Podcast appearances and mentions of claude werner

This episode we FINALLY have Claude Werner -  The Tactical Professor - on the show.  https://thetacticalprofessor.net/ He has been a mentor of ours from a distance since our days of being on the Total Protection Interactive forum starting back in 2007.  Listeners of the podcast will likely have heard us quote Claude, discuss his blog, or discuss and reference his writings multiple times through the last few years.  He is a wealth of knowledge, and this interview was long overdue.  Some of the topics covered: Negative Outcomes -  Social Space Gunfighting Class -  Ohio Police Carbine Qual and more.. https://thetacticalprofessor.net/2020/10/24/teach-your-children-to-shoot/ The Tactical Professor is Claude Werner. His background combines extensive work in the military, self defense training, and white collar financial services communities. This eclectic experience base gives him a view of self defense equipment and techniques that is more attuned to the needs of people with median lifestyles than some segments of the industry. His background includes: §  Retired Army Captain, with 10 years service in Special Operations §  Market Research Director for 3 commercial real estate firms §  National Director of Real Estate Research at a Big Four Accounting Firm §  Match Director, International Defensive Pistol Association Georgia State Championship; 2000, 2001, 2002 §  IDPA Area Coordinator for Georgia and Alabama §  Former Chief Instructor at the elite Rogers Shooting School IDPA Classifications are: Master – Stock Service Revolver (SSR), Stock Service Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Custom Defensive Pistol. Numerous wins in pistol competition. NRA Certified Instructor for Basic Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun; Personal Protection In The Home; Refuse To Be A Victim; and Home Firearms Safety. tacticalprofessor | An elite marksman. A real shooter with aim. (thetacticalprofessor.net) WE ARE PUMPED TO HAVE A NEW AFFILIATE LINK FOR ORIGIN AND JOCKO FUEL!!!  Help support this show by purchasing any of your JiuJitsu gear, Jocko Supplements, books clothing and more... link below. Origin/Jocko Fuel – Bringing back American manufacturing, producing the best Jiu-Jitsu Gis on the market, Jeans, rash guards, and world class supplements to help you on the path.  Use EvoSec10 at checkout for 10% off, this helps us greatly.  EVOSEC Originusa.com AFFILIATE LINK Tenicor – www.tenicor.com they are educators, and innovators in the holster market.  They are firearms instructors themselves, pressure testing their gear in multiple force on force events every year.  We support those who do the work.   Please visit our new sponsor Training Ground at https://thetrainingground.life  Training Ground offers top notch trianing in Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Tang Soo Do and Firearms.  An environment where learning is paramount for both students and instructors.   Again, patronizing our sponsors helps us greatly.     

  Claude Werner, The Tactical Professor, returns to the podcast to discuss his statistical analysis of self-defense cases with an emphasis on encountering home intruders. Don West and Steve Moses join Shawn Vincent to unpack Claude's lessons for armed defenders.

