I have often pondered this question and I know there are many here who DO have their high intensity flashlights mounted on their home SD and even on their EDC guns.

I can think of pros & cons for and against. List of SOME below.....

PROS:
* Illuminate your potential target.
*Temporarily blind an Intruder or Perp.
*A convenient place to carry a flashlight for other purposes.

CONS:
*Gives your position away to a BG/Intruder.
* Automatically draws fire - perp will naturally shoot towards the light.
* Extra weight and bulk to carry.
* Could affect your POI
* Another "devise" to think about under stress and have to maintain.
* Special holsters for CCW.

I am sure I left a bunch of things out but these seem to be the main ones that come to mind. I personally always favored holding a flashlight with your weak hand as far away from your body as possible so that if and when the light does draw fire, it is directed away from you - sort of the "old school" method. Admittedly this will leave you with only one hand on your handgun (less control) and be quite awkward with a long gun - I know.

A also have always thought (and practice every single night) that you are much better off leaving a 4 watt night-light on in your home by the front & rear door to illuminate intruders if they enter. You know the layout of your home and he doesn't. You have the advantage knowing all the entries, exits, hallways, rooms etc. and presumably if this occurs in the late hours of the night your eyes will already be night-sight adjusted since it is presumably dark. If you live in a colonial style or two story home, you would presumably be starring down at your intruders and if the bottom floor is illuminated by the 4 watt night-lights, you should have enough light to asses the situation - at the same time the perp. is not aware of your whereabouts or armaments.

So I was just wondering how you guys feel about lighting on firearms. Not that it's gonna change any true die-hards either way, but just a discussion to open up our minds. Have at it.......

I don't have anything on my revolvers but my hand. Enough nightlights throughout my single level house to see. I practice point shooting constantly at paper plates from 3 to about 10 yards. Can shoot minute of paper plate very well. Anybody gets after me wearing a paper plate on their chest is in trouble. I do think a flashlight is a good target. I like the K.I.S.S. principal. Anything outside the home is not a target.

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Just a shooter

Not a fan of lights mounted on handguns for many of the same reasons Chief38 lists as cons. One con he doesn't mention is that I may need the light to identify a potential threat. I would prefer not pointing my pistol at someone until I know they are a threat.

I cannot think of any advantages that a gun mounted light provides versus a hand held and vise versa. Frankly I don't care for them. And I have seen them fall off of guns at the range when they were properly mounted.

Gun mounted lights require the user to constantly manipulate the light with one finger or the other. I don't like to move or alter my grip and prefer to keep all my fingers on the gun.

Gun mounted lights may have their place but only with the proper training and lots of practice. IMO its much easier to use a handheld light.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

I have a flashlight and my husband has a high-lumen weapon light. For home defense, anyone wandering my home in the dark is a threat, and gets a gun pointed at them with or without light, and as snuffy51 said " Anything outside the home is not a target" and I won't point any light at them, just dial 911.

Weapon light on my home defense handgun.....carry a flashlight with me with my carry gun when away from my home.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

I'm never going to put a light on a handgun. That's a personal choice.

For me, a separate flashlight, especially one I can bludgeon somebody with, is a far better choice. I don't like HAVING to point a loaded firearm at something or someone to use a flashlight. I don't plan to point a gun at anything or anyone I don't intend to make holes in... immediately.

I prefer to retain the ability of using a light independent of where I point the muzzle of my gun, so I prefer a handheld flashlight. Plus I use a revolver just as often and want to retain as much commonality as possible. Even if I used a weapon mounted a light, I would still want a handheld and when using a handheld light, I still want to retain the ability to use that hand for other tasks that could be required, so I set-up all my HD lights with full combat rings. It's also an doubles as an impact weapon and retention device.

I frequently see concerns about the unintentionally muzzle flashing/covering a non-threat with a weapon mounted light, but I feel that can be largely mitigated by using the corona of the light when in doubt or there's a need to simply light up an area for some other reason besides identifying a threat.

I wouldn't be overly concerned with giving away position, or drawing firing in a home defense scenario since I would only light up the perp/area momentarily and only when ready to shoot for positive identification, possibly blinding the intruder and for accurate fire...otherwise the light is off. I would use a weapon mounted light the same way. The only issue I see would be if you went searching for a threat or cleared your house in the dark, which you really shouldn't do.

