The answer is always both. The late Yeager once said, “it’s not supposed to COMFORTABLE. It’s supposed to be COMFORTING.” So I carry both, I’m covering all bases that way.
Loved James Yeager,but that saying comes from Clint Smith-which James would tell you he learned from him.He said this about carrying a firearm--“it’s not supposed to be comfortable,it’s supposed to be comforting.”
I am a hand held light fan, personally. But another "attaboy" for the WML fans is they can use it one-handed. So, if one arm is injured, or busy holding a child behind you while you stop the aggressor or otherwise have one hand being used, the other hand can still illuminate and shoot. Not ideal, of course, but in an ideal world we wouldn't be in a gun fight to start with, right? THANK you John for your insights and for your service! God bless! Jeff
My last home defense situation was solved with a very powerful handheld flashlight. Had “another option” available, but my presence and decent light sent the catalytic converter thief hurdling through the woods and over my gate. Glad I had both!
I heard a noise in my driveway late one weekend night and woke up thinking wth is going on out there, then it hit me - cat converter. So i grabbed my mossberg 500 and ran outside to find a teenager under my car with a sawzall trying to cut out my cat. So i slow approached my car and went around to the passenger side, got down slowly to prone position then whispered to him "my car doesnt even have cats". Barrel on his temple - i blew his skull out into the neighbors driveway. Hell of a saturday.
My dad was a police officer for over 20 years and he said if he had to use a light he held it out to his side because like you said they are bullet magnets. Said he had few friends shot and the intruder said they just aimed for the center of the light.
If you can only have one, choose handheld, because you don't always want to point your gun at something to identify it. If you can afford it, and can conceal it well, have both :-)
Which ever you choose train with it. I never realized how much better a WML was until I started doing low/no light schooling stages in IDPA competitions. I used hand held till I got a holster made for my comp gun and it’s tricky to hold a light and a firearm without fumbling it or blinding yourself. Another reason to train with your light is if you have a red dot your light can be so bright it washes out your dot. This happens to my rmr when set to auto and using a streamlight TLR1-HL.
It seems to me that a weapon-mounted light also frees a hand for opening doors, using keys, etc. As John points out, it may not be practical for everyday carrying, but for responding to a noise in your home (no kids at home now) the mounted light seems to be more beneficial for me, as someone not trained in night fighting. Also, it would only be on when needed, though both would be a better option.
A trick I used in a hide n seek game as a kid was: looking around with a light, then setting it, or hanging it somewhere and moving on. Hiders thought I was still "over there" and ran for "base", but I was waiting for them to escape they're hide spot and tagged them out. Use your imagination on other applications.
Great video! In addition to a WML and a handheld light, I use app controlled lights in the home. Turn on any lights in the house using the app. I can even turn them on in strobe or disco ball mode for an added distraction for the intruder.
Handheld all the way.... works as an EDC item in conjunction with a firearm when you need it, works as an illumination tool WITHOUT presenting a gun, when you need it, and kicker... you can always carry them everywhere. They aren't regulated. They aren't considered a weapon or dangerous item, but you can absolutely use it as a striking tool...improvised brass knuckle/palm striking device (assuming you have a high quality and durable device).
I think it only works if you keep your flashlight next to you at all times. If someone breaks into your house in the middle of the night, I don't want to have to worry about searching for a flashlight.
The tricks and tips that you think you can't convey here came through loud and clear to me sir. You made great points and I'm glad that I watched this lesson. Cheers from Texas
Here's a out of the box idea: mount a light on your handgun, AND buy a small inexpensive (preferably rechargeable) flashlight too. Keep it close by in case it too is needed. How's that for covering all your bases without having to compromise. And for those of you out there like me, that don't have the skills of a ninja spec ops marksman, since your grip is important for accuracy, use a mounted light at all times so that your grip is as good as it can be, and you can see what you're targeting (and a combo laser is even better).
Yeah! I'm super motivated! Lol I carry a G17 appendix. I carry handheld. I need a different light. I have a Streamlight that I love, but I need a button cap. I carried a handheld Streamlight for 14 years as a CO. I still use it around the house. GREAT LIGHTS
I'm glad I listened to your advice on your CR920 subcompact video about how lights on guns are bullet magnets. Did my own research through Nitecore and other youtubers that did low light tactics videos. Super educational video that answered more questions that I had on the subject. I love the content!!!
Handheld lights are also magnets. And the bad guy is HIGHLY unlikely to be very accurate, just go to an indoor range and watch people that actually practice a few times a year (way more than most bad guys) attempt to hit the A zone at 10 yards, under no stress. With the size of the groupings, you can’t hold that flashlight away from your body enough, you’re going to be at just as big of a risk. Meanwhile you can get two good hands on the gun with a weapon mounted light. Personally I would only use a handheld for scanning, and if I had to draw my ccw quickly. Otherwise, I’d opt for the wml. Just something to think about
If you're rocking a handheld that has a belt clip, throw a rubber O-ring or keyring in it, now it hangs on your finger and frees up your hand for reloading ect.
I would say both. Because using your weapon light is not good and get you in trouble. But a weapon that is ticks out a little may stop it from being pushed out of battery on a bad guy’s body. And the flashlight in are hand can fill the void in your fist. You can drop the flashlight if you need a open hand but if all you have is a flashlight you can be in the dark. Now you can use both at the same time and if they don’t see you and may look as there is two of you with the two different lights.
John, We need an update on your wife's progression in her EDC. We'll, at least my wife and I do as we are just starting out together. Thanks a ton for what you do.
I've been a cop for 30 years this past August, a weapons instructor for 24, and a low-light tactics instructor for 22 years. The answer is always both. If only one, the handheld. One is a flashlight, and can be used for all illumination needs. The weapon mounted light is a gun with headlights and can only be used when a gun is reasonable. Yes, you can use reflected light or the coronal effect from your lens to illuminate a target without aiming the weapon. However, it's still limited use. There are a lot more conditions where you would not be able to lawfully brandish a firearm prior to establishing the possible threat. In my experience, most people who argue against the hand-held light are not proficient with using a handgun with only one-hand. That's understandable, but that doesn't invalidate the reasons for the hand-held needing to be there. The inability to use a hand-gun with one hand is a deficiency that not everyone is coordinated enough to train themselves out of. Regardless, train heavily and carry both. Buy a training weapon that's similar to your actual firearm and do a LOT of dry-practice with the lights. No matter how you feel about a weapon-mounted light, always have a handheld light. Always.
This was super helpful, actually changed my viewpoint I do carry both with my shadow systems and mostly I found myself taking the light off much more than not because to your point way more comfortable..
