Question about use of weapon mounted light

[Alaskapopo]

Guys I used my X300 with a pressure switch on my gun in a IDPA match last Sunday. It was the first time I have used this set up after getting it. One thing you will notice is that the light is on when I am shooting due to my grip pressure. Is this a bad thing. If I am searching I can keep it off by not squeezing as hard but when I shoot muscle memory kicks in and I hold the gun hard enough for the light to remain on when I am shooting. I was thinking that its not that big of a deal because if I am shooting my muzzle blast would give away my position any way. What is your guys view.

I got 4th place overall in the IDPA match using my duty set up out of 20 shooters. 2nd in my division (CDP)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYkSuIVFls4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpJzrEbaL9w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WapSsl_ThhI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlMfc9cnUaI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90pyaWw4cjs

[dookie1481]

I was told we can't run weapon-mounted lights in IDPA.

Jay

[Alaskapopo]

I was told we can't run weapon-mounted lights in IDPA.

Jay

You can't in the low light matches. You may also not be able to at a big match. But the Match director allowed me to do so at the club matches. I was not running the light to gain an edge and win. I just wanted some practice with my duty gear.
Pat

[one417]

When we finally got weapon mounted lights approved for duty use (three years ago), I immediately purchased an X200 with DG switch. I've since replaced the X200 with some X300 and ditched the switch afetr I realized how easily I AD'd the light during my draws. I tried to work through it during training sessions by adjusting my grip pressure during draws. However, I've found that when under simulated stress (i.e., timed courses), I ALWAYS put enough pressure on the DG switch to AD the light. For the last two years, I've gone without the pressure switch. Tactically, it was a no brainer.

P.S. My shooting grip as well as the size/length of my fingers allow me to effectively use the X300 toggle switch while on the gun........YMMV

[gringop]

First, this is my comment as an IDPA SO.
Weapon mounted lights are forbidden in IDPA.

From the rule book.
"The following modifications are NOT ALLOWED IN ANY
DIVISION unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
F. Lights mounted on guns."

Your intent re. competitive advantage does not matter, it's against the rules. Your MD should not be allowing illegal equipment in an IDPA match, at the Club, State or National level.



Second, this is my comment as a shooter. In many non-IDPA matches that are based on IDPA rules, guns that are illegal in IDPA are put in the "Outlaw" division and the scores are not posted. That way nobody gets upset when someone running a compensated red dot STI gets the best score.

I remember when I was shooting non-IDPA night matches, shooters running mounted lights were put in a different division than those with hand held lights. There is a significant performance advantage with a WPL.

Thanks for the vids. It is interesting the kinds of setups that can be done on an indoor range. I like the popper splatter shields.

Gringop

[Shawn.L]

First, this is my comment as an IDPA SO.
Weapon mounted lights are forbidden in IDPA.

From the rule book.
"The following modifications are NOT ALLOWED IN ANY
DIVISION unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
F. Lights mounted on guns."

Your intent re. competitive advantage does not matter, it's against the rules. Your MD should not be allowing illegal equipment in an IDPA match, at the Club, State or National level.



Second, this is my comment as a shooter. In many non-IDPA matches that are based on IDPA rules, guns that are illegal in IDPA are put in the "Outlaw" division and the scores are not posted. That way nobody gets upset when someone running a compensated red dot STI gets the best score.

I remember when I was shooting non-IDPA night matches, shooters running mounted lights were put in a different division than those with hand held lights. There is a significant performance advantage with a WPL.

Thanks for the vids. It is interesting the kinds of setups that can be done on an indoor range. I like the popper splatter shields.

Gringop

we have done the same for our USPSA "Dark Match". Illegal set ups points dont count or go anywhere. You can shoot just for fun if you like, but the score goes nowhere.

also(to the OP), your shooting IDPA but not drawing from concealment?

[Alaskapopo]

First, this is my comment as an IDPA SO.
Weapon mounted lights are forbidden in IDPA.

From the rule book.
"The following modifications are NOT ALLOWED IN ANY
DIVISION unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
F. Lights mounted on guns."

Your intent re. competitive advantage does not matter, it's against the rules. Your MD should not be allowing illegal equipment in an IDPA match, at the Club, State or National level.



Second, this is my comment as a shooter. In many non-IDPA matches that are based on IDPA rules, guns that are illegal in IDPA are put in the "Outlaw" division and the scores are not posted. That way nobody gets upset when someone running a compensated red dot STI gets the best score.

I remember when I was shooting non-IDPA night matches, shooters running mounted lights were put in a different division than those with hand held lights. There is a significant performance advantage with a WPL.

Thanks for the vids. It is interesting the kinds of setups that can be done on an indoor range. I like the popper splatter shields.

Gringop

Here is from the rule book.
Rule Book on Holsters
Exception – Police or military officers may use their duty rig, but
ALL retention features of the holster MUST be used and all belt
equipment (mace, handcuffs, etc.) must be present.

It would seem strange for IDPA to try to keep cops who use weapon mounted lights from shooting in matches.
Pat

[Alaskapopo]

we have done the same for our USPSA "Dark Match". Illegal set ups points dont count or go anywhere. You can shoot just for fun if you like, but the score goes nowhere.

also(to the OP), your shooting IDPA but not drawing from concealment?

Police using duty gear don't have to have their gun concealed.
Pat

[glocktogo]

Personally I would ditch the pressure switch and just use the toggle switch.

[Alaskapopo]

I am debating ditching the pressure switch too. The only thing is my thumbs are short and I have to change my grip slightly to use the toggle switch.
Pat