I know the layout and happenings of my home better than any intruder possibly can, so in a lowlight/night defense scenario, I feel I have an substantial advantage.

Why not both? One advantage, not mentioned (that I saw) is if you have to carry a child (or use your off-hand for something else). In my case, I have a weapon light and a flashlight. I know if I can't use the flashlight for whatever reason (carrying my child to safety) I'll still be able to use the weapon light to i.d. the target. Instinctive Activation weapon lights, like Crimson Trace's Light Guard, are lightweight, compact, and many kydex holster makers offer a holster. It's around 100 lumens, which is perfect for my house.

As some have already posted, it's a choice. I chose to use a weapon mounted light for HD for several reasons. Some of those reasons are the need to keep a hand available for other things such as opening doors or holding a phone, both things you may want or need to do if you suspect a home intrusion. Try as I might I can't hold a flashlight in one hand, a pistol in the other and open a door or hold a phone easily.


Also something to keep in mind, you don't have to use the light on your handgun unless you want to but it's there if you do. I decided I would rather grab one item rather than two separate items. As far as hand/finger movement goes I can operate the switch on my weapons light with the thumb of my weak hand with a thumb forward grip. I don't have to do anything with my shooting hand except what I'm supposed to. If I want to use the light to illuminate an intruder I can do so without moving my trigger finger so there really is no danger of shooting someone just because I want to shine the light on them.

Those are just some of the reasons I made the decision I did. Everyone else may or may not make the same one.

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BCCI Life Member #2068

Options..........


300 lumen flashlight by the bed .......

a 125 lumen streamlight TLR-3 on my Beretta 92..............(not my carry gun...... my ready gun)

several nightlights on the first floor and in the 2nd floor hall!


Beretta C-4 storm 9mm carbine with a TLR-1 300 lumen light.

the Beretta's use the same 15,17,18,20 and 30 rd. magazines.

Not on my carry gun, never.

Not on mine, either. Not only don't want to point a loaded gun to light up an unknown person, there's always the chance of pushing the bang switch instead of the light switch in a stressful situation when you're half awake.

This has been a helpful thread - Thanks Chief! I had recently ordered a Glock-brand light for my G17 - and, coincidently, just returned it today. Heavy and clunky - turned the G17 into something too big and unwieldy. Plan to use the proceeds of the return (Amazon) to get a CT mini-laser.

As far as the comments about pointing a light and firearm at an unknown person, I have to say that would be the least of my concerns if that unknown person has broken into my house!!

Richard Simmons looks to have a great set up - there's nothing saying he has to use the light - it's there if he needs it! I also noticed that the G35 appears to have a conversion barrel - pretty good looking setup for a Navy guy ...

I have a light mounted on my HD pistol and there is a handheld light in the pack with it. With either one and light colored carpet/walls, you can ID someone at the other end of the house without even shining it at them directly.

I can imaging plenty situations in which I'd NOT want the gun pointing the same direction as the light!

Hearing things go bump in the night and checking on the kids? When you point the light, that's also where the gun points. Sure you can use the spillover/sidelighting but then you're still pointing your gun in a direction you don't necessarily want it pointed.

I used to like the idea of a light on the gun but now much prefer the idea of fewer things to think about in a stressful situation. Even if a light is mounted and you don't use it, for me I think it's still something to think about. Standalone tactical flashlight is with me at all times, night or day, even when the gun isn't. I'd bet momentary 200 lumens in the bad guy's eyes could turn the tables, and also lights the way for the good guy, maybe enough to let you get the crenulated bezel up in his face. I often think the flashlight is more valuable than the gun. But then I'd never want to be without either.

Gun in strong hand, flashlight in weak hand or in the pocket if there's not an immediate need.

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Snubbaholic

I think some people here are not quite clear of the purpose of a weapon mounted light. The WML is for seeing what you are shooting at - nothing more.

A WML does not negate the need for a handheld light - they serve different purposes.

Contrary to what you may see on TV and in the movies, you do NOT use a WML for investigating that bump in the night or for searching - that is what your hand-held light is for.

The WML is for illuminating something that may need to be shot. The WML compliments the handheld, it does not replace it.

In 2003 I put a Surefire on my G34 that I used on duty. I had ZERO LEO training on the setup. I didn't like what I observed. I found myself using my G34/Surefire setup as a FLASHLIGHT. NOT good. I sold the Surefire and went back to my G34 and my Pelican Black Knight 40,000CP light.

