Defending yourself against an unprovoked attack is a fundamental right. A firearm is one tool that can be used with this right. But the right to self defense comes with responsibilities including only using force when appropriate. I have read far too many stories about an innocent person being shot because the shooter failed to identify the victim as being an actual threat.

Flashlights are an integral part of threat identification, and therefore the use of a firearm for self defense. It is my opinion that everyone who carries a gun should also carry a flashlight.

Streamlight announced a new flashlight that is small enough to carry pretty much anywhere, yet appears to be bright enough to help ensure you properly identify anything that might be a threat.

The new MicroStream is a pocket flashlight that is less than 4″ long and weighs just over 1 ounce. Yet, it is rated for 250 lumens and a runtime of 1.5 hours. The new light has an internal 350 mAh lithium ion cell that is recharged via a micro USB port. According to the company, a full charge will take up to 4 hours.

This light is very similar to the Streamlight ProTac 1AAA I reviewed previously. In my testing, I found that the 1AAA maintained a light output of about 75% for longer than the manufacturer’s stated runtime. That is a lot better than many of the flashlights I have tested from other companies. Additionally, the light passed drop testing and water immersion tests. I still use this light when I need something small and a larger light won’t do. Since the MicroStream is a bit more powerful than the 1AAA, I look forward to giving it a go.