You can point the gun mounted light straight up and light up the room, you don’t necessarily have to point the gun directly at someone to see in a dark room. I can’t help but think that if you have a break in it will probably be once I n your life. Are you always going to have a flashlight sitting right next to your gun at that particular moment? I doubt it.
Food for thought: you need a WML if you have small children that you might need to pick up and carry to cover. WML is best for 1 handed fighting. A handheld can be drawn when you sense trouble but before you feel the need to skin your smokewagon.
As a devil's advocate type of response, I'd ask you to list the probability of each of the following scenarios: - Need to ID something in the dark - Need to ID something in the dark with a weapon at low ready - Need to carry your one child while seeing in the dark - Need to shoot something in the dark - Need to carry your one child while shooting something in the dark I basically put those in order of what I think is the most likely scenarios. A handheld light accomplishes all of them but the last one (I would actually argue that most of the time you should holster your weapon before carrying a child anywhere). A weapon mounted light only allows you to shoot something in the dark.
In what situation am I gun out and carrying kids to cover? Gun out means you need to shoot, get to cover means they're shooting back... but you choose to carry a kid to safety which means you don't need to shoot and can just use your handheld... It just doesn't make sense at all. You aren't grabbing a kid mid firefight. You're gunna take care of the threat then grab your kid, or grab your kid to try and get out of there instead of fight.
@@DWalter.27 I completely agree with your logic, but if your carrying your child to safety with a handheld light, at that point why wouldn’t you want a gun with a light? Depends on the situation of course but after a self defense encounter I would still want to be prepared.
Thanks John, you just save me $400 more on my AR, I’ll use my 100% reliable Modlite PLH-V2 or if I want to turn night into day , my Modlite HOG OKW, Like carrying the sun in my pocket , good info
So, to provide more anecdotal evidence for your argument, I just got home from cutting grass an hour ago. I was walking up my front steps and decided to brush off all the grass clinging to my jeans. In doing so, I managed to send my wedding ring flying off my finger into the yard (been losing weight so my ring is loose and I haven't gotten it resized). It's dark out, I'm beat, and just wanna go inside, but absolutely HAVE to retrieve my ring. I had my carry gun with a Streamlight TLR 7A, and an 18650 pocket light. Needless to say, I don't want my neighbors to look outside and see me crawling through my yard with a Glock, so I just grabbed my Acebeam and started searching. Even if you have a WML, I think everyone should carry a decent flashlight with them at all times, the amount of use I get outta the thing makes grabbing it in the morning before I leave for work a no-brainer. I've used it to look at people's vehicles when asked about issues, constantly at work to find things in the darker parts of my warehouse, when the power goes out, etc. Get a decent flashlight with a pocket clip or lanyard, and just add it to your EDC gear. I sometimes leave my knife at home, but will NEVER leave my light.
I use both. Also, it’s not hard to take your light off your gun and use it as a handheld. No one is forcing you to flag everything for light. I carry a full size all metal gun in .40 with a WML. I also carry 2 extra mags, and a fixed blade on my belt, folding knife in and flashlight in my pockets. The real problem is people dont know how properly distribute the weight so things offset each other. Also, as an aside, just to poke holes in some arguments. You didn’t say it here, but I thought of it. If carrying without a round in the chamber is catastrophic because that split second can be life and death, then having to fumble to get 2 separate items should be treated the same. By the logic, I can identify you faster and already have my weapon drawn. I already won before you can draw. But thats to say in the time to pull out a light, identify a target, then draw, someone can drawn, rack the slide and simultaneously use their trigger finger to turn the light on while bringing their gun up to the ready position. Okay ngl, part if this comment was just to get some people mad XD In all honesty, I think you should do both. I do. There have been times where my main light died out in the woods and I took the light off my gun and used that for a bit, or to be able to see to get new batteries in the main light again.
I know a few local ranchers that are dead because they went out with a flashlight to see what all the noise was. May they rest in piece. My grandfather used to tell me how they would look for guys lighting cigarettes in WW2. The biggest mistake they ever made he would say with a chuckle. I guess that was the old school night vision now that I think of it.
I prefer both. Saying that, for the past year I currently only carry handheld. It’s more comfortable. WML’s are for fighting rigs. Dedicated guns have dedicated lights. Can’t have the best of both worlds it’s impossible
Don’t over think it, & have both, a light on the Primary Handgun & 1 light on your EDC/ Duty Belt, & 1 in the Pocket, & always remember 2 is 1 & 1 is none, the more the better, * Be aware of White Light (ND) Negligence Discharge of a Bright White Light, which will give your position away & possible get You, Friends & Family member Shot, & you can have all of the Gucci Gear you want, Train, Train & Train, & be Physically Fit for the Fight, & learn Medical Training, to treat Non Life Threatening Injuries, & Life Threatening Injuries, in some cases No One is coming for you.
I have no idea why I watched this 2 times....Keep up with these videos, Love learning about guns, weapon lights, survival, tactics and etc. I was not like this 7 years ago.....
I guess another pro for the stand alone light is that on some smaller subcompact guns you don't even have the option to mount a light. And then you have to consider what light fits on what handgun and how secure it is. Now hopefully you consider that before you buy a light, but it's not a one size fits all kind of ordeal. If the light fits in your pocket and works as intended, that's it.
Yeah, depending on what you carry the decision could be made for you instead of you being able to make it for yourself. If you need complete concealment without printing (for example, if you work in an area that highly discourages being armed) than you will likely be looking at a smaller gun that doesn't have the ability to mount a light.
I really like my wml, but I can definitely see the benefits of both. Even with proper use of a wml, you can’t just pull out a gun all the time. Where as a flashlight you can.
It's funny, my first thought was "light on gun, for sure" then I realized I only really ever carry when hiking in grizzly country, and they don't usually shoot back
I'm in the #3 camp. I use my handheld to survey my propery at night just to keep critters away from the garden. Also for like you said, they will think you are somewhere else, then use your weapon light for intruders IN your home. "Surprise MF"!
Optimally both, but if I could only have one, it'd be a handheld. Far more uses when it's not attached to the firearm. The one on the handgun is strictly in case of the potential for the need to defend oneself in an unlit area... and occasionally when I drop my other flashlight under my desk and need to find it lol
I've never felt so powerful. I'm a truck driver and I carry a full size pistol with a surefire x300 (ultra) in a shoulder rig 10 hours a day 5 days a week, IN ADDITION to the 1000 lumen handheld I keep clipped on my pants I'm just dominating this gearcheck Sgt lovell cryin bout wearin a holster in a car for AN HOUR OR TWO??? Sgt move off appendix holy fuck bro all this anguish for a half second faster draw stop the insanity.
