Why you shouldn't search with a weapon-mounted light on a handgun - Massad Ayoob Critical Mas EP40

The weapon mounted light is more popular than ever. It can easily be attached to a concealed carry, every day pistol. But many people misuse the mounted light. Massad Ayoob warns that it is not to be used for searching. If you point a loaded gun at the wrong person, it is felony aggravated assault. Instead the mounted light is to be used after making positive identification for increased accuracy. Massad explains his reasoning in this episode.
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Critical Mas(s) with Massad Ayoob is a show that provides expert analysis over a wide range of contemporaneous topics related to civilian and law enforcement self defense, the use of force, and second amendment issues, provided by a renowned and established author with a career spanning decades in training law enforcement officers and the public at large, who is frequently called upon to provide expert witness testimony.
ABOUT MASSAD AYOOB:
Massad Ayoob has been handgun editor of GUNS magazine and law enforcement columnist for AMERICAN HANDGUNNER since the 1970s, and has published thousands of articles in gun magazines, martial arts publications, and law enforcement journals. He is the author of some twenty books on firearms, self-defense, and related topics, including “In the Gravest Extreme” and “Deadly Force,” widely considered to be authoritative texts on the topic of the use of lethal force.
The winner of the Outstanding American Handgunner of the Year Award in 1998, Mas has won several state and regional handgun shooting championships. Ayoob was the first person to earn the title of Five Gun Master in the International Defensive Pistol Association. He is the current President of the Second Amendment Foundation. He served 19 years as chair of the Firearms Committee of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, and several years as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. In addition to teaching for those groups, he has also taught
for the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and the International Homicide Investigators seminars.
Mas has received judicial recognition as an expert witness for the courts in weapons and shooting cases since 1979, and served as a fully sworn and empowered, part time police officer for 43 years, mostly at supervisor rank. Ayoob founded the Lethal Force Institute in 1981 and served as its director until 2009, and now trains through Massad Ayoob Group. He has
appeared on CLE-TV delivering continuing legal education for attorneys, through the American Law Institute and American Bar Association, and has been retained to train attorneys to handle deadly force cases through the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network. Ayoob served for two
years as co-vice chair of the Forensic Evidence Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also appeared in each episode of Personal Defense TV (Sportsman’s Channel).
0:00 - The popular weapon-mounted light
1:05 - Not for searching
1:35 - Light spill over
2:15 - Felony aggravated assault
3:05 - Misdemeanor brandishing
4:20 - Treat the same as a scope
5:15 - Possibility of accidental discharge
6:00 - They save lives
7:15 - Always have separate illumination
7:50 - Increase accuracy
8:30 - use them as intended
#MassadAyoob #WilsonCombat #CriticalMas

[@Gun_Talk]

As Clint Smith said, "Use your flashlight to get to a light switch. Never fight in the dark."

[@towtruckaj]

Power might be out, Always want to account for worst case scenario.

[@Gun_Talk]

@towtruckAJ Power out during a zombie apocalypse with marauding bandits looking to break into your shit. Let's be honest here. Chances of your house getting broken into during a short term power outtage in a normal functioning society is pretty close to zero. Chances of someone coordinating an attack on your house where they cut the power lines in order to break in are also pretty damn slim because you're probably not that important. A crackhead looking for a quick buck to steal will not go through all that hassle. But if they did cut the power to break in, I'd say you have every right to just point your guns at them.

[@towtruckaj]

@@Gun_Talk sure but what isn’t uncommon is for light switches to be in inconvenient spots, certain rooms to have to little to no light depending on how finished your house is, on top of that a lot of crucial electric components and electrical shut offs are outside, some are easy to tamper with others fortunately aren’t as easy, point being a lot of situations call for low light encounters and you should at least prepare for that.

[@Gun_Talk]

@towtruckAJ Yeah, I get that. Anything could happen, and situations will vary. Murphys law is a thing, after all.

[@bwest8372]

So you can get shot when you ain't clears the rest of the room you just Wana get to that light

[@DE-ef3xd]

As a carrier of 20 years, we get so used to having a gun….. it is almost second nature. Sometimes we tend to forget just how much power and responsibility we have. I love the reality checks I experience when I watch these videos. It’s like a slap to the back of the head, telling you, hey! Heads up dude! Think about what you are doing or about to do. Thank you for the constant education.

[@chrisriker6421]

How Right you are! Too many fast changing laws and as LEO's we find ourselves viewed as the criminal instead of the defender by those we've dedicated our lives to protect and serve!!!

[@BillyWitchDoctorDotCom]

@@chrisriker6421 If less of you fuckers did sus shit you wouldn't have such a bad rap

[@thebonesaw..4634]

I have been riding motorcycles for well over 45 years. About 20 years ago, I moved to Texas and needed to get the "M" on my license. I didn't HAVE to take a motorcycle safety course, but doing so would expedite the process and would save me money on my insurance... At the time, I had been riding for well over 25 years; there was "nothing" any of these trainers were about to tell me that I didn't already know (especially from a BASIC riders course). I spent half the class thinking, _"My god, you mean I've been doing that wrong for 25 years?"_ CONTINUING Education is the cornerstone of anything that can potentially risk our lives or the lives of others. Processes change due to new technology or new data, LAWS change... or, like me, those who are already doing it, began doing so during a time where there was limited education and we basically have trained ourselves and we only THINK we know. Anyone who carries - or even owns - a deadly weapon, should always be seeking the opportunity for continuing education that will keep them, their family, and the public as safe as possible.

[@joshuadelawrencephotograhy7619]

Do you think that's why the right to bare arms was placed as the second amendment?

[@christopherwg4236]

That's why it's really good to rehearse good training, too many times I found myself a little too overconfident after learning I was doing it wrong.

[@prezmil4282]

If it gets to the point of me actively searching with my gun I’m already positive it’s not just a “guest” that I forgot I invited over.

[@HotBoii91]

What if it’s ur drunk cousin lol

[@prezmil4282]

@@HotBoii91 That broke into my home in the middle of the night?

[@HotBoii91]

@@prezmil4282 or ur drunk son visiting home from college? Everybody’s family situation is different is the point I’m making.

