Weapon Lights

I carry a 350 Lumen flashlight separately, with my EDC. It's an awful lot of trouble getting a pistol down to carry weight and size,
just to bulk it up, again, with accessories.

Shield + TLR-6



I carry in an “On Your 6” holster

Walther Q4 with a Streamlight TLR-8G.

Styx said:

Are any of you running a light on your EDC pistol? I'm not referring to a home defense gun, but a handgun that you routinely carry everyday. If so, please share your set up and experience

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I don't run anything but my mouth and PT

Dibbs said:

I carry a 350 Lumen flashlight separately, with my EDC. It's an awful lot of trouble getting a pistol down to carry weight and size,
just to bulk it up, again, with accessories.

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I do the same I carry this https://www.fenixlighting.com/produ...MIu4iY17WV5gIVGNlkCh0x1wFlEAYYASABEgLoMPD_BwE

Nothing on the gun. I carry one of these. The clip on the side hooks on my pants pocket.

https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/fenix-e30r-rechargeable-flashlight/

Styx said:

You all clip the light to your pocket, carry in a belt holster, or what?

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for the most part i wear cargo pants / shorts so just carry in pocket or in back pocket

Dibbs said:

It's an awful lot of trouble getting a pistol down to carry weight and size, just to bulk it up, again, with accessories.

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That depends on the individual's body type, clothing and level of training. I carry a Glock 19 sized pistol every day. Had an Inforce APLC on it for a while and only got rid of it because the light was junk. Carrying it wasn't a problem. In fact, it actually helped a little because the light helped push the handle of the pistol in closer to my body, concealing it better. A Surefire XC1 is on the purchase list.

This light/pistol combo has been my EDC for more than two years.

I need the light daily, but thankfully havent needed the pistol for anything more than animal control.
I am very 'pro weapon light' in the weapon light vs handheld argument. Even if my EDC pistol had a light, I would still need to carry the microstream handheld.

Observe what others do. If the law enforcement in your area all have weapon lights mounted on there handguns that would be a good sign. When taking CCW courses or Self Defense courses see if the instructors of these courses recommend a weapon mounted light. Or the lessons taught with a hand held light.

I made my decision on using a weapon mounted light on these observations.

frogfurr said:

Observe what others do. If the law enforcement in your area all have weapon lights mounted on there handguns that would be a good sign.

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I'm curious. Why would that influence your decision?

bearcreek said:

I'm curious. Why would that influence your decision?

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I have no experience shooting at people at night. Hopefully I never will. I am not experienced enough to advise others on carrying a weapon mounted light and rely on those with more experience to base my decision.

Styx said:

I carry all steel pistols and don't feel like I much carry gun must be featherweight. A light at the end of the muzzle on an IWB belt gun would not affect concealablity or bother me weight Wise...

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Here's an example of a holster for a gun without a light and one with a light. It seems like a big difference to me.

JM Custom Kydex #3 IWB no light https://www.jmcustomkydex.com/p/IWB3.html

JM Custom Kydex #3 IWB light bearing https://www.jmcustomkydex.com/p/IWB3-LB.html

I had started a challenge thread about this not too long ago. It didn't seem to have much interest and quickly died.
My findings proved that I shoot much better in the dark with a mounted weapon light as compared to a handheld.

Styx said:

Might make a big visual difference when the holster is taken off, but I doubt it will make a big difference or any difference as far as concealment is concerned inside the pants. Not sure anyone could ll one from the other if you posted a photo of a person EDCing either holster.

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It would make a Big deference in you pants a Huge difference

Yeah, a CZ P10c and a Streamlight TLR7 using a Werkz IWB kydex holster. Plus I also always carry a Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA mini flashlight.

Styx said:

Might make a big visual difference when the holster is taken off, but I doubt it will make a big difference or any difference as far as concealment is concerned inside the pants. Not sure anyone could tell one from the other if you posted a photo of a person EDCing either holster.

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LUCKYDAWG13 said:

It would make a Big deference in you pants a Huge difference

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As LUCKYDAWG13 mentions, my point isn't about concealment, it's about carrying. That's a whole lot more to stick in your pants. The light nearly doubles the size of the holster.

In fairness, there are some smaller lights, if you absolutely need one, that don't appreciably increase the size of the holstered package.

https://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2012/11/mini-gear-review-2.html

Everything is a compromise, you need to decide what you want to compromise on. For instance, Armored farmer says this...

Armored farmer said:

My findings proved that I shoot much better in the dark with a mounted weapon light as compared to a handheld.

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and yet he carries a Ruger LCP and a handheld light.

Perhaps you routinely are out at night and in complete darkness, if so, perhaps a mounted light would be a valuable aid. However, I often post this data point from Tom Givens...

https://civiliandefender.com/2016/04/01/low-light-red-sights-and-tom-givens-glock-35/

... in the 60 plus defensive shootings his students have been involved in, the lighting (or lack of lighting) was a factor in the outcome in exactly ZERO cases.

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Thanks for the link

Just a Crimson Trace laser grip on a LCR. No light.