Light I added to my home defense pistol

[Stunned]

It was more than just illumination, the weapon light forced me to rethink my holster, my storage position and my training. Everything downstream changed once the light went on. You should plan the whole system when you add a component, nothing exists in isolation on a defensive firearm.

 

[Alan]

Adding a light is easy and realizing it changes everything else is the part most people forget until it’s too late.

 

[Theodore]

A light sounds simple but it forces you to rethink your whole setup.

 

[Shots_fired]

Added a light to my carry gun recently, and suddenly I needed new holsters, a new belt, basically new gear all around. You’re right, even one small change can throw off the whole setup. You’ve got to plan for that.

 

[flash60601]

Lights, lasers - just like tracers, they work both ways.

There is a lot to b e said for and against them I , personally, do not like the idea of having (or having to) a light and a gun pointed at the subject, just to have a light pointed there.

Imagine yourself pointing your gun at your wife or daughter, simply to shine a light on them to ascertain who/what is there

 

[AveragEd]

Adding a light to your pistol involves some thought. A light that is very bright might sound appealing but light deflected back toward you from a brightly-colored background or even a shirt can actually blind YOU partially so I wouldn't suggest more than 100 lumens. Trust me, that's plenty of light.

Next, scan the website for Recover Tactical and you will probably find everything you need. My home defense firearm is an S&W E-series 1911 in the "jacket" they sell which adds a rail for accessory mounting and involves no modifications to your gun. They also sell a holster for the finished pistol and I will post photos of my gun and the gun in its holster. I haven't checked their website lately but I don't recall seeing anything for revolvers but since you indicated you have a pistol, you're probably in good shape.

The holsters come with two different style gun release methods. On mine, you just hold the tab bearing their logo down with your index finger while drawing the gun. There are no straps with which to interfere with your draw and it is fully adjustable for cant. It slips over and clips to your belt. I bought my equipment several years ago for just under $100. The flaps that bear the "HC11" are rubber to allow the light to pass through.

Finally, your ammunition should be selected with overpenetration in mind. You don't want bullets like FMJ types passing through interior walls or hollow-core doors. In my .45ACP, I use "Mann loads" from Double Tap. They have 160-grain solid copper bullets with massive hollowpoint openings and are highly regarded for defensive use.

Good luck in your search.

Ed