Flashlight recommendation?

[xring]

Well, I actually meant for my handgun. I thought having a light on the weapon might free up a hand to do things like open doors, push innocents out of harms way, etc. Or it will at least free up that second hand to better control the weapon.

(The handgun is quickly accessible and it's sole purpose is to arm me immediately until I can deploy my rifle.)

That is true, light on the weapon is the way to go for door knobs and mag changes

[Mick-Boy]

I've been carrying a light on my pistol, both at home and at work, ever since I was involved in an incident some years ago that made me really wish I had a light on my pistol (I think there's a saying about judgement and experience that might apply here). I currently use Surefire X300s (buy once cry once) and they've all worked fine. At the end of the day any quality light will do so long as you actually have it on your gun. It's not going to help sitting in a safe.

I would like to address the people that object to a weapon mounted light on the grounds that they don't want to cover someone/thing with their weapon while they're illuminating.

I would strongly suggest you spend some time moving in a structure with your pistol and light setup. I think you'll find out a few things.

- First and foremost, you don't have to point a light directly at something to positively target identify. This is especially true indoors. In fact, when you are in an enclosed space like the average room in the US you can have your light pointed directly at the floor or ceiling and there will be enough splash to illuminate the objects in the room. You'll be able to target identify, particularly if you know who is supposed to be in the structure and who isn't (like your home) and you can do it without ever pointing your gun at someone.

- Second, as has been mentioned, manipulating your environment is a lot easier when you can take a hand off the gun and still have light to work with. Opening/closing doors, checking windows, turning lights on or off are all easier with a weapon mounted light.

- Finally, shooting is easier when you have both hands on the weapon. I shoot quite a bit with my right or left hand only. But I'm faster and more efficient with both hands on the gun. Why make it harder than it has to be?

In case you couldn't tell, I'm a strong proponent of a WML on any gun that fills a defensive roll. We won't get to choose when or where that defensive tool gets employed because it's going to be reactionary by definition. Stack the deck in your favor as much as you can.

[Irving]

Silly question, but I assume that weapon lights for pistols are more in a flood pattern than a spot pattern. Are they adjustable? I like my adjustable light, but playing around with it in the dark tonight, I think I'd really prefer a flood adjustment for a defensive pistol.

[Mick-Boy]

The Surefires are not adjustable. They do have a pretty good balance between the throw of the beam and the peripheral light though. I can't speak to any of the other brands.

[Limited GM]

streamlight/insight only pistol lights ill use.

x1,000. A M3 light works perfectly for anyone using the thumbs forward, (also known as the correct) grip.

I've recommended and sold so many of these, they should have me on salary.

Added benefit is you can throw a one piece weaver mount on a multitude of rifles/shotguns, and cheaply be good to go.

[JM Ver. 2.0]

Silly question, but I assume that weapon lights for pistols are more in a flood pattern than a spot pattern. Are they adjustable? I like my adjustable light, but playing around with it in the dark tonight, I think I'd really prefer a flood adjustment for a defensive pistol.

My Insight M6 is adjustable.