Is my perception of an EDC self-defense pistol distorted?

[bushmaster1313]

Hard to see how this light and laser impedes deployment

The flashlight illuminates a dark room while blinding the threat - and the laser allows fast target acquisition

 

[Rustyt1953]

Not long after I joined this august body I learned from the sages here that the minimum requirements for self defense were a hand gun and a tape measure.

 

[tmd17]

My all day every day. No bells, no whistles, but a whole lot of on the range with it. A lot !

 

[CH4]

My P7 has been relegated to making labels

 

[Heinz]

I have no problem with someone who wants and likes a flash light on their pistol. The OP asked for opinions, mine is I do not see the need for me and where I live. YMMV

I have a number of carry pistols to suit my mood, from large to small. All iron sights from 22 to 45. My own milage varies. Use what you are comfortable with. No one can fault you for that.

 

[chief38]

Everyone's got an opinion - here's mine.....

I do not have any lights, lasers or optics mounted on any of my hand guns. They add bulk, require special holsters, are subject to dead batteries, broken wires, other malfunctions and at self defense distances are just not necessary IMO. As civilians, long distance shots are a no no.

They also give up your position in the dark and I'd put money on the bad guy aiming his gun at the light or laser source - which many times is right between YOUR chest and or eyes! If I need a flashlight, I will use the separate one I carry in my pocket and held away from my body. I personally am against mounting accessories on a hand gun. I am not a LEO and will most likely never have to take a shot at more than a few feet. Heck, I hope I ever have to take one at all, but would not want to rely on a battery and electrically operated devise that adds weight and bulk as well.

IMHO the selling of lasers and flashlights that are to be mounted on self defense handguns is more for profit than practical use. Just my opinion - obviously, there are many who disagree with me.

In my home I use 4 very dim LED night lights throughout the house. Since we live here, we are familiar with the layout - a bad guy isn't. The night lights provide just enough light for me to see well enough for self defense but not good enough for a stranger to get the lo-down on the situation. IMHO that's much better than a gun mounted light or laser.

 

[biku324]

chief38: They also give up your position in the dark and I'd put money on the bad guy aiming his gun at the light or laser source - which many times is right between YOUR chest and or eyes!

In a small number of shootings in our agency over many years, utterly untrained persons at high risk for deviant/unacceptable behavior instinctively put rounds directly into spotlights, headlights, and emergency lights from a few feet to a few yards distant. I could guess why, but don't know more than that it happened enough to become a training issue for us (DO NOT stand behind an active light).

 

[dave1918a2]

Doesn't matter what You carry, have on Your bedside, or what options You have on Your SD gun. If You don't practice with it religiously You might as well drop a dime and call Barney Fife.

 

[BKLooney]

The only handgun I currently have with a light attached is a Glock 19 I keep on the nightstand. I have zero reason to carry a weapon with a light attached.

 

[ladder13]

Do whatever floats your boat...

Randy

THE correct answer.

 

[rosewood]

Do whatever floats your boat...

Randy

Sometimes you are just trying to understand someone else's logic. They may have a valid point you haven't thought of.

Rosewood

 

[Bald1]

Just turned on TV. This was the subject matter of show. As I and others stated in this thread. The "experts" tell us we need this. Now what makes them experts? I don't exactly know.

 

[biku324]

There are lots of folks with opinions, but very, very few with actual applied deadly force experience. Doesn't stop them (or courts) from declaring themselves/them experts.

I know quite a number of police defensive tactics instructors and firearms instructors who have years of experience in classrooms and on ranges, and not one minute applied on the street. Many sell their services as expert witnesses. Everbody needs a job.

 

[44wheelman]

Working late in remote areas, large rural properties with sheds, barns, garages, working in large industrial areas…not wanting to carry around a loose flashlight.

Guarding the bedroom, no. But I can see someone having a desire to consolidate accessories in certain situations. I would guess there are some arguable defenses and the rest are mall ninja tactics.