Good conversation and many well reasoned points of view!

I do have a TLR mounted on my bedside Sig P229 Extreme and like it very much. Using it is instinctive to me now as I've practiced with it. I can illuminate areas well without pointing my weapon at what I'm illuminating due to it's wide illumination pattern. It can be held well below that which I'm trying to see. It's very bright and will illuminate an entire room while pointed down.

I don't have kids so I'm not worried about a teen sneaking in after a night out so perhaps my scenario is simplified and presents less peril than some of the other posters. For me it's simple, effective, bright, and instantly ready and my pistol accommodates it perfectly.

I cannot see carrying a weapon every day with a light mounted on it.

I have one on my G19 and it's so bright pointing it at the floor will light up a wide area. I can turn it on or leave it off and operate it with either hand. I also have two hand helds at the bedside. If it's on the pistol, you have the choice I believe

No lights on my carry guns, but my home defense pistol and shotgun both have TLR-1s on them.

I took a low light shooting class a few years ago. We were taught Flash/ Move. A quick flash of the light and immediately move. If the BG sees your light, don't be there by the time he raises his gun.

Two things the instructor stressed throughout the class.
1. White light attracts incoming fire.
2. Incoming fire has the right of way.

No light on gun here as I don't see the benefits and they make a great target for the bad guy to shoot at.

Lots of Chinese junk floating around.

Generally speaking having something in both hands that require the use buttons/levers/triggers while under stress is a bad idea (unless practiced A LOT). You may mean to pull the trigger but hit the light switch accidentally or you may mean to turn on the light but pull the trigger accidentally.

Everything else depends on how and where you live. If you have family it's one thing. I live alone so if there is noise it's not from a invited guest and I don't need to worry if it's my child/spouce/family member.

There is no particularly fool proof way. Each has its plusses and minuses. The way my light functions I either have my trigger finger on the switch of the light (no different than resting the trigger finger on the side until ready to shoot) or its on the trigger ready to shoot. There is no grip break.

In the end this is a serious situation and I cannot not point a gun and at the same time be ready to stop a threat. Can't walk around with the gun at the side or up in the air.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[QUOTE=Squarebutt;139042347there's always the chance of pushing the bang switch instead of the light switch in a stressful situation when you're half awake.[/QUOTE]

That's actually even worse when 2 hands are involved.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

^^^ Precisely ^^^ A gun mounted light means I have to sweep friendlies as well as bad guys. Not gonna roll those dice. A 4 cell Mag Lite in my off hand not only safely illuminates, it can act as a secondary weapon in a pinch.

*
Ding ding ding. We have a winner. Two purposes, two lights. Period. I'll admit I do not have a weapon light on any handguns because I have not trained with one. If for some odd reason I went back in a uniform, there would be no question: WML is not an option; it's critical. But, I would spend the necessary time and money to train correctly with it; without good training, a WML is clownshoes. At least one other handheld light is also not optional. And CHEAP is not acceptable - period.

Both of my likely long guns have WML - my AR has a 1000 lumen P3X single output w/click switch; my M590 has a Surefire fore end light (200/600 lumens).

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NHI, 10-8.

Thankfully I have electric lights in my house, and don't need to root around with a light on my gun in the dark looking for a threat.

There's a lot of old-school thinking going on in this thread. I know, because I'm an old guy, too. If I have a railed gun on my bed-stand, which I often do, I put the weapon light on it. Why not? After all, I do own four of those lights. I always have a gun next to me at night, but I don't always set a railed one out.

I also have a nice, bright, flashlight next to that gun. Sometimes I'll even have a shotgun with weaponlight attached next to me, too.

OK, now I've got all these guns and lights with me. Do I have to turn those flashlights on just because I have them? (The answer is no.)

If I don't turn the lights on, but do decide to shoot, what am I shooting at: a sound, a dark shadow, movement of some sort? Am I going to hit what I want if shooting; maybe, perhaps not, if I can't see well enough due to darkness.

If my light is on my gun someone will shoot me first? Maybe, maybe not. If we're dealing with some type of super-sniper, perhaps that person shooting at me will hit the light or me, especially if I'm also lighting myself up with that light. Holding the light away from me is old school and even if a person does shoot at the light, I'll still be likely to get shot as the other guy probably isn't that accurate of a shooter anyway and will hit me regardless of the way I'm holding that light.

