I keep a headlamp in "the bag".

I would not use one in a "situation" though. I used to work with a K9 handler that insisted on wearing one during tracks. I loudly referred to it as his "shoot me first" light.

My preference is a handheld. 100% control. I can even pelt you in the face with it if need be.

However, I have to have a weapon mounted light at work, and we turn them on and leave them on when we are making an entry or otherwise may need them.

No fiddling with the on/off switch while in the middle of everything. On, complete task, off.

Headlamps are really good for searching for evidence once a house is cleared, though.

Here’s another thought, for the time it takes to strap on a head lamp, you could have thrown on body armor with a spare light, magazine, holster, flex cuffs and knife attached. For the same time penalty, I’ll take armor and extra goodies while leveraging the WML or hand held for light duty.

If I’m going to put something on my head, it’s gonna be gen 3 night vision...

There might be a reason why thers's been so much development in WML's over the last 30 or so years, and none in headlights. Just sayin......

I light my path with muzzle flash.

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
I light my path with muzzle flash.

Then this would be right up your alley.

A head-mounted light in a home defence scenario strikes me as a singularly bad idea for two reasons: 1. Makes you a nice target, 2. Destroys your night vision.

If I didn't have a WML, I'd use a tactical type flashlight.

As for turning on the overhead lights: Also not necessarily optimal. You know your house layout. Home invaders won't. Why aid them?

On another note, whenever I take our dog outside at night, I always carry a 3 D-cell LED Maglight with me. Might as well have a light that is useful for more than just illumination.

quote:

Originally posted by Dtech:
On another note, whenever I take our dog outside at night, I always carry a 3 D-cell LED Maglight with me.

I wear a headlamp set to 'strobe'.
And there are auxiliary lights

Going off the NVG suggestion, If you are in your home, having knowledge of the layout....why use a light at all? Stay dark, stay quiet, move methodically.

I get it if you are on the offense to get to your family but otherwise wouldn't barracading be more effective?

quote:

Originally posted by air:
Going off the NVG suggestion, If you are in your home, having knowledge of the layout....why use a light at all? Stay dark, stay quiet, move methodically.

I get it if you are on the offense to get to your family but otherwise wouldn't barracading be more effective?

You need a light to positively ID your target before you shoot at it. If you shoot the drunk neighbor, and didn't have a light to ID him and confirm that he was a threat, you'll probably get sued to Oblivion.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:

quote:

Originally posted by air:
Going off the NVG suggestion, If you are in your home, having knowledge of the layout....why use a light at all? Stay dark, stay quiet, move methodically.

I get it if you are on the offense to get to your family but otherwise wouldn't barracading be more effective?

You need a light to positively ID your target before you shoot at it. If you shoot the drunk neighbor, and didn't have a light to ID him and confirm that he was a threat, you'll probably get sued to Oblivion.

That may not actually be accurate.

I believe in many states, if you believe someone is breaking into your house, especially at night, and you shoot/kill them you are immune from any civil liability.

Identifying your target is clearly a good idea. But I figured I'd split that hair.

Fair enough, I'm not familiar with the rules in every state. But lawsuits are expensive, and I'm betting shooting someone without IDing them is enough to get someone to file a lawsuit. They may not win, but it's still probably going to suck.