Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Tactical Flashlights

I bought a whole box of 18650 batteries and haven't used half of them. I don't buy anything that takes CR123a's anymore. I've got some great lights that take them, but they run down quickly and the rechargeables I've got haven't lasted long.

Here's another place that technology has advanced so very far in just a short time period. Ten years ago, CR123a's were the thing. Then 18650's. The latter IMO is still the best way to get absolute bright light in a flashlight. That said, for most use, you can now buy a very bright flashlight that will stay lit a long time which takes easily available and cheap AA's or AAA batteries. I have very bright lights that only take one stinking AA battery and others that take three AAA's. There really is no need for the more expensive "specialty" batteries. In fact, I have rechargeable CR123a's and 18650's now and that's all I use in those lights that take them.

Butt plug.

Just ask any experienced ER personnel in certain areas. A friend of mine married a nurse we nicknamed "Crash" because of the stories she had to tell.

that there are cheap chinese knock offs out there does not mean that Streamlight and Surefire, Fenix and other top tier lights are no longer functional. laughing.
In my daily go bag, I carry a Surefire G2X dual output light (uses two CR123 batteries) and a Fenix PD35. (single 18650 battery) . I also carry a Surefire Titan Ti small light, that takes a single CR123 battery. I have a head band carrier for that one. I'm covered.

Daily go bag?

A blinded attacker can't shoot as straight.

I NEVER leave home without 1000 lumens and a .45 cal.

Nobody carries shark repelant anymore, it's all flashlights nowaday.

This type of light is what I am using. Small enough for in the pocket or hang on the downstrap on the magazines side of a shoulder rig.

Two different ones. 500 lumen uses two CR123A's or one 18650 Li-ion Rechargeable. A 1000 Lumen same batteries. Just for this purpose. Not worried about time performance.




I carry all the time a AA pencil type clip on ( or in shirt pocket). Bright but not two bright. Dual purpose type. Lithium AA's. For reading and try to find stuff I am always dropping and many other uses.

All my vehicles have a bigger light in them for emergencies.

My home "Tactical light" is a bigger 2000 Lumen light.


Was just wondering if people are practicing and thinking about the tactical aspect of a good light.

Sure, but what if you dont get him blinded in time? Or partially blinded?

Does he have time then to shoot at the light, or towards the light?

I am all for identifying a target. Hell, headlights, yard light, light switch....any of them.

But blinding someone before you start shooting at them, or receiving fire seems like an unnecessary step. If my Poly Pocket light is sufficient to identify said target as a threat, I reckon it is time to retreat or shoot.

I am not going to sneak around commando style in a dark house or dark alley and then rely on my light to work......also dont think you could be sweeping around with a light in a dark space and maintain an advantage.



Not trying to start a fight, just wondering.

I am just learning, so I am new at the proper methods.

One use is walking in a dark parking lot. The wide beam portion is part of situational awareness.

But mostly having one ready in the non shooting hand. You may not use the light. Your thoughts are on the gun primarily . That is your weapon. Tactical lights have a momentary function if needed. In a defense situation, one would not be walking and looking for a perp. Small enough lite that can be held in the hand and still use both hands on your firearm if you like. Or, above the head to illuminate your sights and the perp if needed. Many scenario's just reading about using the light effectively.

...and then there are times/places that won't allow carrying a firearm. Then all you have is the beam and the hard Bezel for a weapon.

Not allowed to "carry", so my tactical flash light is a phuggin big Maglite.

You'd be surprised how people stay down, after being hit "lit up" by it !

If you are planning on using a very bright light in your home you might consider removing all the mirrors.


mike r

From all my reading about these things. There are instances with a few Police Depts. about using the large Maglite as a tool. More and more as time goes by. It is the times we live in. The Police can not do anything right without taking heat. But in your case (and mine) who GOF if I bash their head in to protect myself or others.

Very good point. I did move one large one.

A lot of thought has gone into where the attacker might be when I react. Stuff happens but pre planning helps I think. I do not anticipate a surprise inside the house. The two male GSD's takes care of that.

surefire x300

Coast makes a decent cheap alternative for a hand held led light

miss my maglight that carried d cells

I thought it was all ball bearings now days.

Ball bearings were from the one room school days....

I work in the oilfield and I'm out all hours of the night. I carry a Surefire E2D with me. Fenix is my backup. Never had luck with a Streamlight and I've had many...

Darkness is your friend. So is water, if you're comfortable in it.