Low-Light Shooting & Gun-Mounted Lights: What to Know

Here's how to use the light to your advantage even when you're defending in the dark.

posted on July 14, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Think about it: Are you more likely to be attacked in broad daylight, or after dark? Many defensive experts recommend you think seriously about adding a gun-mounted light to your defensive firearm. One of such expert is Smith & Wesson GUNSMARTS instructor Ken Scott, and in this episode, you'll learn some of the basics of low-light shooting with a gun-mounted light.

Yes, the technology we're discussing is, essentially, a flashlight. However, once it's mounted on your gun, you won't be using it in exactly the same way you use a regular flashlight. That's because there are two competing and extremely important factors at work: First, that you need to identify your target and what is beyond it; an second, that you need to do so without affecting your ability to see anything else.

You already know that your eyes need to adjust from bright to dark, and that it takes some time. If you accidentally illuminate too much of your own field of view with that gun-mounted light, you risk your night vision. The good news is that there's a way to compensate ... although you'll have to start by breaking some habits. Here's how to do it.

Latest

Deering Zeroing At 25
Deering Zeroing At 25

How Bad Is It: to Sight in at 25 Yards?

If you have only a short range at which to sight in, will you be OK to shoot at 100 after sighting in at 25?

New Guns 2026: The Ruger Red Label III Shotgun

Ruger has brought back one of America’s most iconic over-under shotguns—the Ruger Red Label III—renewing the company's commitment to being a full-line manufacturer of firearms.

6 Wild Game Apps for Your New Year’s Eve Party

Throwing a party to ring in 2026? Whip up these wild-game appetizers to use up some of this year’s bounty from the freezer.

What’s a Deer Drive?

Deer drives are popular in many parts of the country. How do you pull one off?

3 Ways a Firearms Instructor Can Become a Better Teacher

You can be the best shot in your chosen firearm discipline, but if you are not a good communicator, you may not be an effective teacher.

Step Into Your Future: The NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) Awaits!

For more than 25 years, Y.E.S. has united some of America’s brightest, most driven, and patriotic youth for an unforgettable week of education, leadership and civic engagement.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.