A weapon mounted light allows a person to use one's familiar, practiced, accurate 2-hand hold. If you shoot just as well with one hand (I know I don't) then hold that handheld flashlight anywhere you want with that other hand.

We're just talking handguns here, I think, but it gets even harder if holding a flashlight and working a pump shotgun. I don't like it. I prefer mounted weaponlights on shotguns, which leads me back to also having one on a handgun (along with a handheld light).

What's this about pointing guns at loved ones? What are we doing pointing our guns at anybody in that scenario? Are we afraid for our lives or great bodily injury only to find it's our child coming home unannounced? Why did we use a weapon mounted light instead of just a flashlight? Too many lights? Why didn't we just take the weaponlight off and go old-school with a gun and separate flashlight.

OK. We've just pointed our gun at someone we've now identified and wouldn't want to shoot. Well it's a good thing we were able to see them well enough to know that because we at least had some type of light isn't it? We don't keep pointing the gun at that person, dog, or animal at that point do we? No, of course not. Go to depressed muzzle, holster it, or otherwise stop pointing that loaded gun at something you no longer want to destroy. By the way, this happens in police work all the time. Things change fast and what was a possibility of lethal force can quickly change to no longer being lethal or any force needed.

If you're not comfortable with a weaponlight, then by all means, don't get one. If you are, then practice &/or go over the various scenarios even if you monthly take your unloaded gun and walk around your house dry-firing at shadows (but shadows made from your light/weaponlight.)

There are various home defense methods. I understand that. One method is to preselect a place with cover & concealment and wait it out, ready to kill anything which invades or discovers that place. Oops, that doesn't always work in all locales. Even if you're afraid, that may not be good enough if who you shoot, let's say it's a bonafide burglar, is unarmed.

There are a lot of what-ifs to be imagined here. I say get a light or two to have. The old saying was to have it but not need it, rather than needing it but not having it, or something like that.

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66/642/640/627/586/60/638/686

Bought a Viridian C5 for my SD night stand pistol and then after getting it and weighing the pro and cons I only use the laser on it for trigger control practice .. and not for SD ..

I have a Nitecore MH12 a 1000 lumen Flashlite set on strobe .. I didn't like the idea I would have to sweep my pistol on something to aluminate someone/thing if it was pistol mounted .. with the Nitcore Flashlite I can hold it in my off hand with out pointing the weapon at an object if I would like .. also can hold it out to my side away from my body mass .. the 1000 lumen strobe will blind someone giving them the old flash bulb dots in their vision ..

I LOVE weapon mounted lights! My duty handgun, shotgun & rifle have lights on them & so do my home defense guns.

When I came on the job the only handgun weapon lights were the huge Surefires you bolted to the frame of your gun. Once we were authorized to carry gun lights I switched & will never go back. I work days now & I still use my gun light all the time. You would be surprised how dark a house can get, even during the day.

I have a lot of trigger time shooting with & without a weapon mounted light & I will take a weapon mounted light every time.

This is an interesting concept, but negates the need for the WML. I mean, if you're gonna have both hands full with a gun and a light, why do you need the one on the gun at all?

It took a while to get here, but finally Moe Mentum comes in with some common sense. Why not just use the lighting Edison worked so hard to invent?

Also, in this modern era, there are remote light switches. Here's one for $22 on Amazon:
Here's one for your smart phone: http://www.smarthome.com/android_apps.html

That's with only a 10 second search. I'm sure if you looked harder there's tons more out there that can be tailored to your situation.

On this thread I keep reading, "Get a light and practice with it." That's good advice, but falling on deaf ears. The truth is, very few even practice with their gun. Adding a light to the scenario is just not going to happen. I would love it if people would practice with their gun and light, but they don't. This is why the remote light switch makes so much sense. Why add another device to the already charged self-defense situation? Just use what's already in your home.

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Freedom isn't free.

If you're going to mount a light on a carry pistol, you also need a holster that accepts the pistol with the light on it. No, I'm not being dense. There's a lot of folks who carry a light and a pistol and think they're going to have time to mount the light. Maybe so, maybe no. HOWEVER, you need to be able to stow the pistol with one hand-for several possible reasons. That means you have to have a proper holster. Too bulky for me.

