Choosing a weapon light can feel like a lot if you’re new to the concept of tactical lights or firearms in general. You’ve got your gun, and now you’re wondering, “Do I really need a light on it?” The answer is yes, especially if you ever find yourself in a situation where you can’t see what’s in front of you—like if you expect to get into a gunfight at night. Whether it’s for home defense, hunting, or just being prepared, a good weapon light can make all the difference. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you figure out what to look for:
Why Bother with a Weapon Light?
The fact of the matter is that if you can’t see, you can’t act. A weapon light lets you identify what’s in front of you, whether it’s a threat, an animal, or just your own surroundings. A tactical flashlight lets you both see your surroundings and lets you determine what you can shoot and what you can’t. Hence, these tactical accessories allow you to make smart, safe decisions in low-light situations.
What to Look for in a Weapon Light
You can’t just grab the first light that you see in a gun store. You have to put it through a sieve of different criteria to see if it fits the mold of the type of light you need; and no, not all lights are created equal. There are several things to consider when choosing a tactical light such as brightness, light spill, power capacity, and other things that affect the combat effectiveness of your weapon light. Just like choosing a part for your car or upgrading your computer, there are certain questions you should ask, such as:
- Does It Fit Your Gun?
- Handguns: If you’re using a pistol, you’ll want something small and lightweight. The INFORCE WILD1 and WILD2 are great options—they’re compact, easy to handle, and won’t weigh down your gun. Judge which of the two lights you’ll need based on your barrel length. No gunsmithing required, these lights are compatible with any pistol frames with 1913 or universal rails.
- Rifles and Shotguns: For bigger firearms, check out the INFORCE WML Gen 3. It’s built to handle recoil and gives you plenty of light for longer distances.
- Make sure the light works with your gun’s rail system (like Picatinny or M-LOK).
- How Bright Is It?
- Brightness is measured in lumens. For most people, 200 to 1,000 lumens is plenty. INFORCE lights hit that sweet spot—bright enough to see clearly, but not so bright that it’s overwhelming.
- INFORCE lights focus more on candela than lumens, prioritizing light intensity over sheer brightness. This design essentially turns your weapon light into a non-lethal tool, as the intense beam can cause flash blindness, temporarily disorienting anyone in its path. Both the INFORCE WILD2 and WML Gen 3 have peak beam intensities of 25,000 candelas, for example.
- Is It Tough Enough?
- Your light needs to keep up with your gun. INFORCE lights are made from high-strength polymer or aluminum, so they’re lightweight but durable.
- They’re also IP66 water-resistant and built to handle recoil, so you don’t have to worry about them failing when you need them most.
- Is It Easy to Use?
- When things get tense, you don’t want to fiddle with complicated controls. INFORCE lights have simple, ambidextrous paddles located either right on the trigger guard or contoured to fit your support hand’s thumb, so you can turn them on quickly without fumbling.
- Mounting is a breeze too—most INFORCE lights attach without tools, so you can get set up in seconds.
- How Long Does the Battery Last?
- A dead light is useless. INFORCE lights use CR123A lithium batteries, which are reliable and last a long time. The WMLx for example, has a battery life of 2 hours.
- They’re also energy-efficient, so you won’t be constantly swapping out batteries.
Why INFORCE is a Good Choice
Picking your first weapon light doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on finding something that fits your gun, is bright enough for your needs, and is easy to use. INFORCE lights are a great place to start—they’re reliable, user-friendly, and built to last.
Our lights are designed to be straightforward, reliable, and tough enough to last They’re incredibly easy to use, with no complicated setups or confusing controls. They’re also trusted by professionals—law enforcement bodies and professional militaries from all over the world rely on INFORCE lights for their performance. Plus, they’re built to handle tough conditions, so you can count on them to work when it matters most. Whether you’re a beginner or just want something dependable, INFORCE has you covered.
So, whether you’re prepping for home defense, heading out for a hunt, or just want to be ready for whatever comes your way, take the first step. Check out the INFORCE WILD1, WILD2, and WML Gen 3, and see how the right light can give you the confidence to handle any situation.
To shop INFORCE rifle lights, click here.
To shop INFORCE pistol lights, click here.