[@prezmil4282]

@@HotBoii91 I don’t have a drunk son and yes, that’s why I only spoke for myself.

[@HotBoii91]

@@prezmil4282 drunk mom?

[@halcyonzenith4411]

Nice to see a tactical expert who actually is one and gives practical advice for people in real life, as opposed to weird ways of holding an AR and how to shoot more targets faster, without regard for any of the real world implications that exist for producing a firearm anywhere outside of a shooting range.

[@mr.solitude3352]

5 decades ago, and at a major city's police department's basic training class, recruits were taught to hold the flashlight with the nonshooting hand and arm extended. The instructor said, "why give the perp a signal where your torso is by holding a flashlight close to or attached to your firearm?" Why they don''t continue to teach that today beats me.

[@TERMINAL-BALLISTICS]

.... Firstly, If my weapon light is being pointed in your face .... my torso isn't facing you - my side is (not all of us use the archaic non-tactical, straight forward shooting stance). Secondly, if my 70,000+ candela weapon light is pointed at you .... you're blind and you won't be aiming at anything. ~

[@Precisionstriker]

I really like that tactic it’s pretty cool how many different ways things are improved upon

[@9unslin9er]

I still train that way and refuse to mount a light for that reason. I can manipulate my muzzle and light in different directions. I can have my gun low ready, and my light 180 degrees.

[@9unslin9er]

@@TERMINAL-BALLISTICS If your weapon light is on, I know where you are.

[@INuniform]

They do continue to teach that technique in my state, among others

[@waynehearst317]

I am nearly 50 years old and a gun nut. Grew up competition shooting, hunting and have probably never gone more than a few weeks without interacting with a firearm and yet....you just taught me a few things. Thank you so much, Massad. You are a true legend and pillar in the firearms community.

[@lornenoland8098]

Excellent advice, as always! I would like to add: if your WML has a strobe feature, DON’T use it. Yes, it can ‘disorient’ the subject. It can also disorient you, in the sense that any movement they make will appear herky-jerky, making it difficult to accurately identify what if anything is in their hands or whether their actions are threatening or surrendering. A strobe should only be used if there is a secondary solid beam of light on he subject, in which case you can clearly see them but they see strobe when looking at you.

[@faryldaryl3975]

I shined a 900 lumen strobe right into my eyes in front of a mirror, and rather than disorienting me the only pause it gave was to think "Huh. Look at that." For that matter, inside my lil' abode I've found that anything over 300 lumens has so much bounce-back that it impairs my sight probably just as much as anyone I'd be shining it on. If I had to search wide open outdoor areas I spoze I'd want one a them light cannons.

[@jackmclane1826]

I'd use it if you are in a local advantage. If you know the place and the perp does not. Like home invasions. Disorientation favors the prepared. It will then hurt the unprepared invader much more than you.

[@jackmclane1826]

​@@faryldaryl3975 I use an 1800lm flashlight. The bright flash itself ruins all your dark vision for minutes. And the strobe light dazzles me, even if I shine it down a hallway. Without having it shine directly onto me.

[@squidwardo7074]

@@faryldaryl3975 Try it in the dark. Way more effective once your eyes have adjusteed

[@kabloosh699]

I have really yet to figure out a practical use for the strobe function on these lights. I wish they would stop adding it. It's all about positive identification so I know I am shooting at the right thing.

[@slimmestjim7517]

At 24 years old and recently got into owning firearms, I swear every one of your videos make me realize how many things I didn't think of. I now keep a flashlight next to my home defense pistol, which already has a WML. Thanks for the content!!

[@deno2566]

I look forward to every Mas video I can get. Thanks Mas and thanks Wilson Combat!

[@eddieweigel9490]

Thank you Mr. Ayoob once again you educated me on something I didn’t know anything about. I have a Glock 23 with a weapon light my dad was a huge fan of yours he’s no longer with us but years and years ago he always said Massad gives valuable info on guns and gun laws again thank you for the education sir

[@TheRealEMURSE]

G23g4 👑

[@normanmccollum6082]

I just realized that his last name backwards is 'booya,' and that's really cool.

[@TheRealEMURSE]

@@normanmccollum6082 one of my favorite random sayings 😆

[@warrenpuckett4203]

It can be used as a point of aim. There is a 90% probability the shooter is right handed. One handed and with the light raised and off to the right is better. That is when a left handed shooter has a momentary advantage. Do not limit your range of vision. Rightys only do the opposite. But if you are not the one wearing the uniform, you are screwed.

[@squirrel_82]

I'm really glad videos like this are being made. So many people carrying these days with little knowledge or experience and it's frightening.

[@jasonday5143]

Huge props for the thorough explanation. Gun safety and respect needs to be taught and received more and this was a fantastic example of explaining thoroughly what should and should not be done. Thank you.

[@jimmartini77]

I'm always concerned with counter detection. My light gives the bad guy a fix on my location, often before I see him.

[@RonSpilker]

They probably already know you're there.

[@TomJacobW]

@@RonSpilkerthey know you’re *there* but they don’t know *where* ! 😅

[@marshonmellows]

Jim is running around with nods in his house

[@mrstepcase81]

This is if im looking for my keys? Bro, if I'm searching with my gun, then I need my gun, don't you think? No one's searching Walmart with a gun if the lights go out.

[@Haramyst]

ALWAYS learn something priceless and new to me every time i watch Mas. Please keep it coming. They'res no telling how many lives your lectures have saved.

[@gowilsoncombat]

More to come!

[@williamjonesiiimd907]

Another highly informative video, teaching me things that I had not considered. Thank you!

[@edjacala3025]

Excellent point Mass on use of flashlight instead of gun light to search on suspicious target. Thank you.

[@katesimpson7721]

How the fuck can it be illegal to hold your gun in your own home when laws specifically state you can open carry in your home.

[@brettgodfrey9536]

Mr. Ayon’s clear-headed, experienced-backed wisdom and logic is so very valuable. I wish it were more contagious.