Mounted lights on a home defense piece make a lot of sense. Many of the objections (give your position away, mark you as a target etc) simply exist in the home regardless of whether or not the light is attached to the firearm or in your hand. Yes, you can illuminate areas/people without muzzling them. Yes, a handheld light in addition can be a good idea.

Finally, Rastoff makes a good point about using modern conveniences. But, the power does go out once in awhile, so don't be dependent.

I suspect my opinion has been pretty well covered by now, but I am for choices and options in a home defense situation so I have a light mounted on my Sig P227. I also have a hand-held flashlight close at hand that I can use if I feel it is more appropriate. I don't feel the light mounted on the Sig detracts from my ability to point and shoot it, and it is nice, as mentioned earlier, to have the option of freeing up my other hand if needed. I also have lights mounted on my AR and my shotgun so no matter which weapon I chose I'd be able to see.

BTW I do NOT have a light mounted on my carry guns, but I regularly carry a flashlight separately.

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Brad

Gen3 19
Factory MH3 night sights
Surefire XC1

I tried it and didn't like it. To me the cons outweigh the benefits. I just don't see a need for it.

First of all, I'm not going looking for trouble. You come through my bedroom door and I'm going to see you. Personally, I don't want to give away my position.

I guess if I was LE or special forces, maybe... otherwise I say no need.

Thinking I'm going to get a TLR-1 for my SD9VE,personally if I'm clearing the house I don't care if I point the pistol at someone since they shouldn't be there anyway so if you have a weapon stuck in your face get used to it if you go in uninvited.

I was on the line for a good while about this but I sat and thought about it when I got this new S&W and realized that if you use your head and cover the light is just another advantage for you so I'm getting one.

I'll still have a pocket light for those non gun uses and I figger the biggest thing yet unanswered is carrying it,but I'll do that too..just gotta get a new holster for it...bloody expenses.

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Life's a grave,dig it!

I have a few strategically located LED automatic night lights placed around the house. They provide enough lighting to see any intruder and also work well to find my way around the house at night without turning on the main lights.

I have night sights on my Glock 19 that does bed side duty that will provide sighted shots if needed. With a shotgun I've considered putting a tritium bead on my Mossberg but really don't think I need it.

Of course you can. That said, I'm not much concerned about muzzling someone as I am identifying friend or foe inside the dwelling.

For example - If I'm awoken at night by what I believe to be an intruder at home or elsewhere (maybe just a mistake by the cabin, hotel or vacation condo rental office), I can immediately reach over with one hand and grab the gun on the nightstand and in the same motion switch on the weapon light before th gun is barely lifted from the table. The moment that light is on, no matter where the muzzle is pointed, anywhere I'm looking there's now enough light.

A. Fooling around with a remote light switch and/or trying to get control of both a handheld light and gun.
B. In one motion got gun in hand, light on and identify the potential threat.

I'll take B in many cases. In different situations I might also want a handheld light.

Now I've got some very nice handheld lights, but the idea that they necessarily replace a weapon light isn't something I subscribe to.

I am not sure what is meant by "sweeping friendlies,"but a light, regardless of how it is mounted, is necessary for identifying whether a bump in the night is a threat and prevent tragic shots in the dark. Concerns about switch manipulation are alieviated with good training. I believe the benefits outweigh any of the potential concerns. A handheld light should accompany and back up a WML. A compatible holster is a necessary requirement when carrying a pistol and using a WML. There is a legitimate concern, that under stress, bad things could happen when trying to attach/detach a device from the muzzle area of a loaded weapon. Undesirable sympathetic reflexes can result from trying to multi task and having ones' finger on the trigger.

I don't currently EDC a WML unless I'm in tac gear, mainly because I haven't found a holster that really conceals the combo as effectively as I'd like. I have a Surefire X300, a couple of TRL1s, and a TRL3, but the Surefire XC1 is a unit I am going to take a harder look at. The TRL6 also has some possibilities for concealed carry.

The only reason this is my EDC is because of the holster. It is curved to match the contour of my hip and it easily snaps on and off my belt. I've never seen this style of belt clip on any other holster but I guess other makers probably use them.

I honestly find it as easy to carry with the light as without it. The pressure switch eliminates manipulating the light switch or changing my normal two hand grip. The green laser replaces the need to mess with the sights which my old eyes really appreciate.

