Most humans are daytime creatures. There are those who work graveyard shifts or nights, but most of us are day walkers. Still, there are plenty of times we may find ourselves in the dark or low light. Shooting in low light situations presents unique challenges that require specific skills and equipment to overcome. Darkness produces many problems the average shooter will find challenging, such as techniques, equipment and training. This basic guide covers key aspects of low light shooting, including the importance of training, practical techniques and equipment considerations to improve accuracy and safety.
- Various Types of Specialized Gear
- Lights that are Weapon Based
- Versatile Handheld Options
- Technical Tips, Simple & Effective
Training in low light conditions is crucial because many real-world defensive situations can occur in such environments. The human eye’s ability to see diminishes significantly in low light, affecting depth perception, color recognition and motion detection. Regular training helps shooters become accustomed to these challenges, ensuring they can respond effectively when visibility is compromised. Familiarity with specialized gear is not something that happens overnight. It takes dedicated practice to gain the confidence necessary to be competent and safe. The best way to start is during the daytime. While working at night is the goal, it is often easier and safer to start when you can see. Learning to work the lights during the day reduces the learning curve. It provides a safety net for newer shooters to gain more proficiency. Once the basic skills are solid, transitioning to the dark will go smoother.
The Importance of Equipment
Working at night is very equipment-sensitive. The main equipment considerations are firearm accessories and flashlights. Most firearms have the option to be equipped with “night sights” These sights are typically tritium based and glow in the low light, making it easier to align the sights. If the firearm didn’t come with night sights, they are typically an easy upgrade and generally will last the life of the firearm. Fiber optic sights, while useful in low light, rely on ambient light and are less effective in total darkness. Either sight system has a low impact on holster selection and are recommended. Lasers provide a visible point of aim that can be particularly helpful in low light. They allow shooters to aim accurately without aligning traditional sights, which can be challenging in the dark. What night sights and lasers don’t do is illuminate the target. For that, a visible light is needed and a popular type is the weapon-mounted light.
Running a Light on the Gun
Choosing the right weapon-mounted light (WML) is crucial for enhancing visibility, target identification and overall effectiveness in low light situations. Weapon-mounted lights could be a completely separate article, but here are key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a WML. A higher lumen output means a brighter light, which is essential for illuminating targets and identifying threats in low light. Select a light with at least 200 lumens, though many modern lights offer outputs of 500 lumens or more. Consider how far the light will project and the spread of the beam. A focused beam can reach farther, while a wider beam covers more area. Both have their uses, depending on the environment and intended use. It is recommended to select a light with a powerful hot spot and broad through of the beam. Look for lights made from high-quality, durable materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum. This ensures the light can withstand recoil and rough handling. Common battery types include CR123A lithium batteries, AA or AAA batteries and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Each has pros and cons in terms of availability, cost and shelf life. Consider the runtime of the light at its highest setting. A longer battery life is beneficial for extended use and ensures the light will last during critical situations. Ensure the light’s mounting system is compatible with your firearm’s utility rail system. The mounting mechanism should be secure, easy to install and allow quick attachment and detachment. The light should be compact and lightweight enough to not hinder the balance and handling of the firearm. The design should facilitate intuitive operation under stress. Consider easily activating the light with either hand, for those left-handed or when using the light with either hand is needed. Ensure the controls are ambidextrous or easily accessible from either side. The activation switch should be easy to reach and operate without altering your grip on the firearm. Common types include pressure pads and toggle switches. Choose a light that offers both momentary and constant-on modes. Momentary activation allows quick bursts of light for target identification, while constant-on provides continuous illumination. Selecting the right weapon-mounted light involves balancing brightness, durability, battery life and ease of use. Considering these factors enhances the firearm’s effectiveness in low light situations, improving both your safety and tactical advantage.
