Legal question about a weapon light

[LoveAR]

I understand the advantage that a WL provides in confirmation of a target. With the light being attached to the gun though doesn't that pose a legal problem when it is pointed at a target and activated?

[Inkslinger]

What legal problem would that be?

[LoveAR]

Brandishing a firearm.

[Inkslinger]

If it's being pointed at a target it's being pointed for a reason. Walking out of your house and waving a gun around in your neighborhood, that's brandishing, and I don't think it will matter whether you have a light on it or not.

ETA
bran·dish
ˈbrandiSH/
verb
gerund or present participle: brandishing
wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement.
synonyms:flourish, wave, shake, wield; More
swing, swish;
display, flaunt, show off
"brandishing a sword"

[LoveAR]

But if one points it at a target that turns out to not be a threat does that pose a legal issue?

[Inkslinger]

But if one points it at a target that turns out to not be a threat does that pose a legal issue?

Possibly. Would you rather not have a light and have no ability to determine if it's a threat or not? That could cause you a bigger problem then pointing your weapon at something that doesn't need shot.

[LoveAR]

OK...so its not something to be concerned about. Thanks.

[Chunky_Lover]

can pointing near someone be the same as pointing at them

get the right type of light beam pattern you could probably hold feet off to the side and still identity them

or make sure to blind them with the light, then they may not even know a weapon is attached all they see are spots

[Renegade]

But if one points it at a target that turns out to not be a threat does that pose a legal issue?

You have stumbled onto one of the major criticisms of a weapon mounted light - that in many instances you are pointing a loaded gun at something you do not wish to destroy. That is a different problem for another thread.

For your problem, get a light bright enough they cannot see it is attached to the gun!

[CatSnipah]

This discussion is why I have a hand held light and no pistol mounted light.

But....an AR is a different animal. Not exactly a situation where you can also carry a hand held light and be effective.