Tactical lights on pistols

Question
Dear Mr. Little:

I don''t know much about using lights mounted on pistols and don't intend to put myself in a situation where I would need one.  (Maybe on a shotgun for home defense.)  So, my question is mostly hypothetical.

Given this scenario:  I have a pistol-mounted light.  There is an intruder in my house.  I confront the intruder in my two-handed grip with the light on.  Wouldn't the intruder just shoot at the light with the expectation that I am right behind it?  I suppose the same question could be asked for a shotgun-mounted light.

Many thanks again for your service.

Answer
Gordon,

Here is the problem with using weapon mounted lights.  First, if you turn it on and leave it on, it becomes a bullet magnet.  If I were a bad guy and armed, I would simply shoot at the light source until it falls down.  It would be the same with any weapon mounted light, whether it was a pistol, rifle or shotgun.  The reason that you see them on some military rifles is because military tactical use of a weapon light is different than that of a lone civilian in his home.

Lights can be useful if used properly.  I would maintain a handheld light, briefly illuminate the room where the bad guys are from a position of cover (just a quick flash), not there location and engage them before they can move, if it is clear that they are armed and potentially dangerous.

Shooting an unarmed burglar can have serious consequences depending on where you live.  In a state like Arizona that has a strong "Castle Doctrine", anyone unlawfully inside my home is considered to be a lethal threat.  In California, which has no "Castle Doctrine", you would most likely be charged with a crime as they might not feel that using lethal force was justified.

In my view, night vision gear is the way to go.  You can now get some pretty inexpensive (a few hundred dollars) night vision monoculars that allow you to see quite clearly in the dark.  That would be my personal choice vs using a flashlight.

Hope this helps you out...

Doug Little