Battery Discharge Characteristics

This may be a stupid question, but what is typical for a laser to do when the battery is low? I was playing around with my spartan when it suddenly went dark. Turned it off, then back on, came back, then after a few seconds went dark again. Do CR123A type batteries have high output for most of the runtime and sudden drop off?

I've owed lasers for the last 4 years, but for the life of me can't remember a time I went and recharged a battery only when it was completely dead. I think I've managed to be pre-emptive every time.

Here is a good looking link.

What you describe is a close to flat battery where the voltage drop after a few seconds of discharge. A short rest get the voltage up to unloaded value again.

Yes, they have a pretty flat discharge curve and then drop off rather suddenly.