An opinion on weapon mounted lights

A recent post had a bunch of people saying "You shouldn't use a weapon mounted light!!" I'm honestly really surprised by that. I figured that having a WML was common sense, but I guess that everything is up for debate these days. I figured I would give some reasons if why I think that WML are common sense:Most DGU happen at night. It's dark at night. You need to see things and positively identify a target. If you aren't positively identifying a target before you shoot, then you are risking shooting your cat, the neighbor kid, or your dumb ass nephew. So, having illumination is a good idea.You don't always have time to draw your pistol, and go fumbling around for a hand held flashlight. If I hear a bump in the night, I'd rather just grab my pistol and be ready to go instead of fumbling around on my nightstand to find my flashlight.A WML allows you to have both hands on the weapon instead of shooting one-handed. Even if you do the "tactical" grip and hold the flashlight in your index finger while holding the pistol, you still won't have ad good of a grip as if you just held the pistol with a normal two-handed grip.You don't "need to muzzle" everything just to illuminate it. Most WML are very bright and their spill can easily allow you to see things that are to the left and right of where you are actually aiming. You shouldn't have your finger on the trigger unless you're ready to shoot. So if you identify a no-shoot target, you simply aim down and to the left and you can definitely still see what you need.You should have BOTH a WML and a handheld. This isn't an either/or situation. If you are willing to carry a pistol, then you should be willing to carry a handheld flashlight as well. Companies these days make really awesome flashlights that are small and light so you really won't notice. I carry a streamlight microstream and I never notice it. I use it at least 3 times a week for random tasks.I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. If I'm in a life threatening situation, I want all the cards in my favor. If I have a WML on my pistol, I have the ability to use it, or not use it! This gives me more options which is always a good thing in a life and death situation.So in conclusion: a WML is a good thing. If your pistol is able to have one attached, you should have one. They make very small ones that dont add that much size or weight to your carry pistol. If you are in a situation and you don't need to use it, then you're fine. If you are in a situation where you did need it, then you will be glad you had it. via /r/CCW https://ift.tt/2O8dxbw