Advice on my carry rotation

[30-30shooter]

Currently in my carry rotation i swap between a G43X and a G42, then i sometimes carry a G45 with a TLR7 which i keep as a home defense gun

Recently I purchased been debating putting TLR6s on my G42 and G43X as Im starting to work more nights, I bought one for my G42 and im starting to have second thoughts. Currently i have the option to carry in; an alien gear belly band (G42), shoulder holster (G43X), ankle carry(G42), and iwb with either guns, however after getting the TLR6 i found out how limited holster options are, right now crossbreed seems to be the only ones that make decent holsters in a style like. (Side note I tried tulster but decided i really prefer hybrid holsters and will be sending this back once my crossbreed gets here) and I like having the multiple carry styles because it allows me to carry around how i dress, i dont have to dress around the guns

Basically i see it i have 3 options im considering;

1. Put TLR6s on all my carry guns and loose a few different carry methods but have lights

2. Send back the TLR6 and go back to only having a light on my G45

3. Keep the TLR on my G42 and keep one of the G43X, i only loose ankle carry which is the method i use the least but keep belly band and shoulder

Side note two: I briefly worked a security job where I was trained with handgun mounted lights professionally, however the training honestly I feel hinders me with TLR6s on small guns as we were trained with TLR1s on P226s and were trained never to use constant on, the momentary on the TLR6 “feels” alot less positive and sometimes ill accidentally hit it to constant, also the method of recoil control (support hand actuates light, idk hard to describe) doesnt really work as well with a smaller gun

Of course another option i was considering was getting a subcompact with a rail and quick detach light, alot easier if im in rush to grab a G26 sized gun and attach/detach a light in 2 seconds depending on what/where im going and how ill be carrying

So basically is a weapon mounted light worth it if i have to get a ton of new holsters and give up some methods of carry?

 

[C-grunt]

There is a train of thought out there, and taught by several knowledgeable instructors, that you want to keep the light on until the shooting is done.

When Im searching houses and buildings I use both the momentary and the constant on depending on what Im doing at that time. However once I find a threat it's constant on so I can use my off hand for other tasks or get a better grip if the shooting starts. I actually do most of my searching with a handheld light so Im not waving my gun around.

Another thing to consider is if you really NEED a gun on the light all the time. If it's not working for you with the G42 than dont use it. A light is mandatory but a gun light isnt. I always carry a flashlight with me even if my gun has a light on it. I obviously dont have a light on my J-frame so I just rely on the light in my hand.

When actively searching for a bad guy the weapon light is a very useful tool. Outside of that I find a good handheld to be more useful.

 

[C-grunt]

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-...8&sr=1-1-5e875a02-02b1-4426-9916-8a5c26cd5a14

This is the light I always carry. Very slim and 250 lumens it's fairly bright. Plus it's USB rechargeable so I just plug it in once a week for a while or after Ive used it a bit. Has a low setting for normal tasks too. Its about the size of a standard Bic pen but a little shorter and fatter.

They have a newer version that's slightly thicker and is 500 lumens. I might upgrade to that.

 

[Rexster]

A weapon-mounted light adds quite a bit of bulk to a carry gun. I normally do not have a light mounted on the handguns I am likely to be carrying. When I do use a weapon-mounted light, I use Surefire X300-series, or the earlier X200-series. I realize that many folks have been served well by Streamlight products, but I seemed to be snake-bit, when using Streamlights, in the Eighties and early Nineties, so shifted to Surefire.

I do prioritize having hand-held lights.

I liked having the option of a Surefire X200 light, the current model at that time, on the rail of my duty pistol, until this was banned by PD policy. Now retired, I am free to choose. (After several years of “study,” it became permissible to again use a light on the weapon, if one jumped through enough hoops, if one managed to locate the hoops.)

I have a Glock G42, but the idea of adding the bulk of a weapon-mounted light to a G42 seems more like attaching a gun to one’s light, than a light to one’s gun.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Only weapons that have lights are home defense guns. I prefer handheld over weapons mounted lights for concealed carry outside the home.

 

[30-30shooter]

There is a train of thought out there, and taught by several knowledgeable instructors, that you want to keep the light on until the shooting is done.

When Im searching houses and buildings I use both the momentary and the constant on depending on what Im doing at that time. However once I find a threat it's constant on so I can use my off hand for other tasks or get a better grip if the shooting starts. I actually do most of my searching with a handheld light so Im not waving my gun around.

Another thing to consider is if you really NEED a gun on the light all the time. If it's not working for you with the G42 than dont use it. A light is mandatory but a gun light isnt. I always carry a flashlight with me even if my gun has a light on it. I obviously dont have a light on my J-frame so I just rely on the light in my hand.