Ill carry a couple different options i usually bring like 3 holsters with me and i actually just bring my war belt with me if im gonna be away from house .
I can't believe that this is even a question! For God's sake people, look does your life require a flashlight? Then carry one, if you want one on your gun, put one on it and train with it! Shit and if you are really confused do like me and carry one on the belt and on the pistol! Jesus Christ it isn't a complex question! I'll bet 99.6 percent of people who follow John and his peers. Never put themselves in a position to ever use both!! I carry both cuz I deliver to shady areas that may require me to see in the dark, and God forbid use my weapon in the dark. So I utilize both!
k so how bout maybe… a QD weapon mountABLE light kept in a pocket or maybe a belt pouch. it can be used independently of the firearm, and at the same time can be quickly mounted if need be..
Both for sure for me. I’m the crazy person daily appendix carrying an X300 and have for many years, but I use my handheld flashlight literally multiple times a day every single day.
I am new into the CCW world, and really appreciate videos like this. Thanks. Do they makes lights that are quick attach/detach? Logically speaking, with 0 experience, having a detached light seems the better option, but I like the idea of having a light on the pew as well. That way, so long as I had my pew, I would have a light, but maybe as a backup in my EDC.
I have an OLight Valkyrie Mini. OLight uses a quick connect clamp lever on it that works well, and it's a 600ish lumen light. Pretty slick charging magnet for it too. I don't carry with my light mounted because holsters, but I do typically have the light with me because it clamps quickly.
I have my trusty rechargeable streamlight that goes with me everywhere. As a side note, you've been to some really bad and dangerous places and made it out OK. I'd say the "school of John" is a pretty decent one to attend. ✌🏻
Great info, John. I had the opportunity to take a Low Light/No Light firearms course a few years ago and it was incredibly beneficial. Up until that class, I had some general knowledge of the benefits of mounted vs handheld lights. I now have handheld lights all over the place; nightstands, vehicles, and an EDC.
I prefer an all in one package, a light I can use as a carry free in pocket. But also in dire situations be able to attach to my firearm when I need to. This is about the same argument when it comes to a SHTF situation should you carry two weapons. One for fight/combat, and the other to hunt with? Honestly I don't think I need to carry a 50 cal Beowulf platform, and a regular 223/556 for fighting now do I? Instead an AR platform with a 6.5 Grendel or 300 Blackout could be good for both, be "versatile" and make your loadout kit that much more simplified for the long run. Rather it be for survival, or for operation.
I’m a little old school, I was LE trained for a handheld light. I’ve tried WMLs and don’t care for them due to the bulk of the firearm and limitation of use. We used a method of placing the back of the support hand with the flashlight to the back of the hand holding your firearm which gives excellent support to the firearm. Now rifles, WML all the time, I just prefer a slick, lightweight pistol. Oh, and dad advice for night, I always carried at least 3 flashlights, primary, secondary, emergency. It sucks when your only light goes down and you’re either in an emergency situation or a hostile environment. And buy quality lights, your life may depend upon it.
C&C, if I'm reading your description right, you are talking about the "Harry's" technique. That's how I was trained and with very little practice it works well and is easy. I've even used it training with a Mossberg500. 12g, 1 handed, was sketchey at first, but still works well. Had a small surefire at that time and could rack it pretty easily while holding the light. Just need to remember to turn the light off before working the pump or now you are illuminating yourself.
@@kenhayhurst374 yes sir, the Harries Technique is what I was referring to. I used it in conjunction with the FBI Technique when clearing buildings. It also depended on if I had a partner with me or solo. There are two TH-cam videos, Ruger Firearms, tips and techniques 12 which has a good demo of it and doitriteak, who shows the “suppressed” Harries position and the ins and outs of the technique for those who might be following the conversation and need a little demo on how it’s done. As with anything, training and practice are paramount.
I have WMLs on my ARs, but none on my carry pistols. I EDC a 1000lm Streamlight. I started carrying in '93 and pistol mounted WMLs weren't really a thing. I do have a Holosun 507k on my P365XL EDC pistol. My wife's HD Glock 19 has both and optic and a WML.
Unless for military or police use, I look at WMLs as just another fad in the gun world. I folded to many gun channel's advice that "every gun you have needs a light" and thought I'd start with my bedside Glock. Took it off a week later after doing dry fire exercises in the house. More of a hinderance than a help.
If you buy a hand held first it will be more useful and when you get your weapon light keep the handheld. I don’t see a point in a weapon light if you don’t have a handheld anyway. Since you don’t want to shine a light for the old lady looking for a lost item with your firearm
If you can afford a good mounted light you can afford both in my honest opinion 😉 I'd always run a handheld before a "here I am" light I'd just mag dump in the direction of the light if it blinded me if I were using a criminal mindset. I posted pre watching and have training foo for thought.
2 and 3 is my reasoning behind handheld for primary light. But my carry has a WML. Depending on the situation is the determining factor of whether I am going for my hand held or using my carry with a light on it.
I have a light/laser combo on my G19. I found, as you get older, over 70, eyesight goes to sht, and you're not as flexible as you were in your 40's-50's, so I opted for this combination. The downside as John explained; both lights may attract a response. I bought the device for the laser, at the time it seemed the right move.
Amen, to “over 70 accessories.” • Handheld • WML with laser • red dot Why not take advantage of technology? I still do armed security and predominantly at night (sometimes all night, outside, alone…spooky 😂🤷🏻♂️). A handheld is ALWAYS in my left hand and thumb on the tail switch. IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT! I’m always highest score and fastest draw in requal with only iron sights…young guys fear me 😂😂😂. Old = a lot of time to practice 😉. Hang in there, friend.
Both are great. Handhelds are a must. If I have my pants on, I can guarantee that I have my knife and streamlight 2 LX dual fuel with 18650 rechargeables. I highly recommend this light and battery combo. I’ve been carrying it daily for 4 years with not one problem. It has an almost completely bare aluminum finish from pocket wear. About $75 for the light and two battery packs.
If I am bringing a handheld I want at least 1000 lumens and a good chunk of candela, 30k+. I am giving up pocket realestate, and I want it to be worth it. 500 lumens and 3k candela is pretty much the baseline for what I think is worth bringing on a WML. Anything lower is no good. I would like to see more candela though, I know it's possible to break into the 20-30k candela range out of a very very small flashlight.
