You can take your concealed carry handgun to the next level with a mounted tactical light. When they’re used correctly, a mounted light has many benefits. There are three important elements to know about mounted lights before you start using them.
What are the benefits of a gun-mounted light?
Lights attached to the mounting rail of a handgun can help to identify a target without needing a separate hand. You can disable an attacker’s vision and identify their weapons (or lack thereof) with a mounted light.
Mounted weapon lights offer a non-lethal deterrent to an attacker that goes one step further to avoiding violence.
A weapon-mounted light does not take the place of a flashlight, however. If you frequently find yourself in low light areas due to work or other reasons, you should consider adding a light to your concealed carry handgun.
How to choose a mounted tactical flashlight
When selecting a light to mount on your handgun, first be sure it fits in your concealed carry holster, or purchase a holster that will accommodate the light.
Be sure that the battery power source is high-quality and the on-off switch isn’t too easily activated. This prevents accidental activation which can run down your battery life and make drawing unpredictable.
A proper mounted weapon light should be at least 100 lumens, and more for outdoor use. LED lights are brighter and more durable than incandescent varieties.
How to shoot with a gun-mounted light
You must know these rules before carrying a firearm with a mounted tactical light.
First and foremost, a mounted light is not an illumination device. That means that it should never be used for anything other than firing at a target. Don’t use a mounted light to search for your keys, when the power goes out at home, or to find the zipper in your tent. It’s not a loaded flashlight, it’s a gun with a light attached.
Put thought into what type of switch you’ll want to use. Accidental discharges can happen when the shooter’s finger slips or misses a light switch near the trigger guard. The best tactical lights feature switches forward of the trigger.
Look for lights with tail-cap switches or a button on the rail, as they keep your finger away from the trigger. Toggle switches should be fully ambidextrous, so that no matter what hand you use, the up-down movements have the same result.
Use lights that give you the option to toggle between momentary and constant on modes. You want to be able to easily change modes because self-defense situations can escalate rapidly.
Other things to remember about gun-mounted tactical flashlights
Practice frequently. If you carry concealed and decide to add a mounted light, you’ll need to work on your draw and switch activation. Even adding a small addition to your standard firearm can change your movements.
Clean the light’s lens after use. Dirt and powder residue can blur the lens and make it less effective.
Don’t use improvised devices to attach your tactical light. Things like Velcro, clamps, or adhesives are not as trustworthy as a proper mounting. You’ll also want to choose an option that allows you to easily attach or remove for maintenance.
