RE: Weapon mounted lights on duty

I myself carry a M6 which is a Laser/Light combo. What your instructors told you is tru, but you have an option on your M6 or whatever model you carry. When you draw your weapon and index, you can flip the switch down which enables your light/laser to be on, then if you flip it up it will slide back down when you move your finger back down whicl lets you turn it on and off as you wish. The second option lets you have that security that your instructors are talking about so you don't get easily targeted. I honestly like my M6 a lot. There will be times when you need those extra couple of seconds that you may take reaching for your light that can be crutial in life and death situations. The M6 is even bright enough to blind a suspect. The best part of it all a laser will add that "intimidation factor" if need be.

RE: Weapon mounted lights on duty

I don't carry a weapon mounted light. I personally prefer a separate flashlight that I can carry in my hand.

The instructors have a point about the aiming at you, but it is easily countered by the use of proper tactics. The important thing to remember is that you have to adapt your tactics to the tools you use and what you find effective. A lot of us older guys were taught before there were such things as picatinny rails. We were taught to hold the light out to the side away from us so the person would not just shoot at the light.

Now we have lights that are much brighter and that have easy buttons to switch on and off. We have also developed tactics that work better, such as using the light for quick peeks and turning it back off as you move.

You need to study the tactics that will help you, and use them within the limits of working with the other officers in your area and the department's rules.

RE: Weapon mounted lights on duty

I don't normally carry a weapon mounted light on my handgun, as I carry a Glock 21 concealed and haven't found a plain clothes holster that accepts the light that I care for. I still rely on a handheld flashlight, but have a TRL available if I want to put on a tac holster. My carbine has a weapons mounted light and I think it is essential to have. If I was in uniform, my pistol would have the light mounted all the time on duty.

I consider lights on guns to be a good thing, generally, although some consider it just one more thing that they have to maintain. Always carry a back up light, even if its just a Minimag.

Re: Weapon mounted lights on duty

As a tactical trainer I encourage weapon mounted lights along with a hand held. Keep in mind you will use your hand held much more often, however, having the weapon mounted alows you to have a free hand if needed or when in ackward positions.

The M6 mention and Streamlight TLR series are both good options.

These do make weapons harder to conceal so be aware if that is your intent.

Should you determine a weapon mounted light is the way you are going to go, be certain to train and qualify with your weapon with unit in place and with it removed. Some of our students notice a difference.

Stay safe.

Craig

Re: Weapon mounted lights on duty

Our department works with OpticsPlanet and we made sure all of our training handguns have the TLR1 on them. If you are moving like you said, you will never have the problem of being an easy target. Laser/light combos are also good for training, but keeping the senses sharp with just the light is key.