When actively searching for a bad guy the weapon light is a very useful tool. Outside of that I find a good handheld to be more useful.

i mean thats true, havent really looked into WNL usage after training, they always just told us to use it sparingly so wed be harder to pinpoint, how hard is it to do a reload with a handheld flashlight?

 

[30-30shooter]

A weapon-mounted light adds quite a bit of bulk to a carry gun. I normally do not have a light mounted on the handguns I am likely to be carrying. When I do use a weapon-mounted light, I use Surefire X300-series, or the earlier X200-series. I realize that many folks have been served well by Streamlight products, but I seemed to be snake-bit, when using Streamlights, in the Eighties and early Nineties, so shifted to Surefire.

I do prioritize having hand-held lights.

I liked having the option of a Surefire X200 light, the current model at that time, on the rail of my duty pistol, until this was banned by PD policy. Now retired, I am free to choose. (After several years of “study,” it became permissible to again use a light on the weapon, if one jumped through enough hoops, if one managed to locate the hoops.)

I have a Glock G42, but the idea of adding the bulk of a weapon-mounted light to a G42 seems like attaching a gun to one’s light, than a light to one’s gun.

To be fair the added bulk of a tlr6 is negligible, thing weighs like a ounce max, what do you currently keep the x300 on? I like that its quick detach so i could put it on a carry gun at night for home defense and take it off for carry

 

[30-30shooter]

Only weapons that have lights are home defense guns. I prefer handheld over weapons mounted lights for concealed carry outside the home.

Thats also a fair point, have lights on my hd handgun, shotgun and two beater aks. Kinda why i feel like i should on my carry guns in theory

 

[FFGColorado]

Currently in my carry rotation i swap between a G43X and a G42, then i sometimes carry a G45 with a TLR7 which i keep as a home defense gun

Recently I purchased been debating putting TLR6s on my G42 and G43X as Im starting to work more nights, I bought one for my G42 and im starting to have second thoughts. Currently i have the option to carry in; an alien gear belly band (G42), shoulder holster (G43X), ankle carry(G42), and iwb with either guns, however after getting the TLR6 i found out how limited holster options are, right now crossbreed seems to be the only ones that make decent holsters in a style like. (Side note I tried tulster but decided i really prefer hybrid holsters and will be sending this back once my crossbreed gets here) and I like having the multiple carry styles because it allows me to carry around how i dress, i dont have to dress around the guns

Basically i see it i have 3 options im considering;

1. Put TLR6s on all my carry guns and loose a few different carry methods but have lights

2. Send back the TLR6 and go back to only having a light on my G45

3. Keep the TLR on my G42 and keep one of the G43X, i only loose ankle carry which is the method i use the least but keep belly band and shoulder

Side note two: I briefly worked a security job where I was trained with handgun mounted lights professionally, however the training honestly I feel hinders me with TLR6s on small guns as we were trained with TLR1s on P226s and were trained never to use constant on, the momentary on the TLR6 “feels” alot less positive and sometimes ill accidentally hit it to constant, also the method of recoil control (support hand actuates light, idk hard to describe) doesnt really work as well with a smaller gun

Of course another option i was considering was getting a subcompact with a rail and quick detach light, alot easier if im in rush to grab a G26 sized gun and attach/detach a light in 2 seconds depending on what/where im going and how ill be carrying

So basically is a weapon mounted light worth it if i have to get a ton of new holsters and give up some methods of carry?

Number 3

i swap between a G43X and a G42

Good on ya..I swap between a G42 and G48..no lights tho. My G17, HD gun has one tho..

 

[edwardware]

I really don't see good value in carrying a flashlight I can't use without pointing my sidearm at the subject to be lit. I use my carry flashlight a lot, practically every day, to see something in the dark. To date, the number of things I've pointed my flashlight at that might have needed shooting is one, and the muzzle was on it right behind the light.

Regarding the rotation of carry guns. . . I rotate guns I bring to the range for variety and fun. I almost never change my EDC gun, because I don't carry it for variety and fun.

