Reply With QuoteThis would be a fun read. I personally don't have/used a tactical light on a handgun before so can't say any pro/cons on itOriginally Posted by Algerian guy
Pros and cons of tactical lights mounted on handguns
What are your opinions on that subject ?
This would be a fun read. I personally don't have/used a tactical light on a handgun before so can't say any pro/cons on it
my primary handgun (XD-9, also called HS2000 outside US) has a TLR-3 mounted on it, and took low light/no light training with it.
here is my opinion:
Pro:
- No need to grab a flashlight in emergancy
- able to positive id targets
- reduced recoil due to additional weight
Con:
- Harder to find a holster, especially on less popular models (custom kydex holster should solve this problem)
- might violate Safety Rule 2, if not properly trained with it (never cover muzzle with things you don't want to destroy)
- might induce malfunction on certain model/loads due to increased weight.
Last edited by Lugiahua; 03-09-2013 at 11:10 PM.
What kind of light are you attaching to your pistol?
Streamlight TLR-3
pro: you can blind enemy shooter so he canīt see you.
Yeah sure............................
Seriously it really depends on what the purpose it. LEO and house clearing where there are non-hostiles is one thing. A hostile situation is another.
There is old school thought and new school thought, I still think the situation dictates the usage.
Glock 22 are known to malfunction with WML.
My own pistol has no problem with lights, but some others do.
BTW, I use XD-9 , both4in and 3in
I am not too sure about that one, as people naturally shoot at light sources.
Depends on the purpose. I think WMLs are very convenient,
I can't do it for CCW (no holsters for my chosen method of carry + bulk), so I use a Surefire 6PX. I've done low-light shooting with that setup in a training course. It doesn't work as well as a WML, but as a private citizen doing CCW I'm not clearing buildings as a matter of routine. A pistol, spare mag, knife, light, wallet, phone, and keys is a lot of crap as-is, and I'm not doing the mall ninja Batman belt. For inside the home, I use a rifle (which does have a WML). I guess I'd have more of a use for one if I were, for example, a uniformed LEO.
As noted, some Glocks don't like them.
My preference is for a light separate from a handgun. I do like lights on rifles meant for tactical use, so go figure.
Are they useful for soldiers, in Afganistan for example ?
Recently just put a light on my Glock 23 and I like it. I do not have it on all the time as this is my carry gun. So a light would be annoying. At night before I go to bed, the light goes on it. I have used it once to clear my house due to being woken up by a noise downstairs. Only turned it on when I was able to get into a good position. Coming down the stairs with a light on and not having your muzzle pointed to the potential threat can be a huge disadvantage. Like others have hinted, bad guy can shoot for the light. The light was extremely bright and lit up the entire room. I bought it at Walmart after reading up what lights to get. Since it was $40, I figured why not. To my surprise it works great. It has solid and strobe settings.
In Afghanistan I used my light extensively. I had the Peq-16 on my rifle which is a dual flashlight/IR laser. Searching houses, rooms, and anywhere else was nice. I didn't always use a handheld flashlight. Clearing was different though. Used NVGs and the IR floodlight. I am however a fan of a designated light. I would rather use a Peq-15 with a flashlight also mounted. The 16 wasn't enough light.
Last edited by USMC68; 03-10-2013 at 01:27 PM.
I carry a WML on my pistols at all times wether deployed or in the U.S. Currently it is a X300 or X300U. Some certain serial number .40 Cal Glock 22's had reported issues which were fixed with a magazine spring upgrade. We have multiple 22's and have never had an problem with the WML causing problems. I think it is a required piece of equipment , especially if you are a LEO, carrying it for defense or using it on a home defense weapon. Target ID is your number one priority when engaging a target under low light conditions. As to violating Rule #2, if your searchign with your WML and not confident in keeping your trigger off the trigger, then search with a sepaerate handheld light. We teach both methods and allow our shooters to pick thier own method once they complete training.
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