HOW TO CHOOSE A SUREFIRE WEAPONLIGHT:
Mounting:
1.) Picatinny Rail - For firearms equipped with Picatinny (MIL-STD 1913) rails, such as the Surefire Picatinny Rail Forends, the Surefire WeaponLights feature an integral Picatinny rail clamp for rapid on-off attachment. Millennium Universal WeaponLights, Vertical Foregrip WeaponLights
2.) Universal - For firearms without rails, or for firearms whose rails are already in use, WeaponLights can be attached to barrels, magazine tubes, front sight posts, etc. via SureFire's selection of universal mounts.
3.) Replacement Forends - These WeaponLights replace the weapon's original forend and feature integral tactical lights and switching, with no exposed switch cables. A good choice if you want a permanently attached WeaponLight and don't need the additional mounting space provided by a Picatinny rail forend.
Light Output vs. Size, Weight, and Application:
Ideally your WeaponLight should do two things: (1) enable you to see your opponent in your most probable operational environment; (2) be bright enough to immediately degrade an opponent's night vision but not significantly degrade your own night vision.
SureFire WeaponLights operate on 6, 9, or 12 volts, provided by two or more 3-volt lithium batteries. Generally speaking, more batteries mean higher voltage, which means higher light output measured in lumens. WeaponLight output ranges from 65 lumens in a typical 6-volt/two-battery unit to over 500 lumens in the M500B Dedicated Forend WeaponLight. SureFire recommends 60 lumens (depending on reflector size and beam characteristics) as the minimum output level to cause momentary blindness in a subject whose eyes are dark-adapted and who is no more than ten yards distant.
You might be tempted to choose a very high output WeaponLight for all purposes, but this could be the wrong decision. Higher light output WeaponLights use more batteries and are therefore larger and heavier. This can be significant when the firearm is used in tight quarters, or carried over long distances, or held in a firing position for extended periods of time, or must be manipulated with maximum rapidity.
Furthermore, in close range engagements, such as inside buildings or caves, too much light output can result in excessive bounce-back light that could degrade your own night vision. For close to medium-range operations, such as structure clearing, or where targets may be one or more blocks away or in upper-floor windows, a two- to three-battery (6V-9V) light is probably best. For longer-ranges, or for sniping, a three, four, or even six-battery light is appropriate.
Reflector and Beam Shape:
Producing a tight beam with increased range or "reach" requires a larger reflector. Choose a 2.5" Turbo head reflector for operations conducted at standoff ranges, such as maritime interdiction, border patrol, sniping, etc. Choose a smaller reflector size for close to medium range engagements.
Switching:
SureFire WeaponLight switches provide two basic types of activation:
• Momentary-on — light is activated by applying pressure; removing pressure automatically deactivates light
• Constant-on — light stays on until the switch is manually returned to the off position
Incandescent Lamp vs. Light Emitting Diode (LED) SureFire makes two LED WeaponLights: the Scout Light, a lightweight unit designed for close quarter battle, and the X200, the world's most advanced handgun WeaponLight.
Two advantages of LEDs over incandescent lamps are longer runtimes per set of batteries and virtual immunity to damage from recoil, vibration, or dropping because they have no filaments or bulbs to break or burn out. However, LEDs have certain disadvantages. First, currently available LEDs cannot produce the higher light outputs needed for some WeaponLight applications. Second, LEDs generally produce a broader, more diffused beam not suited to long-range work. Third, white light LEDs produce no infrared radiation (IR), so the user cannot convert an LED WeaponLight into an infrared source by fitting it with an IR filter (unlike WeaponLights using incandescent lamps). This is why SureFire offers an incandescent lamp module and IR filter to convert the Scout Light into an IR source.
LED technology is evolving rapidly and SureFire is taking the lead in applying this advanced technology. As LED output levels increase and beam-focusing options are developed, SureFire will offer more LED WeaponLight options.