The Powerful Torch
I’m a huge advocate of high-powered, compact, handheld flashlight as an everyday carry item. The times light is needed from simple tasks such as taking the trash out, walking the dog or looking for lost keys is more common than most think. What makes a handheld flashlight so versatile is how it can be used independently of the firearm. It allows areas to be illuminated without pointing a firearm in potentially unsafe directions. If forced to disarm due to firearms being prohibited in certain locations, a tactical handheld flashlight can become a great improvised weapon. From the intense and blinding beam of light to an impact tool, selecting a handheld flashlight has similar considerations to the weapon-mounted light. Look for small, bright and accessible. Three big differences over weapon-mounted lights when considering a good tactical flashlight are accessibility, battery options and shape. To be of use, the flashlight must be carried. Modern pocket clips allow for a secure fit on the body, but quick deployment with practice. The spring steel clips allow the light to be carried either bezel down or up. Many prefer the bezel down to avoid accidental illumination, but practice is what really makes the difference. As rechargeable batteries grow in popularity, the handheld flashlight market is benefitting the most. Self-contained flashlights with charging ports eliminate the need to carry bulky charging stations. Instead, insert the cord and plug it in to just about any power source. Probably one of the biggest changes to the handheld flashlights are the body shape. Historically they were cylindrical to accommodate the battery’s shape. New models are more rectangular similar to a folding pocketknife. This new design increases the comfort without compromising performance. Carrying the flashlight all day, any day ensures availability along with the convenience of easy battery rechargeability.
The Basic Know-How for Low Light
Whether running a weapon-mounted light or handheld flashlight, there are some practical techniques to improve low light capabilities and it starts with light discipline. This means, the difference between momentary illumination (the preferred method) to constant illumination. Using momentary illumination in short bursts allows for navigation and location. Moving through a cluttered environment can be challenging, especially when trying not to attract attention. Short bursts allows a quick glimpse to see the terrain. Make a mental layout of a short path to a position just at the outer limits of the beam’s illumination, then move to the position with the light off. Once at the next position, light on and repeat. During this process, the objective is to locate target indicators, anything from shadows, reflections or projections. From this point, using constant on allows for identification and engagement. Positive target identification is critical. Use as much light as necessary to confirm a deadly force threat. Once positive identification has been accomplished, constant on allows the shooter to focus on shooting fundamentals. This becomes a cycle (navigate, locate, recognize and engage) repeated as necessary or as long as low light conditions exist. If using a handheld light, angling the light is another technique to employ. It provides the benefit of moving the light independent of the firearm in hand. The angle can be low or high, to the left or even right. That’s the beauty, the freedom to direct the light where it is needed most. Moving at night with or without the aid of light is challenging even for the most coordinated. Unless there is an immediate threat, slow down. Only move as far and as fast as the conditions allow. The rule of thumb—an image sneaking back into the house as a teenage after a night out past curfew—cautiously and deliberately, which we take for granted during daytime conditions. Safety takes on a whole new meaning. Always ensure positive target identification before shooting. There is a significant risk in low light conditions to mistake a no-shoot for a shoot threat or vice versa. It goes without saying, any movement day or night should have strict trigger finger discipline. Keep the trigger finger off the trigger until ready to shoot with positive identification. Without light it is also easy to see muzzle discipline waiver. Always be aware of where the muzzle is pointed, keep it pointed in a safe direction or the safest direction the conditions allow.
Shooting in low light situations requires specialized training, techniques and equipment. Take the time to consider the equipment selection by incorporating weapon-mounted lights, night sights and flashlights. Have basic working knowledge of all the features along with the benefits. Practicing effective techniques such as light discipline, illumination techniques and movement can significantly improve the ability to respond to threats in low visibility environments. Regular training and adherence to safety protocols ensure that shooters are prepared to handle the unique challenges presented by low light conditions, enhancing both their effectiveness and safety. There’s an old saying that when the lights go out, IQ’s drop. A little bit dramatic, but the point is to slow things down and don’t overcommit. Bumps in the night still occur.
