The darkness has always put humans a little on edge. The unknown and unseen danger of the dark has been biologically wired into our DNA over thousands of years, because most of our sensory information is obtained through our sight. We don’t like what we can’t see.

Throughout history, mankind has consistently innovated new and more effective ways to light up the things we can’t see. Putting the power of light in your corner gives you the advantage over darkness and whatever might be lurking in it.

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a bright light shining on you from the dark, you’ve felt the power imbalance that comes along with that scenario. Being confronted by a figure you cannot see, presumably standing behind a light that is disorienting and often painful to the eye immediately puts you in a different frame of mind than you would even be if you were confronted by a shadowy figure with no light at all. The light provides the advantage.

Putting a weapon light on your rifle or pistol immediately shifts that power balance in your favor when confronted with a defensive situation, or even simply just proactively assessing your surroundings at your home and property.

Weapon lights with colored LEDs or lenses can make nighttime hunting or varmint control easier as well, as they allow you to see more clearly without spooking your target.

Basic firearms safety tells us to always be sure of our target, and what’s behind it. If you have made the decision to employ a firearm as a measure of personal or home defense, what happens when the sun goes down? Or worse, the sun goes down and the power goes out?

We are going to break down why a weapon mounted light is an absolute necessity, what you need to know when shopping for one for your firearm, and some of the basics to have a grasp when it comes to being effective at using them.