Tactical light mounted on gun or in your hand?

[inSight-NEO]

Difficult question..

The obvious advantange of the weapon mounted light is a "hands free" implementation. But, since the light is now a part of the weapon, it may be more difficult to use the light "strategically" and could either "pinpoint" your location to a BG or allow for one to more easily fire at whatever they illuminate (possibly with disastrous results).

Now, a handheld light, unless perhaps when using a revolver, is certainly less "ideal" in terms of convenience. But, it does allow for greater "strategy" in that the light is no longer "tied" to the weapon and thus, is able to be held/located away from the body and/or placed at different locations.

Personally, I think a weapon mounted light is most practical when using a long gun for HD. Even still, I prefer tritium sights combined with "strategically" placed night lights. For the handgun, add a handheld flashlight to the mix.

 

[Mags]

Check out this link it leads to First Light's website I think the light in the link is not only tacticool but functional as well.
http://www.first-light-usa.com/tomahawkmain.php

 

[heavyshooter]

light rails on pistols have become popular for a reason


nevertheless, the obvious downside is that you can't avoid breaking rule #2, which means you better be obeying the other three.

I am able to appreciate the preference for the rail mounted light, but taliv touched on the very reason I do not use a mounted light for HD. I prefer to not point a gun at someone while trying to cast light on them (please note that this is a personal preference). I choose this becasue I may be pointing at my boy who is up getting a cookie. For this reason I have a hand held light.

I also chose to have the hand held because the bezel makes it a impact devise. After I blind the intruder the light won't make much difference.

Heavy

 

[kbellis3]

Others have said it, BOTH. Something you may want to see, but don't need to shoot. Using a railmounted light as a light source is not as effective and it is dangerous.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Using a railmounted light as a light source is not as effective and it is dangerous.

Which is why most LE and military are using them, since they don't work and they are dangerous?

I don't understand why they are "dangerous".

 

[CoRoMo]

On the rail is preferred. It is not dangerous.

 

[mcdonl]

I don't understand why they are "dangerous".

In my opinion it is not that it is dangerous... if a situation dictates violating one of the safety rules then so be it... to me it is about convienence. Who only has one flashlight, and keeps in on thier tac rail?

I guess the only way it would be dangerous, as I said before... would be if you have a BG in your sights... but you need to search the room for other potential threats... if you ONLY have a weapon mounted light how do you do this and not take your weapon off the known threat?

These are all far fetched scenarios for most of us, but that is what we train for right?

 

[expvideo]

I'm in the handheld camp for a few reasons. Let me try to give some perspective.

So the obvious benefit of weapon mounted is that it keeps your hands free from having to hold the light, and it keeps the beam exactly where you want it... if you're shooting. Having been in a few near encounters over the years, I can say from my experience that when you need a light, you do not necessarily need a gun. And when you need a gun you do not necessarily need a light. A light on it's own will de-escalate a lot of situations. Also, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to identify a second possible assailant while you are holding the first at gunpoint. The last thing you want to do is take your gun off of the known threat, especially if it means pointing it at what could be an innocent person or even a cop coming to your aid. A weapon mounted light would be very bad in this situation. Keep in mind that this does not really apply in your home. To be fair, the topic is about home defense.

However, there are situations that are much better with a weapon mounted light. A home defense situation is definitely one of those situations. You really need your other hand to open doors, grab your kids, melee, hit the light switch or several other things, and you don't want to be temporarily blind while you try to do that with your flashlight hand. Also, when it comes to rifles, a handheld light is worlds more difficult to maneuver than a weapon mounted light. I'm also of the mind that a light is a required piece of equipment on any defensive rifle, along with a good sling.

Idealy, a weapon mounted light is only good for clearing structures, IMO. Since home defense qualifies as "clearing structures", I would say that it is one of the very few situations where I'd rather go weapon mounted.

 

[inSight-NEO]

I agree with most of what has been said here.

Just keep in mind, if you choose to use a weapon mounted white light system (handgun or long gun), stay away from developing the habit of shooting whatever is moving in front of you or is "caught in the light." Discretion and quick decision making should be par for the course (particularly when you are frightened). Otherwise, that light could prove to be far more of a liability than an asset.