This Gear and Mindset Bonus Episode Eric and Aaron Davis talk about Negligent Discharges and the Negative Outcomes and how to prevent them.  They also hit on some top Mindset cues/simple tactics (maybe Life style habits) that can help keep you and your loved ones safe.   The article we discuss on the show: Serious Mistakes – Unintentional Discharges (Part III) by Claude Werner the Tactical Professor  -  His term Negative outcomes  https://tacticalprofessor.wordpress.com/2021/10/05/serious-mistakes-unintentional-discharges-part-iii/ Check out our awesome sponsors: Please subscribe and share our podcast with friends and family.  Visit our website for bios, future events and info at www.evosec.org  Like, follow and share us on Facebook and Instagram @evosecusa WE ARE PUMPED TO HAVE A NEW AFFILIATE LINK FOR ORIGIN AND JOCKO FUEL!!!  Help support this show by purchasing any of your JiuJitsu gear, Jocko Supplements, books clothing and more... link below. Origin/Jocko Fuel – Bringing back American manufacturing, producing the best Jiu-Jitsu Gis on the market, Jeans, rash guards, and world class supplements to help you on the path.  Use EvoSec10 at checkout for 10% off, this helps us greatly.  EVOSEC Originusa.com AFFILIATE LINK Tenicor – www.tenicor.com they are educators, and innovators in the holster market.  They are firearms instructors themselves, pressure testing their gear in multiple force on force events every year.  We support those who do the work.  Use our NEW code EVO2021 at checkout for 10% off.  Again patronizing our sponsors helps us greatly.  Keepers Concealment Original authority on Appendix Holsters, Appendix Training  Offer high-Performance Handgun Training - specializing in Concealed Carry Performance.  Keepers Concealment also - proud affiliate CCWSAFE, the truly proven legal service membership company - offering dedicated legal defense heaven forbid you're forced to use lethal force.   Use code: KC10OFF and check them out at CCWSAFE.com/Keepers To buy a holster, sign up for a class, inquire about hosting a course or join CCWsafe, you'll find it all at Keepersconcealment.com Evolution Security is Eric Davis, Aaron Davis and Brian Schilt; specializing in self-protection education, defensive pistol and carbine, consulting, and weapons based grappling.  Their mission is to help those serious about protecting themselves and their loved ones, become more capable though filtered information, recommended study, and highlighting their mentors who are the best in the field.   In addition, Eric and Aaron (twins) are musicians keeping with Musashi's adage that martial artist should focus on art outside of the martial (bumper music recorded by the brothers). 

  Claude Werner, “The Tactical Professor,” joins Don West, Steve Moses, and Shawn Vincent for a wide-ranging conversation based on his book “Serious Mistakes Gunowner’s Make.” Claude says, “Good decisions are made in advance,” and he emphasizes the importance of having a self-defense plan in mind before you find yourself in a potentially deadly encounter.

  The Tactical Professor, Claude Werner joins Don West, Steve Moses, and Shawn Vincent to discuss his book, “Serious Mistakes Gunowners Make,” and how defenders can avoid “negative outcomes.”

Riding Shotgun With Charlie #086 Claude Werner Tactical Professor   Claude Werner brings his airsoft MP5 Zombie Eraser Z71 Edition. We had some time to hangout a little before we started filming at the home of Shelley & Brian Hill before the show. What I really like about Claude is that he likes to ‘stir the pot’ a bit..  And I noticed that when I spotted the SCCY handgun in his waistband. He did tell me that he pushes what others believe and the SCCY has been holding up to his 1,000 Days of Dryfire Challenge.    The reason he’s called the Tactical Professor is because he’s analytical and date driven.  After joining the Army he was sent to West Point to teach tactics to cadets, which led to a Special Forces Team Commander. He’s also run a number of different shooting clubs.  He was a student at the elite Rogers Shooting School in Ellijay, GA, before he had taken enough classes and was asked to be the Chief Instructor there. I love that Claude calls the people who take classes with him “clients” rather than “students”.   After teaching at Tactical Conference, one of his colleagues suggested that since he’s good at data gathering and collating, he should gather data on “bad shootings’.  He’s broken it down in 11 categories of negative outcomes from a shooting, everything from negative police interactions to bringing a gun to the Statue of Liberty. We analyze a number of these negative outcomes.    Claude shares what he calls the legal rules and the social rules of gun fighting. This should be of particular interest to everyone. He also talks about if you “can, could, must, and should” use lethal force against another human being.   One of the things that really struck me was when we talked about Claude’s thoughts on what is the ‘worst possible case’.  He emphasizes that it isn’t a 6’5” man with 4 GLOCKS and a couple of machetes.  It’s when you have to take a shot in the dark at a home intruder you haven’t identified and ends up being your child. It’s when you don’t yell out “Who’s there?” to identify who is in your home. So we need to rethink what could be your worst possible case.    We also cover how the NRA courses are beneficial to many of the new gun owners. And a new training program with a simulator and how can help clients learn good trigger squeeze without having to deal with the bang and recoil of live fire. When new clients see the laser dipping down they’ll comprehend quicker what they are doing.   There’s really a wealth of knowledge you’ll gain from watching this show, so you’ll want to watch it a few times. And maybe even take some notes. You can also check out his blog or purchase some PDF books at the links below.    Favorite quotes: “I kept on going to it (Rogers Shooting School) as a student  because I just enjoyed it.” “You have to know what the rules are. Some of those rules are legal rules. Some of them are social rules.” “My opinion of the worst possible case is...you turn around and kill your kid. You’ll never have a decent night’s sleep the rest of your life.” “If that person wasn’t willing to do what was necessary to protect themselves, why should I get involved?” Tactical Professor Blog https://tacticalprofessor.wordpress.com/   Tactical Professor on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ATLFirearms   1,000 Days of Dryfire Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/840798816011987   Tactical Professor on Twitter https://twitter.com/claudewerner   Tactical Professor on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/HeadHunter100   Tactical Professor Patreon https://www.patreon.com/TacticalProfessor Rogers Shooting School https://www.rogersshootingschool.com/ Please support the Riding Shotgun With Charlie sponsors and supporters.    Leadslingers Whiskey https://leadslingerswhiskey.com/ inifo@leadslingerswhiskey.com   Keyhole Holsters  Veteran Owned, American Made http://www.keyholeholsters.com/   Dennis McCurdy Author, Speaker, Firewalker http://www.find-away.com/   Or listen on:iTunes/Apple podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/riding-shotgun-with-charlie/id1275691565   Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4EEPud0XzYz4wo0MYmA9uB   iHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-riding-shotgun-with-charli-30654270/   Self Defense Radio Network http://sdrn.us/   OpsLens App on iPhone & iPad https://apps.apple.com/us/app/opslens-network/id1498033459