 

[Garandimal]

Currently in my carry rotation i swap between a G43X and a G42, then i sometimes carry a G45 with a TLR7 which i keep as a home defense gun

Recently I purchased been debating putting TLR6s on my G42 and G43X as Im starting to work more nights, I bought one for my G42 and im starting to have second thoughts. Currently i have the option to carry in; an alien gear belly band (G42), shoulder holster (G43X), ankle carry(G42), and iwb with either guns, however after getting the TLR6 i found out how limited holster options are, right now crossbreed seems to be the only ones that make decent holsters in a style like. (Side note I tried tulster but decided i really prefer hybrid holsters and will be sending this back once my crossbreed gets here) and I like having the multiple carry styles because it allows me to carry around how i dress, i dont have to dress around the guns

Basically i see it i have 3 options im considering;

1. Put TLR6s on all my carry guns and loose a few different carry methods but have lights

2. Send back the TLR6 and go back to only having a light on my G45

3. Keep the TLR on my G42 and keep one of the G43X, i only loose ankle carry which is the method i use the least but keep belly band and shoulder

Side note two: I briefly worked a security job where I was trained with handgun mounted lights professionally, however the training honestly I feel hinders me with TLR6s on small guns as we were trained with TLR1s on P226s and were trained never to use constant on, the momentary on the TLR6 “feels” alot less positive and sometimes ill accidentally hit it to constant, also the method of recoil control (support hand actuates light, idk hard to describe) doesnt really work as well with a smaller gun

Of course another option i was considering was getting a subcompact with a rail and quick detach light, alot easier if im in rush to grab a G26 sized gun and attach/detach a light in 2 seconds depending on what/where im going and how ill be carrying

So basically is a weapon mounted light worth it if i have to get a ton of new holsters and give up some methods of carry?

What are the variable conditions that drive your rotation?




GR

 

[Rexster]

To be fair the added bulk of a tlr6 is negligible, thing weighs like a ounce max, what do you currently keep the x300 on? I like that its quick detach so i could put it on a carry gun at night for home defense and take it off for carry

For a while, I kept an X200 or X300 on a SIG P229R, and then a G19. Each was OK on a duty belt, but quite bulky when carried with all-day, on-person concealment in mind. Weight was not a problem. A light on a home-defense weapon is, of course, very much worthwhile, as the bulk is not normally an issue. The same would be true of a “bag gun,” or a weapon carried in a backpack.

 

[Rexster]

I would like call attention to well-known instructor Tom Givens, whose newsletter discussed lights on defensive carry weapons, in a recent issue, though not the current one. Notably, he is a member of THR, and posts links to each of his on-line newsletters, as they are published, in THR’s Strategies and Tactics section.

https://rangemaster.com/

One significant point was that most violent crimes occur in places where the bad actors can see what they are doing. (I am not using this to argue against WMLs.)

 

[JTQ]

A Tom Givens point regarding night sights, but would apply to lights...

https://civiliandefender.com/2016/04/01/low-light-red-sights-and-tom-givens-glock-35/

... but the chief reason being that in the 60 plus defensive shootings his students have been involved in, the lighting (or lack of lighting) was a factor in the outcome in exactly ZERO cases.

Tom Givens studies the non-LE/non-MIL use of firearms more than just about anybody. One of his major points is what works, or is appropriate for LE or MIL doesn't often work or is appropriate for the civilian concealed carrier.

 

[MarshallDodge]

None of the professional level trainers that I know recommend keeping the light on while shooting, including Ken Hackathorn who I have trained with.

Lights are bullet magnets. The person shooting back is going to shoot at what they can see, and that is the light.

I have a good friend who is former force recon and has done a lot of things in the dark. He doesn't carry a light on his pistol, just a simple Surefire in his pocket, and recommends reflecting the light off the ceiling or a wall to divert the threat.

 

[SharpDog]

I have carry guns both with and without lights. I prefer a light but sometimes the carry method does not allow it. I always also have a separate light.

BTW Alabama holsters makes a kydex pocket holster for weapons with a TLR-6 if you are interested. I have one for my p365 with TLR-6.

Front Pocket:
https://www.alabamaholster.com/product/front-pocket-holster/

Back Pocket:
https://www.alabamaholster.com/product/back-pocket-holster/

Kydex IWB's (no hybrids)
https://www.alabamaholster.com/product-category/inside-the-waistband-holsters/

 

[30-30shooter]

What are the variable conditions that drive your rotation?




GR

Usually alot of things, weather, what im wearing that day and what im doing, if its summer and im wearing gym shorts/track pants ill probably carry a g42 in a beryy band, if its winter and im wearing a parka probably a g45 or g43x iwb, if im going to be doing alot of driving alot or sitting down most of the day a g43x in a shoulder holster, its nice to not have to dress around the gun but rather carry around what im doing if that makes sense

 

[Garandimal]

Usually alot of things, weather, what im wearing that day and what im doing, if its summer and im wearing gym shorts/track pants ill probably carry a g42 in a beryy band, if its winter and im wearing a parka probably a g45 or g43x iwb, if im going to be doing alot of driving alot or sitting down most of the day a g43x in a shoulder holster, its nice to not have to dress around the gun but rather carry around what im doing if that makes sense

Sounds more like accommodation than rotation... which makes a lot more sense, considering the inherent risks in the change.

