Active Self Protection

John - I noticed in videos that you typically do not have a mounted flashlight on your pistol. Is there a reason for that?

Do others have opinions on whether to use a mounted flashlight on your EDC? Maybe just for your bedside firearm?

Thanks

You’re correct, I don’t have a PML on my carry gun. I think white light for a home defense gun is mandatory, but for private citizens not needed on a carry gun. It’s not wrong to have one, but I find that for me it makes carrying AIWB harder and less comfortable so I don’t have it. I’ve never seen a private citizen need one outside the home or die for lack of having one. There;s a mission difference between private citizens and LEO that makes it less useful.

I did a video on it on ASPX awhile back, I can probably dig it up if you’d like.

But like I said, not wrong if you want to have one.

If John will allow, here is what I have picked up from John and Neil from numerous videos over several years, as well as a Mas Ayoob video. A pistol mounted light on a civilian (non-LEO duty) EDC can lead to the temptation to use that light for area inspection; such use can quickly result in muzzllng things and people you have absolutely no business shooting. That also could mean a third party observing you as a threat and either reporting you or confronting you. This is why ASP routinely recommends EDC pocket gear to include not only OC spray, but also a flashlight.
Also, from multiple ASP badgecam videos with John & Mike, If you do have a PML on a home defense gun or duty pistol, in most cases use the spill light, not center of beam, to search for threats. Don't aim center of beam at anything that is not a target.

Supplemental info: when Tom Givens teaches flashlight methods at Rangemaster classes, he mandates the flashlight have a thumb button switch on the tail end. A side switch-only light is not effective if you do need to illuminate your target while shooting, because yiou may need to use quick momentary flashes, not continuous beam, to avoid becoming a target for the miscreant