Hey folks,
I just finished several training sessions with a retired combat veteran Marine. Suffice it to say, these sessions have been awesome and the fact that he is willing to lend me his time and experience is humbling. One thing that he called out for me was the need for a WML on my handgun. Initially I thought this made sense, however after doing a little research and reading an article in the latest Conceal Carry magazine, I'm having second thoughts. The big thing is that in order to illuminate or positively identify a target, you have to have drawn and pointed your handgun at the "target" if your light is on your handgun. Now, if I'm clearing my house, drawing my pistol isn't a huge concern, but pointing it at an unknown target that could be a family member is troubling. In a combat situation I can see that this makes pretty good sense, but in a home defense situation, especially for those of us with children, it seems like a pretty risky venture both physically and legally. More than once I've heard a noise in the night and it turned out to be my kids. I can't imagine how I'd have felt if I lit them up with the light on my handgun, not to mention the legal trouble that could ensue should the wrong people find out. And, in a tense situation, the chance of a discharge increases if you are suddenly startled. We actually break one of the primary gun safety rules, don't point your firearm at something that you don't intend to destroy in the process. The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards sticking with a dedicated flashlight and then training in the proper way to grip both that and a handgun securely. The good news is that this decision saves me from replacing all of my holsters because none of them will accommodate a WML.

What do you all think?

You can hold your pistol at a low ready and still illuminate in front of you with the light while keeping your pistol pointed in a safe direction. I haven't found any downsides to WMLs, aside from the added expense/annoyance of finding holsters, so I think they're good to have. It's not a replacement for a flashlight, but it's nice to have if your light isn't working, or you don't have it on you. Your concerns are valid, but I would still say WMLs are useful. As always, training is key.

With WMLs, most have enough output (500 lumens) to illuminate a very large room by low ready or sule. I have been surprised by how good Streamlight has performed. 🤠👍⚔️🛡️

One should never point their weapon at something they have not confirmed to be something one wishes to destroy - one of the 4 commandments - that goes with or without a light. Having a light does not negate that rule - nor does NOT having a light.

The folks above are correct - the light spreads and bounces - it will be a huge asset even if not 'on target'

However - suffice it to say that Lasers are not so; lasers present this issue more-so. That little red (or green) dot of light does go exactly where you are pointing your weapon; on the target - you better be sure you wanna destroy that target or be prepared to meet some perv in prison...

USCCA is just trying to cover their arse down the road - read their fine print before giving them $$

Take care War Poet Brethren

I was recently in an instructor handgun course where all of us were getting certified to teach and there were a few who were scolded by the master instructor because of the lack of light on their guns. Now, this was for duty purposes but the fact still remains the same, you have to positively identify what your looking at before any decision should be made. He said its 2022 and there is no reason that there are not lights on handguns regardless of the time of day your shift is. He was also a big advocate for a designated belt carried light. We ran through multiple drills switching from carry light to WML and vice versa. Things got a little tricky when it came to reloading and/or clearing malfunctions. No matter what you choose, train, train, train, and then train some more!

I was poisoned in the Marine Corps. Without getting into details I cannot hold a flashlight and my gun at the same time. I have a Sig P320 RX Compact and mounted a Streamlight 7a so that I can identify my target before sending rounds. It is just me and my wife as my children are grown. I think it depends on your personal household situation and your abilities.