{"id":2440,"date":"2024-08-07T17:42:16","date_gmt":"2024-08-07T17:42:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=2440"},"modified":"2024-08-07T17:42:16","modified_gmt":"2024-08-07T17:42:16","slug":"does-this-supplement-or-replace-your-pistol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=2440","title":{"rendered":"Does This Supplement (or Replace) Your Pistol?"},"content":{"rendered":"


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By Adam Scepaniak<\/a><\/p>\n

W<\/span>hile a CCW pistol is a staple of many people\u2019s EDC set-up, you are not always allowed to carry those everywhere you go. So, what if you find yourself in need of some sort of defensive tool in this situation? Preferably, this would be something easy to employ that would not constitute being a weapon in these non-permissive environments?<\/p>\n

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For self-defense, is a tactical flashlight a good supplement to your CCW pistol? Is it possible that the light could actually be a replacement in some circumstances?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During a recent visit to Where Our Families Train (W.O.F.T.)<\/a> in Florida, I met with Philip Toppino \u2014 the founder and owner \u2014 who suggested a simple solution. W.O.F.T. is a bit of a \u201cTactical Theme Park\u201d with a reputation for\u00a0real-life scenario safety and instruction.<\/em>\u00a0I found the school to be utterly world-class.<\/p>\n

One of the school\u2019s marquee courses is on the effective use of a flashlight for self-defense. You might be initially skeptical (and I was, too). When Toppino first offered up the idea that an innocent-looking pocket flashlight could be my self-defense, I will admit it took some convincing to change my mind.<\/p>\n

I ask that you keep an open mind as I elaborate on the concepts that Toppino shared during my two visits to W.O.F.T.<\/p>\n

Why You Need a Flashlight<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some people may argue against carrying a flashlight in your pocket for self-defense, particularly if they have a weaponlight on their CCW. While a weaponlight might be a useful tool, it\u2019s not a replacement for a separate handheld flashlight. For example, you don\u2019t want to pull your gun out in a parking lot simply to find a dropped key. Also, remember, we are considering non-permissive environments.<\/p>\n

\"Springfield\n<\/picture>
The Springfield Hellcat<\/a> is a great CCW pistol. When combined with a SureFire Stiletto flashlight, it is even more of a formidable defensive tool.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Likewise, you don\u2019t automatically point your pistol at someone who is approaching you in the dark. There is a high probability that they are not a criminal, and you should not put an innocent person in danger.<\/p>\n

These are just a few glaring examples of why a flashlight separate from your firearm is important.<\/p>\n

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W.O.F.T. teaches that a major reason why flashlights are desirable for self-defense is that they can be taken virtually anywhere: airports, medical facilities, schools, etc. All the places that you could think of where a firearm is not allowed, a flashlight most likely can be present.<\/p>\n

As a utility tool, people do not perceive it as a weapon. Therefore, you can always have it with you.<\/p>\n

Shatter the OODA Loop<\/h2>\n

Flashlights are fantastic for breaking someone\u2019s OODA loop. An acronym made famous by fighter pilots, the OODA loop is the thought process of seeing a threat and deciding how to act. You will need to:<\/p>\n