Posted by Sgt_R: I'm not going to pull the trigger until I've ID'd my target;....
I hope that everyone lives by that rule.
Posted by BBroadside: What made the decision for me to not bother with a flashlight mounted on a handgun was the realization that I'd be pointing the weapon at someone I had yet to identify.
That's a valid concern. Mas Ayoob recommends that a weapon mounted light be used to supplement, rather than in lieu of, a hand held device.
Posted by Rexster: As for not making a target of yourself, that is a valid concern, and that is where training comes in. Light can be a tremendous tactical advantage, and it can also draw fire. Learn to use it to your advantage.
Yes indeed. Might I suggest that having the area illuminated by house lights is preferable, and that the flashlight, though an extremely valuable tool, serve as a backup.
Just a word or two on tactics and assumptions: most, but not all, of the above posts contain words and phrases such as "the intruder", "the bad guy", "the home invader", "the suspect", and "all he can see is".
Most of the burglaries and home invasions reported in our area in recent weeks, months and years have involved more than one suspect. A simple analysis of the tactical situation as perceived by the criminal(s) should indicate the desirability, from the standpoint of the criminals, of having one or more accomplices.
It would seem to me that a defender faced with the likelihood of having to deal with multiple invaders would be much better off relying upon ambient lighting if at all possible.
I have flashlights, but none are mounted on firearms.
One reason for that is that the firearm with which I will defend against intruders who had entered while I was in the kitchen or living room will most likely be the one upon which I will rely for self defense at the ATM or at the service station. A foot race to get to a dedicated home defense weapon stowed somewhere in the house is not my preferred mission plan with our floor plans, and a handgun with a mounted light is not my preferred carry weapon.