Ask yourself... "Do I understand the Use of Force Continuum, and if not, that my life and freedoms could be in jeopardy?" Co-Hosts Judi Wells and Tatiana Whitlock are joined by featured guests, Lou Ann Hamblin of LouKa Tactical and Claude Werner, The Tactical Professor to discuss what you need to know! LEARN MORE about this episode and the resources discussed in the show! LEARN MORE & JOIN OUR MAILING LIST https://responsiblyarmedradio.com  

Note* this was delayed in publishing due to Tech issues! Firearms Chat Podcast 11/21/19                                                                                 The Pre-Turkey Edition!   Reads-Promote TV show!   RIP warrior: My friend and former 75th Ranger and Delta Sniper Sgt.Major(ret.) James “JP” McMahon passed this week from  and undisclosed health issue. He was 64. and was involved in Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia in 1993   Also RIP Detroit PD 16 year Vet Rasheen McClain Killed in The Line of duty yesterday.   Teen confronts thieves who stole his car, stabs one with a screwdriver in self defense!   When the exec Dir of the NRA gets an 18% raise for creating Carry Guard, and took home $920K in salary and compensation, that right there is the issue!   According to the Blaze, Utah county (Salt Lake area) has an 18 weeK wait for FASTER classes(course is 6 week)   In Bearing arms, Cam Edwards Writes about the city of Baltimore wanting to sue Gun Makers over Gang Violence   Mo.Judge who is former Dem State rep Upholds ban on firearms on Campus of U of Mo.   Ohio man shoots intruder while on phone with 911   Dem Il. rep says CONUS and Scotus mean nothing, will vote to confiscate firearms   Deputy Constable Fired within 2 hours for harrassment customers leaving Nordstrom rack in Indy   6 Va Counties Vote to become 2A sanctuaries   Seattle man legally armed holds suspect at gunpoint for killing His GF with Knife(stabbed 6 times) at Seattle Armory near space needle.   Claude Werner has an new edition(updated) on practice/training at indoor ranges   Thanks to the folks at Marlin for the 20” stainless Lever gun (threaded stainless wide loop) for the T&E Gun (it just came!)   SIG introduces American Made P210 & P225 pistols!   Everyone in the Gun Mag Biz is writing up the Hellcat. I like the SIG P365 better, here’s why!   Testing the Ruger Security 9 Compact.   Testing the KIMBER Micro 9   TESTING THE COLT King Cobra Target   Are throwing Knives  a viable weapon?   Best Combat Knives Ever? the Gerber MK I & Mk II   Trivia Redux!   Emails from Daniel, Gene, Harlan, Roflio, Bonnie, and Tim..    