[@johnduffy6546]

I really appreciate the way you present your material. You've helped clarify many of my gun ignorance preconceptions. Thank you

[@onlineconsumer4796]

Thanks for another great video. This is the best channel for gun related content. I shot IDPA indoors where we could have a dark stages. We used separate flashlights from our firearms. There were many different techniques used. I used a small LED light (SK78) that I could hold in my left hand between my middle and fore fingers and press the button on the back of the flashlight with my thumb to use it. When I needed to engage the target, I would fully depress the light button so it would stay on, point my firearm at the target and while holding the flashlight pointed at the target, I would use my left hand to support the firearm. Hard to explain so I googled searched images and found "Randi Rogers on Shooting With A Light" showing what I use but my light is a bit smaller. If the target was close, I could shoot single handed but I found this much better than one handed shooting because it added support to the firearm. Make it part of your dry fire practice. I do not use any mounted lights on my firearms as switching would just complicate things. If you have a mounted light, consider how and when you will turn it on.

[@hansolo755]

I learned so much from this video. Mas explains everything he speaks about so crystal clear that it’s a pleasure to listen to him and learn from him. Keep the videos coming!

[@peteto1]

Mas is the G.O.A.T. of concealed carry, legal CYA. His decades of police work and testifying as an expert at trials all over the country make him an indispensable treasure for gun owners/carriers everywhere.

[@alangross2277]

Great video and very thought provoking! Thanks for what you do. Everybody that shoots needs to be watching these videos, even if it's just to keep the safety reminders, fresh in our minds!

[@CJRKENT7697]

Thank you for that insight. You just gave me training that I never experienced. The justification for your comments along with identifying the issues at hand, are incredibly important. Fortunately I have never had to track someone down or even identify a target, however, now i understand the proper and important way of doing it

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

Thank you, I was unaware of the consequences you brought up in this segment. I sent this to my son as well.

[@michaelwashe7614]

I disagree. Most criminals are not going to assume a mounted weapon light. Now if it turns into a gunfight after the fact, I'm turning the light off. but until then I'm pointing my gun exactly where I'm looking and if they are in my house, god help them.

[@d.b.1176]

I doubt anyone would be charged if you point a gun at someone you don’t know in your own house in the middle of the night.

[@Jay-kf3od]

You won't. And if it was your brother. It's not like he's filing charges. Just ultra Fudds saying fuddy shit. Love telling ppl to not use things for their intended use. I swear they will tell me next to not use my pocket knife to cut open boxes because it will dull the blade.

[@xenosayain1506]

The states with brandishing laws might as sad as it is.

[@d.b.1176]

@@xenosayain1506 😂

[@jacoballen8616]

@@xenosayain1506 Got any examples of it happening?

[@stevelewis1221]

I've watched your videos for decades. The first ones are on VHS, which I still have. What keeps me interested, is the obvious experience and common sense. Please continue to guide us and stay safe. Thanks

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you like them!

[@blkstang4830]

A weapon mounted light is a tool. Tools can be used for an advantage if used properly. If used improperly then it could be a disadvantage. Point is get training to know how to take advantage of the light in different situations.

[@squidwardo7074]

Yep! Having more tools in the toolbox is always better

[@tobylopez445]

Totally agree with your frame of thought on the use of lights. great video, Sir.

[@nathanhardy1353]

While I understand not wanting to point you gun at someone, if your clearing a room with a weapon your gun should be oriented with your eyes. A weapon light just gives you clarity of what your pointing at. The question most of us should be asking is why are we clearing rooms and if absolutely necessary how can we mitigate risk like running into people who are innocent.

[@QuietGuitaristfan]

The way you casually and straight-faced said "booger hooker" and "bang switch" in the same sentence had me dying for a minute.

[@charlesg5085]

This guy is stone cold. He attacks men's rears with no care.

[@goaway3717]

Excellent logic. Thanks for the information. I've used one for years but mainly for the laser sight and always in combination with my regular flashlight. I also live alone with no one other than me having legal access to the home so my circumstances are a bit different at this stage of my life, but I'd still never search with only the light on the weapon.

[@j-dub8399]

This is a great lesson. I took tactical pistol courses for two years and my instructor did not prefer weapon mounted lights and always taught the use of momentary handheld flashlights.

[@peterreily1490]

Did your instructor teach you about both hands on the handgun? I’m actually asking a question I’d love to hear the answer of.

[@j-dub8399]

@@peterreily1490 it’s a great question! Jokingly, it’s called a “handgun” and not a “handsgun”. But in all seriousness, your support hand will generally (a) rest under your strong arm’s wrist (b) rest above your strong arm’s elbow pit or (c) be used tactically away from the body to not give away your specific location. We also trained with various ambush tactics, on moving targets, and on the move but that’s why I said “generally”. I am by no means qualified to teach on this. My instructor was a former special ops sniper and the training was pretty hardcore. Often too hardcore for me.

[@lowprofile2412]

@@j-dub8399 great advice, even “if not qualified “

[@MachoJoey1]

The saying is a WML doesnt replace a handheld light.

[@Snookynibbles]

@@peterreily1490 ,there are multiple tactical flashlight holding techniques being taught. One if the more popular is the (Michael) Harries technique. None of the techniques afford a strong off-hand grip; employing a non gun-mounted tactical flashlight involves a bit of a compromise, one that still makes sense.

[@doc8579]

As always, great information. Thank you for helping people stay safe.

[@John-se5vc]

Thank you, sir, for your priceless advice. My introduction to you was your book "In the Gravest Extreme". I thank God that several decades have passed since I read that book without any mishaps whatsoever. That book was a kick in my butt, and I am glad you did!

[@mikeyakus2939]

Always educational. Thanks for a brilliant safety lesson.

[@JWH-01]

Thank you for another great video. You make some great legal and safety points. In addition to your points, I don't want to depend on a light (weapon mounted or not) unless absolutely necessary. I don't want the light making me a target.

[@gmr3393]

Subscribed, I like how straightforward, to the point and yet educational this video was

[@raybo34]

I just love Critical Mas. Learn and reenforce so much. Thank you.

