A
tactical light is a
flashlight used in conjunction with a firearm to aid low light target identification, allowing the marksman to simultaneously aim and illuminate the target. Tactical lights can be handheld or mounted to the weapon with the light beam parallel to the bore. Tactical lights also serve a role as a method of non-lethal force, used to temporarily
blind and disorient targets. Features particularly associated with tactical lights include shock resistance, reliability, lightweight and powerful batteries, and high light intensity. Tactical lights may have optional filters to produce colored light, or may emit only
infrared radiation for use with
night vision equipment. A sighting
laser may also be added to a weapon-mounted tactical light.