6 June 03

At an LEO course in MI earlier this week, we scheduled an extensive low-ligh t shooting session with handguns. One department's representatives had their G22s all equipped with M3 quick detachable flashlights.

One student observed:

"The light is always in alignment with the barrel, and reloads can be done without tucking the flashlight under one's arm. Shooters can keep both hand s on their pistol when shooting (unlike the case when using the Harris' technique ) and, even with one hand injured or occupied, the shooter can still use gun and light together.

However, the light is always in direct alignment with the barrel, so one can't light up something without pointing the gun at it. Also, because the light is right below the barrel, if one takes more than four shots from any one place, he will discover himself in a 'white out,' where the light is hitting smoke and unburned powder hanging in the air, effectively masking the target. No problem if there is room to move, but an issue in tight quarters.

The user must learn how to attach and remove the flashlight while keeping hi s hand below the line of the barrel, and must also learn how to avoid the constant on' switch, located on the right side of the unit.

Finally, one can't reholster with the light attached.

This piece of equipment has its place, as long as the user is aware of all o f the forgoing. I will have the M3 attached to my bedside Glock, but will not carry it (I'll stick with my Surefire 6P)."

Comment: I've already editorialized on the subject of multipurpose emergency equipment. Personally, I prefer a gun that is just a gun.

/John