No everyday carry (EDC) setup is complete without a proper light. Whether you carry a firearm or not, having some sort of light on you at all times to identify and assess any potential threats is crucial. 

From inside your home to outside in a parking lot and many places in between, having a light can be literally a determining factor of life and death. It’s not a coincidence that so much crime happens when it’s dark, and people get nervous when “something goes bump in the night.” 

I’m willing to bet that most of your training is conducted in daylight or indoors with plenty of light, so the idea of carrying a weapon-mounted light (WML) or handheld light may not have been something on your mind.

hellcat mounted with inforce light

It’s better to have both lights and not need them than the opposite.

But I’m here to tell you that it’s important…very important. Each type of light has its pros and cons, and no single light is going to be right for everyone, so we’re hoping to shed some light (pun intended) on the differences so you can decide the best option for your own EDC. 

Handheld Lights

Handheld lights should play an important role in every person’s EDC. Having a quality flashlight on you at all times can provide so much more use than just looking for change under your car seat. 

A light, especially a bright one, used in the correct manner can help identify and assess threats, intimidate them, and even potentially disorient them. Ideally, a handheld light would prevent you from ever having to draw your firearm in the first place. 

In a scenario where you’re still trying to identify your target or assess the threat, being able to illuminate in any area without having to point your gun in the same direction, is a huge benefit. Not only will your gun not be directly pointing at what potentially could be an innocent bystander, but you can position the light away from your body so as not to give away your exact location.

Streamlight

The Microstream USB from Streamlight is smaller than a pen and compact enough to go anywhere with you. Source: streamlight

Handheld lights aren’t without their problems, though, especially in situations where they need to be deployed along with your gun. Having to hold a light in one hand and a gun in the other will limit what you can do. In a defensive situation, you’re going to want a free hand without having to put down your weapon or your light. 

Weapon-mounted Lights

Weapon-mounted lights come in all shapes, sizes, and brightnesses, allowing you to easily construct the ultimate EDC or home defense gun. These days, you can harness 1,000+ lumens in a compact light at the tip of your fingertips, literally. 

Similar to handheld lights, WMLs can help you see your target, disorient an attacker, or simply clear a room when you hear an unexpected knock in the night. They also allow you to keep one hand free to accomplish tasks such as opening doors, reloading, or carrying someone to safety, which is a massive pro over the handheld light.

Streamlight TLR-1 HL

The Streamlight TLR-1 HL is one of my all-time favorite WMLs.

However, you must be pointing your gun in the direction that you need to see. Assuming that your gun is loaded at that point, it poses a unique risk that you don’t have with a handheld light. Of course, your finger shouldn’t be on the trigger unless you are ready to shoot, but accidents can happen, especially if you’re startled awake in the night and have adrenaline coursing through your body.

Other small factors to consider are price and holster availability. A quality weapon-mounted light will often cost you north of $100, and depending on which you choose, some holster companies may not support your specific gun and light configuration.

My Top Choices

WML:

  • Streamlight TLR-1 HL
  • Surefire X300 Ultra
  • Streamlight TLR-7A

Handheld:

  • Streamlight 1L-1AA
  • Inforce TFx
  • Streamlight MicroStream USB

You’ll need to understand what you’re looking for in a light and determine a budget. Be prepared to spend a decent amount on a quality light, especially if you want one that provides a strong light output and has additional features or modes, such as a laser or strobe.

M&P M2.0

Mounted on my M&P M2.0 and tucked inside the holster is a Streamlight TLR-7A

Regardless of which light you decide to go with, make sure that you are familiar with its strengths and weaknesses in case you ever need to use it in an emergency. On top of being familiar with it, you should train with it. Understanding the best way to use your light(s) and manipulate them in a high-stress situation is extremely important.

Final Thoughts

If I had to choose between the two, I would have to go with a handheld light. A handheld light allows your gun to remain holstered if there isn’t an immediate threat, which is especially appreciated when in a busy public location.

Do you really want to use your weapon-mounted light to read the dimly lit sign outside of your local Target? I mean, the whole point of concealed carry is to keep your firearm concealed.

With all of that said, I’m a firm believer in having both types of lights at all times. A small pocket-sized light like the Streamlight Microstream USB almost disappears in your pocket, while a compact WML like the Streamlight TLR-7A can go almost unnoticed with the right holster. 

Do yourself a favor and try carrying both types simultaneously. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.

Ryan Domke
Ryan Domke
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