When it comes to personal defense, there’s a phrase that's been floating around for a long time: "Two is one, one is none." This bit of old-school military wisdom is especially relevant when we talk about lights. For self-defense at night, we can all agree that having a weapon light (WML) is a smart move—it's almost a given at this point. But let’s take it a step further. If you're serious about safety and situational awareness, pairing that WML with a handheld light is an even better plan.
Why Both?
A weapon-mounted light is fantastic for aiming. With a thin enough hotspot, you can almost use it like a large You’re locked in on your target, illuminating what’s directly in front of your sights. But what if you're not sure whether that shadow in the corner is a threat? Reaching for your weapon-mounted light to investigate could send the wrong message or lead to disastrous consequences.
Here’s where the handheld light shines (pun intended). It allows you to assess a situation without pulling your gun, giving you the ability to see what’s around without escalating the encounter unnecessarily. You can identify whether that noise was the wind, a raccoon, or—worst-case scenario—a genuine threat.
And then, if the worst happens, you already have your pistol-mounted light ready for more serious action.
Practical Application
Take a note from law enforcement. When an officer pulls someone over at night, the first thing they do is shine a handheld light. They don’t immediately go for the gun, even though that gun might have a light attached to it—they assess the situation. Can you imagine how you’d feel if the first thing you saw was an officer with a weapon drawn for a busted taillight? Same principle applies to civilians. The handheld light is for identifying, observing, and deciding what to do next.
So, whether you’re walking through a dark parking lot or investigating a bump in the night, it’s always a good idea to pull out that handheld light first. The INFORCE TFx is a perfect example of an everyday carry (EDC) light designed for exactly these moments. It’s bright, compact, and won’t scream “threat” when you just need to get a better look around.
But when things escalate—when you’ve determined something is wrong and you're in danger—that’s when your weapon-mounted light comes into play.
Redundancy Is Your Friend
You’ve heard the saying, “better safe than sorry,” right? That’s really what this all comes down to. Carrying both a handheld light and a weapon light gives you options, and options are invaluable in tense situations. You don’t always know what you’ll face, so it’s better to be prepared. Having two sources of light might feel unnecessary to some, but when it comes to safety, being over-prepared is never a bad thing.
Carrying an INFORCE WILD1or WILD2 pistol light gives you the ability to light up your target while maintaining solid aim. They’re reliable, powerful, and a perfect complement to your EDC light. With both tools in your arsenal, you’re equipped for everything from minor inconveniences to life-threatening situations.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, having both a handheld light and a weapon-mounted light isn't just about being cautious—it's about being smart. The handheld light like the TFx is your go-to for most situations, letting you investigate without upping the stakes unnecessarily. But when it’s time to act, your WML, like the WILD1 or WILD2, ensures that you’ve got the visibility you need, right where you need it.
Two lights. One plan. And peace of mind that you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
To shop INFORCE handheld lights, click here.
To shop INFORCE pistol lights, click here.