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Handheld Lights: The Tactical Solution For Your Night Operations

In modern defense and tactical operations, the handheld flashlight has evolved from a basic administrative tool into a primary defensive weapon system. Most violent encounters and critical incidents occur after dark, creating an absolute necessity for tools that offer immediate, overwhelming positive identification of a target.

  • Mission Profile: Tactical lights are engineered to blind adversaries and pierce through environmental obscurants like smoke and fog.
  • Tactical Advantage: They allow operators to project highly usable light across hundreds of yards while fitting compactly in the palm of a hand.
  • Operational Necessity: Upgrading to a modern light is critical to defeating complex lighting environments found in both urban and rural settings.

Handheld Lights Configuration: Materials & Standards

Modern tactical lights rely on robust engineering to survive extreme environments and severe blunt force trauma.

Specification Category

Details

Core Materials

Certified 6061-T6 aluminum bodies and S7 tool steel bezels are commonly used for extreme impact resistance.

Lenses

Systems utilize ultra-clear, impact-resistant BOROFLOAT glass lenses to ensure 98-99% light transmittance while resisting shattering.

Weatherproofing

Premium lights maintain strict waterproof ratings, such as IPX-8 (submersible to 100 feet for 24 hours) or IPX7.

Internal Standardization

Electronics and drivers are fully "potted," meaning they are encased in a hardened epoxy resin to become impervious to shock, weapon recoil, and vibration.

Features of a Handheld Light

When professionals evaluate a handheld light, they look for specific capabilities that dictate field performance and reliability.

  • High-Drain Lithium-Ion Power: The industry standard has shifted to rechargeable 18650, 18350, and 21700 batteries, which deliver the sustained current draw required for maximum output.
  • Dual Fuel Capability: Many premium systems can run on high-performance lithium-ion batteries but gracefully step down output to accept legacy CR123A batteries in an emergency.
  • Negligent Discharge (ND) Protection: Features like interchangeable tailcap shrouds help dial in button exposure, preventing the light from accidentally activating inside a pocket or pouch and draining the battery.
  • Programmable User Interfaces: Multi-mode functionality allows operators to select sequences like high-only or stepped outputs to tailor the tool to their specific role.
  • Tactical Accessories Compatibility: The ability to integrate with biomechanical enhancements, such as the Thyrm SwitchBack finger ring, is crucial for retention and weapon manipulation.

Tactical Illumination: Differetaions

Understanding the nuances between lighting metrics and application methods is critical for proper deployment.

Handheld vs. Weapon-Mounted Lights

Deployment: A handheld light is manipulated by the support hand, ensuring the dominant hand remains fully in control of the primary weapon's fire controls.

Output Modes: Weapon-mounted lights are strictly single-output (100% high) for defensive simplicity under stress, whereas handheld lights often feature multi-mode functionality for administrative tasks like map reading.

Lumens vs. Candela

Lumens: This metric measures the total volume of light emitted by the diode in all directions.

Candela: This metric measures the peak beam intensity or the concentration of light at a specific point. High candela is explicitly required to punch through "photonic barriers" like opposing vehicle headlights, streetlamps, or tinted glass.

Throw vs. Spill

Throw (Hotspot): The beam's intensely bright center is designed for long-range target identification.

Spill: The wider, softer peripheral light that allows an operator to maintain spatial and situational awareness.

Handheld Light: How to Choose For Your Loadout

Selecting the appropriate flashlight requires matching its physical configuration and beam geometry to your operational environment.

Operational Environment

Recommended Configuration

Tactical Rationale

Urban and Home Defense

Balanced head offering a generous spill.

Allows you to clear corners and maintain situational awareness across a room without constantly panning the light.

Rural and Maritime Security

High-candela head prioritizing throw.

Projects a concentrated "photon picket" that punches through deep darkness and heavy environmental barriers.

Duty and Hard Use

Full-size 18650 battery configuration.

The 5 to 6-inch length extends past a closed fist, which is essential for retention, impact strikes, and integration with handgun techniques.

Everyday Carry (EDC)

Compact 18350 configuration.

Maximizes concealability while maintaining high output for shorter durations.

