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In mid-2005 I decided to purchase a weapon-mounted lighting system. After a considerable amount of research and manufacturer comparisons I ultimately went with the 'Streamlight M3 Tactical Illuminator" paired with the "Safariland SLS 6280 Level II" duty holster that I modified using Safariland factory add-ons to make it a Level III retention duty holster.
Several of my PD counterparts used weapon-mounted lights, but didn't utilize a duty holster that would accommodate their weapon with the light attached. When I asked them what they would do when they were forced to rapidly de-escalate their use of force resulting in the need to promptly holster their weapons, they stated they would have to remove the light... THEN holster. That concept seems dangerous to me, but at the time their department policy dictated what duty holsters they were authorized to use. None of the approved holsters were the types that would accommodate their weapons with the light attached. That policy has since been changed last I heard.
Another vital element regarding weapon-mounted lights, is that you should NEVER draw your weapon to use the light solely as an illumination device! You should continue to carry a primary flashlight. I carry a standard "Streamlight Stinger", and recently I have begun to carry a simple penlight in the trauma pouch of my body armor. A lesson I've learned in recent weeks is to ALWAYS carry spare batteries for every light you carry, because Murphy's Law can and will bite you in your arse
Several of my PD counterparts used weapon-mounted lights, but didn't utilize a duty holster that would accommodate their weapon with the light attached. When I asked them what they would do when they were forced to rapidly de-escalate their use of force resulting in the need to promptly holster their weapons, they stated they would have to remove the light... THEN holster. That concept seems dangerous to me, but at the time their department policy dictated what duty holsters they were authorized to use. None of the approved holsters were the types that would accommodate their weapons with the light attached. That policy has since been changed last I heard.
Another vital element regarding weapon-mounted lights, is that you should NEVER draw your weapon to use the light solely as an illumination device! You should continue to carry a primary flashlight. I carry a standard "Streamlight Stinger", and recently I have begun to carry a simple penlight in the trauma pouch of my body armor. A lesson I've learned in recent weeks is to ALWAYS carry spare batteries for every light you carry, because Murphy's Law can and will bite you in your arse
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