@@Osprey1994 I have the TLR-1 HL 1000 lumen on the Glock 19 and I am impressed with it. But honestly the 500 lumens out of the handheld pro tac will blind the hell out of you. I use it EDC and maintenance work. If the power is out in the room I’m working in, I just stand it up and use it like a lantern. It’ll light a room up no problem and hopefully disorient an attacker. I’ve been impressed with it for sure.
I made it down to a scandium j-frame. Those comfy curves! My wife even swapped to one recently after getting enough practice to shoot it well (a 22lr trainer helps a lot); the curved shape is just way comfier than her Shield.
Home clearing (when you are aware of where everyone who should be there is): weapon light All other scenarios: handheld. But what will you always have if you always have your gun? A weapon mounted light.
I’ve started using a headlamp. Use at the least 1,000 lumens so if you do turn it on , it’s totally blinding . You can take it off and set it to the side and turn it on if necessary. My main reason tho is both my hands are free to operate a pump shotgun etc . Just my 2 cents . 😀🙏😍
For me, a big advantage to a WML has nothing to do with lighting anything up. Having something sticking out further than your muzzle can help if you ever have to take a contact shot. Without it, if you stick your muzzle into somebody, lets say on top of you pinning you to the ground, you’ll push the slide out of batter and the gun won’t fire. With a WML (depending on the light/gun configuration) if the light sticks out past the muzzle, it will be the light sticking into the attacker and will prevent the slide from being pushed out of battery. That said, I don’t conceal a WML, I only carry one on duty, and have a handheld as well.
with my CCW I have had trouble finding good holsters that have good retention when the light is on it so I generally just keep a side flashlight. I tried a million holsters and none of them worked in the way I wanted for the way I wanted to carry for my gun unless I took the light off. Was too easy to slip out. Not saying they don't make it but for my gun and the way I carry it I couldn't find a good solution for that specific setup I use with the light on it. For my home full sized pistol def a light on it. Just no good reason not to and I could always grab my light I keep next to it too as needed. Either way, grab the light if possible as needed on the side. If possible, but if not you at least have something on your gun. Way I see it for home defense guns, you always don't have to turn it on if the situation doesn't seem wise, but nice to have if you did need.
I carry a mounted light and a keychain oLight on my keychain, that way I don't have to point my gun at things if I need a light, and a good, small light on my keychain for fighting things. Glock 19, hybrid inside waistband holster, Veridian light (no laser)
My Bond Arms Bullpup 9 doesn't have any place to mount a light, so I carry a handheld light. ...& since I have yet to use my EDC in any defensive manner, the separate flashlight comes in handy in everyday normal life.
I used to be a cop in the AF, and I for sure would use a handheld before a gunlight. Like you said, a flashlight is a bullet magnet, and you need ways to keep people from shooting at you...and used properly a handheld can do that. Im a civi now and Im not looking for trouble, but if it finds me at night...well, I still have a few surprises up my sleeve.
I personally choose both. Mainly cause I've EDC'd a flashlight in my pocket for YEARS, well before i ever obtained a CCW. Never know when youre going to need a flashlight, be it stuck on side of the road at night. You drop/lose something outside, etc. And, you dont want to have to use your WML in these circumstances. However, in a worst case life or death scenario i want the best possible chance i have to survive and the precious moments i could save just drawing my weapon and using the WML instead of having to draw my weapon AND my EDC light might make all the difference in the World. Plus it doesnt require me using my support hand to hold the light therefore improving my accuracy and follow shots if need be. The added weight to the front of the muzzle also helps to drop the muzzle back down also improving the speed of follow up shots. Either way, EVERYONE is going tobhave their own opinion. They'll tell you why you're wrong and theyre right. At the end of the day, train, train, and train with whatever setup you decide to go with. Lastly, DO WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU!
I am 6'1' 255 lbs and I carry appendix my war poet with TLR7, p320 AXG scorpion with a steiner MPS and a TLR1 HL or my sig P365 XL with a TLR7 SUB with ease. I also carry a flashlight. I think my size gives me that advantage.
The answer is always both. The late Yeager once said, “it’s not supposed to COMFORTABLE. It’s supposed to be COMFORTING.” So I carry both, I’m covering all bases that way.
I've got many lights but I'm still partial to the Tactician... Thanks again James
Loved James Yeager,but that saying comes from Clint Smith-which James would tell you he learned from him.He said this about carrying a firearm--“it’s not supposed to be comfortable,it’s supposed to be comforting.”
Yeager didnt carry a wml on his edc
I am a hand held light fan, personally. But another "attaboy" for the WML fans is they can use it one-handed. So, if one arm is injured, or busy holding a child behind you while you stop the aggressor or otherwise have one hand being used, the other hand can still illuminate and shoot. Not ideal, of course, but in an ideal world we wouldn't be in a gun fight to start with, right? THANK you John for your insights and for your service! God bless! Jeff
My last home defense situation was solved with a very powerful handheld flashlight. Had “another option” available, but my presence and decent light sent the catalytic converter thief hurdling through the woods and over my gate. Glad I had both!
I heard a noise in my driveway late one weekend night and woke up thinking wth is going on out there, then it hit me - cat converter. So i grabbed my mossberg 500 and ran outside to find a teenager under my car with a sawzall trying to cut out my cat. So i slow approached my car and went around to the passenger side, got down slowly to prone position then whispered to him "my car doesnt even have cats". Barrel on his temple - i blew his skull out into the neighbors driveway. Hell of a saturday.
@@Bob-ir4lrnews article or I call bs
@@Bob-ir4lr you're the problem.
@@practicalandy1976 yo calm down, the kid was black so its ok
@@Bob-ir4lr I guess people don’t understand sarcasm
My dad was a police officer for over 20 years and he said if he had to use a light he held it out to his side because like you said they are bullet magnets. Said he had few friends shot and the intruder said they just aimed for the center of the light.
All my FBI buddies told me the same thing, they would hold the light out to the side and just start blasting dudes if it got time to make some music.
It's called the FBI method lol
I just wear my LARPing NODs everywhere. Come on John, get with the program!
If you can only have one, choose handheld, because you don't always want to point your gun at something to identify it. If you can afford it, and can conceal it well, have both :-)
Totally agree
big facts
Only issue would be carrying a hand held light in classy attire, but other than that handheld wins. Also way more options
@@tierneymarshall5960 Streamlight microstream fits with any outfit. There really is no excuse to not have a light
Dang, I dont have to even watch the video now! Smh
Which ever you choose train with it. I never realized how much better a WML was until I started doing low/no light schooling stages in IDPA competitions.
