What's up with the light on a Glock19?

[PistolNewbie]

I have already embarrased myself once on this site today so I may as well do it again. I assume it is for going into dark places (duh) and frees up a hand from holding the flashlight? Are there other guns with a light as well? I looked at one yesterday and thought it was pretty cool but it's a feature I would most likely never use.

 

[trueblue1776]

It's so you can bust ninja moves with your other hand

 

[Lennyjoe]

The tactical light you mentioned if for just that purpose. To free up your other hand instead of carrying a flashlight. They are very effective, bright and compact. Very few holster makers offer holsters for handguns with tactical lights on them. I have one for my home defense pistol but do not carry one on my personal defense weapon.

 

[DougW]

How about the 3rd Gen G19 with the Glock light?

 

[BB93YJ]

At a local gunshop I frequent, the last time they placed an order for Glock 19's and 23's, the distributor only had them with the light as part of the package. In other words if the dealer wanted to order either, he had to get it with the light, or go without.

 

[Biker]

I think that lights on Glocks are a great idea - long as the guy I'm going against is the one with the light. Makes my job a lot easier.

Biker

 

[hso]

The light enables you to identify your taget in a low/no light environment. Without a light it's just a "shot in the dark" whether you're engaging the right target or a family member/partner.

 

[pax]

The light enables you to point your deadly weapon at an unidentified human being in a low/no light environment.

You do need a light, and target identification is crucial, but the gun is not the proper tool for target identification. A flashlight is.

Hanging a light on the end of your gun does NOT turn your gun into a flashlight. It turns it into a deadly weapon with a light hanging off it.

All four of the cardinal safety rules still apply, including the one about not pointing your gun at anything you do not want to destroy ... even you do have an uber-tactical light on your gun.

pax

 

[DougW]

Pax, not to generally disagree with what you said, but I would be using the light on my Glock only if I had a reason to use the Glock in the first place. I have 2 uber-tactical flashlights next to the bed, and the Glock is in a secure area not in reach. I would never consider using the Glock light to check the breaker panel for a thrown breaker. I also have a tac light mounted on one of my CAR15's. Same use. If I need the rifle in the dark, then I will probably need the light too. Just a FYI, I live in an unincorporated residential area.

As always, each person has to make their own descisions. I added a light to my pistol because I had to clear the downstairs area of my home one night. Fumbling with the flashlight and pistol in a stress situation is compounded trying to turn on lights inside the house. I personally will keep that particular pistol "lighted".