jbirds1210 wrote:Excaliber wrote:My LED night lights contain a rechargeable battery, and they automatically switch to battery power when the utility power goes down. They can also be removed from the outlet and function as flashlights. This makes them pretty reliable (though I keep multiple flashlights at the ready as well.)
I have the same setup...available now at Lowes and Sam's for a very reasonable price. They have a four pack of these for twenty bucks at Sams.
GMTA.
Been using those for about two years; came in handy during Hurricane Ike, too. You don't even have to use the nightlight function if you don't want to. Not very bright, but in strategic locations they're pretty useful.
On the handgun-and-light front, the technological improvements in lights now mean we have very small, very lightweight, rail-mount LEDs that are suitably bright enough to be of "tactical" use, and they can be attached and removed from the rail in about one second. Perhaps more importantly, they can be used in the offhand when not attached to the gun, so they can be dropped into a pocket and ready to go when needed. I don't think this was the case even five years ago, but I could have my timeframe wrong.
My primary carry doesn't have a rail, so I've not yet gone this route. But it makes good sense to me.
I'm an old throwback: I prefer a strong (both structurally and in lumens), small, cylindrical light in my offhand. I'm best with the Harries technique; I like being able to move the light to other positions instantly, when called for; and I can use the light as an impact weapon if I have to. But there are trade-offs with everything. The biggest downside to using a light in the offhand comes in reloading and clearing malfunctions. And you absolutely need to do some regular practice with presenting the gun and light because mechanics of your drawstroke are altered.
As others have mentioned, getting some instruction and training using a variety of methods not only helps you choose what works well for you, but lets you understand what the andvantages and limitations are of your chosen toolset.
But above all, I think the best advice I can give is:
Don't scrimp. Consider the light you carry to be an integral part of your personal security system. Resist the temptation to buy a $29.95 knock-off...because Murphy, bless his soul, remains alive and well.