I used hand held till I got a holster made for my comp gun and it’s tricky to hold a light and a firearm without fumbling it or blinding yourself.
Another reason to train with your light is if you have a red dot your light can be so bright it washes out your dot. This happens to my rmr when set to auto and using a streamlight TLR1-HL.
Thank you for the validation at the beginning of the video John.
It seems to me that a weapon-mounted light also frees a hand for opening doors, using keys, etc. As John points out, it may not be practical for everyday carrying, but for responding to a noise in your home (no kids at home now) the mounted light seems to be more beneficial for me, as someone not trained in night fighting. Also, it would only be on when needed, though both would be a better option.
@WilsonCombat7report this comment
Better to keep your night vision and keep surprise.
One hand can open a door while also still holding a light
Don't listen to the LARPers man, i agree with you
A trick I used in a hide n seek game as a kid was: looking around with a light, then setting it, or hanging it somewhere and moving on. Hiders thought I was still "over there" and ran for "base", but I was waiting for them to escape they're hide spot and tagged them out. Use your imagination on other applications.
Jesus Christ it's Jason Bourne!
My thoughts exactly!
Regarding the "use your imagination"
Cheers from Texas
"This one time at band camp."
Cheater
@@GodGunsGills not cheating he was just playing on hardcore mode
Well, handheld lights are versatile and can be used for navigation, signaling for help, or illuminating an area for camp setup or other tasks.
Always handheld, both if possible/practical
Great video! In addition to a WML and a handheld light, I use app controlled lights in the home. Turn on any lights in the house using the app. I can even turn them on in strobe or disco ball mode for an added distraction for the intruder.
Handheld all the way.... works as an EDC item in conjunction with a firearm when you need it, works as an illumination tool WITHOUT presenting a gun, when you need it, and kicker... you can always carry them everywhere. They aren't regulated. They aren't considered a weapon or dangerous item, but you can absolutely use it as a striking tool...improvised brass knuckle/palm striking device (assuming you have a high quality and durable device).
I carry a gun with a light, but I do not and would not ever go anywhere without my handheld flashlight.
I think it only works if you keep your flashlight next to you at all times. If someone breaks into your house in the middle of the night, I don't want to have to worry about searching for a flashlight.
"what would you rather put down the front of your pants?" hearing him say that was funnier than it probably should have been.
The tricks and tips that you think you can't convey here came through loud and clear to me sir. You made great points and I'm glad that I watched this lesson.
Cheers from Texas
Here's a out of the box idea: mount a light on your handgun, AND buy a small inexpensive (preferably rechargeable) flashlight too. Keep it close by in case it too is needed. How's that for covering all your bases without having to compromise. And for those of you out there like me, that don't have the skills of a ninja spec ops marksman, since your grip is important for accuracy, use a mounted light at all times so that your grip is as good as it can be, and you can see what you're targeting (and a combo laser is even better).
You still compromise carry comfort by putting a light on, something he made very clear
Yeah! I'm super motivated! Lol I carry a G17 appendix.
I carry handheld. I need a different light. I have a Streamlight that I love, but I need a button cap.
I carried a handheld Streamlight for 14 years as a CO. I still use it around the house. GREAT LIGHTS
I actually go with both, the streamlight 7a is great. No comfort issues here.
Thank you, I have been trying to decide. I am going to get both and use them accordingly.
Both. Both is good. But I understand the subcompact not having it for those occasions.
I'm glad I listened to your advice on your CR920 subcompact video about how lights on guns are bullet magnets. Did my own research through Nitecore and other youtubers that did low light tactics videos. Super educational video that answered more questions that I had on the subject. I love the content!!!
Handheld lights are also magnets. And the bad guy is HIGHLY unlikely to be very accurate, just go to an indoor range and watch people that actually practice a few times a year (way more than most bad guys) attempt to hit the A zone at 10 yards, under no stress. With the size of the groupings, you can’t hold that flashlight away from your body enough, you’re going to be at just as big of a risk. Meanwhile you can get two good hands on the gun with a weapon mounted light. Personally I would only use a handheld for scanning, and if I had to draw my ccw quickly. Otherwise, I’d opt for the wml. Just something to think about
If you're rocking a handheld that has a belt clip, throw a rubber O-ring or keyring in it, now it hangs on your finger and frees up your hand for reloading ect.
I would say both. Because using your weapon light is not good and get you in trouble. But a weapon that is ticks out a little may stop it from being pushed out of battery on a bad guy’s body. And the flashlight in are hand can fill the void in your fist. You can drop the flashlight if you need a open hand but if all you have is a flashlight you can be in the dark. Now you can use both at the same time and if they don’t see you and may look as there is two of you with the two different lights.
Thank you. This really helped with my decision. I am now a Handheld Carry for my EDC.
John,
We need an update on your wife's progression in her EDC. We'll, at least my wife and I do as we are just starting out together. Thanks a ton for what you do.
Streamlight Microstream clipped to my pocket and a TLR-7A on my Glock. It has served me well for the last 4 years.
OK. Points well taken. How about another video with some of those "tips and tricks" in using a hand held light that you mentioned?
I've been a cop for 30 years this past August, a weapons instructor for 24, and a low-light tactics instructor for 22 years. The answer is always both. If only one, the handheld. One is a flashlight, and can be used for all illumination needs. The weapon mounted light is a gun with headlights and can only be used when a gun is reasonable. Yes, you can use reflected light or the coronal effect from your lens to illuminate a target without aiming the weapon. However, it's still limited use. There are a lot more conditions where you would not be able to lawfully brandish a firearm prior to establishing the possible threat. In my experience, most people who argue against the hand-held light are not proficient with using a handgun with only one-hand. That's understandable, but that doesn't invalidate the reasons for the hand-held needing to be there. The inability to use a hand-gun with one hand is a deficiency that not everyone is coordinated enough to train themselves out of. Regardless, train heavily and carry both. Buy a training weapon that's similar to your actual firearm and do a LOT of dry-practice with the lights. No matter how you feel about a weapon-mounted light, always have a handheld light. Always.
Handheld is a must. mounted is optional but prefer to have it.
Streamlight Wedge and TLR-7 are my perfection.
This was super helpful, actually changed my viewpoint I do carry both with my shadow systems and mostly I found myself taking the light off much more than not because to your point way more comfortable..
Have and train with both. Either option works if you're trained.
Glock 17 here! I use a tiny light on the gun. But definitely don’t point it to identify threats. Handheld is essential!
You can point the gun mounted light straight up and light up the room, you don’t necessarily have to point the gun directly at someone to see in a dark room.
