We need to have multiple tools in our toolbox when it comes to keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe from becoming a victim. What comes to mind first? Our handgun of course. But we cannot always be armed. Maybe a knife? Definitely, but you have to be very close to your attacker and how many of us are actually trained to use a knife. What we all need to have handy is our flashlight.
There are multiple reasons to always have a flashlight. It lights up the dark during a power outage or in a dark alley. You could shine it in an attacker’s eyes; either temporarily blinding them or disorienting them with the strobe feature. Many flashlights can be used as a weapon if the need arises. And best of all, they are legal to carry everywhere; unlike a knife and/or a firearm!
Maglite displayed a wide array of flashlights at Shot Show 2020 but these two caught my eye. They seem to be a perfect for a woman (or a man) to carry. The Mag-Tac LED is a lightweight rechargeable flashlight and the charging station fits perfectly in your cars cupholder. It has 4 functions – Momentary, full power, low power, & strobe. The Mag-Tac LED also features an aluminum crown that could be used in an altercation and is ultra-bright with 670 lumens.
New this year from Maglite is the Mag-Tac II. What is special about this flashlight? It has been designed to make holding a flashlight and a gun easier. It is estimated that 70% of shooting occur in low light situations. If you own a gun, then you should learn how to grip your gun and your flashlight. The Mag-Tac II features 3 modes: momentary, full power, and strobe; and it features almost 400 lumens.
Whichever flashlight you decide to carry make sure you keep them charged or with fresh batteries. It needs to be a design that makes it easy to carry. You can keep the large on in your car or bedside table. Make sure it’s bright. 100 lumens are the minimum suggested for a tactical flashlight. It should be sturdy in case it needs to be used as an impromptu weapon. Just like your concealed carry weapon you will never know when you are going to need to light up the night so always carry your flashlight.
