Both of these bolt on accessories require the exact same trigger finger motions to function. Both of them require activation directly before a trigger pull, and after some rounds are burned. Both can produce problems with certain configs (not counting user error for both,light bolt catch springs causing non lock-back ,A light mounted polymer pistol’s dust cover flexing under recoil causing feeding problems).
So why is one BAD idea and one a good thing to have?
One can induce malfunctions, the other can’t!? Sorry, I meant that on a carbine. As stated below, support thumb activation. It would be more of a conparison for the same type of platform. On a pistol maybe a extended slide release would be the bad equivalent.
I dont use the trigger finger to activate a pistol light. I use my support hand thumb.
I saw the BAD lever as one big leverage tool that the ping-pong paddle wasn’t designed to handle. I did not experience any issues, but I decide to remove it before it could break anything.
I also use my support hand thumb to activate my light on my duty pistol…
And at least for my former agency, the lights only affected the G22s. Once we went 21SF, we never experienced any more issues.
Both can induce malfuctions. One can be fixed by using a servicable spring, the other by switching ammo or the whole gun.
I’m not concearned with comparing how to put a bolt/slide into battery. That’s not the same motor function,its just similier in gun function. Comparing a pistol slide release motor function wise is closest to swiping a selector lever on a rifle.
How exactly do you guys use the thumb?
So you your pistol is at a ready or holstered, your searching with a handheld, you ID and go for a shot, so you sweep “other” thumb down or up during presentation?
I did actually try this today with some blue guns and it’s seems 100% better to use trigger finger since the only thing my other thumb has ever done during a draw/presentation is grip the frame.
I can’t really see how using your trigger finger to activate the light would be more efficient than using the thumb. You are essentially limiting yourself to either activating the light or firing the weapon. Where as using you thumb the two can be done simultaneously or in near succession. Plus I vaguely remember a case where a LEO was supposedly attempting to activate his light on a suspect and instead, fired his weapon. I think the explanation was because he was activating it using his trigger finger, during the stress he manipulated the trigger instead of the light switch. ( yes I know it can be attributed to a traning issue issue, but I just figured I would throw it out there anyway).
Edit: I use the thumb to sweep downward, thus activating the switch. If that dosnt work for you, inforce has a forward button pistol light.
I answered first before I realized you were comparing motor skills more. Like I stated I meant in carbine only one of the two accessories induces malfunctions. On the surefire x300 you can push forward and it turns light on momentary and then swipe up or down for constant.
So you are firing your 1st shot before your support hand has a full grip on the pistol. That really dosent seem much better then using trigger finger. You are essentially only “training” for having both hands at your disposal.
Curling your finger into the trigger guard isnt the same as swiping down. The 1st requires only the 1st knuckle, the other requires all of them.
I’m also really sick of the training industry creating tactical rules based off bro-science or less is response what the bottom 10% have done to get themselves fired.
The only x300 I played with, the guy had the DG switch on it.
Ive used the TLR1 and like it, plus SF’s prices are stupid.
Edit: I use the thumb to sweep downward, thus activating the switch. If that dosnt work for you, inforce has a forward button pistol light.
actually, looking at thier website, pressing inward activates the light, with is the closest motion to getting on the trigger.
but I like that.
I’ve had the tlr1 and the x300. I like them both with a win to the SF. I like the interaction of the switch better being that it activates the same on both sides. You can find a used one for around 90-120 usually which is around same price as new tlr1. I know still more expensive but…I like them better now
I don’t know of anyone that uses their trigger finger to activate the WML. Using the support hand thumb allows you to press down on the left side, using the momentary function of the switch rather than constant on. Regardless, this is the best option as it allows the user to have the support hand free to manipulate other items, while also leaving the trigger finger free to do it’s most critical function, manipulate the trigger.
The BAD lever is panned because the leverage it places on the bolt catch can induce malfunctions. That, not using the trigger finger to operate is the issue. I do have one on a game gun that has never caused a problem. It does speed up the rare remedial action and offers a faster empty gun reload.
So you compromise the source of most of your gripping power just to keep the trigger finger free? What difference in time do you guys see between the 2?
I’m sceptical to think that its that much faster for finger to go from frame index to trigger, then it is to go from the switch to trigger.
sent from mah gun,using my sights
That leverage problem is solved by using a serviceable spring.
So you compromise the source of most of your gripping power just to keep the trigger finger free? What difference in time do you guys see between the 2?
I’m sceptical to think that its that much faster for finger to go from frame index to trigger, then it is to go from the switch to trigger.
sent from mah gun
sent from mah gun,using my sights
I fail to comprehend your question. My grip is not at all compromised. I don’t utilize a “crush grip”. When shooting two handed, the off hand applies most of the grip. The dominant hand is more of a platform for the trigger finger. When shooting one handed, the DG switch allows you to fire with the light on or off, depending on pressure applied to the grip by the middle finger.
Let me ask you this. When using your trigger finger to manipulate the switch, how do you operate both the switch and the trigger at the same time?
Being an LEO, when it is dark I already have a hand held light in my support hand, if I needed to take a fast shot I would do so with my handheld in my support hand. The pistol mounted light is not the be all end all, and while it has its drawbacks it also has its advantages.
You dont, and why need to? If you search with a hand held so you’re not muzzling everything you “paint” with the light, where is your pistol?
Bingo.
Light is a NECESSITY! The BAD lever is not. Simple as that.
C4
Push FORWARD on the X300 switch (not down) for momentary.
C4
Right. I run the DG switch as well. It is fantastic (especially when you only have one hand available.
C4