This podcast focuses on the importance of the 2nd amendment, firearms safety, education, training and mindset. Our mission statement: Gun ownership is YOUR RIGHT, Safety and Education are YOUR RESPONSIBILITY I’m your host Baraka Ulrich James, along with my  co-host Allen Sams You the viewers make this program possible. You can contribute to the show … Continue reading "Civilian Carry Radio 112 – Claude Werner US Army VET aka The Tactical Professor"

This podcast focuses on the importance of the 2nd amendment, firearms safety, education, training and mindset. Our mission statement: Gun ownership is YOUR RIGHT, Safety and Education are YOUR RESPONSIBILITY I'm your host Baraka Ulrich James, along with my  co-host Allen Sams You the viewers make this program possible. You can contribute to the show … Continue reading "Civilian Carry Radio 112 – Claude Werner US Army VET aka The Tactical Professor"

Mickey talks with Claude Werner, the Tactical Professor, down in Georgia. Werner is a retired Army Captain who served 10 years in Special Operations including the Green Berets. He is a NRA certificated instructor with a genuine passion for firearms. Werner brings a rare analytical mindset self-defense and maintains a large database of firearms related incidents. You can learn more about Claude Werner at TacticalProfessor.com or follow him on instagram @TacticalProfessor. RELATED PODCASTS: Training for the Worst Day | Higher Line Podcast #7 Defending the Homestead | Higher Line Podcast #41 Music Attributions:Intro - "3rd Eye Blimp" by Otis McDonaldOutro - "I Want More" by Silent Partner Direct DownloadSoundcloudListen on StitcherHigher Line Podcast Feed The Carry Trainer Higher Line Podcast is available on iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, Stitcher and most importantly here on CarryTrainer.com.

Episode 441 - Claude Werner the Tactical Professor This is episode 441 of the SSA Podcast and I am so pleased that you have joined us. This episode's guest is Claude Werner. Claude is known in the firearms training industry as the Tactical Professor and focuses on the firearms industry from a different angle than most other personal protection educators. Like many of his peers, Claude has a background in the military, however, this background was focused on military intelligence. After his time in the Military Claude had an executive career in the private sector, first in commercial real estate followed by a director level position in a big 5 accounting firm. What these three different life experiences have in common is decision making based on large amounts of data. Claude has successfully transitioned the same skills he used in military intelligence, commercial real estate and accounting to educating his clients in firearms and personal protection related topics. In today's episode of the Safety Solutions Academy Podcast I have an in depth conversation with Claude on a wide range of topics. We discuss: Making decisions based on data instead of emotions Evaluating a defensive gun use based on financial criteria The defense of others and how third party defense can be significantly more difficult to avoid negative outcomes Dynamics of home invasions that may surprise you Negative outcomes and why Claude focuses on mitigating those negative outcomes How competence can increase your ability to deal with a defensive gun use more efficiently Why we need to think about personal protection more like Italian real estate How firearms instructors miss the boat when they fail to understand their clients lives and why they should get a real job The Can/May/Should/Must paradigm and how it can improve your decision making as you prepare for a defensive gun gun use Why making decisions ahead of time is so important in the defensive use of guns. Co. Boyd and what he should be known for, and it isn't the OODA Loop How David Brin's Triumvirate of Success can help us to balance the consequences, the honor and nobility, and our courage in responding to a personal protection incident The conversation I had with Claude was comprehensive and deep. Claude is one of the folks in the firearms industry that invests the time and energy into considering the fine details of his instruction and the consequences those details could lead to when applied to personal protection. In today's Patron only portion of the show, Claude shares with me how far he feels the Safety Solutions Academy Podcast has come and we talk about Col. Boyd's Aerial Attack Study and how it impacts decision making in personal protection. To gain access to the exclusive Patron only content simply head to SafetySolutionsAcademy.com/support!   Important links related to today's show. Claude's Website, The Tactical Professor Tacticalprofessor.com Concealedcarryskillsanddrills.com Indoorrangepracticesessions.com Seriousgunownermistakes.com The Tactical Professor on FaceBook 1000 Days of Practice Purse and Off-Body Carry Episode 0344 With Claude in 2014   Find out about the SSA Podcast You can learn more about the Safety Solutions Academy podcast by heading to ssapodcast.com where you will find the latest episodes of the Safety Solutions Academy Podcast. Subscribe to the Show and Leave a Review! Please consider subscribing to the Safety Solutions Academy podcast so that each and every episode of the Safety Solutions Academy podcast will be delivered right to your phone.  You can subscribe and even leave ratings and reviews by heading to safefysolutionsacademy.com/itunes. Become an Safety Solutions Academy Patron! The Safety Solutions Academy Podcast is currently a podcast that is sponsor free and it is supported completely by it's listeners.   You can support the Safety Solutions Academy podcast by heading to safefysolutionsacademy.com/support and becoming a patron.   In addition to helping to spread the Safety Solutions Academy podcast and it's important personal protection podcast to a larger audience of people just like you, becoming a patron provides you with access to exclusive content available through a private feed for patrons only. Finally, patrons are eligible for exclusive rewards like training with Safety Solutions Academy, ammunition and even a chance to receive a new handgun.   Head to safety solutionsacademy.com/support to become a patron today. In today's Exclusive Patron only portion of the podcast we talk about   Again, check out safefysolutionsacademy.com/support for more information on how you can gain access to the exclusive patron only content. Purchase a MagFIX Today The MagFIX is an improved magazine base pad and sleeve for the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. The MagFIX: Locks the sleeve in place for smooth and fast reloads Provides improved grip on the magazine for a better grip on the gun and magazine Helps empty mags drop free so that you can get your gun back up and running quickly when you need to most!   You can check out the MagFIX by heading to MagFIX.co to learn more or to make a purchase or you can find the MagFIX on Amazon here!

