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What light should I use for carry hand held or weapon mounted?

1659 Views 11 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  John_Deer
So I am about to enter into the world of everyday carry and was wondering what type of light I should use, i generally have either a standard mini mag on me at all times or an l.e.d model is this enough light to do the job? Or should I spend the money for a high end hand held? I am also considering a weapon mounted light as what ever I end up carrying will most likely have a rail on it. Thanks in advance for your help.
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I have a Nebo Redline its under $24.00 on Amazon. Probably not as nice or bright as the higher end lights but still good in my book. I bought over two years ago, and have have no complaints.
The minimag led should be fine. Even with a weapon mounted ligjt you should carry the minimag. That way you have an independent light source, dont want to have to point a gun at something just because you need light (changing tire, checking under the hood, unlocking a door, going to the restroom at night, checking someone to see if they have a concussion, etc)
Two is one and one is none. Get both and learn how to use both properly.

As for handheld... You don't need to spend $100's of dollars on a surefire flashlight (if you're willing and have the money more power to you, they are great lights). However, you can get a solid light such as a Streamlight ProTac 2 for around $40 or so.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00396S1Q2/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1359119924&sr=8-3&pi=SL75

It puts out 180 lumen, and it can be operated one handed. In addition, it is large enough to use as an impact weapon.
I've used Maglites for years and the newer LED models are quite good for the money. If you want to spend a bit more money I think there are superior options. I bought a Novatac Classic for around $80 that I'm very happy with. It's got multiple brightness settings (up to 120L), strobe, base switch, uses AA batteries and has a sturdy aluminum construction.

As far as weapon mounted lights, I'm not a fan. First off it requires you to point your gun at whatever you want to illuminate. Second it can act as an aiming point for your opponent (a hand flash can be held off to the side if needed). Finally it makes a CC weapon that much heavier and bulkier, both contraindicated for a concealed weapon IMO.
As far as weapon mounted lights, I'm not a fan. First off it requires you to point your gun at whatever you want to illuminate. Second it can act as an aiming point for your opponent (a hand flash can be held off to the side if needed).
You don't need to point your gun at whatever needs to be illuminated to identify the potential threat. In addition, there are very simple tactics you can use to not give away your exact location.

As I mentioned in my previous post. Get both and learn how to use them PROPERLY.
I get my lights off ebay. For the cost of a single light at the gun shop I can get 10 lights on ebay. They have the same bulbs and aluminum housings. Since everything is made in china I can't see paying $120 for a light at the gun shop and the gun shop doesn't even carry the proper battery or mount for the light. When I can get a knock off for $10 for $20 you can get knock off with rechargeable batteries and a charger. I am pretty rough on flashlights and I have yet to kill a knock off light. The only cheap light I would avoid is Nebo.
I use both actually, they're cheap leds i got on Amazon. They work very good for the prices
AOK said:
Two is one and one is none. Get both and learn how to use both properly.

As for handheld... You don't need to spend $100's of dollars on a surefire flashlight (if you're willing and have the money more power to you, they are great lights). However, you can get a solid light such as a Streamlight ProTac 2 for around $40 or so.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00396S1Q2/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1359119924&sr=8-3&pi=SL75

It puts out 180 lumen, and it can be operated one handed. In addition, it is large enough to use as an impact weapon.
I agree I was thinking that the weapon mounted light would be good for a home defense option though i have plenty of light s at home one on the gun especially with a strobe feature might be nice to have.
I do have a light mounted on my shotgun. But unless I was trying to kill a varmint. I would not turn it on until I was ready to fire. The light will come on with a touch of my thumb and at that point the bad guy had better be wyatt earp.

I have one of these on my 10/22. I used to have it on my shotgun. The first thing I do with a new light is put it on my shotgun and shoot skeet. The warranty only lasts so long. When I am betting my life on a light I prefer to test it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/UltraFire-W...4909969?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item27c7bf0811
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