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Flashlights & Accessories: The Low-Visibility Tactical Set-up

The landscape of tactical illumination has evolved significantly, transforming artificial lighting from a basic administrative utility into critical life-safety equipment. Today, high-performance flashlights and their expansive accessory ecosystems are engineered as active force multipliers, seamlessly integrating with a variety of weapon platforms and load-bearing gear.

These advanced professional flashlights project intense light that cuts through complex environmental barriers, ultimately allowing operators to control the tempo of low-light engagements and maintain peak situational awareness.

Overview

  • Missions: Modern tactical illumination is critical for low-light environmental navigation, close-quarters battle (CQB), long-range target identification, search and rescue, and tracking.

  • Tactical Set-ups: Illumination systems are highly modular and seamlessly integrate into long guns, shotguns, handguns, plate carriers, chest rigs, and tactical helmets using a reliable light mount.

  • Why They Should Be Used: Artificial illumination is no longer just for basic navigation; an elite tactical flashlight is a critical life-safety tool and active force multiplier. High-performance lights dictate the tempo of an engagement, overwhelm an adversary's vision, and punch through environmental photonic barriers like heavy fog, smoke, tinted automotive glass, and opposing light sources.

Tactical Lights: Essential Features

When outfitting a tactical setup, professionals prioritize specific engineering upgrades over legacy systems.

  • Potted Electronics: This is a manufacturing process in which the delicate internal circuit boards and solder joints are fully sealed within a solid mass of insulating liquid (such as high-strength epoxy or silicone). This makes the light virtually immune to the violent bidirectional shock of heavy weapon recoil and completely waterproof.
  • Total Internal Reflection (TIR) Lenses: Unlike older parabolic reflectors that scatter light, TIR lenses capture nearly all the light emitted by the LED. They shape it into a flawless, concentrated beam with a blinding central hotspot for distance and enough peripheral spill for situational awareness.
  • Dual-Fuel Power Subsystems: Advanced voltage-agnostic drivers allow the light to run on high-drain rechargeable batteries (such as 18650 Lithium-Ion cells) for maximum output, while still safely accepting standard disposable batteries (such as CR123A cells) if field-recharging is not possible.
  • Ergonomic Switching: Robust switching is required for activation under physiological stress. Operators look for reliable clicky tailcaps with no external wires, or modern remote pressure switches that deliver full amperage without bottlenecking the light's output.

Flashlights: Clarifying Differences

  • Handheld vs. Mounted: A handheld light is a mandatory administrative and search tool because fundamental firearm safety rules prohibit pointing a weapon at an unidentified target. Weapon-mounted lights (WMLs) are strictly for engaging identified threats and maintaining two-handed weapon control.

  • Lumens vs. Candela: Lumens measure the total volume of visible light (luminous flux), creating a broad flood pattern ideal for indoor room clearing. Candela measures the intensity at the beam's brightest point, creating a tight "throw" necessary for piercing light pollution and identifying targets at extreme distances.

  • White Light vs. Infrared (IR): White light is used for visible navigation and threat disruption. Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye and is used solely for seamless integration with Night Vision Goggles (NVGs).

  • Parabolic Reflectors vs. TIR Lenses: Traditional parabolic reflectors often produce uneven beam patterns and reduced intensity. TIR technology shapes the light into a concentrated, highly efficient beam.

  • Standard Clamps vs. Offset Mounts: Standard, bulky stock clamps push the light far off the weapon. Using a proper m lok light mount or a Picatinny rail light mount, like the Offset Scout Mounts, tucks the light tightly into the 45-degree angle of the rail (the 1 o'clock or 11 o'clock position). This significantly reduces the weapon's overall profile and prevents snagging, making them superior light mounts for dynamic use.

How to Choose Flashlights & Accessories

  • Analyze the Environment: Choose a high-lumen, high-spill light (like the SureFire M600DF) for urban CQB and indoor patrols. Choose a high-candela light (like the Modlite OKW) for rural patrols and long-range identification.
  • Match the Weapon's Profile: For Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs) with limited rail space, select compact systems such as the Arisaka 300 Series or the Modlite PDW650. Standard 18650-sized lights can protrude past the muzzle on short weapons, exposing them to concussive blast damage.
  • Consider Light Discipline: If you are operating in the woods or navigating a campsite, choose a headlamp with red, green, or blue LED options (like the Princeton Tec Remix RGB) to preserve your natural night vision and minimize your visual signature.