Tactical Flashlights: Tactical Set-ups

A true tactical setup goes beyond just buying a flashlight. It involves combining your handheld light with the right accessories to transform it into a highly effective self-defense tool. Here are the most effective handheld light and accessory combinations used by professionals:

  • The Combat Grip Setup: The most game-changing setup involves attaching a rigid polymer finger ring, like the Thyrm SwitchBack 2.0 Large Flashlight Ring, directly between the light's body and tailcap. By slipping your index finger through the ring, the light locks into your hand. This allows you to perform weapon reloads, clear malfunctions, and use a two-handed combat grip on a pistol without having to drop or put away your flashlight.
  • The Heavy Duty Setup: For overt law enforcement or military use, pair a full-sized PLHv3 18650 Handheld Light with the Thyrm SwitchBack 3.0 Duty. This accessory features a wider ring to fit thick cold-weather or tactical gloves. It also has a shortened pocket clip to prevent the light from snagging on pouches or heavy clothing when you draw it quickly.
  • The Concealed Carry Setup: For plain-clothes security or everyday civilian carry, pair a smaller PLHv3 18350 Handheld Light with a Thyrm SwitchBack 3.0 Deep Carry. This accessory replaces the standard plastic clip with a low-profile steel wire clip. It allows light to ride deep inside your pant pocket, hiding its shape, leaving only the very top edge accessible for a fast draw.
  • The Power Backup Setup: A high-output tactical light needs serious power, and carrying loose lithium-ion batteries in your pocket is a severe safety hazard. A complete tactical setup must include safe reserve power. Pair your flashlight with a waterproof, crush-proof storage tube like the Thyrm CellVault to safely carry your extra 18650 or CR123A batteries without the risk of an electrical short or water damage.
  • Installation Spacers: When building your setup, remember that adding a clip or ring adds thickness to the tailcap. Depending on your flashlight brand, you must use specific accessories to make it work. For example, some lights require an included aluminum washer to maintain the electrical connection, while brands like Modlite and SureFire usually just need a rubber O-ring to keep the finger ring from spinning.

Upgrade Your Gear at Atomic Defense

Your tactical setup is only as strong as your weakest link. If you are still relying on old technology or incomplete gear, it is time to make a change. 

Whether you need a compact tool for your everyday carry or heavy-duty handheld lights for your plate carrier, our selection covers all your needs. We carry the best tactical flashlights from the most reliable brands. You can easily build your complete loadout by pairing your new tactical light with industry-leading accessories!

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Handheld Lights: Tactical Solution for Target Detection

Handheld Lights: Tactical Solution for Target Detection (47 Results)

  • Save $40.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire Stiletto Pro II - Rechargeable Flashlight - 1500 Lumens

    5.0 (2)
    $399.00
    $399.00 - $399.00
    $399.00
    $359.00
    $359.00 - $359.00
    $359.00

    SureFire Stiletto Pro II: Powerful, Compact, and Rechargeable Tactical Lighting The SureFire Stiletto Pro II is a versatile, high-performance rec...

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  • an intruction image of the modlite multi-mode handheld plhv3 light on how to activate admin mode showcasing the product in the color fde and text that says how to unlock and lock an how to use admin when unlocked.
    An image of the modlite multi-mode handheld plhv3 18650 flashlight showcasing the black tactical flashlight in the middle of the photo and with a textured grip and white product lettering detailing its dual fuel, multi-mode capabilities on a reflective surface.

    Modlite PLHv3 18650 Handheld Flashlight: Up to 60,000 Candela & 1,500 Lumens

    $309.00
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    Modlite Multi-Mode Handheld PLHv3 18650 Light: The 1500-Lumen Tactical Light for High-Threat Defense & Everyday Admin Utility The Modlite M...

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  • Save $160.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire UDR Dominator - 4400 Lumens, 350K Candela & 3600 ft Reach

    5.0 (2)
    $1,600.00
    $1,600.00 - $1,600.00
    $1,600.00
    $1,440.00
    $1,440.00 - $1,440.00
    $1,440.00

    SureFire UDR Dominator: The Ultimate Rechargeable Searchlight, Delivering 4,400 Lumens and 3600 ft Reach for Mission-Critical Dominance. The SureF...

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  • Streamlight-HLX-3
    StreamLight-ProTac-HLX-FDE-brown-product-image-atomic-defense-1
    Save up to $43.66 Save $0.00

    Streamlight HLX - ProTac Rail Mount - All Colors

    $235.96 - $253.66
    $235.96 - $253.66
    $235.96
    From $200.00
    $200.00 - $210.00
    $200.00

    Streamlight HL-X; the ultimate weapon-mounted light for superior visibility and accuracy in tactical situations - The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X is a...

