WML vs One Handed EDC

by RAMjetta » Thu Mar 31, 2022 11:10 am

Earlier our member "Branch" asked a question about Laser/Light combos that was about to lead us to the following convo. https://ftq80.info/forum/viewtopic.php?p=723#p723 Rather than Jack his thread I decided to start the convo here. Please add your experience and/or opinions. I'm interested to know. Disclaimer: not thread jacking bu I would like to address this. It's not an argument, just a alternative opinion. Hawkeye wrote: ↑Thu Mar 31, 2022 9:28 amI use cheap lights when I use one but. I hardly ever use one. They make a conceal care big and bulky. I did get a cheap light with a lazar for a MCK, I couldn't keep it sited in. There was to much play in the rail mount that you just couldn't site it in. I would have to say this makes the argument for spending big bucks on a light. The pistols I do use a light on are side arms, so weight and bulky size doesn't matter as much. My line of thought is having a light on shows where you are and they make a good target when the bad guy is looking for something to shoot at. I was taught back in the day to use a flash light in one hand and you pistol in the other. You can turn off light or drop it but it doesn't make you a target. The flash lights I do use have rechargeable batteries. I keep extra batteries charged and ready to go. They seem to last longer with more power. Of course if they are not right in front of you it does give a target. If they are in front of you they should be temporarily blinded or disoriented by the light. Personally I subscribe to the school of (and safety rule) "ALWAYS know what you're shooting at and beyond". In a previous live stream by the big bald guy, he made a point of saying that we live half our lives in the dark and the only way to guarantee light during an emergency is to have an EDC or WM light. I practice conceal and cover so I'm less worried about getting shot by someone seeing my light vs knowing I'm shooting who I intend to shoot. The argument of EDC in one hand vs WML is all about training. When I did work in night security a lifetime ago, 1) WML's hadn't been invented and 2) I carried a 1911 clone or 38 special without rails so i had to train with an EDC light (didnt like it much). I shoot much better with a firm 2 handed grip vs one handed with an edc in the other. With the proper grip and practice/training a WML is only on when you want it on. I tend to use light that have a down button to trigger. I can activate and deactivate without breaking my grip so light on or off is a wash. You mentioned you can drop the light if you need to but if you drop your light now youre not 100% who or what you may have to shoot at and if you move then you either have to find your light of be without it later when you may need it (just an observation). Now this is all hypothetical unless you have been in a dark firefight of which I have not been in. So if someone has please comment below and tell us about your experience if you can. Thanks for you comment Hawkeye. Hopefully this thread will yield some valuable insights.

JettaMan OUT!