Pistol Lights: Because PID is PFI

Drone footage of Glock 19 with Surefire XH30 TIR via GlockTalk
January 31, 2025  
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Some LEO agencies inexplicably still limit authorization of pistol lights to specialty units (too aggressive looking!) Some gun owners and CCW types continue to argue against the advantage of a pistol light for concealed carry for reasons…well, reasons — other than concealment difficulties inherent in the WML’s added geometry — that continue to escape me.

WML Options: Pistol Lights

Of all the incredible tech, design, and material advancements we’ve seen over the last few years, I would argue the WML remains the single most important “upgrade” you should make to a handgun. In fact, I would argue that it takes precedence over a good pistol optic, though the advantages are multitudinous there as well.

nslingers from Sheriff Bart to Tyler Rake have been using a pistol light in the performance of their duties for centuries. Villains from Blue Duck to Malik al Rahim.
Gunslingers from Sheriff Bart to Tyler Rake have been using handgun lights in the performance of their duties for centuries, hunting and killing villains from the likes of Blue Duck to Malik al Rahim.

If there is any way you can carry a light on any handgun you might be forced at any time to take or defend a life; you should have a light on it.

Positive ID if Pretty Fucking Important, and should always happen before that red dot actually starts doing its job.

Thus, we begin our roundup of handgun WML (and pistol light holsters) from past articles.

Note: cover gif via Glock Talk, which is one of several excellent places to discuss guns, WMLs, and all manner of related topics.

Handgun Weapon Light Articles

Pistol Holster With Light

Perhaps the earliest ever pistol light created. Dating back to the 1700s. It was created by Frenchman Edme Régnier, who described it as ideal for "...for those in the case of the travel by car at night.
A pistol light dating back to the 1700s. It was created by Frenchman Edme Régnier, who described it as ideal for “…for those in the case of the travel by car at night.” See more at High Caliber History.

This is the first patent for a weapon mounted light I’ve been able to locate. It’s dated 1912 to George A. Seely, described as a “night sight for firearms.” Granted, it’s not a pistol light, but the history is interesting regardless. It appears the device featured a small light bulb mounted beneath the barrel of the weapon, cradled in a shock-absorbing mechanism. The grip appears to house a batter and a pressure switch to activate the light. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to find any record of the device ever actually being built or used.

Application filed October 3, 1911: Serial no. 653,346: Patented June 18, 1912

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, George A. Seely, citizen of the United States, residing in the city and county of San Francisco and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Night -Sights for Firearms, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to firearms, and particularly to illuminating sight therefor.

The object of the present invention is to provide an effective, reliable, convenient and simple night sight for various types of fire
arms; and to provide a device readily attachable to and adjustable on the firearms, and which is so constructed as to be protected against injury by the vibration of the piece when discharged.

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David Reeder

David Reeder

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