[@reesex3882]

Thanks Massad. I learned a couple of new things, tonight. I’ve entertained the idea of buying a light for my home defense gun. I just have to do my research on finding the appropriate light that’s suitable for my needs.

[@boblynch7348]

Thank you Massad. As always your videos are excellent.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you like them!

[@68Miles]

This makes perfect sense, I had not thought of it this way, thank you for bringing up the topic of weapon mounted light.

[@LKaramazov]

That part about being charged for almost taking your gun out of its holster is CRAZY!

[@foxhoundusmc]

While that's possible, it's not probable, and I think that's a context this specific video is sorely lacking. You don't have to wait until you are actively being murdered, to prevent your murder. No sane judge/jury on Earth would actually convict you of anything simply for maneuvering your defensive weapon in such a way as to make it ready for use under circumstances you can articulate justify it. Such a conviction would literally upend our entire right to self-defense (look to the Rittenhouse case for examples of how absurd a case would need to be made to even attempt that, as well as the outcome).

[@MrGahndiii]

Depends if it was to intimidate. It's hard to know. If so though I have no sympathy. Maybe I heard the story wrong though...

[@spookytkid]

in or CC class they brought in a lawyer. he said assume you will be arrested for any action you will take with your gun and assume they will take your vun for it. assume every prosecutor, judge and juror will be a anti gun. let that along with compleat knowledge of the law guide you actions and you might be ok.

[@foxhoundusmc]

@spookytkid if that's the case, you're already fucked. Do what you need to in order to survive, and let the chips fall where they may on the legal side.

[@spookytkid]

@@foxhoundusmc it just means train adequately, know the laws, act appropriately. then if any one or more of those things become a reality your lawyer has the best chance to defend you successfully. but hey go ahead and John Wayne it, and when you're carrying out your duty's as Tyrone's wife in the federal pen. you xan look back on those words of wisdom in a KZbin comment section and your flippant response. good luck Duke, lol

[@muzzlevelocity4397]

Thanks for a great video. Having never had to try to conduct a search with a gun and having no lights mounted on my firearms, I confess to being ignorant about this issue and its importance. Once again, thanks to Massad Ayoob, I am ignorant no more.

[@anthonybarillari8844]

same here buddy i buying hand held flashlight

[@BlueRidgeCritter]

Thank you guys so much for bringing this one up. This has bothered me for a very long time. I have seen so many videos of, and have personally witnessed, security guards, cops (*especially* cops) etc. flag people with loaded guns because they were using their WML flashlights to simply search for something or for illumination, instead of using a separate light. I know it’s more convenient, but there’s a fine line between convenient and lazy/dangerous. I understand the argument for needing to ID or blind the target in an actual situation, but that is one of the few times where flagging is understood, and possibly justified. Personally, I think it’s laziness more than anything. This is why I don’t have WML‘s personally. I train with tac lights the old fashioned way. I understand there are situations where they are beneficial, as it keeps the gun in the flashlight together and offers one-handed use. I get that. But overall, I say if you’re going to use one, carry a separate one.

[@jamespileggi6650]

Thank you for such great information! I have decided to use a 20 ga. shotgun with a pistol grip and weapon light as my go to. I now know how to properly carry my shotgun and keep the search light in my opposite hand at arms length. This info is greatly appreciated!!

[@Rbuffdogs]

I could listen to this gentleman for hours. Commons sense, "Dad Humor" , straight talk, decades of experience.

[@classicgunstoday1972]

I’ve said this about weapon mounted lights ever since I first saw one. There are a lot of things you will need to point your light at that you do not want to point your gun at

[@OMG_No_Way]

💯 agree! Never understood this. It’s why I don’t run lights on my guns.

[@SavageGunFighter21]

@@OMG_No_Way until you loose the use of a hand to hold that light. Then you're gonna want one on that gun them.

[@mikeoldskool]

In a cqb situation when you have to switch between right and left hand, it's almost impossible to do it quickly if you're holding a flashlight in one hand and a gun in the other. If you're just looking for something, a pocket flashlight will suffice.

[@albundy06]

Well that's because you can't think of other people who have a different situation and a home defense set up that's different from yours. Some people have a home that doesn't have kids. Doesn't have anybody else with keys or alarm codes or anything else that will end up with a unexpected person lawfully in their house. Some people have zero problem legally or morally shining their weapon light and pointing their gun at anything in their house. Like duh. It's not a search light,. Don't use it as a regular flash light, you're pointing a gun at things. That should be obvious to the majority of the gun community. It should also be obvious to the gun community that there's definitely people/ situations and use cases for having and using the lights. PS. I am one of those people that doesn't have to worry about it being some lawful person in the house etc. There IS a light on a home defense pistol. Yet I have NEVER used it. I use my regular flashlight for regular "searching" around the place. The gun won't even come out of the holster unless there's clearly something that's a real problem. And if it ever does,. I'm glad it has a light on it and whomever or whatever gets gun/ light pointed at it deserved it.

[@robertfourie9159]

Ok boomer

[@supertom8552]

Usual brilliant lesson thank you sir !

[@1cryptocaveman]

Read one of Massads books like 20+ years ago. Great mind when it comes to firearms. Thanks so much

[@birdsoup777]

Life saving and safety wisdom. Thank you.

[@flashpointbravo]

I used to be a cop in a huge city. I’ve had to do building searches many many times, both with and without weapon mounted lights. No weapon mounted light really really sucks. Maybe as a cop I was allowed to temporarily point a loaded gun at some innocent where a regular citizen wouldn’t, I don’t know. But having to open doors and work a radio and move things with my support hand while my primary hand held whatever weapon bearing light was really handy. Thinking of doing everything other than holding my weapon with my support hand makes me thing that hand would be overwhelmed with tasks.

[@aaroncheney9966]

I am also a cop. I definitely had to take this in context. I use my WML every search. If I didn’t it would be task saturation to the point of being dangerous. And the quality of any gunfire I send down range would be hurt . His advice isn’t for professionals tho this is good advice for a home owner.