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  • Modlite Handheld Multi-Mode OKW V2 18650 Light Package

    $309.00
    $309.00 - $309.00
    $309.00
    $309.00
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    $309.00

    This light package contains a OKW V2 light head, 18650 handheld body/tailcap, and color-matched Thrym LPC. It also includes a single Modlite 3500m...

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  • Backordered

    SureFire TITAN Plus - 300 Lumens - Keychain Light

    $169.00
    $169.00 - $169.00
    $169.00
    $152.00
    $152.00 - $152.00
    $152.00

    SureFire TITAN Plus: Ultra-Compact Keychain Light with Powerful 300-Lumen Output The SureFire TITAN Plus is an ultra-compact, multi-output LED ke...

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  • Save $17.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire LM2-B-BK - 1000-Lumens Replacement Head - for 600 and 900-Series

    $175.00
    $175.00 - $175.00
    $175.00
    $158.00
    $158.00 - $158.00
    $158.00

    SureFire LM2-B-BK: Compact, Rugged, and Powerful 1,000-Lumen Forend Light The SureFire LM2-B-BK is a high-performance LED/TIR lens upgrade for 60...

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  • Save up to $35.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire EDC2-DFT - 632 Meter Long-Range Beam - Tactical EDC Flashlight

    $309.00 - $349.00
    $309.00 - $349.00
    $309.00
    From $278.00
    $278.00 - $314.00
    $278.00

    SureFire EDC2-DFT | EDC Power with a 632-Meter Beam. The SureFire EDC2-DFT is a powerful flashlight that’s small enough to carry every day. It’s b...

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  • HOG Modlite Handheld Package

    $349.00
    $349.00 - $349.00
    $349.00
    $349.00
    $349.00 - $349.00
    $349.00

    The HOG handheld package contains a HOG light head of your chosen emitter, 21700 handheld body/tailcap, a single Modlite 5000mAh 21700 battery, an...

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  • Save $13.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire Stiletto - Rechargeable EDC Light - 650 Lumens

    5.0 (1)
    $129.00
    $129.00 - $129.00
    $129.00
    $116.00
    $116.00 - $116.00
    $116.00

    SureFire Stiletto: A Compact, Powerful, and Versatile LED Flashlight The SureFire Stiletto is a compact and lightweight rechargeable LED flashlig...

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  • woman in blue jacket using the surefire g2x pro to search inside her pack
    black surefire g2x pro
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    SureFire G2X Pro - Dual Output - 600 Lumens

    $99.00
    $99.00 - $99.00
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    $89.00
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    $89.00

    SureFire G2X Pro: Reliable Dual-Output Flashlight for Versatility and Durability The SureFire G2X Pro is a dual-output LED flashlight designed fo...

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  • Backordered

    SureFire E1B Backup MaxVision - 400 Lumens

    $189.00
    $189.00 - $189.00
    $189.00
    $189.00
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    $189.00

    SureFire E1B Backup MaxVision: Compact, Reliable, and Powerful Everyday Carry Light The SureFire E1B Backup MaxVision is a compact and reliable f...

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  • Modlite Multi-Mode Handheld PLHv2-18650 Light Package

    $309.00
    $309.00 - $309.00
    $309.00
    $309.00
    $309.00 - $309.00
    $309.00

      This light package contains a PLHv2-light head, 18650 handheld body/tailcap, and color-matched Thrym LPC. It also includes a single Modlite 3500...

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  • An image of the handheld plhv3 18350 flashlight showcasing the tactical flashlight in the color fde placed the middle of the photo and with a textured grip and white product lettering detailing its dual fuel, multi-mode capabilities on a reflective surface.
    An image of the modlite multi-mode handheld plhv3 18350 flashlight showcasing the black tactical flashlight in the middle of the photo and with a textured grip and white product lettering detailing its dual fuel, multi-mode capabilities on a reflective surface.

    Modlite Multi-Mode Handheld PLHv3 18350 Light - 60,000 Candela Threat Disruption - 3-Hour Max Runtime - Made in USA

    $309.00
    $309.00 - $309.00
    $309.00
    $309.00
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    $309.00

    Modlite Multi-Mode Handheld PLHv3 18350 Light: The High-Candela Tactical Flashlight for Duty and EDC The Modlite multi-mode Handheld PLHv3 is...

