Now a firm believer in Tac Lights

[oobray]

Ok, so prior to this week, I thought tac lights were pretty neat and could be helpful. However, I viewed them mostly as un necessary trinkets.
Not too long ago I got to do some training with the US Marshal Service. I am an intern in one of thier offices, and I was used as a "bad guy" for thier scenarios. They have a really nice, large simunitions training area. The scenario was that I was sitting in a living room of mine and my brothers home. The Deputies were looking for my brother. When they banged on the front door, I answered however A struggle ensued (this was part of the plan). Once they were finally in the home, they all turned on thier tac lights because the room was very dark. When the did this, I could see nothing but blinding lights pointed my direction. Before I could see the hallway, rooms, even the clock on the wall.
Now, I think that this would have a great advantage for the average citizen in thier home, or even on a dark street. Now I'm really glad I chose a 1911 with a rail. Hopefully I'll be getting a light soon.

 

[Jeff White]

Even though you will find some people who will insist otherwise, you can use white light as a tool to help you make yourself less of a target and disorient the subject. It's not the end all of tactical tools but it can be very effective. Get some training on how to use the light, don't just buy it and stick it on your weapon. Light can be a double edged sword. Used improperly and it can hinder more then help.

Jeff

 

[jlbraun]

flash-move-flash-shoot.

 

[Shipwreck]

Thanks for the post - interesting story.

 

[ShackleMeNot]

Using a light properly takes training. Don't just go out and buy a light. Be sure to get that training too.

 

[camslam]

I couldn't agree more. Get additional training if you can, read up on as many opinions as you can, but get a tac light for certain situations.

Nothing worse than not knowing what you are shooting at and what is the background. I have tac lights on both my home defense shotgun and my home defense .45.

I have had 2 situations where I needed to identify something and I was thrilled to have everything I needed in 1 hand.

Opinions will vary and if you don't know how to use it, it can make you more of a target, but all that being said, in the dark, it is nice to be able to light things up.

 

[oobray]

I think you guys are right. I will probably take this course whenever I get the light. I'm saving to get my motorcycle license at the moment however, so it might be some time off. While it doesn't explicitly state in the course description about using tac lights. I know the owner, and he said that he will incorporate that in to the class for me if I have one.

http://www.apgtraining.com/content.asp?pl=127&sl=194&contentid=198

 

[don_hamer]

They are definately helpful. I have one and use it to check out the house when I hear something. I reccomend one for every house.

 

[El Tejon]

Be careful of the "my light is a weapon" attitude. No, your light is a tool, your mind is the weapon.

I've seen people that think that a tac light is some sort of laser or a force field. Be wary of them.

As well, remember that the Marshals act as a team. You may not be fighting with others on your side.