[@MrBradPenton]

@@aaroncheney9966 I disagree. As a 27 year veteran cop, and a 22 year veteran firearms instructor, I can tell you that his advice is DEFINITELY for Law Enforcement and civilians alike. You shouldn't be pointing your weapon at everything you look at while searching. Have your weapon in your dominant hand in position Sul, and have your handheld flashlight in your support hand. It takes no time to bring the weapon up to engage or cover a threat when you identify one. Remember that LEO's are held to a much higher standard with regard to accidental shootings than civilians are. We never teach to search with a WML. It's just not how we do it. Stay safe Brother!

[@gordenrussell7266]

For 12 years I showed movies in a Grindhouse and between showings I had to pick up cold cups and butter tubs while the credits were rolling so that I could get upstairs to thread the projector and then run down to tear tickets. So to stuff the trash bag I carried a penlight made of plastic so that I could hold it in my teeth while reaching under seats for all of those empty candy boxes.

[@herbderbler1585]

​@@MrBradPenton I disagree with your statement that LEOs are held to a higher standard. That's what is supposed to happen, but reality rarely reflects that anymore. A police officer gets innocence until proven guilty, as it should be. They have an entire police force and government giving them the benefit of the doubt. To be fair, this idiotic "defund the police" movement often puts an unnecessary target on their back in the public eye, so I can definitely sympathize with that. However that same public scrutiny can destroy the life of a private citizen just as easily due to mindless anti-gun rhetoric. A citizen who shoots a mugger or housebreaker gets one expensive lawyer on their side, that's it. Everyone else tends to assume the worst of their actions until proven otherwise beyond a shadow of a doubt, especially these days when criminals tend to have more rights in the court system than law abiding citizens.

[@MrBradPenton]

@@herbderbler1585 respectfully, put on a badge and God forbid have an incident where you use deadly force. I can personally attest that was the worst 19 months of my life. I can without any hesitation tell you that LEO’s are held to a higher standard than civilians because of their training. We live in glass houses, but I’m not complaining, just stating a fact. I know of several cases in my career where civilians have used deadly force and the case was simply sent to the grand jury for a no bill. The investigation following a use of deadly force incident in law enforcement, is far more complex. The legal term you were eluding to is qualified immunity. That is under attack at every angle. I know that it can be an unwelcome event in a civilians life, but it’s not the same.

[@andrewmorke]

Mas, thank you for your super videos. I've enjoyed your books for decades.

[@DeadMeat991]

Thank you Mr. Ayoob. You have provided wisdom that other proffessionals I know never even mention.

[@retselyarrh3895]

So you’re saying in the middle of the night when you hear noise in your house your gun should be hostered till you know? So how do you clear your house safely then!

[@paulh6101]

You don't clear your house unless u have extensive training, its not worth it. You gather all important persons with your firearm and then set a boundary if u havent already come across the threat. Call the police.

[@anthonymayor5171]

Keep the gun pointed at the ground and search with a flash light.

[@Saintbow]

My procedure is this Step 1: Scream out "Let's do this" Step 2: If I don't hear "Leeroy Jenkins!" yelled back...proceed to step 3A Step 3A: You jump in with murderous intent...Weapons hot... If the voice does yell back "Leeroy Jenkins!", you proceed to Step 3B Step 3B: You jump in with murderous intent...with your favorite flogging device... Mine is a hockey stick... If on the rare chance they have brought chicken, you have stern words with them while you eat.

[@KB-jf8mj]

@@anthonymayor5171 eyes and muzzle should be pointed in the direction of the possible threat not at the ground

[@anthonymayor5171]

@@KB-jf8mj and thats how you accidentally shoot grandma who is sleepwalking

[@davidtalley6858]

This man is teaching me things our range instructors at the academy NEVER did! Ayoob is a BEAST!

[@themonkster333]

Listen to this guy and wake up in heaven.

[@titan_o7]

These are all fantastic points and part of the reason I always carry a small handheld light in my pocket as well as a weapon mounted light on my handgun. Fenix PD25R for the pocket light and a Surefire X300 for my pistol. I mainly carry both as a contingency for the other but also carry a handheld light because I need it more often than not. And obviously pulling out your handgun to find a tool you dropped in the engine compartment of a truck with a bunch of people all around in the shop is a no-go. I cannot praise enough the benefits of having a pocket light. That, plus a good folding blade and your handgun is essential.

[@Thenikksmeister]

I always suggest having a good pocket light to everyone. I use it almost on the daily

[@jx.cx.6514]

.. This video's content (of concise but thorough firearm laws education and more than qualified instruction) is one of many reasons why I am your fan and a enthusiastic subscriber! .. I sincerely appreciate your clear insights and years of hands-on skilled experience! Your channel should be REQUIRED VIEWING for any newbie and even seasoned professionals that may have become complacent &/or mentally rusty on many of this channel's video subjects .. Please continue with your excellent content and may you soon hit 1 million subscribers! ...

[@townhall05446]

Your info on these videos and in Gravest Extreme is invaluable. One of the most memorable for me - and I see some people observing this in home defense situations where an intruder was shot - is that they fired the weapon to STOP the intruder. NOT to kill them. Just saying you meant to kill them puts you in hot water. Word choice means everything and I thank you for that gem.

[@100vg]

I don't have a light mounted on my pistol, but there are so many things we may do because we don't know the letter of the law. Always such wise and considered advice, Mas. Thanks

[@danielmackormack8524]

As always it's a pleasure listening to your knowledge 💯. Thank you

[@nickwilkinson7728]

For years I've carried a flashlight as part of my EDC as well as a weapon mounted light.But you never know when you just need a light.You can't pull out your weapon.

[@Mr_Snarky]

Outstanding advice. Thank you!

