Suppressors Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

[KurtM]

What are you opinions (advantages/disadvantages) on a rail mounted lights on a pistol vs "free handed" for defensive purposes? I am considering getting a pistol with a rail system with a light for home defense, etc., and was wondering if there are any advantages of this system vs using a light "free handed".

Your opinions are valued and greatly appreciated.

168

 

[JJones75]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

having a light on your weapon leave you a free hand for the phone , doors , whatever , it also keeps the light pointed with the weapon helping keep everything in focus.

I don't see a benifit of having a light in your free hand rather than on the weapon

 

[KurtM]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

Exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for.

Thanks

 

[257speed]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

As well as the benefits listed above, having the light on the pistol allows you to maintain a two handed firing grip and if shooting weaver, you maintain isometric tension while shooting, which is not impossible, but much more difficult with a handheld light. It is good to have and be practiced with both. Although the weapon lights now are better than ever, they can still go down, requiring you to switch to a handheld.

 

[Cut]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

Having a light mounted pistol/rifle/shotgun is a BIG advantage over gun in one hand and light in the other. The weapon can be carried one handed and operated.

This frees up your other hand for opening doors, phone, and the big part is reloading or clearing malfunctions should there be any. And also fighting off an attacker should that happen in a CQB if it happens indoors.

Avoid putting a light on some belt worn mount. This is a BIG no-no. Some people think its a good idea to have. But once it is pulled and mounted on the pistol, thats it. The pistol is attached to your hand for good til the light is removed.
Since it won't fit back in your holster with the light. This leaves you to laying the gun down or trying to remove the light in a rush. Which is not a good idea since this usually involves your hand infront of a loaded muzzle.

Holster issues do come up with finding a combination light and pistol that will fit. But if its a home defense gun and probably not going to be carried you might not need one.

Hope this helps.

Cut

 

[Captain Moroni]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

If you are going to carry it Raven concealment makes a great light bearing holster that you can wear inside or outside the pants I have that one and realy like it. blade tec also makes one I havent used it but I have the non light version and like it to

 

[operatorj]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

I agree with everyone here a weapon mounted light is the way to go. I have been carrying a weapon mounted light on my duty gun for about 7 years now and it never comes off. For concealed carry I use a Blade-Tech paddle holster or a Blade-tech inside the waist band.
The only thing I might add is that you hafta remember that with a weapon mounted light for searching a area you are always pointing a weapon at what ever you are shiningyour light at. But for home security it shouldn't be a problem. It would not hurt to carry a small handheld light too. Something like a Surefire E2D as a backup. You know the saying, 2 = 1, 1 = none. Just my 2 cents.

 

[TORKAR]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

I have a TRL-1 for my Glock 37 and I love it... just wish I could find leather duty gear that at least resembles my Gould and Goodrich issue leather. The light rides on an Uncle Mike's carrier when not in use, not happy about that but it's the best I can do for now.

 

[TORKAR]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

BTW, have a light on my AR and shotgun... learned a lesson the hard way and will never be without a weapon mounted light again!!!

 

[DieselKinevel]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

I agree weapon mounted lights are very effective, having said that, lights can and will fail so you should always have a backup. The advantage to having a light in your hand as opposed to having one on your gun, when clearing a room you can either hold it low or high over your head. It surprises whoever you are looking for and keeps you safer. Put yourself in the suspects position. In the dark a blinding light hits you (most likely from a threat to you ie homeowner or LEO) what do you shoot at first? Reaction shooting from someone who isn't trained would shoot right at the light and if it is on your gun that is a center mass hit. If you are holding arm extended over your head or off to the side you are less likely to sustain a gunshot wound.

Just food for thought,

-Z

 

[257speed]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diesel kinevel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hold it low or high over your head. It surprises whoever you are looking for and keeps you safer. Put yourself in the suspects position. In the dark a blinding light hits you (most likely from a threat to you ie homeowner or LEO) what do you shoot at first? Reaction shooting from someone who isn't trained would shoot right at the light and if it is on your gun that is a center mass hit. If you are holding arm extended over your head or off to the side you are less likely to sustain a gunshot wound.

Just food for thought,

-Z </div></div>

I agree to a point, the flipside is carry an x-300 (or equivalent) that is bright enough to cause temporary blindness and they will not be able to focus and shoot at anything. Even if this is only for a second or two, that gives you a huge advantage. Ever tried hiding in a low light area and then getting blasted by a bright LED weapon light. We use them on our sims guns, so I have.

 

[DieselKinevel]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 257speed</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diesel kinevel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hold it low or high over your head. It surprises whoever you are looking for and keeps you safer. Put yourself in the suspects position. In the dark a blinding light hits you (most likely from a threat to you ie homeowner or LEO) what do you shoot at first? Reaction shooting from someone who isn't trained would shoot right at the light and if it is on your gun that is a center mass hit. If you are holding arm extended over your head or off to the side you are less likely to sustain a gunshot wound.

Just food for thought,

-Z </div></div>

I agree to a point, the flipside is carry an x-300 (or equivalent) that is bright enough to cause temporary blindness and they will not be able to focus and shoot at anything. Even if this is only for a second or two, that gives you a huge advantage. Ever tried hiding in a low light area and then getting blasted by a bright LED weapon light. We use them on our sims guns, so I have. </div></div>

I see your point, and I too love weapon lights and use them. The only other gripe I have is a small one. Whatever you light up, your weapon is pointed at. I know that weapon discipline is key, but ND's happen all the time.

