a long - range , high intensity handheld searchlight has several novel features that improve existing designs . the invention minimizes electrical penetrations to the handheld searchlight by having a magnetic on / off switch . a heat sink is disclosed that is in thermal contact with the external housing without physically penetrating the housing . additionally , when an external power source in required , power transfer is achieved by inductive coupling to further eliminate electrical penetrations that affect watertight integrity . also disclosed is a lamp socket assembly for a handheld searchlight that has springs that act as floating contacts within a lamp socket hole . the springs provide proper alignment for the lamp that is critical to achieve a high - intensity light beam . a lamp is disclosed that has its electrodes adjacent to one another for easy installation and removal of the lamp . a shoulder strap is further disclosed to facilitate transportation and use of a handheld searchlight .