[@TERMINAL-BALLISTICS]

.... One key statement by Massad that many people overlooked, with regards to being charged with felony aggravated assault for pointing your weapon at someone who [turns out to be] a known person of no threat in a home/self defense scenario was .... "WITHOUT LEGAL JUSTIFICATION". Any well-versed attorney (which I am not by any means implying that Massad is not), knows that the establishment of a reasonable fear of the immediate application of force can be applied to not only the suspected intruder who had the weapon pointed at them, but also the homeowner; provided that the weapon was only pointed at the suspected intruder, until identification was established. This is due to the fact that prior to the identification of the unknown individual, the homeowner is obviously unaware of who is in their home and is therefore presented with a clear and present threat of danger, serious bodily injury and/or death and as such, reasonably believes that the immediate use of force would be necessary to defend against said threat - hence, the grounds for "legal justification" are present in such a scenario, irrespective of whether or not a mounted weapon light was used. ~

[@scubasleeve3497]

Thank you for saying what I also said in a much better way. I don't like the "scare tactic" used here and ignoring all the points you just made.

[@ericoberlies7537]

“Alexa, Houselights!” In my personal experience, the lights and the knowledge of my presence made the intruders leave quickly. Over the course of about 50 years, it happened twice in the home, twice in the backyard.

[@DanSantosAuthor]

This is one of the most useful videos I have ever watched. Thanks.

[@CombatWombatQRF]

If I am to the level of having my gun to perform a search in the house I have already done due diligence to make sure it’s not someone ‘supposed to be there’

[@doughesson]

Which is why you impress upon your teenagers to check in with you when they come in after bedtime. You don't want to hear noises & find out after you've shot their friend who came home with them that they'd been drinking & his parents would kill him for being drunk.

[@TheGeenat]

@@doughesson That would never fly here without getting permission ahead of time. Who just brings friends over in the middle of the night without their parents knowing ahead of time?

[@doughesson]

@@TheGeenat Lots of kids do, figuring that it's better to ask forgiveness than permission, especially in the scenario that I'd posited of drinking at a party & the other kid spends the night at your place to sleep it off. You might want to impress upon yours that while you'll be ticked off that they were drinking, you're going to put their friends up for the night & deal with it in the morning. Bright sunshine & loud talking.... You're not condoning the underage drinking, you're keeping them safe by not going to Defcon 4 on your kids' friends.

[@bigjoesshow5648]

Empty Nest...no.kids...no problem...

[@alrbredwall]

Accidental shootings and mistaken identity happen all the time. No one ever thinks they would be the moron that did it. This is their mentality and how it happens.

[@flyinlow6692]

So you search with a hand held light with gun pointed downward & you find the intruder with his gun drawn, presented & sights on you. By the time you drop your light and present he probably will fire already. Why are the good always at a legal disadvantage?

[@BeetleBuns]

because the good are stupid.

[@Da_Benski]

Well an intruder with a gun out will probably see you with your flashlight before you see them. I'd think PROPER handheld tactical light should inflict significantly more night blindness to an intruder than a WML to balance the delay factor.

[@MadMagyar13]

I’m no tactical expert, but why would you walk around the house with the flashlight on, instead of just using a momentary illumination? Walking around with the flashlight on is a good way to let everyone know where you are and where you’re going

[@BeetleBuns]

@@MadMagyar13 my dude, you are making logical points, tactifags don't use logic

[@stephenrogers5593]

@@MadMagyar13 yea. Black Scout Survival said basically what you said on his channel a while ago. A light on a gun isn’t meant for keeping on perpetually and looking around in almost every case. Most notably because it gives your position away.

[@jayhockley8841]

Years ago I had access to an FBI training book . It specified using a separately held flashlight , for searching , and to hold it up and away from your body , so you don't illuminate or mark yourself . I do remember lots of usefull information in that manual .

[@jasonholloman657]

Well done as always. I may have missed it, but could you do a follow up discussing the issues of return point of fire and advantages of handheld techniques?

[@machbaby]

I recently bought a flashlight/laser for my carry pistol. I'm glad I caught this video. Thanks.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I'm actually humbled ayoob brought this up and I'm so glad when I worked as a armed security guard and in executive protection I never used a weapons mounted light and I always used a separate flashlight/torch.

[@Cerakote123]

Thats because you were a rent-a-cop 😂

[@elsuperpollo2273]

And at least I got away with more things, go ahead and laugh life is too short. Till then go f**k yourself

[@jamesdavis7650]

Excellent video! Good food for thought, and sound tactical reasoning.

[@DuaneThomas1963]

Mas, I'm sure you remember Otto Orive, who took several of your courses back in the day. Otto was one of the firearms instructors for the Kent, Washington police department. The Kent PD range, on which I have shot, is a wonderful facility, with a control booth that, among other things, allows shutting off/turning on lights in each individual area of its huge main bay, to simulate various lighting conditions, all the way down to turning off all the lights, not only on the range but in the booth, as well, to create total darkness. So, they set up a situation where officers had to clear a "house" that was created by hanging tarps from the ceiling to form walls and rooms. Officers had Sim guns, so did "criminals" who were being played by other officers, also armed with Sim guns. The goal was for officers to search the darkened house, and find the bad guys, ideally without being shot themselves. It is a common piece of advice when searching with a light-mounted gun, "Use the light to search, then turn off the light when you move so they can't track your movement." Otto commented, "We saw the same thing, over and over again. An officer would be searching, using the light, looking for the bad guys. When they had the light on to search, people would hide. The INSTANT they turned off the light, EVERY TIME, people would pop out and shoot at where the light was. As far as I'm concerned, the primary function of a weapon-mounted light, inside an unfamiliar structure, would be for me to find a light switch so I can turn on the fucking overhead lights. Why on earth you'd want to be searching in darkness, much less moving in darkness, when you could be doing it with good visibility in full light is beyond me."