For what it's worth - I just carry a 2AA cell Thrunite Archer, and keep the pistol clean.

Conceal - is usually the harder part of CC.




GR

 

[30-30shooter]

None of the professional level trainers that I know recommend keeping the light on while shooting, including Ken Hackathorn who I have trained with.

Lights are bullet magnets. The person shooting back is going to shoot at what they can see, and that is the light.

I have a good friend who is former force recon and has done a lot of things in the dark. He doesn't carry a light on his pistol, just a simple Surefire in his pocket, and recommends reflecting the light off the ceiling or a wall to divert the threat.

this is what they taught us, only use momentary on with your support hand, and only on while your actually scanning/attempting to blind someone with the light, and always make sure to turn it off when taking cover/reloading/ using your radio/ opening doors/ anything like that

 

[30-30shooter]

Sounds more like accommodation than rotation... which makes a lot more sense, considering the inherent risks in the change.

For what it's worth - I just carry a 2AA cell Thrunite Archer, and keep the pistol clean.

Conceal - is usually the harder part of CC.




GR

Fair point english never was my strong suit haha, Basically i want the same platform just at different sizes, kinda why I almost feel obligated to put lights on the smaller guns.

 

[Garandimal]

Fair point english never was my strong suit haha, Basically i want the same platform just at different sizes, kinda why I almost feel obligated to put lights on the smaller guns.

Similar manual of arms - is inherently safer.

My regular CCW is a GLOCK G36 compact .45 ACP - my trunks and tuxedo pistol is a micro 9mm Sig P938 single action auto w/ manual safety.

Great mix, but not ideal in practice.

Takes a considerable amount of additional training to "keep'em seperated".




GR

 

[30-30shooter]

Similar manual of arms - is inherently safer.

My regular CCW is a GLOCK G36 compact .45 ACP - my trunks and tuxedo pistol is a micro 9mm Sig P938 single action auto w/ manual safety.

Great mix, but not ideal in practice.

Takes a considerable amount of additional training to "keep'em seperated".




GR

I understand that big time lol, the reason I ended up going with Glocks is because I used to alternate between a Sig 9mm and a Makarov .380, good in practice but on the range id find myself occasionally going for buttons that weren't there depending on what time of year it was.

 

[sixgunner455]

When carrying: surefire in the pocket, no light on the gun. On the nightstand: surefire next to full-sized gun with a light on the rail.

Your range of Glocks makes a lot of sense. Maybe it’s partially confirmation bias, but I basically do the same thing: outside of work time, I carry a G19x when appropriate, G26 most of the time when a belt or shoulder holster are best, G42 for pocket/gym/ super low profile. S&W 642 is pocketed most days for work time, due to work environment.

 

[Kleanbore]

Sounds more like accommodation than rotation... which makes a lot more sense, considering the inherent risks in the change.

Yes.

Similar manual of arms - is inherently safer

Yes indeed, and inherently less subject to momentary delay.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-66608-Flashlight-Micro-Stream/dp/B07DLZXZV1/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-drs1_0?crid=1OXN3XKU8YFMA&cv_ct_cx=streamlight+flashlight&dchild=1&keywords=streamlight+flashlight&pd_rd_i=B07DLZXZV1&pd_rd_r=88fd6a86-9c91-4322-8343-d2523de26b41&pd_rd_w=w4qkP&pd_rd_wg=vpLfz&pf_rd_p=c33e4373-edb9-47f9-a7e6-5d3d6a7a4ad0&pf_rd_r=8ZZ3MKC3BHA9NB89DD70&psc=1&qid=1608152842&sprefix=stream,aps,248&sr=1-1-5e875a02-02b1-4426-9916-8a5c26cd5a14

This is the light I always carry. Very slim and 250 lumens it's fairly bright. Plus it's USB rechargeable so I just plug it in once a week for a while or after Ive used it a bit. Has a low setting for normal tasks too. Its about the size of a standard Bic pen but a little shorter and fatter.

They have a newer version that's slightly thicker and is 500 lumens. I might upgrade to that.

That's an excellent light recommendation. I have several Streamlights and they are an excellent value. I think I'm going to pick up one of those lights and clip it to my off hand pocket for evenings. I don't go out much at night so I'm not in the habit of carrying a light.