PACK PRACTICAL - Laser Devices Operator

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At SHOT show 2008, I was given a Laser Devices Operator flashlight by John Chapman. Prior to this, I had not heard of Laser Devices or their products. I was told to some have fun and see what I can do with this light. Over the next 7 months I have purchased numerous lights to try on my rifle, but never found anything that lived up to my expectations. So when I got back from the SHOT show, I took the M3 off my rifle and put on the Operator. The light immediately impressed me . 150 lumens of output coming from the LED made me smile every time I switched it on. I provided sufficient illumination to light up the hallway of my house and make out where the dogs were at night.

After the Operator proved itself as a weapon light, I decided to carry it around as a pocket light and see how it performed in day to day activities . The light was awesome in vehicles, rooms, or just a bump in the woods. The light made identifying objects a piece of cake. The operator quickly became my "go to" light when I was going out anywhere. The main thing I liked about the light was the construction of the body. It has an aggressive texture that makes it nearly impossible to lose your grip on the light. If your a cop out in the rain or a soldier in the dirt, you can get a solid grip on this light.

When I compared the Operator to a TLR-1, as it was the only LED light I had access to at the time. The TLR-1 had been on my rifle and while it is a good light, I preferred the Operator. You couldn't accidentally turn on the Operator if you wanted to thanks to a protective end cap. The switch is protected at the end to prevent you from accidentally turning the light on at the wrong time. It has momentary and constant on settings so the user can use the light in a variety of roles. In the picture you can see how the TLR-1 and Operator compare at 2 feet. The operator has a wider pattern that the TLR-1 will also giving off more light. After using both lights, I would rather have the Operator on my rifle as it has a wider beam and gives off more light.

As my torture test went, I submerged the light in a tub of water, grabbed the light out and had my father try to take the light from me, which he couldn't do. I then threw the light, yes threw, it against the concrete, a brick wall, in the mud, and dropped it from a 2nd floor window. Even after all of the abuse the LED still turns on and is still just as bright. I wouldn't do this with many lights, but for some reason I couldn't stop myself from trying it once. It must have been the Aluminum body, but still I just couldn't resist doing it. Nothing would stop this light from turning on.

The is something I don't like about the Operator. The on/off switch could be a little flatter or the 2 pieces of metal at the end could be smaller so I can hit the light faster with my thumb. Also, when I first got the light I confused myself in which part was momentary and which was turning it on. I would like to see Laser Devices add something at the end to show you the difference at night. Other then that, this is a great light.

If you are in the market for a weapon light, you need to look into the Laser Devices OP-6 or the OP-9 depending on your mission requirements.

Guest Writer: Cody H, South Bend, IN

Manufacturer Specifications:

Battery Life
Incandescent: 1 hour continuous
LED: 1.5 hours continuous

Battery Type
Three 3-volt 123A Lithium

Lamp Type:
Incandescent: High pressure Xenon LED: High intensity light emitting diode
Light Output Incandescent: 95 Lumens LED: 150 Lumens

Diameter of Head 1.25 in. / 3.2 cm
Waterproof: to 20 meters
Length: 5.3 in. / 13.4 cm
Limited Warranty: 1 year on tactical light, 3 years on LED illuminator
Material: Anodized aircraft aluminum 6061T-6
Weight: 4.6 oz. / 130.4 grams (with batteries)

* Supplied with Batteries
* Interchangeable switch assemblies allow our OP-6 lights to double as a handheld or weapon-mounted light

* Toggle switch
* 3-way (on/off/momentary) Toggle switch
* 3-way (on/off/momentary) Push Button switch
* Straight Wire Pressure Pad switch
* Coil Wire Pressure Pad switch
* Straight Wire Pressure Pad switch with Off (kill) Toggle switch
* Straight Wire Pressure Pad switch with On/Off Toggle switch

* Manufactured in the U.S.A.
* Optional Tip-Off Filters available in blue and red. Infrared filter available for incandescent lights only.
* Deeply knurled, non-slip grip
* Incandescent or LED available:

* Focusable/defocusable 6-volt incandescent light with Xenon lamp produces 95 lumens of bright, white light. Available with glass or Lexan lens.
* High intensity LED with Lexan lens provides 150 lumens—Over 30 times brighter than a standard high power LED

* OP-6 lights are also sold prepackaged with MIL-SPEC-1913 Ring Mount or Quick Release Throw Lever Mount

Please visit Laser Devices at www.laserdevices.com