If you are still unsure about what you should get, check out our other collections on flashlights and accessories, and our recommendations below:

Handheld Lights

  • Modlite Multi-Mode Handheld PLHv3: An exceptional duty handheld flashlight that acts as a true powerhouse. It features a programmable dual-output driver that allows you to switch between a blinding maximum defensive output (75-minute runtime) and a 15% administrative mode for tasks that require less light (extending runtime to 10.6 hours).
  • Modlite HOG 21700: A larger handheld package designed for long-range signaling and searching in vast environments.
  • Zebralight EDC Models: Highly favored for civilian everyday carry (EDC). They feature unibody construction, potted electronics, and sub-lumen "moonlight" modes that preserve your natural night vision and can run continuously for months.

Headlamps

  • Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Headlamp: A massive 2,000-lumen output light built for extreme area flood lighting and high-stress visibility. It is powered by the SL-B50 battery pack and features direct USB-C charging.
  • Princeton Tec Remix Pro MPLS: Designed specifically for tactical and outdoor light discipline. It produces 300 lumens and is built to run on lithium batteries, ensuring it operates perfectly in extreme hot and cold weather.
  • Princeton Tec Remix RGB: An ideal option for hunters and trackers. It provides multi-color lighting (Red, Green, Blue) alongside traditional white light, which is crucial for tracking blood trails or preserving night vision.

Batteries & Chargers

  • Rechargeable 18650 & 18350 Lithium-Ion Cells: The gold standard for pushing modern high-output emitters to their absolute maximum potential. An 18650 cell can deliver sustained, high-drain current to push up to 75 minutes of continuous, high-lumen output and candela.
  • Standard CR123A Lithium Primary Cells: Highly shelf-stable disposable batteries. These are essential backups for modern "Dual-Fuel" light systems if field-recharging your main battery is impossible.
  • Thyrm CellVault: Waterproof storage tubes designed to perfectly hold and protect spare 18650 and 123A batteries on your plate carrier or chest rig.

Mounts & Switches

  • Arisaka Defense Offset Scout Mounts: CNC-machined, low-profile flashlight mounts that replace bulky stock clamps. They tuck your weapon light tightly into the 45-degree angle of an M-LOK or Picatinny rail, drastically reducing the weapon's overall profile.
  • Modlite ModButton Lite: A modern remote pressure switch that delivers the full electrical amperage required by high-drain light heads, bypassing the voltage bottlenecks found in older legacy switches. It attaches seamlessly to rails using a tool-less polymer SNAP mount.
  • Thyrm Switchback: A rigid polymer flashlight ring for handheld lights. Adding this tactical flashlight ring allows you to rapidly deploy your light from a pocket and retain it securely on a single finger while reloading a weapon or grappling.

Get Your Gear at Atomic Defense

When you need dependable tactical flashlights and accessories, Atomic Defense is your trusted primary source. Atomic Defense strictly curates its inventory to focus exclusively on combat-proven, life-safety equipment. You will never find cheap knockoffs or low-grade hobbyist tools here—only heavy-duty, field-tested gear designed to perform under extreme pressure.

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Flashlights & Accessories

Flashlights & Accessories (164 Results)

  • Princeton Tec AMP 1L with Cone - 100 Lumens - 7.4 Hours

    Original price $39.99
    Original price $39.99 - Original price $39.99
    Original price $39.99
    Current price $23.99
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    Princeton Tec AMP 1L with Cone The tiny Amp 1L packs an impressive spot beam. Waterproof to 100M (330ft) and equipped with a large carabiner loop, ...

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  • Princeton Tec Alloy-X - 400 Lumens - 30 hours

    $59.99
    Original price $59.99 - Original price $59.99
    Original price $59.99
    $71.99
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    Current price $71.99

    Princeton Tec Alloy-X: Versatile Dual-Fuel 400 Lumen LED Flashlight The Princeton Tec Alloy-X is a cutting-edge lighting solution designed for ve...

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  • Arisaka Defense 18350 Series - Weapon Light Body - Compatible with SureFire M600DF/Dual Fuel Parts - Converts to use 18350 Batteries - Anodized Finish - Black

    $50.00
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    The Arisaka 18350 Series Light Body is a shorter, streamlined replacement body for Surefire Scout Light M600DF weapon lights. This light body conve...

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  • Surefire Fishbowl Battery Display - CR123A Lithium - 65 Pairs - Red

    Original price $290.00
    Original price $290.00 - Original price $290.00
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    Current price $261.00
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    Current price $261.00

    Designed for SureFire flashlights, SureFire 123A high-performance lithium batteries deliver a lot of power in a compact size. Unlike alkaline batte...

