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george wrote:We usually have a night IDPA-style shoot on New Year's eve at our range. It is the only time we can shoot after dark because of the noise. The people who had weapon mounted lights did well. The others did very poorly. It was an enLIGHTening experience.

My club also does this, but we are also able to hold as many as 2-3 each winter due to early sunset. It is very educational. We are usually only allowed to use one light source and try to vary it from stage to stage. I'm thinking that for our next match I might ask about using two. We usually have one stage that is considered open and any method may be used. I may ask about using the mounted light and a hand held flashlight at the same time.

For me, I have found that I am less efficient when crossing my hands when using a handheld flashlight when compared to holding the light above my head or out to the side. I did do better with just the mounted light, but I think that may have more to do with being able to have a two handed grip.

To each his or her own. What works for you and what you're comfortable with is what you should do. Practice it and be proficient at it whichever you choose.

I like a weapon mounted light. I have one on my handgun and one on my rifle. The handgun light is not a strobe (about 180 lumens), but the rifle light is (about 1400 lumens). The amount of light either of these give off is plenty sufficient to light up a room or corridor without having to point it at another person until ready to pull the trigger. Trigger control is another must and basic rule. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to pull it. If the light shuts them down or makes them run off then fine. It will be a highly stressful split second decision light or no light, mounted or not.