Shooting With LED Lights

[JAS]

I know that much has been written here, and other places, about weapon lights and much has been written here about LED flashlights. However, for those of us that don't have weapon mounted lights, what LED lights might be considered optimum for shooting with a pistol? I did some low light/no light shooting a few days ago with a Glock 21 SF. (It is a .45 ACP) It does not have a weapon mounted light. I used a Streamlight Stinger LED DS. I shot pretty well with it, BUT I got to thinking that maybe I could do better. For example, when shooting under low light conditions, is more lumens always better? Size is certainly another factor, too, of course. In the grand scheme of things, at least to me, a Streamlight Stinger LED DS isn't really huge light. On the other hand, depending on how you hold your pistol and non weapon mounted light, perhaps a more compact LED light may be preferable. Anyway, what do people here consider to be some of the best choices for low light shooting with a non weapon mounted light? Also, how do you like to hold your light for low light shooting? I have tried various methods and while I think I have what works best for me, I might be open to trying other methods.

 

[Lou Minescence]

Probably the light you were using would be fine. Lights with a grip ring would probably be best for pistol shooting. Surefire Z2, Olight M20.

 

[Jason_G]

On the other hand, depending on how you hold your pistol and non weapon mounted light, perhaps a more compact LED light may be preferable. Anyway, what do people here consider to be some of the best choices for low light shooting with a non weapon mounted light? Also, how do you like to hold your light for low light shooting? I have tried various methods and while I think I have what works best for me, I might be open to trying other methods.

If it's for indoors, there are two different camps on brightness. Some say get something bright enough to dazzle an attacker, and some say don't get too much brightness. Personally, I don't really want a super bright light most of the time indoors. Most interior walls are light colored, which means you can easily screw up your own ability to see in low light via reflection off walls. I have a 125 lumen (mfg rating- probably less than that) Streamlight TL2 Nightfighter xenon that will "flashbulb" you if you're not careful. I wouldn't go higher than that in lumens unless it had more than one function and you could use the medium indoors. IIRC, I believe Ken Hackathorn recommended about 60-80 lumens for indoor situations, and that, IME is about right. Blinding an attacker is useless if you've blinded yourself as well. And getting up out of bed in a dark house makes it exceedingly easy to dazzle yourself just with wall reflection.

I'll defer to the others as to recommendations for actual brands/models of lights.

As for technique using a weapon and white light, you need to be eclectic IMHO. There are several techniques and all have their strengths and weaknesses. IOW, a technique that works well in one situation might not be best in another. For example, the Harries or Rogers techniques will provide a very stable shooting platform (considering you don't actually have both hands grasping the weapon), but to move about in enclosed areas with walls and doorways could be dangerous, because you are leading with your weapon, and could easily get it within reach of an assailant before you even realized it, even if "slicing the pie". Then there is the consideration of the weapon's sights. Does it have tritium sights? A laser? If the answer is no to both of those, then the "neck index" or "neck crossover" technique might be best, so as to illuminate your weapon sights. It might also be a better technique for moving about, since you don't have to have your weapon and light out in front. There are other techniques that have the light out away from your COM to avoid putting your vitals in the line of fire if the assailant shoots at your light for lack of ability to see your person. These would be better suited to situations where you don't know where your attacker is, but he might know your general location.

Also, IMHO, you really want momentary on capability for use with any of the popular techniques. Use the light only when quickly scanning a room or identifying a possible threat. Leave it off as much as you safely can. It will help prevent giving away your position.

Best thing I can suggest is do some reading, and try to take a low light training class with a reputable instructor if at all possible.



Jason