Home defense, mounted gun lights - any opinions?

R

RAfiringline

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The context of this is a home defense gun (handgun, shotgun, compact M4 type, whatever) with a mounted light - is it a good or bad idea?

For a long time my thought was that I didn't want a light right in front of my body that if accurately fired at was going lead to me being hit. But, I've recently tried one out, and I have to say that it's obviously easier and more controlled than holding a flashlight away from the body, and the gun in the other hand.

Is a gun mounted light by being more controlled, better at avoiding an unnecessary or accidental shooting?

Thanks
 
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I am using one on my AR. I actuate it with my
left hand. My trigger would be pulled with my
right. I am not in favor of using the same hand
to pull the trigger, actuate the light and hold the
gun. For me, it is too risky for an accident to
happen on my handgun. If you have a light on
any defense gun, you need specific training, just
like police/military.
 
I pictured a turrent mounted LMG on rails running thrugh the house . But as to the weapon mounted light we just had that discussion and we decided to dissagree on the subject .
 
I used to think it a fad. I now believe the idea is proven. I have lights mounted on a couple of handguns as well as a shotgun and one of my AR's now. You don't have to use them if not needed. If used correctly they can be a huge advantage.
 
Have one on my shotgun. It was a police trade I got and the light is integrated into the forearm. I love it but I wouldnt of paid extra for it. I would not that i have it.
 
Didn't we just do this thread a week or so ago but with pictures. I sure remember taking a photo of my 624 with its Aimpoint Lazer mounted under the grip and posting it. I have this little slip on diffuser that takes some of the Lazer light and converts it to a red flash light with a red dot in the center.
 
"night lights" strategically placed throughout the house work well for identifying people in your house. they also saves your toes when you get up to rummage through the fridge or go to the bathroom. of course an alarm system is paramount.
 
Both light and laser w/hand guard switches on my bedside AR. If/when I click them on, someone is about to have an exceptionally bad day.
 
I have a 300lumen light on my AR, but it won't ever come out to play for home defense, I don't even keep the bolt in it. but it you focus that as tight as it goes, you can see clearly out to 50-75yards for critters
 
I feel like there were dozens of threads on this exact topic and people create a new one every few weeks instead of searching forums...
Some folks think it's bad to point muzzle at something just to see what it is, thus it's better to have a separate flashlight in your other hand.
Some people believe it's beneficial to have a mounted light so you can use your free hand for other tasks such as calling 911, opening doors etc.
Many good arguments are always brought up so I'm never fully convinced to either side, but it doesn't hurt to have a mounted light just in case you need it.
 
I have a inferred lens on my pentagon light to go with night NVD , Im going to look into that deffuser lens .
 
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Ha, on the "last post" column on the main page, this thread is listed as "Home defense, mounted gun". I honestly expected this thread to be about a gun on a pintle mount looking out a front window or something.
 
Some like them, some don't. I always have one attached, You don't always have to turn it on, but when you do it will help you hit your target.

Just my 2 cents, stay safe and shoot straight.
Jim
 
I would go with night lights in the house. preferably with battery back ups for power failures, ( both caused by the power company or the intruder).
To me, the fewer accessories that I have on the gun, the more reliable the weapon is. What happens if they do not work and you are used to having them?
I would also prefer that the intruder not know for certain what direction that I am coming from.
 
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better to have the option and not need it. Short bursts of light to acquire target, make sure it's a threat, and keep moving until if/when you need to engage it. Its your house, so you should be able to find your way around in the dark better than the intruder.
 
With proper training, it can be an asset.

Unfortunately, the first three words of that previous sentence make the last five words inapplicable to the vast majority of gunowners. The vast majority will see zero training, and very little practice beyond the first few minutes of playing with their latest toy.

If the light is actually needed in a life or death situation, the manipulations required to utilize it (improperly at that) will distract them when they can least afford any distractions.
 
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