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  • man holding g2zx combat flashlight with pistol
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    SureFire G2ZX Combat Light - 600 Lumens

    $124.00
    $124.00 - $124.00
    $124.00
    $112.00
    $112.00 - $112.00
    $112.00

    SureFire G2ZX Combat Light – Rugged, Reliable, and Tactical Performance A powerful, single-output LED flashlight designed specifically for handgu...

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  • A product image of the cylindrical flashlight head labeled in the color FDE and is placed in the middle of the photo and with the words "Modlite" and what seems to be the product code branded in white on its sides and showing only "Dual Fuel" indicating that it is the single output variant.
    A product image of the cylindrical flashlight head labeled in the color black and is placed in the middle of the photo and with the words "Modlite" and what seems to be the product code branded in white on its sides and showing only "Dual Fuel" indicating that it is the single output variant.

    PLH V3 Modlite Light Head - 60,000 Candela - Dual-Fuel & Multi-Mode - Made in the USA

    $209.00
    $209.00 - $209.00
    $209.00
    $209.00
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    $209.00

    PLH V3 Modlite Light Head: The 1,500-Lumen Tactical Upgrade for Extreme Durability & Target Identification The Modlite PLHv3 Light Head is...

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  • Save $10.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire G2X Tactical - 600 Lumens

    5.0 (1)
    $99.00
    $99.00 - $99.00
    $99.00
    $89.00
    $89.00 - $89.00
    $89.00

    SureFire G2X Tactical – Durable, High-Performance Light with Unmatched Precision The SureFire G2X Tactical is a rugged, high-performance flashlig...

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  • Backordered

    SureFire G2Z-MaxVision Combat Light - 800 Lumens

    $149.00
    $149.00 - $149.00
    $149.00
    $149.00
    $149.00 - $149.00
    $149.00

    SureFire G2Z-MaxVision Combat Light: Durable, High-Performance Lighting for Any Mission The SureFire G2Z-MaxVision Combat Light is a compact, hig...

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  • surefire g2x law enforcement edition turned on and placed over police badge
    front-size profile of the surefire g2x law enforcement edition
    Save $10.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire G2X Law Enforcement Edition - 600 Lumens

    $99.00
    $99.00 - $99.00
    $99.00
    $89.00
    $89.00 - $89.00
    $89.00

    SureFire G2X Law Enforcement Edition: Durable, High-Performance Flashlight with Superior Output Specifically Designed for Law Enforcement – Devel...

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  • Save $25.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire E2D Defender - 1,000 Lumens

    $249.00
    $249.00 - $249.00
    $249.00
    $224.00
    $224.00 - $224.00
    $224.00

    SureFire E2D Defender®: Ultra-Durable Tactical Light with High Performance The SureFire E2D Defender® is an everyday-carry tactical flashlight de...

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  • Modlite Multi-Mode Handheld PLHv2-18350 Light Package

    $309.00
    $309.00 - $309.00
    $309.00
    $309.00
    $309.00 - $309.00
    $309.00

      This light package contains a PLHv2-light head, 18350 handheld body/tailcap, and color-matched Thrym LPC. It also includes a single Modlite 1200...

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  • Noxon EVAK Handheld

    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    $180.00

      Featuring a fully potted light engine, made by the Modlite team, EVAK ensures a lifetime of reliability. Equipped with Multi-Mode and Du...

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  • camper using the surefire edc1-dft turbo to scan surroundings
    surefire-edc1-dft-turbo-black-side-rear-left-angle-tailcap-switch
    Save up to $31.00 Save $0.00

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

    $279.00 - $309.00
    $279.00 - $309.00
    $279.00
    From $251.00
    $251.00 - $278.00
    $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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  • Save $19.29 Save $0.00

    Streamlight ProTac 2L - Tactical LED Flashlight

    $100.29
    $100.29 - $100.29
    $100.29
    $81.00
    $81.00 - $81.00
    $81.00

    Streamlight ProTac 2L | Tactical LED Flashlight • Streamlight ProTac 2L is a super bright tactical flashlight that conveniently fits in your pocke...

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  • LB-600

    Arisaka Defense 600 Series - Weapon Light Body - Compatible with SureFire M600/Scout Parts - Anodized Finish - Black

    $50.00
    $50.00 - $50.00
    $50.00
    $50.00
    $50.00 - $50.00
    $50.00

    The Arisaka 600 Series Light Body is designed as a streamlined replacement body for Surefire Scout Light M600 weapon lights. The 600 Series Light B...