I can’t help but think that if you have a break in it will probably be once I n your life. Are you always going to have a flashlight sitting right next to your gun at that particular moment? I doubt it.
Food for thought: you need a WML if you have small children that you might need to pick up and carry to cover. WML is best for 1 handed fighting.
A handheld can be drawn when you sense trouble but before you feel the need to skin your smokewagon.
Preach!
“Skin your smoke wagon”? Freaking hilarious, good job.
As a devil's advocate type of response, I'd ask you to list the probability of each of the following scenarios:
- Need to ID something in the dark
- Need to ID something in the dark with a weapon at low ready
- Need to carry your one child while seeing in the dark
- Need to shoot something in the dark
- Need to carry your one child while shooting something in the dark
I basically put those in order of what I think is the most likely scenarios. A handheld light accomplishes all of them but the last one (I would actually argue that most of the time you should holster your weapon before carrying a child anywhere).
A weapon mounted light only allows you to shoot something in the dark.
In what situation am I gun out and carrying kids to cover? Gun out means you need to shoot, get to cover means they're shooting back... but you choose to carry a kid to safety which means you don't need to shoot and can just use your handheld...
It just doesn't make sense at all. You aren't grabbing a kid mid firefight. You're gunna take care of the threat then grab your kid, or grab your kid to try and get out of there instead of fight.
@@DWalter.27 I completely agree with your logic, but if your carrying your child to safety with a handheld light, at that point why wouldn’t you want a gun with a light? Depends on the situation of course but after a self defense encounter I would still want to be prepared.
Thanks John, you just save me $400 more on my AR, I’ll use my 100% reliable Modlite PLH-V2 or if I want to turn night into day , my Modlite HOG OKW,
Like carrying the sun in my pocket , good info
So, to provide more anecdotal evidence for your argument, I just got home from cutting grass an hour ago. I was walking up my front steps and decided to brush off all the grass clinging to my jeans. In doing so, I managed to send my wedding ring flying off my finger into the yard (been losing weight so my ring is loose and I haven't gotten it resized). It's dark out, I'm beat, and just wanna go inside, but absolutely HAVE to retrieve my ring. I had my carry gun with a Streamlight TLR 7A, and an 18650 pocket light.
Needless to say, I don't want my neighbors to look outside and see me crawling through my yard with a Glock, so I just grabbed my Acebeam and started searching. Even if you have a WML, I think everyone should carry a decent flashlight with them at all times, the amount of use I get outta the thing makes grabbing it in the morning before I leave for work a no-brainer. I've used it to look at people's vehicles when asked about issues, constantly at work to find things in the darker parts of my warehouse, when the power goes out, etc.
Get a decent flashlight with a pocket clip or lanyard, and just add it to your EDC gear. I sometimes leave my knife at home, but will NEVER leave my light.
I use both. Also, it’s not hard to take your light off your gun and use it as a handheld. No one is forcing you to flag everything for light. I carry a full size all metal gun in .40 with a WML. I also carry 2 extra mags, and a fixed blade on my belt, folding knife in and flashlight in my pockets.
The real problem is people dont know how properly distribute the weight so things offset each other.
Also, as an aside, just to poke holes in some arguments. You didn’t say it here, but I thought of it. If carrying without a round in the chamber is catastrophic because that split second can be life and death, then having to fumble to get 2 separate items should be treated the same. By the logic, I can identify you faster and already have my weapon drawn. I already won before you can draw.
But thats to say in the time to pull out a light, identify a target, then draw, someone can drawn, rack the slide and simultaneously use their trigger finger to turn the light on while bringing their gun up to the ready position.
Okay ngl, part if this comment was just to get some people mad XD In all honesty, I think you should do both. I do. There have been times where my main light died out in the woods and I took the light off my gun and used that for a bit, or to be able to see to get new batteries in the main light again.
I actually have both. I have a small Olight handheld light and a Baldor mini on my Sig.
I only run tier 1 holsters and I’ve actually found they are more comfortable with the light for some reason.
Both for me is how I roll.
same
Same
2 is 1 and 1 is none!
Same
The simple answer of course is that one doesn’t replace the other. They compliment each other depending on the scenario.
I know a few local ranchers that are dead because they went out with a flashlight to see what all the noise was. May they rest in piece.
My grandfather used to tell me how they would look for guys lighting cigarettes in WW2.
The biggest mistake they ever made he would say with a chuckle.
I guess that was the old school night vision now that I think of it.
I prefer both. Saying that, for the past year I currently only carry handheld. It’s more comfortable. WML’s are for fighting rigs. Dedicated guns have dedicated lights. Can’t have the best of both worlds it’s impossible
Don’t over think it, & have both, a light on the Primary Handgun & 1 light on your EDC/ Duty Belt, & 1 in the Pocket, & always remember 2 is 1 & 1 is none, the more the better,
* Be aware of White Light (ND) Negligence Discharge of a Bright White Light, which will give your position away & possible get You, Friends & Family member Shot, & you can have all of the Gucci Gear you want, Train, Train & Train, & be Physically Fit for the Fight, & learn Medical Training, to treat Non Life Threatening Injuries, & Life Threatening Injuries, in some cases No One is coming for you.
I have no idea why I watched this 2 times....Keep up with these videos, Love learning about guns, weapon lights, survival, tactics and etc. I was not like this 7 years ago.....
I carry both, but the WMLs have such a high output/low battery life that my handheld backs it up, force multiplier
I guess another pro for the stand alone light is that on some smaller subcompact guns you don't even have the option to mount a light. And then you have to consider what light fits on what handgun and how secure it is. Now hopefully you consider that before you buy a light, but it's not a one size fits all kind of ordeal. If the light fits in your pocket and works as intended, that's it.
Yeah, depending on what you carry the decision could be made for you instead of you being able to make it for yourself. If you need complete concealment without printing (for example, if you work in an area that highly discourages being armed) than you will likely be looking at a smaller gun that doesn't have the ability to mount a light.
Fortunately that’s getting less and less true. There are all kinds of subcompacts on the market that have lights designed specially for them.
I really like my wml, but I can definitely see the benefits of both. Even with proper use of a wml, you can’t just pull out a gun all the time. Where as a flashlight you can.
It's funny, my first thought was "light on gun, for sure" then I realized I only really ever carry when hiking in grizzly country, and they don't usually shoot back
I'm in the #3 camp. I use my handheld to survey my propery at night just to keep critters away from the garden. Also for like you said, they will think you are somewhere else, then use your weapon light for intruders IN your home. "Surprise MF"!
I've used my EDC flashlight way more than I've used my EDC handgun.
