Something that every person should have in their arsenal for protection is a flashlight, not just any flashlight, but a Tactical Flashlight.  I bet some of you are thinking…”I have one in the drawer…I got it at Wal-Mart”….WRONG…the 5 dollar flashlights you use when the electricity goes out is NOT what I am talking about folks….

I am talking about getting a tactical flashlight.  These are tough, durable flashlights with a specific tactical purpose. There are plenty of companies that make a tactical flashlight. Surefire has some great ones…and since they are not cheap…maybe look at the NRAstore.com website for some cheaper ones.  Don’t go too cheap…but be smart.  If you have the finances to get a really nice tactical flashlight, then do it! This is not something you will regret later on.

NOW…some of these tactical flashlights will have multiple applicatons.  A brightness setting(s), or a strobe light, some are red or go between different colors, depending on the purposes. Another thing to think about is whether the light has a lanyard to go around your wrist, or if the “on” button is on the back of the light, as opposed to a switch on the side of the grip or body of the flashlight tube. Personally, I like the button on the back.  This allows you to grip the light and use it in any way possible or necessary without accidently turning it off. One thing you may want to consider is a switch that allows you to actually turn the light on by applying just a little bit of pressure, rather than clicking it completely on or off.  This function allows you to go “on” in quick bursts while clearing a house or indoor location. (And it’s quieter as well)

There are more than two reasons to purchase a tactical flashlight. We are just going to mention two of them for now.

• When you shine it on an intruder, the purpose is to momentarily blind them, which gives you the advantage. Even if your advantage is only for a second or two, having that second or two can mean everything in a life threatening situation.
• Once you turn it on and blind your intruder..you can then side step…moving away from the position they think you are at…and the light will still blind them.  This allows you to be smart and have a better position.   The intruder may be armed and will naturally fire to where they think you are.  If you turn it on and then move quickly, or “getting off the X”…you are being tactical and smart…make sense?  good!

Another reason or purpose of having a tactical flashlight is the specific design of the light housing. (Grip, tube, end cap, etc.) So…perhaps that intruder surprises you and takes away your ”emergency tool” (firearm) and you have a fight with your hands…WELL…

The lighted end of the flashlight should have a notched rim or frame.  Meaning…there are half circles cut out of the rim…creating a tool to hit or dig into the intruders face and tear, scrape, or gouge if needed.  (some call it a “DNA Grabber”)The good lights are tough and such use will not hurt them, so use it to your advantage. Maglite has been around for years and is well known as the “law enforcement” tactical flashlight, simple because of its toughness.

Remember…its about survival…and they aren’t in your house to rearrange your furniture for a lesson in Feng Shui folks.

You can start by checking out your local gun shops…maybe even your emergency stores.  I am not sure if the emergency stores would have something like this..but who knows.  I have found some decently inexpensive lights…that would work for now perhaps…until you could get another one later on if you desired, at gun shops and such.  Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops will have such items as well.

Take the time to do good research…but not too long.  Just be smart and continue learning about what items you can put into your “Defense Toolbox.”

Keep up the good work folks…and remember P4.  Purchase, Practice, Protect, Pray.

Sincerely,  From one sheepdog to another…

Damon Thueson

www.defenseactions.com