I’ve taken 3 low/no light classes and shot quite a few low-light IDPA stages with a handheld; I really prefer a mounted light for a HD weapon especially a long gun. Taking a class or two goes a long way in dispelling most if not all of the concerns folks have about mounted lights, and really demonstrate the value. For CCW I use a hand-held, mostly to skip the added bulk/weight of a mounted light.
Benelli M1S() Insight M3X
Walther PPQ W/SureFire X400 light/laser and SureFire 6PLED:
I'm one of those who believe in this AND that, versus this or that. I've two weapon lights on pistols, and I have pistols without lights. I have lights on my Beneli M3, as well as my S&W M4 Carbine. I also swear by and use Surefire flashlights regularly (think I have five at last count), and there is always one at arms reach, like my weapons if I'm home. I carry a surefire, along with my Kimber and extra magazines when I'm out and about, most times. I realize it's not for everyone, and I'm not advocating it, but it works for me.
Like with any tool or weapon, you must train with it. If you aren't using a weapon mounted light, you best practice shooting with a flashlight in your off hand. It isn't a natural feeling thing, but it can become one if you train with it enough. Once you've actually fired your weapon like that, and become accustomed to it, you can practice from time to time without actually firing the weapon, just to fine tune that muscle memory. On, off, move, on, off, move is the drill. Must be (IMHO) a rear button activator to be most effective.
For those of you who haven't fired a pistol at night, I'd highly recommend you make arrangements to do that. You'll be looking for a weapons mounted light the next day most likely. Your highly trained night vision and night sights are GONE after that first shot. I'm a big believer in night sights, and think every defensive firearm should have them, but I'm saying they're only good for your first shot.
Unless things have changed recently, LAPD SWAT operators were issued two Kimber .45ACP's, one with a light on it, and one without. I've tactical holsters for light on and another for light off. Can always carry the light in a pouch too, but it takes a few seconds to mount it, when you need it.
I've not seen many intelligent comments for not carrying a weapon mounted light source (WMLS). First of all, before you
weigh in, its probably a good idea to state your training & experience; (other than a card carrying NRA member, who believes
the 2nd Amendment means the same today as it did 300 years ago) for all we know, YOU are the BG.
I served 4 years Active Duty in the Marine Corps; in an anti-terrorist unit and Infantry(0352). I have been in Law Enforcement
for more than 15 years (6 years on a tactical team, experiencing several critical/deadly incidents). I am a Firearms Instructor
(rifle/shotgun/pistol). I also conduct Active Shooter, building search, cover & concealment and dynamic room entry training;
utilizing Simunitions (with and without a WMLS).
The bottom line on the "Pros & Cons of utilizing a WMLS"; TRAINING. There are different applications for using a WMLS. That
being said; weather you are in law enforcement, home defense or preparing for the "BIG ONE", it all boils down proper
TRAINING. Weather the debate is WMLS, gun retention, fixed blade vs folding knife or conducting a building search with a long gun vs a hand gun; "fear the well-trained warrior, who is proficient in his craft". -Semper Fi
Guys, I've done numerous shoot houses and have never had to point the muzzle at what I'm illuminating if I didn't want to. A low ready will illuminate everything in your sight indoors with an X300 or the phenomenal X300 ultra. A secondary light is also an excellent option, but a weapon mounted light is an absolute advantage, IF you take the time to receive proper training.
I carry a handgun for work and on personal time. I currently do not run a light as my weapon is concealed at all times and the likelyhood of needing it at work is slim. But, I may start carrying it mounted this year.
I do keep one mounted at home. I just picked up a new Nighthawk, but it does not have a rail. I'll either add a Dawson or trade it. My rifles have Surefire Scouts mounted at home and work.
I can't stress enough the advantages of a weapon mounted light. If you are pointing the muzzle at everything you illuminate, you're doing it wrong. As with all things, training is a must...
EDIT - DVLDG, I'm always stressing the importance of stating your point of reference. Mine.... I work as a trainer/consultant for a couple law enforcement departments. I work in close protection, mostly politicians and executives. I send a few days a week training with as much time as possible in the shoot house with both carbines and handguns.
I've been shooting since I was ten, but started training after firing a handgun in self defense when I was 19, which was 1999. Ever since, I've spent as much time as possible training.... Not just shooting. I've been to a number of classes from the most respected instructors and have been instructing myself for four years, mostly law enforcement.
The more I keep reading this, the more I think I weapon mounted light and a hand held would be best for the house. Right now I'm limited to a long gun with neither!
I wouldn't advise carrying a weapon with a mounted light, holsters can be a pain to find that actually fit and that much harder to conceal.
I had a Streamlight TLR-2 that I should have not gotten rid of, I don't however see the need in the strobe function on them for home defense. An offensive role I can understand.
The strobe is a joke no matter what role it's filling. I don't know anyone, including trainers affiliated with Surefire, that actually recommends the strobe.
I carry a Glock 17, 5" 1911 or an M&P9 in jeans and a t-shirt. I can do the same with a light attached, BUT, I can no longer do it outside the waistband. Except for the 1911, the light is past the muzzle quite a bit, making it to long to conceal with a t-shirt. I've carried my Glock 17 in a Raven Kydex with the light attached, but it was awkward and not something I'll do again, unless I have no other choice.
For home, there's absolutely no reason NOT to use a weapon mounted light. If you have to move with family or your children, if you need to call 911, if you have to open a door, if you have to enter a code in the alarm, etc., you'll likely need one hand to do it. So, what do you put down, the light or the gun? If it's mounted to the gun, neither.
If you use the new 500 lumen x300 ultra, which IS NOT TOO BRIGHT for indoor use (read through all the AAR's from Pat Rogers shoot house/low light classes), then you can fill a whole room with light. The key is proper light discipline. In a low ready with my rifle or handgun, I can light up everything I need to see while keeping the muzzle at a downward angle.
My home defense rig now wears a surefire x300 ultra. As Jon has pointed out, it is not too bright for indoor use.
I'm also trying out the new APL from INFORCE. 200 lumens, awesome mounting solution, and very intuitive switch system. All for $130.
I highly recommend it for a pistol or in my case, a rifle.
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