Welcome to Civilian Carry Radio show, this show is brought to you by the Firearms Radio Network and presented by MASF. This podcast focuses on firearms safety, education, training and mindset. Your host, Baraka Ulrich James, President and Founder of MASF. My co-host is Allen Sams, Vice President of MASF and Karie Thomas MASF board … Continue reading "Civilian Carry Radio 039 – Claude Werner The Tactical Professor"

Welcome to Civilian Carry Radio show, this show is brought to you by the Firearms Radio Network and presented by MASF. This podcast focuses on firearms safety, education, training and mindset. Your host, Baraka Ulrich James, President and Founder of MASF. My co-host is Allen Sams, Vice President of MASF and Karie Thomas MASF board … Continue reading "Civilian Carry Radio 039 – Claude Werner The Tactical Professor"

This week, I’m joined by Claude Werner, the Tactical Professor, to discuss some of the lessons we can learn from the LAPD’s Categorical Use of Force summaries & reports. Visit www.gunguyradio.com for complete show notes!

This week, I'm joined by Claude Werner, the Tactical Professor, to discuss some of the lessons we can learn from the LAPD's Categorical Use of Force summaries & reports. Visit www.gunguyradio.com for complete show notes!

This week, I'm joined by Claude Werner, The Tactical Professor. Claude is a firearms researcher and analyst who specializes in analyzing use of force incidents and firearms usage. Tonight, we discuss how to compare firearms using testing protocols and how to find out which one will perform best for you. Visit www.handgunradio.com for complete show … Handgun Radio 102 – Handgun Comparison Testing Protocols with Claude Werner, The Tactical Professor Read More »

We've recieved so much awesome listener feedback this week that we couldn't help but make an episode out of it.  Gear that Doesn't Suck: Kershaw Skyline - Ben's summer knife. Thin, lightweight, and pretty good. It's not a top of the line knife, but it get's the job done. He took the clip off his and it just rides in the bottom of his pocket.  The News: Last week we talked about the Garland, TX shooting, where at the time the news said that the bad guys with rifles were taken down by a single officer with his duty pistol. Now it's coming out that the officer engaged the jihadis, but was quickly backed up by the local swat team that was on site for the event.  Everytown has begun running a bunch of ads on TV here in NC against HB562 where they make it sound like it will eliminate all background checks for handgun sales in the state. More here. Plug of the Week: A recent episode of Ballistic Radio with Claude Werner as the guest. They talk about a lot of stuff regarding mindset, practice, and standards. We both liked it. Contact - luke@triangletactical.net - ben@triangletactical.net - (919) 295-6128