Optimally both, but if I could only have one, it'd be a handheld. Far more uses when it's not attached to the firearm. The one on the handgun is strictly in case of the potential for the need to defend oneself in an unlit area... and occasionally when I drop my other flashlight under my desk and need to find it lol
I've never felt so powerful. I'm a truck driver and I carry a full size pistol with a surefire x300 (ultra) in a shoulder rig 10 hours a day 5 days a week, IN ADDITION to the 1000 lumen handheld I keep clipped on my pants I'm just dominating this gearcheck Sgt lovell cryin bout wearin a holster in a car for AN HOUR OR TWO??? Sgt move off appendix holy fuck bro all this anguish for a half second faster draw stop the insanity.
Ill carry a couple different options i usually bring like 3 holsters with me and i actually just bring my war belt with me if im gonna be away from house .
I was immediately thinking about handheld reason number 2, and that ended my personal 2 second argument
I can't believe that this is even a question! For God's sake people, look does your life require a flashlight? Then carry one, if you want one on your gun, put one on it and train with it! Shit and if you are really confused do like me and carry one on the belt and on the pistol! Jesus Christ it isn't a complex question! I'll bet 99.6 percent of people who follow John and his peers. Never put themselves in a position to ever use both!! I carry both cuz I deliver to shady areas that may require me to see in the dark, and God forbid use my weapon in the dark. So I utilize both!
FLASHLIGHT USE IN A 'SITUATION' ... NOTHING SCREAMS: 'HEY YOU GUYS, IM OVER HERE!' LIKE A FLASHLIGHT. I DONT/WONT
Finding a comfortable and affordable holster and light to fit a Taurus g3 is not easy. So my led maglite is doing the job
k so how bout maybe…
a QD weapon mountABLE light kept in a pocket or maybe a belt pouch.
it can be used independently of the firearm, and at the same time can be quickly mounted if need be..
The answer is yes. If you have to choose, handheld first, then wml.
Both for sure for me. I’m the crazy person daily appendix carrying an X300 and have for many years, but I use my handheld flashlight literally multiple times a day every single day.
I will purposely unlike and and unsubscribe just so I can Like and Subscribe all over again just for this video 👌👍
I am new into the CCW world, and really appreciate videos like this. Thanks.
Do they makes lights that are quick attach/detach? Logically speaking, with 0 experience, having a detached light seems the better option, but I like the idea of having a light on the pew as well. That way, so long as I had my pew, I would have a light, but maybe as a backup in my EDC.
I have an OLight Valkyrie Mini. OLight uses a quick connect clamp lever on it that works well, and it's a 600ish lumen light. Pretty slick charging magnet for it too.
I don't carry with my light mounted because holsters, but I do typically have the light with me because it clamps quickly.
I have my trusty rechargeable streamlight that goes with me everywhere.
As a side note, you've been to some really bad and dangerous places and made it out OK. I'd say the "school of John" is a pretty decent one to attend. ✌🏻
Do both. Don't be the idiot that shoots his wife because it's dark and your scared. Don't be the guy who whips out his gun to look for his keys.
Great info, John. I had the opportunity to take a Low Light/No Light firearms course a few years ago and it was incredibly beneficial. Up until that class, I had some general knowledge of the benefits of mounted vs handheld lights. I now have handheld lights all over the place; nightstands, vehicles, and an EDC.
I prefer an all in one package, a light I can use as a carry free in pocket. But also in dire situations be able to attach to my firearm when I need to.
This is about the same argument when it comes to a SHTF situation should you carry two weapons. One for fight/combat, and the other to hunt with? Honestly I don't think I need to carry a 50 cal Beowulf platform, and a regular 223/556 for fighting now do I? Instead an AR platform with a 6.5 Grendel or 300 Blackout could be good for both, be "versatile" and make your loadout kit that much more simplified for the long run. Rather it be for survival, or for operation.
I’m a little old school, I was LE trained for a handheld light. I’ve tried WMLs and don’t care for them due to the bulk of the firearm and limitation of use. We used a method of placing the back of the support hand with the flashlight to the back of the hand holding your firearm which gives excellent support to the firearm. Now rifles, WML all the time, I just prefer a slick, lightweight pistol. Oh, and dad advice for night, I always carried at least 3 flashlights, primary, secondary, emergency. It sucks when your only light goes down and you’re either in an emergency situation or a hostile environment. And buy quality lights, your life may depend upon it.
C&C, if I'm reading your description right, you are talking about the "Harry's" technique. That's how I was trained and with very little practice it works well and is easy. I've even used it training with a Mossberg500. 12g, 1 handed, was sketchey at first, but still works well. Had a small surefire at that time and could rack it pretty easily while holding the light. Just need to remember to turn the light off before working the pump or now you are illuminating yourself.
@@kenhayhurst374 yes sir, the Harries Technique is what I was referring to. I used it in conjunction with the FBI Technique when clearing buildings. It also depended on if I had a partner with me or solo. There are two TH-cam videos, Ruger Firearms, tips and techniques 12 which has a good demo of it and doitriteak, who shows the “suppressed” Harries position and the ins and outs of the technique for those who might be following the conversation and need a little demo on how it’s done. As with anything, training and practice are paramount.
I have WMLs on my ARs, but none on my carry pistols. I EDC a 1000lm Streamlight. I started carrying in '93 and pistol mounted WMLs weren't really a thing. I do have a Holosun 507k on my P365XL EDC pistol. My wife's HD Glock 19 has both and optic and a WML.
You can just use both when the situation calls for each light.
Solution: buy a gun mounted light, you can always take it of and use as a handheld light.
Unless for military or police use, I look at WMLs as just another fad in the gun world. I folded to many gun channel's advice that "every gun you have needs a light" and thought I'd start with my bedside Glock. Took it off a week later after doing dry fire exercises in the house. More of a hinderance than a help.
Amen!! Hallelujah!!! I’m right! You’re wrong, beards are the best 👍💣🐿️
If you buy a hand held first it will be more useful and when you get your weapon light keep the handheld. I don’t see a point in a weapon light if you don’t have a handheld anyway. Since you don’t want to shine a light for the old lady looking for a lost item with your firearm
If you can afford a good mounted light you can afford both in my honest opinion 😉 I'd always run a handheld before a "here I am" light I'd just mag dump in the direction of the light if it blinded me if I were using a criminal mindset. I posted pre watching and have training foo for thought.
2 and 3 is my reasoning behind handheld for primary light. But my carry has a WML.
Depending on the situation is the determining factor of whether I am going for my hand held or using my carry with a light on it.
Thanks for shedding a light on that.
