I’m no expert on low light shooting, but I’ve attended several classes with low light segments. However, these segments fell into two distinct categories for me, and I learned different lessons from each.
The first category was simply shooting in low light/no light. The instructors turned down the lights and we practiced picking up the tritium dots on the sights. We introduced flashlights and tried the various techniques (FBI, Harries, Rogers, etc). Afterwards we all agreed that shooting with a flashlight in the support hand was a poor compromise and resolved to get weapons mounted lights.
The second category was judgmental/scenario driven. Suddenly we were faced with realistic targets in low light and had to decide whether the situation warranted deadly force. Often you couldn’t make that determination without a flashlight. If limited to a weapons mounted light, in some scenarios you would be drawing and pointing your firearm at non-threats or, in some cases, armed friendlies. In the latter case, those armed “friendlies” might not be so friendly after they see you draw a firearm - did you just make a bad situation worse?
Bottom line is that any low light technique is a compromise; you’re sacrificing something. In my mind, there really is no choice between a handheld light and a weapon mounted light - you need the former before you add the latter. Of course, your individual role (civilian, LE, MIL) is going to alter your low light requirements and tactics - this is not one size fits all. My two cents.
All of my long guns have weapon mounted lights. I have found I like the flexibility of a hand held light when I am using a pistol, for all the reasons already mentioned.
The kneeling/looking low while holding your light high is solid gold, try it during force on force training if you have any doubt.
Is there really a use to carry a pistol with a light mounted on it? I realize that most self-defense shooting happen in low light but I’ve also read the stats and seen lots of video on real shooting and it seems that “most” happen in under 3 yards and are over very fast. Could you have the time to use the light and would there be a “need” for the light at that distance. I realize the value of a weapon light when you need to search for threats like in a home break-in situation but in a CCW robbery/attemped assualt situation I just don’t see how you are going to use that light.
I regularly carry an M&P9 with a TLR-1, while I may or may not have time to activate the light n an SD shoot, I subscribe to the theory it’s better to have and not need, than need and not have.
I have a TLR-1 that I can quickly attach to my pistol or rifle should I need it in some kind of home defense situation, but I keep it in the safe with those firearms, not attached. If I’m carrying a pistol (a fairly rare event), it would be highly unusual that I would have a light attached unless it was a low-light training course or something. I just don’t see that the need justifies the complication for me, in my use.
No need to question it’s need if you do it optimally. If you need it, it’s immediately available. If you don’t, it isn’t hurting anything b y being there.
My edc is an m&p9c with a tlr-3 in a rcs. I have the same rcs holster without the light. The size defference in terms of concealability is negligible if any. The weight difference is almost unnoticed so I always use the light mounted option.
As others said, I’d rather have it and not need it.
Having done quite a bit of low light shooting i immediately recognized that a weapon mounted light is superior to handhel in the act of shooting itself. I also carry a handheld light for other tasks.
You can rationalize a reason to justify just about anything.
I have never regretted not having my WL on my pistol for any occasion or engagement I have been in. I always have a WL or other color light w/ me & use a number of methods for deploying said light source when needed.
Regardless of whether you have a wml or not, you should always have a handheld on your person. And yes, on the day, you may not use your wml but it’s another tool in the toolkit. Hell, you may be using your handheld when a threat emerges and you will engage that threat with your handheld and gun rather than take the time to dump your handheld and activate the wml.
Not a fan of adding steps for home defense (or anything for that matter). If it’s not on the gun or you haven’t drilled this technique of yours thousands of times (even then it’s an extra step), it’s highly unlikely that you will successfully carry out your plan.
And why do you choose not to carry? I guess I can see that if carrying a gun is too much trouble for you, carrying with a wml may be seen as a complication.
Not ragging on you but I don’t understand your line of thought.
As I said, weapon mounted makes sense for me for HD.
But for ccw, I can see well at night and there is always light around to see a threat. The chances of me being out and about and even using a light against a threat are very rare, And a handheld will work fine in those instances, IMO - at least thats a chance I’m willing to take.
Self defense shootings outside the home generally happen in such a short period of time you wont even have time to activate. If I dont know im gonna shoot, but want a look-see Im not using a gun mounted light. I got my handheld.
Other people have different scenarios and needs, I was just showing one point of view from my perspective to take into account. OP needs to look at what he does, where, and general environment, and concelement needs to determine best route for him.
I got a RCS for my M&P FS 9mm with the thought of CCWing, but being unsure about the bulk. I was surprised how little extra bulk there is with an X300 mounted. I also carry a Novatec 120P also for just general illumination, and since I have turned 40, I need it more and more for general stuff.
Besides cost, I haven’t really noticed that much of a downside to carrying a CCW with a light. Weight and bulk don’t seem to be an issue.
i will carry with a mounted light as soon as i can get a holster made for it. i got the insight WL1-AA light to simplify batteries. its a great light but so far, Raven is the only one that seems to have the mold for it and they are backlogged quite a bit. going to try to have a local guy make me one, just have to ge thim my light.
In my honest opinion, a wml on a pistol adds very little additional bulk to iwb or owb carry. The light part is inside the pants with iwb and adds a minimal amount of bulk.
One thing I do have an issue with is the information regurgitation. A lot of folks on the Internet do this and m4c is no exception. If you haven’t even been in a gunfight or in this case, a self defense situation in which you were in fear for your life, regurgitating information from others is a slippery slope. Some of the most dangerous instructors are the one who regurgitate information but don’t have actual experience. They seem knowledgable but do not have first hand experience and so pass on information that sounds good. I am not ripping on your background but from what you are writing, it is apparent that you do not have actual experience. It is dangerous for someone in that position to pass on information from a position of knowledge. If I’m reading things wrong, let me know.
But everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I respect your right to decide for your self.
[QUOTE=glocktogo;1384900]No need to question it’s need if you do it optimally. If you need it, it’s immediately available. If you don’t, it isn’t hurting anything b y being there.QUOTE]
^^^ This. I carry a G19 with Surefire X300 IWB every single day in a plain clothes LE assignment. Having a WML takes away absolutely nothing from me when I don’t need it, and when I need it, it is ready to go. I see absolutely no downside to having a WML, for whatever the purpose of carrying. I also carry a handheld light at all times, so my bases are pretty well covered.
My M&P40 has a CT Lightguard, CT Lasergrips, and night sights. Excess weight is negligible, the width and length within the holster are no more than a stock model, and I can use it for HD as well. Am I over-prepared? Maybe, but it’s better than being under-prepared. If you have a pistol that can take a Lightguard and you’re not the type who constantly swaps one light between several dissimilar guns, size and weight are no excuse for not carrying a WML when carrying concealed.
