Light source for handgun

[Schmendrick]

I've been wanting to take some low light no light illuminate it yourself training classes with my pistol. Trouble is, I'm not a flash light guy. Totally ignorant. I have a couple of nice headlamps, and I EDC a http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00143JZ08/...2TCLDNI0&psc=1 and I have read so many of your guys' threads and posts on flashlights. But this isnt what this thread is about. My question is: Run a handheld or a weapon mounted? If you recommend a flashlight to me or tell me which the best flashlight is the best in the world, or start talking about lumens, you need to learn how to read and I will ask the mods to bring the ban hammer. I want to know about the pro's and con's of one and the other. I really only have money for one.

[usmcveteran]

Handheld
Pros:
Don't have to point pistol at person to illuminate them
Can use for other purposes
Can have flashlight in one hand holding it up and away from your body (if someone is going to shoot at you in dark they will aim for the light)
Don't need a new holster

Cons:
Can become separated from firearm if you use it for other purposes
You can't use both hands to grip the pistol
If you use for other purposes greater chances of batteries dieing on you


Weapon Mounted
Pros:
Always attached to pistol.
Can use both hands on pistol
Less likely to have dead batteries since you don't use it for other tasks

Cons:
Have to point pistol at possibly family member or non combatant to illuminate them
Need a new holster (I have a raven concealment for this purpose)
If people shoot at light its right in front of you putting you more at risk


That is what I can come up with off the top of my head.

I also recommend CR123 battery flashlights or anything really with lithium batteries since they have long shelf life when not in use and aren't effected as much by temperature.

[dwa12479]

Handheld
Pros:
Don't have to point pistol at person to illuminate them
Can use for other purposes
Can have flashlight in one hand holding it up and away from your body (if someone is going to shoot at you in dark they will aim for the light)
Don't need a new holster

Cons:
Can become separated from firearm if you use it for other purposes
You can't use both hands to grip the pistol
If you use for other purposes greater chances of batteries dieing on you


Weapon Mounted
Pros:
Always attached to pistol.
Can use both hands on pistol
Less likely to have dead batteries since you don't use it for other tasks

Cons:
Have to point pistol at possibly family member or non combatant to illuminate them
Need a new holster (I have a raven concealment for this purpose)
If people shoot at light its right in front of you putting you more at risk


That is what I can come up with off the top of my head.

I also recommend CR123 battery flashlights or anything really with lithium batteries since they have long shelf life when not in use and aren't effected as much by temperature.

This pretty much covers it I would think.

The only thing I would add is a Con for the Handheld light. Mag changes would be a little more awkward and take longer as your free hand is occupied with a light.

[Schmendrick]

Are 18650's in the same league as a CR123?

[usmcveteran]

What's really important is lithium. Primary ( non rechargeable) are better for real life as they usually have better performance. Rechargables will be good for courses since they are cheaper and its less critical.

[Schmendrick]

OK, so lets get a poll going I don't know how to to the format setup for that. Do you EDC a pistol yes/no Do you EDC light source yes/no Is it mounted or separate from your weapon?

[usmcveteran]

More will edc light because not as many have permit.

In winter I will carry light on pistol in summer I don't since I carry smaller one.

[Guest]

[QUOTE=Schmendrick;n41627 and I have read so many of your guys' threads and posts on flashlights. But this isnt what this thread is about. My question is: Run a handheld or a weapon mounted? If you recommend a flashlight to me or tell me which the best flashlight is the best in the world, or start talking about lumens, you need to learn how to read and I will ask the mods to bring the ban hammer. I want to know about the pro's and con's of one and the other. I really only have money for one. [/QUOTE]


Wwweeell I neveeeeer! All these rules and chit!? Count me out on this one..

But on my honest post, I'm no help because I'm the none flashlight handgun guy. Hope you find what you like!

[thughes]

Got a weapon mounted light on my nightstand gun (it sits right next to the flashlight on my nightstand). No light on EDC gun but I do carry a flashlight as part of my EDC gear. How's that for an answer?

[EvilD]

YOu dont' need to point the weapon at the target to illuminate the area. IT's technique. even a 60 lumen weapon mounted light shined onto a dark carpeted floor will give you enough illumination to identify a target or not a target.

[gtnorry]

Now how about some links to both kinds that you already have please?

[gtnorry]

Oh and I don't EDC a light but on my bedside gun is a mounted Glock light. This sits next to a small/cheap handheld and a big metal one

[phritz]

Are 18650's in the same league as a CR123?

18650 is pretty much two cr123's, and rechargeable. Lots of different quality levels out there on the 18650's though, some will outperform a pair of cr123's while others dont.