Everything you need to know about Gun Torch

What is a Gun Torch?

A "gun torch" is commonly known as a tactical flashlight mounted on a firearm, typically a pistol. These torches are designed to provide illumination in low-light conditions, making it easier for the user to identify and aim at targets accurately. This simple addition to a firearm can significantly enhance its usability and effectiveness, especially in critical situations where visibility is impaired.

Why Put a Torch on Pistol?

1. Improved Accuracy in Low Light

Low-light environments pose one of the most challenging situations for shooting accuracy. A torch mounted on a pistol illuminates the target area, allowing for clearer sight and more precise targeting. This can prove invaluable in defensive scenarios or law enforcement operations during the night or in dark locations.

2. Enhanced Tactical Advantage

Having a source of light on your weapon can give you a tactical advantage, particularly in situations where you need to quickly assess and engage targets. The sudden illumination can also disorient potential attackers, providing critical moments for response.

3. Safety and Identification

Identifying a target accurately is essential to ensure that threats are properly recognized before engaging. A gun torch helps prevent misidentification and potential accidents, which is crucial in high-stress environments or where civilians are present.

4. Legal and Ethical Considerations

In many regions, there are legal obligations to identify a threat before using lethal force. A gun torch assists in meeting these legal standards by providing the necessary light to ascertain the threat properly.

5. Versatility and Functionality

Modern gun torches are not just simple lights; they come equipped with various features like strobe effects, adjustable brightness, and laser sights. These added functionalities enhance the versatility of the weapon in diverse scenarios, from signaling to disorienting a perpetrator.

Firearm Classification: Handgun

Handgun is a small size, portable firearm designed for one-handed operation, which includes both pistols and revolvers. Compared to rifles, handguns have a shorter effective range and are less accurate. Currently, they are mainly categorized into:

✦ Full-Size: These handguns typically have a barrel length between 4 inches and 5 inches. They offer a relatively longer shooting range and higher accuracy.
✦ Compact: These are slightly shorter than full-sized models, with barrel lengths typically ranging from 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches. Their shooting range and accuracy are in between those of full-size and subcompact handguns.
✦ Subcompact: These have even shorter barrels, generally between 3 inches and 4 inches, making them suitable for close-range shooting but less accurate. Their main advantage is ease of carry.

Handguns are available with and without rails. Currently, we have only developed rail lights for handguns with rails, and we do not have rail lights for handguns without rails.

Firearm Classification: Long Gun

Long Gun: This category comprises firearms designed to be stabilized against the shoulder and operated with both hands using a stock. Rifles and shotguns are the most common types of long guns.

Gun Rails

Common types of gun rail systems include the Picatinny Rail (also known as Mil-STD-1913 Rail), M-LOK, and Keymod. Currently, Olight's rail lights are only compatible with Picatinny or M-LOK systems, and there are no rail lights available for KeyMod.

Special Note: Our current compact rail lights are designed to attach to Picatinny rails. They include both the 1913 and Glock Rail Adapter. This is because the grooves on Glock handguns’ Picatinny rails are slightly narrower than the standard. However, the grooves on the Glock Gen 5 have been widened to match those of the 1913 standard.

Matching Conditions For Guns and Rails

Long Guns: Focus solely on the type of rail system equipped on the long gun. If it has a Picatinny rail, then it is compatible with rail lights designed for Picatinny rails. If the system is M-Lok, then use rail lights that fit M-LOK.

Handguns:

✦ The rail system on the firearm is a Picatinny.
✦ There should be enough space from the slot on the gun barrel to the outer frame of the trigger to install a rail light.
✦ The width of the firearm’s trigger frame should at least equal the distance between the buttons of the rail light to prevent installation issues.

Note: The distance from the rail slot to the trigger's external frame varies across different firearm models, hence the need to match our lights to your specific gun. Currently, our U.S. sales team is working on designing diagrams, which will be shared later.

Firearms Safety Guidelines

1. Treat Every Gun as if It's Loaded

Always assume that the gun is loaded, even if you think it’s not. Each time you handle the gun, for any reason, check to see if it’s unloaded. If you can't check it yourself, don't mess with it and seek help from someone who knows more about guns.

2. Keep the Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction

Always be aware of where the gun is pointing. A "safe direction" means that if the gun were to accidentally fire, it wouldn't cause injury or damage. Only point the gun at something you intend to shoot. Never point it at yourself or others.

3. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot

Always keep your finger away from the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. It might feel comfortable to rest your finger on the trigger, but it is unsafe. Walking around with your finger on the trigger can lead to accidental discharge if you stumble or fall.

4. Know Your Target, Its Surroundings, and Beyond

Before firing, check that the area in front of and behind your target is safe. Be aware that bullets can miss or completely pass through a target and hit someone or something else. Make sure of your target and make sure it's what you intend to shoot. If in doubt, don’t shoot! Never fire at a target based solely on movement, color, sound, or unidentifiable shapes. Always be mindful of others around you before shooting.

5. Learn How to Properly Handle Your Firearm

It's important to become thoroughly familiar with your gun. You should understand its mechanical features, including how to properly load, unload, and clear a malfunction. Not all firearms are mechanically the same. Never assume what works for one make or model is also right for another. You should ask your firearms dealer about how to operate your gun or contact the manufacturer directly.

6. Securely Store Your Firearms to Prevent Unauthorized Use

Guns and ammunition should be stored separately. Even when not in your hands, you must think about safety.

Note: To avoid accidental engagement, it is generally recommended to use a holster for pistols. Having a matching holster or finding a suitable one can contribute to safe handling.

Best Gun Mounted Torches

Valkyrie Series
✦ Non-laser short rail lights, primarily available in full-size and compact models; no ultra-compact rail lights offered at the moment.

✦ Max output of 1,500 lumens
✦ Dual Mode Setting Switch
✦ More Compatible: Included GL and PIC rail adapters
✦ Improved Adaptability & Security

Baldr Series:
✦ Laser-equipped short rail lights, currently available in full-size and compact models; no ultra-compact rail lights available at present.

✦ Max 1,350 lumens with a strobe mode,
✦ Powered by two CR123A batteries
✦ Impressive Green Laser
✦ Easy Operation
✦ Wide Compatibility

Odin Series :
✦ Traditional long rail lights, available both with and without lasers.

✦ Maximum output of 2,000 lumens
✦ 300-meter beam distance.
✦ Professional WML
✦ Innovative Remote Switch
✦ Multifunctional Tail Switch

Sigurd Series:
✦ Long gun grip lights, currently only available without lasers.

✦ 2-in-1 Design
✦ Powerful Flashlight
✦ Ergonomic Angled Grip
✦ Picatinny Rail Mount
✦ Ambidextrous Operation