Weapon Mounted Lights on Handguns-
By Pudge
How much of our life is spent during darkness? Is it ever
dark inside a house, hallway, or building you frequent? Even during daytime is
it possible to find darkness? Because of these questions and the answers that
they elicit I’d like to discuss weapon mounted lights or WMLs on handguns
today.
There are so many options out there that it is hard to know
where to start, yet, at the same time it also means there is almost no reason
not to add a light to your daily blaster. Brand and size are up to you.
However, I will caveat the last statement with this; make sure the light is
from a reputable brand and will not fail you when you need it to work. As far
as brands go, I have had very good luck with both Surefire and Streamlight and
am currently in the process of testing some Olights and it is looking good. I
am using each brands’ full-size handgun weapon lights but each makes multiple
compact versions that I have heard good things from as well. I prefer the full-size
handgun lights as I tend to carry a slightly larger gun and want all the lumens
that I can get. The biggest decision is what type of button/switch operation
you prefer as all three of these brands are similar, yet different. I’m partial
to the Surefire system but that is more than likely due to the fact that I use
Surefire lights for work and have more time with them.
Full-size lights for full-size blasters.
Now that brands and sizes have been ever so slightly touched
on, why do I carry a light and why you should as well. I carry a light on my
handgun because you really never know when you’ll encounter a threat during
periods or areas of darkness. So, what is wrong with just a pocket light?
Nothing…but I never know when I may have to manipulate my handgun one handed. I
may only have one hand because of injury, grabbing/holding my son, opening doors
or a variety of other reasons. Having a weapon mounted light means I can still
have light on the threat and my gun ready even if the other hand is busy. Depending
on the holster it can still be easily concealed without adding any discomfort
so why not. All of that said, a weapon mounted light does not mean you shouldn’t
carry a handheld in your pocket. I know myself and Mack use our handheld lights
everyday for a whole range of tasks where it would not be acceptable to pull
out our handguns and point them at whatever we may be needing light for.
Weapon mounted lights on handguns definitely take some extra
training to get proficient with but the cost is easily worth the reward gained.
Find a light that fits your gun and lifestyle and get busy with those reps
necessary for proficiency.
While I understand the desire to have an onboard light, I don't have any pistols that accept a light, and being old school, I'm comfortable with my EDC Surefire in my off hand. I'm...not comfortable muzzling everything to get a light on it. As you say, it's what you practice with, and are comfortable with. I used the Rogers technique until some FAMs I shot with showed me the eye index method, and that's what I use now.
ReplyDeleteOld NFO,
DeleteA light in your off hand is definitely effective and that has been proven time and time again. The biggest thing is that you have practiced and are prepared to use whichever technique you've decided on. I will sometimes use both my handheld and my weapon light depending on the situation so I like to have as many light options as possible on me.
That makes sense! And gives you the option of not muzzling in a search scenario.
DeleteA modern, 500+ lumen WML offers ample illumination to PID unknowns using indirect bounce or spill without the need to muzzle anyone, fortunately. And that’s good because we all shoot better with both hands on the blaster.
DeleteTam,
DeleteThat is the main reason I like a WML. Because who doesn't want to give themselves the best chance of sucess, and to me that is shooting with both hands.