After posting my last blog on My Home Gun, I was asked by a reader whether I preferred to have the light attached to my gun or held in my support hand. My answer to this question is yes.

I want good high-output flashlights everywhere. I want lights on my firearms and in my hands. As I explained last time, I recently put a BLACKHAWK! Night-Ops XIPHOS NT light on my home-defense handgun. Well, I also have flashlights located in places where I might need a light. In my truck, I have a SureFire L1 along with a Maglight. In my survival kit, I have a Bushnell HD Torch, and in my pocket I carry a SureFire E1B Backup. I also have multiple inexpensive flashlights hidden around the house just in case the lights go out and I don’t have my light on me.

I try to always carry a flashlight and it has come in very useful many times. Just a few weeks ago, I used my pocket flashlight to illuminate the way for a lady having a difficult time traversing a dark stairwell while getting on a ride at Universal Studios in Orlando. I have also helped numerous people find items dropped under seats on planes or in movie theaters over the years.

As for the question of whether I prefer a light on the gun or in the hand, I believe both have its uses. My home gun has a light attached, which is how I prefer if I’m clearing my home. I want my support hand free to open doors, block blows from attackers or snatch my kid and run without losing access to light. However, I also train using hand-held flashlights for use outside the home and in case my gun light goes out for whatever reason.

I consider a flashlight to be almost as important as my gun, and I’m never very far from one.