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  • SureFire SC1 Spare Battery Carrier

    Original price $30.00
    Original price $30.00 - Original price $30.00
    Original price $30.00
    Current price $27.00
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    Current price $27.00

    SureFire SC1 Spare Battery Carrier: Durable, Watertight Storage for Emergency Power Compact and Reliable Storage Solution: The SureFire SC1 Spare...

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  • SureFire B11 - Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery

    Original price $290.00
    Original price $290.00 - Original price $290.00
    Original price $290.00
    Current price $261.00
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    Current price $261.00

    SureFire B11: High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery for Reliable Power and Quick Charging The SureFire B11 is a high-performance lithium-ion recha...

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  • SureFire MB10 - Battery Magazine

    Original price $85.00
    Original price $85.00 - Original price $85.00
    Original price $85.00
    Current price $79.00
    $79.00 - $79.00
    Current price $79.00

    SureFire MB10 Battery Magazine – Reliable Battery Storage for Quick Field Changes The SureFire MB10 is a battery magazine designed for SureFire D...

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  • SureFire B13 Battery / CH22 Battery Kit

    Original price $39.99 - Original price $79.99
    Original price $39.99 - Original price $79.99
    Original price $39.99
    From $35.99
    $35.99 - $72.99
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    SureFire B13 Battery / CH22 Kit – Reliable Power with Dual Charging Capability Designed for SureFire XR WeaponLights, the B13 Battery is a rechar...

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  • Streamlight Double Clutch USB Headlamp - All Battery Types

    Original price $68.42 - Original price $117.98
    Original price $68.42 - Original price $117.98
    Original price $68.42
    From $66.00
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    Streamlight Double Clutch USB Headlamp; Power-up with Versatility The Streamlight Double Clutch Headlamp is equipped with an advanced LED system,...

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  • Modlite PDW650 Light Package - 95,000 OKW V2 Candela Output - Picatinny Rail Compatible

    $319.00
    Original price $319.00 - Original price $329.00
    Original price $319.00
    From $319.00
    $319.00 - $329.00
    Current price $319.00

    Modlite PDW650 Light Package: The Streamlined Rifle Light for 12 O'Clock Picatinny Rail Setups The Modlite PDW650 Light Package is a purpose-buil...

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  • Streamlight ProTac VIR Pro - Multi-Fuel Light w/ 40,000 Candela & IR Illuminator - Night Vision Ready

    $400.00
    Original price $400.00 - Original price $418.00
    Original price $400.00
    From $400.00
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    Current price $400.00

    Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount VIR Pro: The Ultimate 1,100 Lumen, 40K Candela & IR Illuminator for Night Vision Ops The Streamlight ProTac Rail...

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  • SureFire X400T-A WeaponLight - 66,000 Candela

    Original price $699.00 - Original price $819.00
    Original price $699.00 - Original price $819.00
    Original price $699.00
    From $629.00
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    SureFire X400T-A WeaponLight: High-Output Illumination and Precision Laser Targeting The SureFire X400T-A is a powerful WeaponLight designed for ...

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  • Streamlight ProTac HP-X - w/ 105,000 Candela & 800 Lumens - Multi-Fuel (Rechargeable or CR123A)

    Original price $178.00 - Original price $198.00
    Original price $178.00 - Original price $198.00
    Original price $178.00
    From $105.99
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    Streamlight ProTac HP-X: The Ultimate High-Candela Tactical Light 648 Meters The Streamlight ProTac HP-X is a field-proven, high-candela tactical ...

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  • Surefire - Rechargeable Weapon Light w/Laser - Fits Pistol and Picatinny Rails - 800 Lumens - Red Laser - Anodized Finish - Black XR2-A-RD

    Original price $599.00
    Original price $599.00 - Original price $599.00
    Original price $599.00
    Current price $539.00
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    This pistol-mounted light from Surefire features the lightweight and rugged design that Surefire is known for. This light outputs 600 Lumens and ca...

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  • Surefire - Rechargeable Weapon Light w/Laser - Fits Pistol and Picatinny Rails - 800 Lumens - Green Laser - Anodized Finish - Black XR2-A-GN

    Original price $669.00
    Original price $669.00 - Original price $669.00
    Original price $669.00
    Current price $602.00
    $602.00 - $602.00
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    This pistol-mounted light from Surefire features the lightweight and rugged design that Surefire is known for. This light outputs 600 Lumens and ca...

