I don't mean to imply that I disagree with a mounted light on a weapon. Versatility is good. I'm a lot more likely to take a shot at stuff that doesn't shoot back (like hogs, legal in GA) with that light, though.
If using the light to engage a threat, I believe the light should be used not to ID the target, but to illuminate your sights. Of course, usage really belongs more in the tactics forum. As I said previously, I would be a lot more likely to use a light in hopes of stopping a confrontation without (potentially) lethal force if I have other friendlies with weapons trained on the threat. In that case, I have at least one light (the previously mentioned Black Bear Borealis) that can illuminate a threat at hundreds of meters, including small animals at least two hundred meters away through rain, snow, or heavy airborne dust. Tested.
(Didja know they have foxes in Afghanistan?) I had an ODA joker that liked to flash people with his SureFire. He flashed me with his SureFire, and I flashed him with my Black Bear...and he, thinking his batteries must be dying because my light was so much brighter, flashed himself in the eyes.
I think the various choices that could be called "intimidation" factors
may be successful, rather like hitting someone with something may hurt them enough to cause them to stop attacking. The only thing that works 100% of the time, though, is breaking the machine.
Structural
Hydraulic
Electrical failure.
I sure as hell don't want to shoot someone in my place. It'll be hell to clean up, and if I haven't had time to don ear pro, it'll damage my hearing. Those things are bad.
As I said in a conversation I had with a moderator at lunch yesterday, if I see a home invader in my dwelling (there is ALWAYS sufficient ambient light, and if someone
chops down the street lights, I will be sure to take a light with me), I will see if his hands are empty. If he's not covered in blood, is not very close to me, and I can see his empty hands, I may use verbal challenge, i.e., kneel on the floor and place your hands on your head. If he runs, I'll let him go.
If he comes towards me, I'll shoot. If he's holding a weapon, I'll shoot. I'm not law enforcement, and the only obligation I have is to do the right thing and protect myself and my family.
Now, this post is really more about tactics, as many of the last posts have been, so if Dave feels like moving to a separate thread, here or in tactics, that's fine with me.
John