[@bc2815]

There is much more context that needs to be given to this topic other than just "never use weapon mounted light to search". If you are doing an outside search because a old home owner thinks she heard something outsider her house and wants law enforcement to conduct an property search to make her feel better, then I absolutely agree use a hand held light. However if I am responding to a building alarm and find an open door then the search is getting done with a weapon mounted light, if I am responding to a homeowner who comes home and finds their front door kicked in and wants LE to clear the house, I am conducting that search with my weapon mounted light, If I am carrying out an arrest warrant at a house for a known felon known to be in possession of firearms then the search is getting done with my weapon mounted light. Context matters and the notion that using a handheld light to search all the time and that you can just drop it and draw your gun if you need to already puts you behind the reactionary curve. ****UPDATE BELOW**** Since there are so many comments about how his advice is not meant for law enforcement but the average citizen. Lets break it down like this, if you are asleep in your own home and hear a noise and grab your gun and begin clearing with your weapon mounted light and find someone that was invited into your house by another family member and you pointed the gun at them until you were able to figure out who they were and why they are there, you are not getting charged with assault with a deadly weapon (that’s just plain not true). A homeowner in their own home pointing a weapon at someone until they can identify them is completely legal, now if you go outside because you heard a noise and end up pointing a gun at someone walking across your property posing no threat or lets say a boyfriend sneaking out of your daughters window that’s a different story (don’t go looking for a fight you are not conducting a direct action operation). Secondly lets address the drop the hand held and transition to your firearm, this is just plain bad advice, you come around a corner in your home and find a person in your own with a firearm and you think you are going to drop your handheld and transition to your weapon faster than they can shoot you is just not the case and science of reaction time will prove me correct however, there are cases with extremely well trained individuals who have the ability to operate efficiently under extreme stress and would likely be able to react correctly however they are still behind the reactionary curve. Lets also add in what’s called the sympathetic nervous system response, you already have one object in your hand and something triggers the fight or flight (sympathetic nervous system) you are more likely to continue to hold that object while trying to access another or even if you have both one handheld light and your gun pointed down at your side you are likely discharge a round the moment you are startled and presented with a life or death situation (there is much more science surrounding the subject that I encourage people to read). This is why officers who have had people at gun point and reached up to push the button on their radio have also discharged their firearm at the same time or had objects such as a handheld light in their hand and during a fight or flight situation have failed to drop the object in their hand thus complicating their employment of the deadly force weapon this is all based on science. Now with that being said can this be trained out of someone yes and no, 99% of the population (to include police officers) will never train to the level required to experience this type of reaction and thus will never reach the proficiently level required during a situation like this. However, since everyone responds differently to fight or flight some people are better accustomed to deal with that biological response than others, so this is not a blanket applies to everyone statement, but it applies to most people. Lastly your gun should be for searching because you have a reasonable belief there is a deadly force threat (not to search just because it has a light on it), if you head something outside your home don’t grab a gun and go searching around to “find the bad guy” you have no right to protect property with deadly force (even in Texas) unless you are in danger and that’s hard to argue when you go out and aggress the threat. Stay in your home arm yourself and call the police, when they show up place your gun down and let the police search your property for whatever you heard. If you return from a night out and find your door kicked in do does not enter and try to find the bad guy, call the cops and let them do their job (this obviously does not apply if you have family members inside the home such as children that you believe are in danger). One last thing, if you carry a firearm for protection make sure you are studying case law and understand the various case laws regarding self defense and shootings.

[@tjmayer9103]

Agree. Just keep your finger off the trigger until it's necessary.

[@lambchop6210]

Exactly! This is what people in these comments dont understand. Theres a huge difference between using a handheld light to do a cursory search of a large area and actively searching for a dangerous suspect (shooter) with a wml. They are not interchangeable. Your gonna catch rounds way before you can use your duty weapon with a handheld in your hand

[@tjmayer9103]

@@lambchop6210💯% True. You can't transition fast enough with Ayoob's light tactics.

[@lambchop6210]

@@tjmayer9103 what kills me is all the people in the comments stating that this is the right way blows my mind

[@tjmayer9103]

@@lambchop6210 Yes! Lacking common sense and experience, I presume.

[@sk8erguyjake]

Am I the only one concerned about the amount of time it would take to switch lights, draw your weapon and reacquire the target? While I could see this in a ccw situation outside the home, I find it unlikely that Id you drew a weapon on someone in your home late at night that you’d get felony assault. Without having even fired the firearm.

[@KB-jf8mj]

Thank you Jake. I thought I was the only one thinking this way. As an officer myself I have come across this situation several times and the home owner was never charged for any crime. As a matter of fact most of the time they were applauded by police for the courage to refuse to be a victim

[@kriskline7559]

Absolutely. No way am I searching my own home with my gun down while using my handheld search light. I live with only my wife, so when a loud thud is heard in my home at night I’m definitely using the gun light with her behind me. We have castle laws and carry insurance for a reason. Anyone who’s tested their speed to first shot with a handheld vs weapon mounted light knows the advantage of the weapon mounted light. I’m not giving a burglar any additional advantages. Statistically home invaders are armed, and I’d rather face a jury than limit my ability to protect myself.

[@kriskline7559]

In addition, I’m searching with a rifle most of the time in my home, so the handheld is out of the question.

[@sk8erguyjake]

Generally I like his stuff but this video is just a little bizarre. I’m trying to be humble because I know he’s an expert and I’m not; but this really isn’t making sense

[@russelder9743]

@@KB-jf8mj I live vey rural with my75 yo wife and dog...I need a free hand as I have to be able to grab the dog...there is no one else thats going to be in my house as my family lives very far away.....I totally agree outside the home

[@edwardr2204]

I only have a momentary handheld light but this video brings to mind a better way to search with one. Thanks for the insight for safety.

[@Each1Teach1BuildMany]

This just might be my new favorite channel! New Sub here.

[@timothyvotaw7517]

More good, practical wisdom from Mas. It's so easy to make an unintended "mistake" in these situations, particularly with the twisted legal systems in so many jurisdictions, that now favor a perp over their intended victims. Train, practice, think, prepare.

[@designated_hitter_EGA]

Pretty obvious why. Don't need any wisdom, just a functioning brain in the cranium.

[@keggerous]

I tried to explain this to some tacticool people and was simply laughed at. Sadly, a LOT of people do not take this issue seriously.

[@peteto1]

Until they get arrested someday in a self-defense situation and realize that a local, "woke" jury might put them away in a real prison for years....

[@RedDragonProtection]

Great point, that's actually how I was trained as a new cop on fto. I'm happy to hear that.

[@dhemong]

thank you for the video, Wilson Combat.

