Pros and Cons.... Weapon Mounted Light?

[mwt1980]

Okay...looking for the pros and cons of a weapon (pistol) mounted light.

Home Security situation and in the dark.

Do you like the light in your off hand so you can control the on and off?

or

do you like it on and on the gun?

why????

[LloydXmas250]

They're good cause you don't have to hold a flashlight with your support hand, making shooting more difficult. They're bad cause if it's your kid or someone you don't intend to harm, you're pointing a gun at them to see them.

[sniper4usmc]

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1232803

[Old4eyes]

Pros:
You know where it is and don't have to go looking for it in the middle of the night (that assumes you have it mounted on the gun).

You can maintain a two hand grip on the gun.

Cons:
You're having the muzzle cover whatever you are looking at. (Keep finger off trigger).

You'll have to learn a single handed grip (practice makes perfect).

If the bad guy is shooting at the light, he's closer to the target (you). If you do a Harries carry, he's still closer to the target (you). If you hold the light above you then a shot at the target may not be you.

In the case of a weapon malfunction, while under cover you can use a separate flashlight to help you see the problem.

For me, I have the light on the gun, it's easier for me to operate.

[fullrearview]

They're good cause you don't have to hold a flashlight with your support hand, making shooting more difficult. They're bad cause if it's your kid or someone you don't intend to harm, you're pointing a gun at them to see them.

Not entirely true....I can keep my light at the low ready, and it creates enough light to see everything in the room.

It all comes down to training.

[LloydXmas250]

Not entirely true....I can keep my light at the low ready, and it creates enough light to see everything in the room.

It all comes down to training.

Yeah. I was writing a little quickly and didn't go into detail. But let's be honest, not everyone trains either. I bet there are many people who would point the light right at someone with the finger on the trigger.

[axhoaxho]

This video is interesting and covers a few of discussion points of weapon lights.

Regards,

[LloydXmas250]

I may not be looking into it enough to realize the point, but in that video he talks about the Harries carry. If you're going to do that what's the point of having a mounted light anyway? Wouldn't you then only be using the flash light?

[SamSung]

To me, mounting a light on the gun is stupid! why? because If I am the infiltrator, and we are inside a pitch dark room or warehouse, then I will have the advantage, why? because if you have a light mounted on your gun, then the 1st thing I will do is shoot the direction of the light, so the best is hold the flashlight in your other hand and position it away from you when shining the light towards the infiltrator or enemy

[gunaddict#1]

A light can be blinding, but it can also easily give away your position. Depends on the application and how you utilize it.

[Heiko]

Perhaps it depends on your HD plan. If you're the type to want to clear your house, open doors, etc, then you'll need a free hand to open those doors, etc. If you're a bunker down kind of guy then a one-handed hold and a flashlight might be okay but in either event, I prefer a mounted light. Clearing your own house that you are more familiar with without light is an advantage but I always say you can't shoot what you can't see so the light is still an advantage your way. If you're bunkered down with a door closed then you can have the drop on the intruder if he makes entry. Presumably you'd have cover and be able to get the first shot so the origin of the light isn't going to necessarily be a liability.

I have done some night shooting with a flashlight in one hand and it's more difficult for sure and if you have to maneuver, like going prone or shoot barricade style, you'll wish for a weapon mounted light.

My vote: mount a light.

[freonr22]

or you can have a mounted one, choose in your need whether to turn it on or not, and in addition, have one in your hand. ymmv

[Dhena81]

I may not be looking into it enough to realize the point, but in that video he talks about the Harries carry. If you're going to do that what's the point of having a mounted light anyway? Wouldn't you then only be using the flash light?

Well I think its all about having options like he said in the video. For example 1. one hand on the phone one on the pistol with a light
2. You'd be less likely to misplace the light you wouldn't use the weapon mounted light for anything else other than its intended purpose.
3. Lights fail you have a backup

[boink]

I have a streamlight TLR-1 on the P226 and a streamlight TL-2 for handheld at quick reach. The way I see it, the mounted light offers absolutely no negatives. It doesn't throw of the balance of the Sig, nor does it get in the way of operations. If I need it for any reason, it's there and waiting. Doesn't hurt to double up.

[railroader]

I like a weapon mounted light. I shoot much faster and accurately 2 handed and I can also see my sights with the light on. That said I also have a 4 cell led mag light that is kept right near my handgun if need be. Mark