The improvements include an illuminator for a gun comprising a manually manipulated and storable external IR filter with a plurality of radially directed circumferential tabs integrally extending from the frame to allow a manual torque to be applied to the frame to manually screw it into and out of the bezel in the field. A high g-force diaphragm shock mount for the lamp includes a receptacle which positions the longitudinal axis of the lamp on the optical axis of the reflector. The field serviceable lamp assembly is an integrated or modular and sealed unit. A field serviceable electronics module is accessed by removing the rear bezel. The illuminator handle includes a double locked latch lever. A T-Slot to Picatinny adapter allows a SureFire T-rail fitting of the handle to fit a conventional Picatinny rail.