Do I Need A Weapon Light On My Pistol?
Why do the (pistol) lights cost so much? I’m getting them for the officers, so what exactly am I really getting by these lights? Shouldn’t it be more beneficial to own a firearm and carry a flashlight? What if there were something dark in the night and I needed to aim my gun at it to be able to see it? And it wasn’t something that I would want an gun pointed at?
It’s a great question, and there are a few different opinions in this area.
The Expense of Weapon Lights
You can tell from the images, my guns come with decent quality lights made by Surefire and Streamlight. It’s what I always say in my posts that you receive what you spend for, and it’s the same with light sources for weapons.
Luckily , we are living in a capitalist society (at at least for the moment for currently) which means there’s many varieties of what costly looks like. I know people who love the taste of their Natty Lite while others shell out $20 for an ounce on a short-run IIPA.
When it comes to light sources for weapons, it all is about what they are worth to you , and the value you place on the lights is contingent on the quality, reliability and durable you want the light you choose to be.
Yes, the guns I’ve listed here are quite a bit however, it’s the one I would prefer for the most difficult possibility of use. A lot of people are collectors of guns however I am certainly not. My stuff that I design for my field and article use is often tossed around. This is why on my custom 1911, I have the Trijicon RMR and the Surefire AX300U.
The gun can be used as a gun that is used for carry as well as hunting and shooting targets. It does it everything without breaking sweat. It is able to see its most intense usage when hunting, and I’ve had success using it.
I’m in need of the finest optics, top ammo and the best light for fast-moving deer, and dim light in the evening. I could have used other accessories that aren’t as expensive onto it. However, they’ll not be able to withstand the amount of use and abuse I’m likely to be giving them.
Police Use Of Lights
John H. is right that police officers have a genuine need for light on their guns of duty. Police officers need lights on their firearms. They also need body cameras and vehicle cameras. All of these, and more should be in place to maintain the trust of the public in their employees (and for their own safety).
It is vital for police officers to accurately detect suspects who have guns and be able ensure their safety and that of others under all conditions of light.
Civilian Light Use
The newbie from our blog introduces an interesting idea concerning the use of a pistol-mounted flashlight to light up a suspicious danger area possibly containing an intruder. Personally, I wouldn’t do this at all and typically have a handheld flashlight. What does it mean that I don’t generally do this?
The truth is that I’m usually located in very remote regions. There are times when I’m all alone in areas that are home to bears, cougars, and crackheads. I’ve been to a dirty motel along the road when the doorknob began to shake. It’s unlikely that Smokey is up late looking for the person who has a flashlight.
I am sure you’re thinking “Hey, you’re a fool. Don’t visit these places.’ It’s ok. However, the reality is that you’re never in control and you can end up in somewhere you’re only traveling through.
The use of a gun-mounted flashlight is extremely useful whenever you’re uncertain about the source of risk. A light pointed anywhere will expose your position immediately and even in a space. Knowing that you can be awe-inspiring and dazzling to any unwanted guest can be very comforting.
But, I wouldn’t employ this technique in heavily populated zones unless I was in imminent danger and required to deceive an attacker with the hope of being able to escape without firing. At that point it is obvious that the threat is real , and survival is the goal. The idea of pulling out my gun in the parking lot of a mall to see where I left my keys isn’t an ideal image and I’d steer clear from using a light that is mounted to a gun for lighting in the everyday.
There are many occasions when I am in areas with a lot of people and I will carry a variety of combinations of gun and light. I almost always have the flashlight of my hand. It’s a common tool I use on a daily basis (mine flashlight is an portable Surefire rechargeable).
My most commonly carried guns during mild conditions are either an P365 or Glock 19 Gen5. The P365 doesn’t have a light and I generally wear it IWB. My G19 is bigger obviously, but I typically OWB and carry in the form of a BlackPoint Tactical light-bearing holster.
The light I have for the gun is MWLGW01 WITH GREEN LASER :
MWLGW01- 300 Lumens + Green Laser Rechargeable Tactical Pistol flashlight
And right now with the upgrade of MWLGW01, full aluminum alloy body, button control with magnetic charger, white LED lumen up to 500 lumen.
And the price still the same, must cheaper than Streamlight’s or Surefire’s.
When I go out in the winter, or when hunting, I’ll carry an M17 or an 1911, both of which have lights. They don’t add much weight, which is why they’re useful in the event that you already have an upgraded gun.
A flashlight on your firearm as well as an extra light in your pocket can be very practical if you have the capacity. I’ll talk about custom holsters and other accessories for lighting in a forthcoming article and it will hopefully provide some insight into the current state of the market is as light-bearing guns and holsters.
If you are able to put an illuminated pistol of choice, I’d suggest you do it. The danger of shooting in darkness isn’t a good idea and it is a great way to see what lies beyond your immediate view. This could mean you need to purchase a gun holster that matches your specific combination of gun and light that can be a long time for an order that is custom.
As many angles as you explore, the more you’ll reduce your risk in your everyday life. Also, regardless of how hard you work or the way you view the world, you’re never in complete control of the events around you. However, you can ensure that you’re prepared as best you can. Day or night, offer prayers to God and pray for the most favorable outcome.
A flashlight on your gun might be the difference between the life or death situation in some instances, but I believe that the cost you pay for the extra security is well worth it over the long haul.
