Good Self Defense Flashlight?

[Fire-4-Effect]

I am looking to get a good self defense flashlight. I do not need one that I can use as a weapon, rather, I am looking for one that has the following characteristics:

1. Very bright
2. Compact in size
3. Can be used in one hand while holding a pistol in the other
4. Durable

I have no plans to mount it on any of my firearms. I just want something I can keep in the dresser drawer at night next to my SD firearm and sometimes keep it with me when I go on a trip, hunting, etc...

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Phil

 

[GunTech]

surefire e2d have one my self very good flashlight one problem is if u use it alot the batteries dont last very long.

 

[leekl03]

have you considered at looking at sure fire flash lights? i have 2 of them. one in my truck and one next to my sd fire arm. they're great. i love them. very compact and very bright.

 

[haoleboy]

Streamlight Scorpion. about $35 at Basspro. Just as bright as the Surefire E2D (have that also, was a gift) but at 1/3 the cost.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_33078____SearchResults

 

[Topher]

Phil,

Remember the CZ-52.
The flash that comes from the HOT surplus ammo should brighten things up!

 

[BenL]

I have this one and it's great. Super bright, can take AAA's or CR123's, 230 lumens, Cree Q5 emitter, very durable, and only $22.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.17401

If you have a little more to spend, this gets reviewed as a quality flashlight. It's probably my next order.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13007

 

[Anthony C]

I have a surefire E1L with a rechargeable battery on my side table. Its a great little light. But there are alot of "knock offs" out there now that are probably even better. I haven't looked into lights in a while but I know Fenix's are popular. http://www.fenixlight.com that tk12 looks pretty sweet.

Check out www.candlepowerforums.com for more info and reviews

 

[smokey]

coleman max at walmart

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=198341&page=2

i use it for hd..bright light and built pretty durable for cheap

 

[Fire-4-Effect]

Phil,

Remember the CZ-52.
The flash that comes from the HOT surplus ammo should brighten things up!

OMG! I laughed so hard I almost puked!

Now, if I could just bottle up that flash and use it for longer than 7 ms...

Phil

 

[Fire-4-Effect]

Streamlight Scorpion. about $35 at Basspro. Just as bright as the Surefire E2D (have that also, was a gift) but at 1/3 the cost.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_33078____SearchResults

This looks good! What candlelight power or lumens is considered really bright?

Phil

 

[sigrug17]

Check out the Fenix PD series or the TK10 or TK11... they are Awesome whether use them with a weapon or not.

 

[haoleboy]

This looks good! What candlelight power or lumens is considered really bright?

Phil

Its says the Streamlight Scorpion is 78 lumens or just shy of 8000 candle power. It also twists from spot to flood like the old maglights.
Yeah, i sound like a salesman for them but its a great light.
The 78 Lumens is plenty, its BLINDING.

 

[DeadIDik]

Blackhawk Gladius is the best IMO. The strobe is kickass.

 

[Fire-4-Effect]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback!

I like the Fenix stuff a lot! Good price versus features.

Phil

 

[SmokingGun]

LED's from Surefire & Streamlight

Absolutely go with a quality LED. They cost a bit more, but the Xenon lamps burn out too quickly.

I have a Surefire 6P and a Streamlight Scorpion - like both for different reasons. The 6P is my favorite of the two - added an OEM lanyard - awesome light. Puts out about 80 lumens for 11 - 12 hours, LED's last practically for ever! Lithium CR123 batteries have an incredible shelf life. Lowe's carries the Surefire brand batts, a pair goes for $5. Lowe's also carries the Surefire 6P and G2 (a lower cost nylon / polymer model).

Not cheap, but worth every penny.

BTW - Fobus makes a really nice combo paddle that hold (1) spare pistol mag. and a flashlight.

 

[slayr15]

i have used my surefire g2 nitrolon for about 4 years now and it is tough only down fall is the cr123 a batts are so damn expensive.

 

[amish]

Check out http://www.flashlightreviews.com/

He (at least used to) has good reviews of flashlights, including brightness, pattern, coverage, etc.

 

[h2u]

Check out the thread here as well. I know NOTHING about flashlights, but this seemed to have some good information.

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=3521&highlight=tactical+flashlights

 

[Diesel Kinevel]

Surefire G2 LED is cheaper than most and very bright. The LED keeps the batts lasting a good while longer than the incandescent bulbs. Ive got one on my M4 and its awesome!

-Zach

 

[xtreme43s10]

i have a fenix tk-10 next to my bed, it's very light, and brighter then the surefire's, I carry one in my hunting pack, and use it in all type of weather without a problem, and has a decent battery life. Mine has 2 brightness settings one is 60 lumen's and the other is 225 lumen's. and for the price can't be beat.