Just sharing what works for me and am not trying to convince anyone what works for them.

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Mounted a light n my SD9VE and it is use for house defense not carry (thats what my Shield is for), I also have a flashlight on the night stand but find grabbing one thing easier than 2. I also just mounted my pistol to my night stand with a small magnet. Easy access

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Your observations are interesting because they are the opposite of mine.

My weapon light is also 200 lumen. No matter where it's pointed it lights up the area of the home I'm in well enough to see. So no, I don't have to aim it at the kids to see them. Wherever the muzzle is pointed will emit and reflect enough light in the area so that I can see wherever I wish to look independent of the muzzle direction. The flooring and walls are very light colored in my home so that can make a difference too.

As far as keeping things simple... that's how I view a weapon light. Having to first grab and gain control and then hold two separate items doesn't make things simpler for me inside the home.

So that bump in the night comes.... I manage to find both the flashlight and gun without knocking the flashlight off the nightstand and juggle them while I roll out of bed and stand up. Now I have gun in strong hand and flashlight in weak hand. Which hand is holding the cell phone and calling 911, turning a door knob or locking/unlocking a door, holding the handrail on the stairs, and if I want to quick grab one of those kids and move them to safety... on and on...? A lot of these type considerations is also why I don't think a long gun is such a great idea for inside the home requiring two hands to operate.

H&K USP .45 Compact, with safety, home defense only--not a carry gun, Surefire weapon light with red-dot laser. I have it set up so that the light and the laser both come on.

I also have a variety of flashlights in the same place.

I'm just thinking out loud here, but I notice lots of cops with lights on their pistols when they're headed into a dark house. Now, I may have another light stashed somewhere that I can put in my jammie pocket, but for the most part, until everything is under control, I'm using that real expensive one with the laser attached to my rail. As for a holster, if it's coming out of my nightstand safe (which it will), I don't need no stinkin' holster. If me and that fella' that shouldn't be in my house come to some sort of standoff, I guess we'll just stand there till the cops show up. If he attacks me, he'll get shot at. If he runs off, I'll give the cops a good description. Either way, no need to holster.

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

In most municipalities, pointing a firearm at someone constitutes assault, so you're boned by that point anyway. Think of it logically:

"Yes, officer, I saw some movement over in the bushes and didn't know what it was, so I pointed a gun at it and clicked on my flashlight."

"No, I didn't point it directly at the kid. I pointed it in the vicinity of the kid, I used the flashlight's corona to illuminate him."

And even if you somehow manage to talk your way out of jail and disarmament, now you're forever known as that crazy guy that walks around waving his gun at people.

If you illuminate the neighbor kid standing by your couch with a light on your rail, I imagine you'll be okay . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

An interesting side note about flashlights, mounted or not, is brightness.

Most guys talk about having the brightest light imaginable. There are whole companies that have made their mark by advertising their light as brighter than everyone else. However, brighter is not always better.

Imagine you've just woken up to a noise in the house. You grab your gun and light. You go looking for the noise maker. Sure, as you hit the momentary switch on your new 1,000,000 lumen light, you blind any potential opponent. You also blind yourself. At the very least you've completely ruined any night vision you had.

So, for home use, I'd say 120 lumens or less, is more than enough.

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Freedom isn't free.

If you're using any light, your pupils contract. No matter how bright, when you turn it off, your pupils have to adjust. If you're headed down the hallway, don't point it at your eyes. You'll be ahead of the recipient . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Lumens alone doesn't tell the story.

My Surefire G3 is actually rated at 105 lumens. It has a small bright hot spot with very little spill. That hot spot is quite bright reflecting off walls back at your eyes.

My Surefire XC1 is rated at 200 lumens. It is a much different light. The hot spot really isn't much of a hot spot, and the entire beam is very wide and soft reflecting off walls. Surefire advertises the XC1 -- "It features a high-performance LED whose light output is shaped by a special multifaceted reflector into a wide, smooth 200-lumen MaxVision Beam™ perfect for maintaining situational awareness and identifying threats at close range. The XC1’s evenly distributed beam pattern—with no bright center—was optimized for human vision."

About 10 feet.

105 lumens --



200 lumens --



[

For a dedicated home defense gun, it's a good idea. I don't use one; I don't even own one. But the basic logic is solid: you don't have to turn it on. Put one on and never use it. Unless you need to for some reason.