Krdshrk 3,878 Posted January 17, 2013 Not really, the spread of the light makes it so that you don't have to aim the gun directly to where you want to see. Correct - it's a light - it scatters and reflects. It's not a laser Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
msg73 1 Posted January 17, 2013 Let's assume that a safe way to search/move with a loaded weapon is pointing it towards the floor within a certain radius around you (say 5' or so). Do you think pointing a flashlight as such would give enough spread/flood light to see a person's face across a room or end of a hallway? I guess it also depends on the amount of lumens and spread pattern of the flashlight, but generally speaking. I would think that most people, in the heat of the moment, would point the light directly at what they are looking to see (e.g. footsteps behind you) by instinct. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian S 22 Posted January 17, 2013 I also found that when using cover and leaning out toward the support hand side, holding the light with the support hand and under the barrel, a blinding amount of light is reflected back by the cover. Moving the light to your temple gets it in a position to illuminate around cover and onto the sights. Maybe a rail mounted light is a useful backup, but not the best primary? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zell959 40 Posted January 17, 2013 I would like to have the experience of shooting a low light stage using the weapon light I keep on my bedside handgun, but I do think it would be one of those pieces of equipment that'd carry a significant advantage specifically in a competition stage environment. Weapon mounted vs. handheld have different strengths for true home defense planning. But, in the scenario of needing to hit multiple non-moving targets and having to manage reloads on a dark shooting range where there is 0% chance of unintentionally muzzling a family member, I think not having to also hold a flashlight is going to be a huge advantage. So, I kinda get how allowing weapon mounted lights would kind of force someone to have one in order to be competitive within their division. However, I don't think there would be much harm if match directors at least offered people the option of shoting the match with a weapon light at the cost of being put in "Unclassified" so that they aren't able to win a division, be the "most accurate", "High Law Enforcement", "High Senior", etc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted January 17, 2013 I plan on bringing two lights with me and anyone attending is free to borrow one or the other. Just look for the tall, lanky, lefty with a PPQ in a FDE holster. I'll be bringing a FourSevens Quark AA2 Turbo and a Fenix TK22. As far as I'm aware, there are two main philosophies for the tactical employment of flashlights with a handgun. I tend to side with the idea that it is better to compromise two-handed support for the ability to illuminate a potential threat without pointing the barrel of your gun at the same time. One of the most important rules of firearms safety is to be sure of your target and I don't feel comfortable pointing a gun at an individual unless I intend to shoot them, which requires me to identify them first. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pizza Bob 1,488 Posted January 17, 2013 I think that in a large part, the prohibition against weapon-mounted lights is one of weight. The additional weight of the light damps the recoil and allows the shooter quicker follow-up shots. This is the same reason that weighted grips or tungsten guide rods are not allowed. Not every gun has a rail, so it be an unfair advantage to those shooting with a light mounted. Remember - IDPA is all about having a level playing field and it is a GAME. Adios, Pizza Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted January 17, 2013 Remember - IDPA is all about having a level playing field and it is a GAME Which is why I despise gun games. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pizza Bob 1,488 Posted January 18, 2013 Which is why I despise gun games. That's funny, they never had anything but nice things to say about you, Ray. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted January 18, 2013 How many rounds are usually needed for a match? I thought I seen it somewhere but I cant find it anywhere. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,878 Posted January 18, 2013 Should only need about 100 for Somerset. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted January 21, 2013 Just wanted to thank everyone from the forum that helped me out at the match on Sunday. It was my first one and appreciated the friendly atmosphere. I felt I shot reasonably well for my first time except the cluster of the 3rd stage. It was good meeting you guys (and girl). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SgtToadette 59 Posted January 21, 2013 Glad you enjoyed yourself Checker. I had an especially bad case of suck it seems. Doesn't make it any less enjoyable, though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kingsoverqueens 10 Posted January 21, 2013 I felt I shot reasonably well for my first time except the cluster of the 3rd stage. My son and I shot one back in October, and our experience mirrors yours. Great group of people. I also had a cluster on one of my stages. IDPA is VERY different than USPSA. I commented to Tom "Man, I screwed the pooch on stage 2." "Yup...you had some issues." funny... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,878 Posted January 21, 2013 You learn and get better with experience. I got my buddy Henry hooked now too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted January 21, 2013 My son and I shot one back in October, and our experience mirrors yours. Great group of people. I also had a cluster on one of my stages. IDPA is VERY different than USPSA. I commented to Tom "Man, I screwed the pooch on stage 2." "Yup...you had some issues." funny... Yeah Tom is pretty matter of fact haha You learn and get better with experience. I got my buddy Henry hooked now too. He was a good shot. I heard lots of zeros after his shots. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krdshrk 3,878 Posted January 21, 2013 Yep - he's a good shot - just needs to work on getting comfortable then getting the speed down. Speed I'm good on - gotta get the accuracy down lol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted January 21, 2013 Yeah, I need to practice some of the technique. I was a bit surprised how well I shot on instinct. Shooting with .45 was a bit of a challenge. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites