Defensive use of Lights Part III

So now, you have a weapon-mounted light (WML) on your gun. Excellent. Let's move on to the second step. A hand-held light is also required. Imagine if every law officer conducted nighttime searches with their pistol-mounted light. Common sense should tell you that it would be a dangerous situation. It is no different for a civilian. Your hand-held light is your first source of illumination until you have made the conscious decision to engage a threat. Once you make that decision, drop your hand-held and flick on your WML. Either drop the hand held to the floor or use a VERY short lanyard or bungee to attach the light to the back of your hand. A long lanyard may snag or stick in the slide of your gun!

Light discipline is as important as muzzle discipline. When you turn on your light, let your eyes gather the information quickly, then turn it off. As you turn the light off, MOVE! The bad guy will shoot at the last place he saw your light. Use your momentary on switch - not the full on off switch so you can transition from on to off quickly. Use your light sparingly. Use whatever ambient light is available and your memory to guide you. Do not allow yourself to be backlit by any light, theater it be form a lamp that is on or form ambient light. Change elevations from time to time as well. Remember, when you turn on your light, you just gave your position away. Turn it off quickly and move! Stay mobile.

Don't be without a light on you or near you if you carry. Just a reminder, the "flashlight" on your phone is not really a flashlight!

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