-Z

 

[JJones75]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

I have been to a several differant CQB classes and NONE have ever advocated holding the light out away from your body to draw fire away from you.

any decient weapon light will blind your target at ranges inside a house.

having put a suspect in the light their instant response is to freeze for a second then get away from the light

 

[DieselKinevel]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JJones75</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been to a several differant CQB classes and NONE have ever advocated holding the light out away from your body to draw fire away from you.

any decient weapon light will blind your target at ranges inside a house.

having put a suspect in the light their instant response is to freeze for a second then get away from the light </div></div>

I was taught one way and you were taught another, doesn't mean either is wrong. I was just trying to give info/tactics I have been taught.

-Z

 

[fasteddie565]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

Some thoughts...

If someone makes a recommendation, try reading their profile before you risk your life on their advice. I will take tax advice from an accountant, but not gun fighting advice. No offense intended, just some words of wisdom.

While my "Nightstand" guns have lights mounted, carrying and using a gun with a light requires a fair amount of training. Turning the light on and off takes finess, if you turn it on and leave it on, the bad guy can see you from anywhere while you can only see him from within the beam of the light. Shooting with a flashlight in the off hand allows you to flash, acquire, squeeze and go dark fairly quickly. Maybe I am just retarded, but setting the lights to "ON or OFF" on gun mounted systems require a slight change in grip and could effect your shot.

I carry a surefire backup clipped to the top of my extra mag carrier. I always have it if needed, but dont have to dick with it if I don't. The backup allows me to use low light and to illuminate a friendly if necessary.

Most importantly, no matter what configuration, practice with it for 200 - 500 rounds before you go live with it. Day Night, Strong and weak hand, reloads etc.

The lights on a long gun allow you to flash acquire squeeze and go dark with no change in your strong hand position. Its a different fight with a handgun.

For what its worth, My $.02

 

[fasteddie565]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TORKAR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BTW, have a light on my AR and shotgun... learned a lesson the hard way and will never be without a weapon mounted light again!!! </div></div>

Torkar,

X2, especially on the scattergun. I like the surefire forearm mount for my 870 and us an aftermarket rail mount surefire on my Benelli M4, The POF has a light/laser, although I rarely go to it at night

 

[gunnut284]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

It gives you a free hand for doors, phone, etc.

It lets you grab one item instead of two when you wake up in the middle of the night (no searching for the flashlight you knocked under the bed when you picked up the gun).

It helps you get on target, where the light goes so the muzzle goes.

It gives you better control of the gun with both hands, better than even the best of the gun/light methods.

 

[TORKAR]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

Have the Surefire forearm on my 870 and the M900 w/Thunderhead on the AR. Never looked at the X2, my dealer got me a smokin' deal on the TRL-1 and we did a bulk order. 80 lumens of lovin'

Illuminated some shitballs tonight..

 

[Chucky]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

I am a firm believer in a weapon mounted light. My glock has a X300 on it. Now with that and the pressure switch I can turn on my light with my middle finger while still being able to pull the trigger if need be.

Practice with it though. A lot.

Chuck

 

[LukeUSMC]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

I have the TRL-1 on my duty glock. One of the best peices of gear I've ever bought. You can shoot, see and still have a free hand for opening doors, pulling out cuffs, etc etc etc. Doesn't think about it anymore and just get it.

 

[KurtM]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

Thanks to all for your input. I'm going to get one for the house but I will continue to practice both techniques.

My shop has a Nighthawk GRP Recon...might have to go and try to work something out.

168

 

[Sgt. 0811]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

I've got two...
I've got a Surefire x300
and a streamlight TLR-1

The streamlight stays on my TRP Operator and is my number one home protector. I used to not believe in lights that much but I've found a few major advantages.

Home protection, it's always good to have a good flashlight available if not mounted on a weapon, at least next to it. You don't have to turn it on but it's good to have the option. Most weapon mounted lights are painful bright and will light up any room. So, being able to see an intruder perfectly without them seeing you is always an advantage, plus, where I live I typically have a lot of noises outside at night it helps there too.

I do a lot of varminting and hunting. Most of the time I spend the night or a few nights out in the wilderness. I can't count how many times a regular surefire has come in handy and how many times I wished for a weapon mounted light. In Wyoming I've been able to scare off free range bulls with a normal surefire as well as a few other uninvited parties. So many times I could have made good close range kills on coyotes and other small game that came out at night if I had, had a weapon mounted light.

3rd... they are pretty cool.

 

[mrtoyz]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

My 2 cents:
Weapon Mounted lights on all firearms is a great idea.

The ability to carry a light attached to a gun, means it will never be left behind.

Having a free hand is an obvious advantage...

I'm a believer that 1 type of light means consistency and redundancy.

A light that has a QD type mount is ideal i.e. Insight WX150.

Practice, practice, practice, muscle memory is key.

When engaging in a place like a home the ability to easily/quickly remove the light to search w/o pointing the gun at possible non-hostel target and then easily/quickly reattach the light is crucial.

I’m a believer in the strobe effect for disorientation.

I find it amazing that more holster companies don’t make light compatible holsters that will hold the gun firmly if the light is not attached. Only one I've found is Sidearmor but you still need a tool to adjust fit. Seems like a holster that holds via the ejection port would be ideal.

Side note- Happen to also be a believer in lasers in so much as they aid in home defense type situations for individuals that wear contacts/glasses or groggy individuals that are woken up and among a few other, “intimidation”.

Hoping that Insight Tech does make their WX150L (laser model). Was told they were having issues with some portion of the design and would not know if would be made until SHOT.

-T

 

[stan462]

Re: Rail mounted lights on a pistol?

You can not go wrong with having a light on your gun. Leaves hands free for reloading or whatever else you need to do which you would not be able to with a light in the other.