[@z1522]

So much ado about gun tech wizardry, this is so fundamental, yet I suspect sadly a huge number of fans have long forgotten the cardinal rules of firearm safety - if they ever learned them. You NEVER point a weapon at anyone/thing you don't intend to shoot. Practically, the startle reflex might just cause you to pull the trigger, should your beam suddenly sweep onto a cowering human, especially if they jump or, fearing for their life, decide to lunge at you. A humble reminder, for those obsessed with overtraining that mostly builds a reflex to fire before thought can intervene - the firing of a gun is likely to be the final act in any defensive situation, so treat it that way. Exhaust all your options before committing to this irreversible action: shelter in place, if feasible, anticipate an aggressor's approach, and fire only when their intentions and proximity are made apparent. Never chase, pursue, or go through any area in search of a bad guy, because they will already be waiting for you to expose yourself - unless that noise turns out to be a sleepwalking child or spouse, who you may shoot in the darkness, as you are blind with fear.

[@roykiefer7713]

Excellent video, thank you. I’ve always used a hand held (and rarely illuminated) high-intensity flashlight. Why: 1. I know my home’s “territory,” but the felon doesn’t; I don’t want to provide any illumination than might help the criminal. Therefore, I’ll activate the light only for a second . . . IF I need to make an identification. 2. I don’t want to reveal my position or my movements. 3. I don’t want to provide the felon with a target; most firing stances place the weapon-mounted light very near your center-line.

[@hummingbird_saltalamakia]

strobe effect would disorient

[@roykiefer7713]

@@hummingbird_saltalamakia May be disorienting to both the felon and the lawful defender. I’m generally not in favor of fashionable adjuncts; rather, I believe in mastering and executing the long-acknowledged fundamentals with precision and skill.

[@topturretgunner]

Great wisdom here. Thoughtful and true. Following this would help prevent accidental or wrongful shootings. Thank you Massad.

[@OlSgtLove]

Very good advice . I was surprised to hear that . I been carrying my Stinger Flashlight for years. .doing my searches with it . Can always learn something everyday. Thanks .

[@agvulpine]

If I'm searching in the dark with a flashlight for a secretly invited guest, they're getting a gun pointed at them until I'm informed of that invitation.

[@waynemartin9614]

Thank U Mas for enlightening us with these video messages which can literally save lives ! Been reading your columns since the 1980's , and R highly useful and enjoyable as they tend to make us think about what we might otherwise B doing WRONG !

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you like them!

[@tommurdock7918]

Very interesting. I had't completely thought about all the ramifications, like pointing the firearm at the ground is still pointing in their direction and hunting with a rifle and scope. Good stuff

[@primsolllineguy8689]

Wonderful advise from the highly skilled master. Thank you, I have always done same. Great video!

[@gowilsoncombat]

You are very welcome

[@phil5569]

Also, if you use a flashlight, in the event of tracking an armed suspect, hold the flashlight laterally at arms length away from your body as you search. That way given that your light makes your position obvious, if they take a shot at you, they might miss, as apposed to holding the light (or a weapon light) right in front of you, you give them a center-mass target.

[@michaelloomisiii3475]

Same way I was trained. Also, we were instructed to have a lanyard long enough to make that stretch that you mentioned in your post. When you need to use that hand to manipulate door handles etc, you can simply let go of the light instead of stowing it.

[@HDSME]

Yes!!!! The fbi didn't teach that maybe now they learned never used a fun mounted light!

[@elmateo77]

@@HDSME A fun mounted light? Is that like a multicolored disco ball that goes on the end of your gun and plays music?

[@LanternOfLiberty]

@@elmateo77 for me, I don't really know the answer to that question. However, in a non-life-threatening situation, that would be f****** awesome! 😂😂😂

[@SkoolyRatt]

Your 100% right Phil

[@doughudgens9275]

My solution is to have 2 lights on in the house all the time. They are low power LED’s so they don’t burn much energy, but provide enough light to clear the house in case of a problem. They also tend to discourage burglars because they see a light in the window and think someone is up. This also means I have enough light to do things at night without turning on a light to see.

[@Sam_Arwas]

To my knowledge house burglaries nearly always occur during the day, business hours specifically

[@anthonym.pacelli1960]

Once again excellent and easily understood advice, thank you.

[@clintjo2377]

So good to find someplace to find info on self defence like this I carry every day ! THANK YOU SIR !

[@gowilsoncombat]

Right on

[@jckcpd4539]

Great advise from a true expert in laws that involve firearms. I can only wish that my Police Department would have Massad on video as part of in-service training instead of woke social issues.

[@Horror_Film_Aficionado]

What caliber and gun are you guys issued

[@Intranetusa]

Those woke social issues will save them from being sued for millions of dollars for beating up or accidentially killing unarmed poor people.

[@jckcpd4539]

@@Horror_Film_Aficionado The 9mm is most common as a police duty firearm

[@adamsaylor7427]

Social issue education will actually prevent a lot of shootings in the first place, but yes, add Massad as a part of weapons training

[@jckcpd4539]

I respectly disagree with Adam. It is my experience that police firearm training is lacking and that more available time for advance training is required. Point and shoot only training lacks tactical shooting needed by police officers. I don't see how spending time on woke social issues saves lives or improves a police officer's expertise with his firearm.

[@Icybones000]

I call bs on that you will serve hard time for pointing a gun at someone in your house. 1st there had to be more than just the other person saying you pointing a gun at them, there has to be a witness to the fact, without that it is just say so and no one is going to incriminate themselves unless they're that thick in the head, if that is the case they have no buisness owning a firearm. May bring up the question why I know this.

[@joshc44]

Awesome video, never even thought about many of these points

[@poppysworkbench6508]

Thank You! Been a fan for many years!

[@Daveyboy28]

I never liked the idea of a wml, my wife and I have always used little night lights all around the common areas of my home, they light up the home well enough to see anyone clearly, and they work on battery for days in case of power outage.

[@DinoNucci]

Good setup

[@jacobpetersen5662]

And you'll STILL be pointing a gun and someone!

[@DinoNucci]

@@jacobpetersen5662 what's your 1st language?

[@Daveyboy28]

@@jacobpetersen5662 how so?