Hey Guys,

 

I was thinking about getting a flashlight mounted on my sig p226R. But was wondering is it worth mounting on the gun or using in the other hand. The obvious benefit being having your hand free. But is that really the best way of doing it. Or would it be better to put it on my AR instead?

After living in the dark for now 10 days, I will have a weapon-mounted light on every SD/HD weapon I own.

I've been recommended the TRL-1 for my SIG P226, that will probably be the route I take.

I've got a Streamlight TLR-1 and TLR-1S - both are awesome.

i appreciate the flashlight model recommendations but the real question i was asking was whether it is worth mounting on to a pistol or holding the hand. Is one way better than another.

I prefer pistol mounted.

 

Frees up my weak hand for either gun support, opening doors, etc.

 

Shooting 2 handed is much easier/accurate than shooting 1 handed.

Just food for thought on a pistol mounted flashlight. Aren't one of the main rules don't point your gun at anything you're not willing to destroy?

 

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Just food for thought on a pistol mounted flashlight. Aren't one of the main rules don't point your gun at anything you're not willing to destroy?

 

Yes, however it's a flashlight, not a laser. You can illuminate things sufficiently with the indirect beam. My TLR-1 and TLR-1S are bright enough that they will also cause some reflection off of walls, further illuminating the room.

 

Yes, however it's a flashlight, not a laser. You can illuminate things sufficiently with the indirect beam. My TLR-1 and TLR-1S are bright enough that they will also cause some reflection off of walls, further illuminating the room.

 

True. You keep a pistol at low ready is more than enough illumination at night

 

Yes, however it's a flashlight, not a laser. You can illuminate things sufficiently with the indirect beam. My TLR-1 and TLR-1S are bright enough that they will also cause some reflection off of walls, further illuminating the room.

not trying to be a smart ass but pointing is pointing. I agree with it freeing up a hand and all but they make the same lumens flashlights as pistol lights if not better.

 

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Yes it is worth it, the added weight helps with follow up shots

Just food for thought on a pistol mounted flashlight. Aren't one of the main rules don't point your gun at anything you're not willing to destroy?

 

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

 

The rules everyone always alludes to are NOT absolute. Ever clean your gun? Guess what, you broke one of those rules too.

Just food for thought on a pistol mounted flashlight. Aren't one of the main rules don't point your gun at anything you're not willing to destroy?

 

You can carry a flashlight in your weak hand and point it at things you are not willing to destroy. Transition to the gun mounted light as soon as the things you are willing to destroy appear.

 

 

I was just giving food for thought and an argument against it. I have a gun mounted light and a streamlight for hd. Just was curious on others thoughts.

 

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

It helps you identify friend or foe, of course that requires you to point it at your friend.

Having taken the GFH Low Light classes I can say there is a big benefit in having a weapon mounted light. It lets you shoot two handed which can make a big different in a real scenario in terms of accuracy, speed etc. The students with Weapon Mounted Lights (WMLs) typically performed better than those with a separate handheld flashlight.

 

Also remember in a real situation you may not have both hands available - one for firearm, one for flashlight - if you are carrying/holding a child/family member or are injured etc etc. The flashlight is also another complication when you have to reload, which if you don't practice sufficiently could catch you out.

 

That doesn't mean you shouldn't have a separate flashlight as well - ideally you want both.

 

Depending on your firearm there are a few options that seem to work well. If you have a compact firearm (e.g. G19, PPQ) then the Viridian CTL is good as it does not extend past the muzzle of the firearm. If you have a full size firearm (e.g. Sig P226, G17, G21) then the Viridian X5L Gen 2 or the Streamlights are good.

 

I am less enthused by lasers, however they can play a role in some situations.

 

If you've not tried it, and have the time, then sign up for a Low Light class - either with GunForHire or whomever you prefer. Is some very useful practice that is not easy to get at a range or at home.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

Just food for thought on a pistol mounted flashlight. Aren't one of the main rules don't point your gun at anything you're not willing to destroy?

 

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

 

Yes..which is why you also have to have a secondary flashlight for looking around..you dont use your weapon-mounted light unless you have a reason to have your weapon out to begin with. My guys (and pretty much every agency i know of) had pretty much a One strike policy...if you used your weapon light for something you SHOULD have been using your regular flashlight, you no longer had the authorization to HAVE a Weapon Light.

Every gun you own for "Social" purposes should have a dedicated white light of appropriate brightness mounted to it.

 

Avoid strobes on weapon lights. It may make it hard to detect subtle movements by your target that would normally be easy to see under constant light that are precursors to an attack.

 

You should also have a handheld light for admin tasks, as a backup in the even your WML dies, and for certain searching techniques.

 

Most importantly you need to attend professional training on Low Light/No Light techniques and practice.

 

Just food for thought on a pistol mounted flashlight. Aren't one of the main rules don't point your gun at anything you're not willing to destroy?

 

I look at it this way: Until I make a positive ID, and you need light to do so, I am willing to destroy whatever I am pointing my firearm at.