Intro

There are a ton of arguments in the gun community about the role of flashlights in an every day carry loadout. Some people say you don’t need flashlights on your weapon or even on your person. I would respectfully disagree on both accounts. Statistically, the probability of you getting into a situation where you need to use your weapon in a self-defense situation is extremely low, and at night it’s even lower. I can understand why some people think its a waste of time to carry a weapon mounted light. There are people on both sides arguing the validity, but carrying both has its benefit.

Handheld Flashlights 

The more useful of the two options would certainly be an everyday carry flashlight. The great thing about handheld lights is the availability for common everyday tasks. There are always certain situations where you need a light to see better or have more visibility in a dark room. People get caught up with various brands of handheld lights. While brands are important to consider, it’s really important to at least have a handheld on your person rather than nothing. When it comes to brands of handheld lights or weapon lights there are different levels of quality. I tend to prefer Surefire products because typically they are known to be nearly indestructible. I have had good luck with Streamlight and Inforce as well. Honestly, though,  anything you can afford with a handheld is an added bonus.

Weapon Lights

Weapon lights are important as well, but they need to be viewed differently than just another flashlight. With weapon lights, the key factor to remember is they are always attached to your firearm. Pointing the light in a direction that could be harmful to someone is always a bad idea. This is a very common mistake that many people make carrying weapon lights. This could be avoided but happens because they have no secondary light. They become complacent with their weapon and use it inappropriately. Using a weapon mounted light can give the individual a huge advantage when it comes to information in a dark setting where there can be potential threats. With the proper practice, weapon lights are a useful capability when used properly without being abused.

Situations Dictate Use

In a tough situation, a handheld light can always be used as a substitute for a weapon light. The main advantage of weapon mounted lights is the ability to have both hands on the firearm. Having both hands on your weapon gives the individual more options and an extra hand free, where if they were using a handheld, they would be holding the flashlight and the weapon. Simplifying things during a stressful situation will always give the person a better chance to come out on top. That’s exactly why a weapon light is so useful.

What’s The Most Useful?

In a perfect world where you had room for both types, I would recommend having both a handheld light and a weapon mounted light. In the last five years, there have been an increasing number of police departments who will issue a handheld flashlight as well as a weapon mounted light for their sidearm. People ask me if I had to carry only one option what would I choose? My answer is: always have a light on you when possible.

Bottom Line

I tell people it’s important to have some sort of flashlight on their person. If you only have room for one flashlight, it should be a handheld. I carry a weapon light on almost every single one of my guns, but they add bulk when getting holsters made and they only have one use. Handhelds are more flexible and can be used for both daily and self-defense situations. If possible though, it’s always a good idea to try and have both types of flashlights when you can. I will be coming out with more flashlight reviews both initial and long term so stay tuned for that. If you guys have any questions or comments please feel free to leave one below or email me, and as always stay safe out there.

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