    When it comes to defensive shooting in the home, light is important.  Light is what allows our eye to see what is around us and since vision is the primary input when it comes to defensive situations that means light is important to home-defense. It helps to see so that we can gather information to know that an attack is imminent or in progress We need to be able to see when the threat ceases so that our use of force can also terminate. Maybe most importantly, we need to be able to see so that we can identify our “threat.”   Since we need to see the attack and the attacker we need light.  It is generally accepted (and correct) that violence is statistically more likely to take place at night and as a result, it happens when there is less light available to see what we need to see.   The opposable thumb part of the human loves tools and so lights have become an important part of the defensive shooting world.  And we have come a long way since the days of the 4 D Cell maglight that we all thought was so bright at the time. So far in fact that lights are small enough and bright enough to be mounted directly on handguns seems like a perfect solution. A bit back  I received an email from Bryan Bolivar one of the hosts at Modern Rifleman Radio and Bryan wanted to know what I thought about Weapon Mounted Lights as a tool for home defense.  Bryan asked all the right questions in his email and we had a great conversation sorting through the issues.   One of the things Bryan asked about specifically was if this was a topic covered in Safety Solutions Academy's Critical Defensive Handgun class.  We don't specifically address WMLs as a training point in our CDH Course, however, we do address specific questions that students have.  If you come to class with a WML we are likely to be talking about Weapon Mounted Lights! If you are interested in taking your defensive handgun training to the next level, visit Ssa.training/cdh   Here is the email that Bryan sent:   I was interested in your discussion about weapons mounted lights on TGN Ep133. You opened my eyes a bit and raised some questions. I keep a weapon mounted light on my home defence pistol but can see how it can be less effective outside of the home. Since that is not really an option up here, I never really gave it much thought. I can tend to be myopic in my focus of my own situation as much as I call foul when others do this.   The reason I have it on the gun is in fact to use as an indirect flash light, shining either at the floor or ceiling. It is a impressive how much the TLR-1 lights up a room especially off a white ceiling. My thought on this is that by using the light when pointed either up or down, I am not going to inadvertently flag a family member, yet can clearly see any threats in the room. I also am not focusing a beam of light on something that may in fact reflect back on me, blinding me (say a mirror).   Also, when I do point at a target with the weapon mounted light, it provides bright contrasting background for me to see the front sight post and align the gun naturally with a good sight picture.   Finally, I am concerned about my ability to accurately make hits with a flash light in one hand and the gun in another. I have never been taught techniques to do this successfully.   I am curious to hear your thoughts on this and I am wondering if this is something that gets covered in your courses, say the 2 day critical defensive handgun course October 24-25, 2015?   Cheers, Bryan   The discussion Bryan and I had answered the questions he had in his email and really got to the bottom of some big training concepts that applied not only to Weapon Mounted Lights on a handgun, but to other areas as well.   Handgun Mounted Lights Increase Complexity   Guns aren't the most complicated of tools out there, however, when we add gear like a weapon mounted light to a handgun, the complexity of the tool increases significantly. We have to understand that under stress our capacity for dealing with complexity is diminished.  Humans have a tendency to focus on the treat to the exclusion of all else. It is a normal, natural survival instinct that has many positive benefits.  That tendency however, makes it more difficult to operate our tools.  We really need to be able to operate our firearms without thought to the operation so that we can place our cognitive attention on the remainder of factors that need our focus.  Adding complexity to our handgun means an increase in training time or more focus needed on the mechanics of running the gun when we should be attending to other matters. It also should be noted that the most difficult part of operating a gun is pressing the trigger  when you mount a light on your handgun you are very likely increasing the task load on the trigger finger.  Yes, we should use the weak hand thumb to operate the switch on the handgun, however, this leaves us in a difficult situation if the weak hand is not on the gun.  Keep in mind that one of the big arguments FOR a Weapon Mounted Light on a Handgun is the idea that you can operate a gun and a light with only one hand.  