Check Your Lights and Optics: March 2015 Edition
I initially decided not to to post these every month, as I was sure no one needed reminders to check the batteries in their lights and optics. I figured you would get bored of reading my reports.
That is, until The She Shepherd pulled out her Olight M18 Striker flashlight in a low light force on force encounter and it was dead. Smug as a bug, I checked my lights and optics yesterday. I was sure everything would be great.
I had two dead lights, including a catastrophic flashlight failure. The power of humility. 😉
Total dead optics found: 0/11
Total dead weapon mounted lights: 1/4
Total dead handheld lights found: 1/5 (I’m not including the dead one found during training, otherwise that number would be 2)
Additionally, the weapon mounted light that was dead had also come free from my rail. I am going to have to re-evaluate how much tension I put on the screw that holds the light to the top rail.
My backup flashlight was dead, and I couldn’t unscrew the tail cap to replace the battery. Turns out the battery exploded inside. I’ll be in the market for a small flashlight I can carry in my pocket.
Check your lights and optics, folks! Did you have any “casualties” this month?
About the Author: Short Barrel Shepherd
Short Barrel Shepherd is a regular guy and works to make Web sites and mobile apps easier for people to use. He spends his free time attending fight-focused firearm, knife, and combatives training, motorcycling, writing, and playing games. His daily carry is a Glock 19 pistol and an AR15 .300 Blackout pistol in a backpack. 
Nope, you should keep posting them. I like the reminders.
+1 on the posting
Agreed, its a great reminder.
I have been using a Fenix pd22 that work got me. It is very small, and has held up to being beat up at work. They have a limited edition one that puts out a tremendous amount of light. Its worth a look at imho.
What kind of batteries was Mrs. Shepherd using? I am curious. Lithiums are supposed to be more more resistant to leaks, low temps, etc.
She was using rechargeable batteries that came with her Olight flash light.