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  • Modlite Multi-Mode Handheld OKW V2 18350 Light Package

    $309.00
    $309.00 - $309.00
    $309.00
    $309.00
    $309.00 - $309.00
    $309.00

    This light package contains a OKW V2 light head, 18350 handheld body/tailcap, and color-matched Thrym LPC. It also includes a single Modlite 1200m...

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  • Save $12.00 Save $0.00

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

    $125.00
    $125.00 - $125.00
    $125.00
    $113.00
    $113.00 - $113.00
    $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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  • Save $12.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire 6PX Tactical - 600 Lumens - Compact Flashlight

    $125.00
    $125.00 - $125.00
    $125.00
    $113.00
    $113.00 - $113.00
    $113.00

    SureFire 6PX Tactical: Durable, High-Performance Lighting for Any Situation Compact and Reliable Design: The SureFire 6PX Tactical is a modern ev...

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  • Save $27.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire P1RZ-B-DFT - 1.500 Lumens

    $269.00
    $269.00 - $269.00
    $269.00
    $242.00
    $242.00 - $242.00
    $242.00

    SureFire P1RZ-B-DFT: High-Performance Flashlight with Unmatched Output and Durability The SureFire P1RZ-B-DFT is a tactical Dual Fuel LED combat ...

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  • Save $26.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire FURY Dual Fuel Tactical - 1500 Lumens

    $259.00
    $259.00 - $259.00
    $259.00
    $233.00
    $233.00 - $233.00
    $233.00

    SureFire FURY Dual Fuel Tactical Flashlight: Versatile, Powerful, and Built to Last The SureFire FURY Dual Fuel Tactical Flashlight is a versatil...

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  • Save $29.00 Save $0.00

    SureFire FURY IntelliBeam Dual Fuel - 1,500 lumens

    $289.00
    $289.00 - $289.00
    $289.00
    $260.00
    $260.00 - $260.00
    $260.00

    SureFire FURY IntelliBeam Dual Fuel: High-Performance Lighting with Adaptive Output The SureFire FURY IntelliBeam Dual Fuel is a smart, adaptable...

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  • Save up to $125.10 Save $0.00

    Streamlight Stinger HPL

    $236.99 - $302.10
    $236.99 - $302.10
    $236.99
    From $137.00
    $137.00 - $177.00
    $137.00

    Streamlight Stinger HPL LED Flashlight The Streamlight Stinger HPL is a high-performance, handheld flashlight designed for long-range illuminati...

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  • Streamlight-Macrostream-lifestyle-2
    Streamlight-Macrostream-atomic-defense-main-1
    Save $19.12 Save $0.00

    Streamlight Macrostream - USB Rechargeable Flashlight

    $101.12
    $101.12 - $101.12
    $101.12
    $82.00
    $82.00 - $82.00
    $82.00

    Streamlight Macrostream - a compact personal light that provides unparalleled performance Designed with the user in mind, the Streamlight Macrost...

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  • 071000-0000-110
    Backordered

    Pelican 7100 Variable Output LED - 695/348/33 Flashlight with Clip | Rechargeable | Nylon Holster | Black

    $111.95
    $111.95 - $111.95
    $111.95
    $111.95
    $111.95 - $111.95
    $111.95

    If high performance and compact are most important, then the Pelican 7100 is the flashlight for you. Providing nearly 700 lumens of light output ye...

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  • LB-300

    Arisaka Defense 300 Series - Weapon Light Body - Compatible with SureFire M300/Mini Scout Parts - Anodized Finish - Black

    $50.00
    $50.00 - $50.00
    $50.00
    $50.00
    $50.00 - $50.00
    $50.00

    The Arisaka 300 Series Light Body is designed as a streamlined replacement body for Surefire Scout Light M300 weapon lights. The 300 Series Light B...

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  • an image of the modlite pdw650 light in the color black where the image is situated in the middle of the photo against a white background, and is positioned horizontally as if it is sitting on its side, and the image is clear enough to see the texture and the hexagon design of the item.
    an image of the modlite pdw650 light package in the color black where it is situated in the middle the image against a white background and it is positioned vertically as if it is standing on its light head and you can clearly see the texture of the item and its hexagon design

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

    $319.00
    $319.00 - $329.00
    $319.00
    From $319.00
    $319.00 - $329.00
    $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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