We cannot allow our method of operation of the light negate that benefit because it requires two hands.   Handgun Mounted Weapon Lights Can't Take the Place of a Handheld Light   There are plenty of situations where a light can come in handy, threat recognition, assisting in movement, treating medical emergencies and more.  These situations are realistic scenarios that you could encounter in a home defense scenario. When I hear a bump in the night, I am much more likely to be dealing with a family member doing something out of the ordinary instead of a lethal threat.  The last thing I want to do is point my loaded firearm at someone I love. When the lights go out due to a power outage, I can't be tempted to use my Weapon Mounted Light to illuminate the situation. If I am dealing with the aftermath of a home defense scenario and treating a family member for injuries, the last thing I want to do is point my gun at them to see what I am working on. There certainly is a time and a place for a weapon mounted light, but I would argue that there are lots of times that you need a light that you DON'T want it to be on your handgun.   Handgun Mounted Lights Are Single Purpose   Until a potential threat is identified as an actual threat, A light mounted on a handgun serves very little practical purpose. A light on a handgun serves as an outstanding tool to disorient a threat as they are being held at gunpoint.  I don't want to hold someone at gunpoint as a home owner.  I would much rather have them turn tail and run, but if they choose not to  a light could be handy. A Weapon mounted light on a handgun can do a good job of helping us understand if a threat needs to be shot, or if the shooting of a threat needs to stop.  Having the threat fully illuminated can allow you to see indicators that determine when your use of force should begin if at all and when it should cease. As important as these ideas are, they both take place after the threat has been identified as a threat. Why am I making such a big deal about this post threat identification stage?  Cause it is a BIG DEAL. We have already mentioned this concept and Claude Werner has pointed out that threat identification is key.  Why?  Because the bump you hear in the night is much more likely to be someone you know and love than an intruder with malicious intent.  Claude is absolutely spot on.  I don't want to find out that the intruder is my daughter sneaking back in the house while my gun is pointed at her. Lots of folks talk about washing the light from your weapon mounted light off of the floor to illuminate the threat.  I don't prefer this technique.  It does a poor job of helping you see the threat and gathering information that you need to make decisions and it does a fabulous job of letting the threat know exactly where you are.  A weapon mounted light is designed to throw light directly onto the threat.  That is its purpose and it does it well. Understanding the purpose of a weapon mounted light on your defensive handgun is important.  It is very good at doing what it is designed to do, and can be a serious liability when it is used in some other fashion.   When a Weapon Mounted Light comes in handy: Weapon mounted lights are not all bad.  There are some specific circumstances where a weapon mounted light excels.  The list grows considerably for law enforcement officers, but here are a few of the situations where an average Joe might find a weapon mounted light to be particularly helpful: Holding a known threat at gunpoint When the location of all family members is in a known barricade position When one hand is occupied and a threat has already been identified There certainly can be other situations where a WML might be useful, but let's not think that it is somehow a magical solution to dealing with threats.   A Weapon Mounted Light Is Rarely A Solution Alone Have a hand held light.  If you have the resources to own a light to mount on your handgun AND to train with it properly go ahead and scoop up a light for your pistol.  Don't forget about having a quality hand held light to go with it so that you can deal with all the circumstances that fall outside of the real that a WML is built for. Have a hand held light. Turn on the lights. Understand when it is appropriate to use a WML and when it is not. If you have a WML on your handgun understand that it is one part of a system and it has a very narrow application.   What ever it is that we are looking at we need to look at its use in total as opposed to one simple aspect.  It doesn't matter if we are talking about a technique or a tool.  When we take a look at problems and their solutions we always need to consider the context of use. Something that is a good idea for a k9 officer isn't automatically a good idea for you and me.     If you are interested in taking your defensive handgun training to the next level, visit Ssa.training/cdh and if you are interested in making sure that you are integrating a Weapon Mounted Light appropriately in your training Critical Defensive Handgun is a place to do it.