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  • Surefire XR1 - Rechargeable Weapon Light - Fits Pistol and Picatinny Rails - 800 Lumens - Anodized Finish

    Original price $449.00
    Original price $449.00 - Original price $449.00
    Original price $449.00
    Current price $404.00
    $404.00 - $404.00
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    The next pistol-mounted light from Surefire features the lightweight and rugged design that Surefire is known for. This light produces 600 lumens a...

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  • Surefire XC1 Compact Pistol Light - 300 Lumens - Matte Finish - Black - Includes 1x AAA Rechargeable NiMH Battery

    Original price $389.00
    Original price $389.00 - Original price $389.00
    Original price $389.00
    Current price $350.00
    $350.00 - $350.00
    Current price $350.00

    Lightweight and compact, the SureFire XC1-C securely attaches to railed handguns without sacrificing concealability and delivers 300 lumens of whit...

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  • Streamlight Portable Scene Light II - 10k Lumen 360° Flood - Field-Proven

    Original price $1,302.48
    Original price $1,302.48 - Original price $1,302.48
    Original price $1,302.48
    Current price $1,199.00
    $1,199.00 - $1,199.00
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    Streamlight Portable Scene Light II: The Ultimate 10,000 Lumen Rechargeable Flood Light for Instant Scene Safety The Streamlight Portable Scene Li...

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  • Streamlight Portable Scene Light - 10K Lumen Wide Flood & 72"/84" Extended Height

    Original price $1,615.99 - Original price $1,704.08
    Original price $1,615.99 - Original price $1,704.08
    Original price $1,615.99
    From $1,599.00
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    Current price $1,599.00

    Streamlight Portable Scene Light: The Ultimate 10K Lumen Rechargeable LED Flood Light The Streamlight Portable Scene Light is a powerful, recharge...

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  • SureFire XC3-A WeaponLight - w/ 550 lumens / 7,200 candela & Ambidextrous

    Original price $299.00
    Original price $299.00 - Original price $299.00
    Original price $299.00
    Current price $269.00
    $269.00 - $269.00
    Current price $269.00

    SureFire XC3-A: The Definitive Compact WeaponLight with 550 Lumens & 170-Meter Reach The SureFire XC3 is the definitive choice for concealed c...

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  • SureFire LM1-B-BK - 500-Lumens Replacement Head - 600 and 900-Series

    Original price $165.00
    Original price $165.00 - Original price $165.00
    Original price $165.00
    Current price $149.00
    $149.00 - $149.00
    Current price $149.00

    SureFire LM1-B-BK: Compact, Powerful, and Reliable 500-Lumen Forend WeaponLight Upgrade The SureFire LM1-B-BK is a powerful light upgrade for 600...

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  • SureFire HellFighter 5 Spot Light - 4,500 Lumens - 730,000 Candela

    $4,820.00
    Original price $4,820.00 - Original price $4,820.00
    Original price $4,820.00
    $4,820.00
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    Current price $4,820.00

    SureFire HellFighter 5 Spot Light: Powerful, Durable, and Built for Extreme Conditions Extreme power and performance – With a 4,500-lumen HID lam...

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  • SureFire 2211 WristLight - 300 Lumens

    5.0 (1)
    Original price $239.00
    Original price $239.00 - Original price $239.00
    Original price $239.00
    Current price $215.00
    $215.00 - $215.00
    Current price $215.00

    SureFire 2211 WristLight: Compact, Rechargeable, and Programmable Hands-Free Lighting Hands-Free Illumination: The SureFire 2211 WristLight provi...

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  • SureFire 2211 Signature WristLight - Light + Watch - 300 Lumens

    5.0 (1)
    Original price $339.00
    Original price $339.00 - Original price $339.00
    Original price $339.00
    Current price $305.00
    $305.00 - $305.00
    Current price $305.00

    SureFire 2211 Signature WristLight: Precision Lighting with Integrated Timekeeping The SureFire 2211 Signature WristLight is a game-changing tool...

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  • SureFire 2211X WristLight - 300 Lumens

    Original price $359.00
    Original price $359.00 - Original price $359.00
    Original price $359.00
    Current price $323.00
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    Current price $323.00

    SureFire 2211X WristLight: Compact, Hands-Free Illumination with Tactical Precision The SureFire 2211X WristLight is a compact, lightweight wrist...