Always get points of view that make you go🧐. Great content as always. 🙏
Your phone has a flashlight.
Can't look as cool guntubing without your counterweight strapped to your pistol. Great video for when and when not to!!!
I have a light/laser combo on my G19. I found, as you get older, over 70, eyesight goes to sht, and you're not as flexible as you were in your 40's-50's, so I opted for this combination. The downside as John explained; both lights may attract a response. I bought the device for the laser, at the time it seemed the right move.
Amen, to “over 70 accessories.”
• Handheld
• WML with laser
• red dot
Why not take advantage of technology?
I still do armed security and predominantly at night (sometimes all night, outside, alone…spooky 😂🤷🏻♂️). A handheld is ALWAYS in my left hand and thumb on the tail switch. IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT!
I’m always highest score and fastest draw in requal with only iron sights…young guys fear me 😂😂😂. Old = a lot of time to practice 😉. Hang in there, friend.
i would choose handheld and i expect your video will suggest the same
Both are great. Handhelds are a must. If I have my pants on, I can guarantee that I have my knife and streamlight 2 LX dual fuel with 18650 rechargeables. I highly recommend this light and battery combo. I’ve been carrying it daily for 4 years with not one problem. It has an almost completely bare aluminum finish from pocket wear. About $75 for the light and two battery packs.
If I am bringing a handheld I want at least 1000 lumens and a good chunk of candela, 30k+. I am giving up pocket realestate, and I want it to be worth it.
500 lumens and 3k candela is pretty much the baseline for what I think is worth bringing on a WML. Anything lower is no good. I would like to see more candela though, I know it's possible to break into the 20-30k candela range out of a very very small flashlight.
@@Osprey1994 I have the TLR-1 HL 1000 lumen on the Glock 19 and I am impressed with it. But honestly the 500 lumens out of the handheld pro tac will blind the hell out of you. I use it EDC and maintenance work. If the power is out in the room I’m working in, I just stand it up and use it like a lantern. It’ll light a room up no problem and hopefully disorient an attacker. I’ve been impressed with it for sure.
@@kwiturbitchin5277 I'm gonna have to look into that Stream light handheld. I already have 18650 rechargable for a Pro Tac HL-X rail mount.
@@nativewarrior5052 Go for it! You won’t be disappointed.
@@kwiturbitchin5277gotta order 1
Well, I hand held on the pistol & weapon mount on the long gun because… it only comes with… when things
I do both for the winter and handheld only for the summer. I use my handheld light too often not to have one.
Comfort is underrated. I started with a full sized 1911 and now I've settled on a g42 AIWB.
I made it down to a scandium j-frame. Those comfy curves! My wife even swapped to one recently after getting enough practice to shoot it well (a 22lr trainer helps a lot); the curved shape is just way comfier than her Shield.
@@DWalter.27 i CC an MG42 with a Modified ford taurus headlight ziptied to the barrel
Home clearing (when you are aware of where everyone who should be there is): weapon light
All other scenarios: handheld.
But what will you always have if you always have your gun? A weapon mounted light.
Handheld also has major advantages when shooting off or around cover during low light. A WML can get eaten up by the cover or shine back on you.
The correct answer is “Yes”.
I’ve started using a headlamp. Use at the least 1,000 lumens so if you do turn it on , it’s totally blinding . You can take it off and set it to the side and turn it on if necessary. My main reason tho is both my hands are free to operate a pump shotgun etc . Just my 2 cents . 😀🙏😍
I agree. I can use it with anything I pick up , as the case may be.
For me, a big advantage to a WML has nothing to do with lighting anything up. Having something sticking out further than your muzzle can help if you ever have to take a contact shot. Without it, if you stick your muzzle into somebody, lets say on top of you pinning you to the ground, you’ll push the slide out of batter and the gun won’t fire. With a WML (depending on the light/gun configuration) if the light sticks out past the muzzle, it will be the light sticking into the attacker and will prevent the slide from being pushed out of battery. That said, I don’t conceal a WML, I only carry one on duty, and have a handheld as well.
with my CCW I have had trouble finding good holsters that have good retention when the light is on it so I generally just keep a side flashlight. I tried a million holsters and none of them worked in the way I wanted for the way I wanted to carry for my gun unless I took the light off. Was too easy to slip out. Not saying they don't make it but for my gun and the way I carry it I couldn't find a good solution for that specific setup I use with the light on it. For my home full sized pistol def a light on it. Just no good reason not to and I could always grab my light I keep next to it too as needed. Either way, grab the light if possible as needed on the side. If possible, but if not you at least have something on your gun. Way I see it for home defense guns, you always don't have to turn it on if the situation doesn't seem wise, but nice to have if you did need.
I carry a mounted light and a keychain oLight on my keychain, that way I don't have to point my gun at things if I need a light, and a good, small light on my keychain for fighting things. Glock 19, hybrid inside waistband holster, Veridian light (no laser)
My Bond Arms Bullpup 9 doesn't have any place to mount a light, so I carry a handheld light. ...& since I have yet to use my EDC in any defensive manner, the separate flashlight comes in handy in everyday normal life.
Handheld is with me at all times. But both probably best practice. Just isn’t as easy to carry.
I used to be a cop in the AF, and I for sure would use a handheld before a gunlight. Like you said, a flashlight is a bullet magnet, and you need ways to keep people from shooting at you...and used properly a handheld can do that. Im a civi now and Im not looking for trouble, but if it finds me at night...well, I still have a few surprises up my sleeve.
I personally choose both. Mainly cause I've EDC'd a flashlight in my pocket for YEARS, well before i ever obtained a CCW. Never know when youre going to need a flashlight, be it stuck on side of the road at night. You drop/lose something outside, etc. And, you dont want to have to use your WML in these circumstances. However, in a worst case life or death scenario i want the best possible chance i have to survive and the precious moments i could save just drawing my weapon and using the WML instead of having to draw my weapon AND my EDC light might make all the difference in the World. Plus it doesnt require me using my support hand to hold the light therefore improving my accuracy and follow shots if need be. The added weight to the front of the muzzle also helps to drop the muzzle back down also improving the speed of follow up shots.
Either way, EVERYONE is going tobhave their own opinion. They'll tell you why you're wrong and theyre right. At the end of the day, train, train, and train with whatever setup you decide to go with. Lastly, DO WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU!
I am 6'1' 255 lbs and I carry appendix my war poet with TLR7, p320 AXG scorpion with a steiner MPS and a TLR1 HL or my sig P365 XL with a TLR7 SUB with ease. I also carry a flashlight. I think my size gives me that advantage.