any standard Picatinny or MIL-STD-1913 rail, ensuring a firm hold even under the recoil of repeated firing. Its compact and streamlined profile minimizes the risk of snagging or obstruction, maintaining the sleek and functional design required for effective weapon handling.

Overall, the INFORCE WML series exemplifies the integration of advanced technology and user-centric design in tactical accessories. Its compatibility with the C-clamp grip, coupled with its durability, performance, and ease of use, solidifies its position as the premier choice for AR15 users seeking a reliable and effective weapon-mounted light. As tactical techniques and requirements continue to evolve, the INFORCE WML remains at the forefront, adapting to meet the needs of modern shooters.