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  • SureFire Scout Light Pro - 1000 Lumens

    Original price $369.00
    Original price $369.00 - Original price $369.00
    Original price $369.00
    Current price $332.00
    $332.00 - $332.00
    Current price $332.00

    SureFire Scout Light Pro: Rugged, High-Performance Illumination for Tactical and Outdoor Excellence The SureFire Scout Light Pro is a versatile w...

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  • SureFire XH30 MasterFire WeaponLight - 1000 Lumens

    Original price $399.00
    Original price $399.00 - Original price $399.00
    Original price $399.00
    Current price $359.00
    $359.00 - $359.00
    Current price $359.00

    SureFire XH30 MasterFire WeaponLight – Precision, Power, and Reliability in Any Condition Unparalleled Brightness: The XH30 delivers a powerful, ...

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  • SureFire XR1-A WeaponLight - 800 Lumens - Made in USA - Upgraded to XC3

    Original price $299.00
    Original price $299.00 - Original price $299.00
    Original price $299.00
    Current price $269.00
    $269.00 - $269.00
    Current price $269.00

    This model has been discontinued. (Purchasing this product will now upgrade you for FREE to: XC3 WeaponLight: Which can be purchased by clicking he...

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  • SureFire XR2 WeaponLight - Light 800 lumens - Upgraded to XC3

    Original price $299.00
    Original price $299.00 - Original price $299.00
    Original price $299.00
    Current price $269.00
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    Current price $269.00

    This model has been discontinued. (Purchasing this product will now upgrade you for FREE to: XC3 WeaponLight: Which can be purchased by clicking he...

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  • SureFire 628LMF-B Forend Weaponlight - 1,000-Lumen Beam for H&K MP5 SMG

    Original price $649.00
    Original price $649.00 - Original price $649.00
    Original price $649.00
    Current price $584.00
    $584.00 - $584.00
    Current price $584.00

    628LMF-B | 1k Lumens for H&K Without Losing Your Grip The SureFire 628LMF-B Forend Weaponlight is a powerful light built right into the handgu...

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  • SureFire X400 Ultra WeaponLight - 1000 Lumens

    Original price $679.00 - Original price $799.00
    Original price $679.00 - Original price $799.00
    Original price $679.00
    From $611.00
    $611.00 - $719.00
    Current price $611.00

    SureFire X400 Ultra WeaponLight – Precision, Power, and Durability Combined The SureFire X400 Ultra WeaponLight combines a powerful white light a...

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  • SureFire X400 Ultra MasterFire WeaponLight - 1000 Lumens

    Original price $679.00 - Original price $799.00
    Original price $679.00 - Original price $799.00
    Original price $679.00
    From $611.00
    $611.00 - $719.00
    Current price $611.00

    SureFire X400 Ultra MasterFire WeaponLight – Powerful Illumination and Precision Laser Targeting The SureFire X400 Ultra MasterFire WeaponLight i...

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  • SureFire X400VH - 350 Lumens White Light & Infrared Laser - Fits MasterFire Holsters

    Original price $879.00
    Original price $879.00 - Original price $879.00
    Original price $879.00
    Current price $791.00
    $791.00 - $791.00
    Current price $791.00

    SureFire X400VH: The Ultimate White Light & IR Laser for MasterFire Holsters The SureFire X400VH LED White-Light & Infrared WeaponLight is...

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  • SureFire Maximus - 1000 Lumens

    Original price $429.00
    Original price $429.00 - Original price $429.00
    Original price $429.00
    Current price $386.00
    $386.00 - $386.00
    Current price $386.00

    SureFire Maximus: Ultimate Rechargeable Headlamp with Unmatched Brightness and Durability The SureFire Maximus is a high-performance rechargeable...

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  • SureFire EDC1-DFT Turbo - 650 Lumens / 95,000 Candela

    Original price $279.00 - Original price $309.00
    Original price $279.00 - Original price $309.00
    Original price $279.00
    From $251.00
    $251.00 - $278.00
    Current price $251.00

    SureFire EDC1-DFT Turbo: Powerful, Compact Flashlight with Exceptional Beam Distance The SureFire EDC1-DFT Turbo is an everyday carry flashlight ...

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  • SureFire 6PX Pro - 600 Lumens - Dual-Output Flashlight

    Original price $125.00
    Original price $125.00 - Original price $125.00
    Original price $125.00
    Current price $113.00
    $113.00 - $113.00
    Current price $113.00

    SureFire 6PX Pro: Durable Dual-Output Flashlight with Superior Performance The SureFire 6PX Pro is a high-performance, dual-output LED flashlight...

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