August 24th, 2023
7minute read
Fear of the dark among humans has been documented for centuries.
Its not the darkness, but what the darkness may be hiding.
The reason for this is actually quite simple.
Since many attacks come at night, learning to dominate the dark gives you an advantage in many defensive encounters.
Humans are diurnal creatures and are at their best during daylight hours or under artificial light.
Sight remains our primary sensory receptor and when our vision is compromised, performance suffers.
For example, simply getting around an unfamiliar environment can be problematic.
Intense white light introduced into an aggressor’s night-adapted vision will give you a momentary advantage.
I can negotiate my own house in complete darkness without tripping and falling.
However, getting around an unfamiliar hotel room or outdoor area is much more difficult.
Likewise, locating a potential threat is yet another issue.
Using a flashlight in low-light conditions allows you to identify threats and to put rounds on target if needed.
In bright light, its just a matter of turning your head and looking in that direction.
Poor light can mask all sorts of problems that may be difficult to pick up.
So how often does this stuff happen?
A weaponlight like this Streamlight TLR-8G with green laser can provide you with a handy means of illuminating what you are shooting at. Image: john McKenzie/Down Range Photography
For the responsible citizen, gunplay is indeed the rare exception, but consider the following.
If we are serious about personal defense, shouldnt our equipment and training reflect this contingency?
Rod cells are located around the periphery of the retina and allow us to see forms in poor light.
Here, the author demonstrates how using a flashlight can blind or distract an attacker to give you an edge.
Because of rod activation, we can still see forms and movement.
Make no mistake about it, the rules dont change because its dark.
Bring a Light!
Learning to fight with a light isn’t limited to just a handgun. You should have a light on your defensive rifle and know how to use it effectively.
This is true both in daylight conditions as well as a reduced light.
Consider someone walking towards you in a dimly lit parking garage.
Do we have a problem here?
Perhaps, but we cant be absolutely certain at this point.
could give you the advantage.
One of the points their staff instructor made was light helps us make an informed decision.
Clearly, if you take up the gun, you better have a light close at hand.
We can only speculate how such an incident would have played out if a flashlight was brought into play.
I do however break down these techniques into two categories, being hands together or hands apart.
But what might this mean to the armed citizen?
By doing this, you gain a huge advantage in safety and give up little should you better shoot.
Other Tools
Over the last several years, weapon-mounted lights (WMLs) have come on strong.
For a home defense pistol, a WML has much to offer.
Tritium night sights and lasers are other tools that can help the cause.
In particular, I am very fond of theStreamlight TLR-8with white light and laser capabilities.
Lasers are indeed, the ultimate night sight.
One stop-gap measure I have taken advantage of is Airsoft technology.
This can be safely done in your own home, garage or basement.
Conclusion
So, pilgrim, get busy.
Fate continues to favor the prepared individual.
