Ken is a perfect example of the quote, "if you dont stay on top of the wave of change, you will get cover up by it." Every time he opens his mouth, he proves his lake of understanding of the subject he has been involved with for decades. Ego is a hell of a drug.
You should do yourself a favor and go listen to the Podcast he did with Student of the Gun in response to the thousands of knee jerk reactions like the one on this channel and hear him talk about it in depth far beyond what he said on the Wilson Combat episode that started this. Might change your mind about his "understanding".
@@txhuntsman, Now, here’s the problem: Ken Hackathorn said “YOU don’t need a red dot” If he had said “I prefer not to have a red dot” and give reasons why he would have been alright. He deserves the criticism he’s getting.
You should do yourself a favor and go listen to the Podcast he did with Student of the Gun in response to the thousands of knee jerk reactions like the one on this channel and hear him talk about it in depth far beyond what he said on the Wilson Combat episode that started this.
I agree and disagree. I have no light or red dot. I am proficient with my firearm and well practiced. That being said, like the man said.....having it has no real down side other than possible concealment issues. You choose what is best for you. Great topic and well presented.
@@woodystube1000 No doubt. I pray that I will never be in a situation where I would have to use my firearm. But, it’s always there if I need it. Stay safe.
Thank you, that's one of the best explanations of how and why to use a pistol light I've seen. I have severe Keratoconus and my eyes are extremely light sensitive so my whole life is a photonic barrier.
The cost for a light and dot can be a very significant disadvantage, especially if someone has to buy a new holster. All together, it can cost more than the gun. I've known several people who got an LE trade in Glock and carry it without modifying it at all. But I would definitely be a hypocrite if I told someone to be financially responsible when buying guns.
@@weaponeer8582 I recently bought a G19 gen 5 MOS. I put a Holosun SCS MOS and Steamlight TLR-7 HL-X on it and got a new holster. Altogether, it was about $1400. There are many advantages to a light/dot, but the biggest disadvantage for many people is the cost. Especially in this economy.
@@weaponeer8582 I recently bought a G19 gen 5 MOS. I put a Holosun SCS MOS and Steamlight TLR-7 HL-X on it and got a new holster. Altogether, it was about $1400. There are many advantages to a light/dot, but the biggest disadvantage is the cost.
@@mikem2132 but that’s anything. If you wanted it and you enjoy it it’s not a disadvantage. I’ve spent more than you have on a G45 MOS, a Surefire X300, Holosun SCS, a Radian Ramjet and Afterburner, some +5 mag extensions. I planned the cost out and got what I wanted. I don’t see it as a disadvantage. If you see your purchase as a disadvantage, seems like a regret and maybe you shouldn’t have made the purchase.
@@weaponeer8582 I assisted couple friends that were new to shooting pick out their first gun. Their price range was $300-$400, so they were definitely getting iron sights. I agree that a dot is not a disadvantage if you got the money, but not everyone has it.
Just my 2 cents. Weapon light on a DEFENSIVE pistol is optional. Handheld is mandatory. Odds are if you are drawing a pistol as a civilian you have already identified a deadly threat via handheld light. Home defense is a different story because house clearing is an offensive use case.
I'd argue that defending your home is still defensive. But I do somewhat see your point. My rebuttal would be...why make it optional? You used the wording "odds are." Odds are that you'll never use any firearm for anything other than poking holes in paper at the range. Odds are that you'll never have to put a fire out in your home. But when it comes to playing the odds with your life. Do you really want to discard any advantage that you have? I do appreciate the comment and taking the time to watch the video!
@@RTTGunsGear I do occasionally run both especially in the winter. My duty gun has a light and optic. But I do find that non light bearing is significantly more comfortable in the appendix position for me while off duty.
@matthewtilley5500 There's no doubt, depending on the light and person, that comfort can be a potential issue. And I should have added that to the video.
@@RTTGunsGear I personally have had to put a fuckin fire 🔥 out in my house without a fire extinguisher! You bet your sweet ass I have fire extinguishers now! I don't want to make a similar mistake in any part of life again.
I question the necessity of a weapon mounted light for home defense. At least at my house we have electric lights in every room. In the unlikely event I have to clear my house during the night, I will turn on the lights.
I have one gun fully decked out with a light and a dot and one gun plain jane. I don't always want to carry my Glock 17 but when I do I want the most capable weapon possible in a ccw with a lot of ammo. My shield just goes in its little holster and has never once complained about not having a light or a red dot. It did get mag extensions on my larger mags so I have 8 round 40sw reloads. And a 6 round flush mag with pinky ext. When I carry it. If I don't hit you with that first mag my reloads have a full grip and more rounds. My Glock is just a beast at all times. Minimum 18 rounds in the gun of hardcore jhp ammo will do the job. If it doesn't my spare mag has 22 rounds of those spicy jelly beans ready to tango. And with a light and a dot I'm fighting you in the dark or in the day far away or up close. Your getting got.
I agree that 2/3 of the team is a bit out of touch. I believe the Massad is better in touch with modern tactics and equipment. Most older men in general will stick to certain things that has worked for them for decades. Massod is definitely more open minded than his teammates.
The benefits of being able to see what you're possibly going to have to shoot, and red dots being easier for our eyes to aim, isn't subjective opinion though. But yes, in other ways, opinions will definitely vary
Thanks brother!! What's the worst about all of this is that legend or not, Hackathorn will in fact cost someone their life with the nonsense he spouted.
@@RTTGunsGearprobably not . The more you make bulky a gun, the more likely you will be leaving it at home. Not very practical for those who work in the trades or have to wear tailored clothing. A keep a J frame in my pocket while climbing a ladder, crawling under a sink, riding my bike and wearing a suit and tie. Bet you can’t do that with this rig.
@fanbatcher The massive amount of people who carry a WML and RDS on their pistol daily would disagree with you. Carry what you want. But don't just make shit up out of thin air and pretend that you're speaking for the general public.
You can achieve every pro you named of having a wml except the 2 handed firing grip. In a concealed self defense scenario if I’m drawing my gun I’ve already identified the threat and made the decision to shoot, therefore the wml would likely be an afterthought. A duty type scenario or home defense gun where you’re more likely to be searching with your gun drawn is where the wml shines. I’ve been in several scenarios where I drew my ccw at night to shoot a critter (about as close as you can get to the real thing) and never once could I not do what needed to be done with my handheld. As for red dots I think they’re great but personally don’t have one on my carry gun anymore. It’s a pain to keep clean and if you don’t you can’t get a good sight picture although I think that could be fixed with a closed emitter. Also I live in the south so they’ll fog up every time you step outside lol. Just my thoughts and observations after trying both wml and reddots
I didn't make up these advantages on the fly while recording this video. I respect that you have your opinion and own point of view on things. But doctors, scientists, operators, and lessons from the real world have proven these advantages over and over again.
On the rare occasion I carry a rail or optic cut gun, I like a light and I sure as heck like a Holosun 507cX2 better than the irons I can barely see anymore.
James Yeager says the same as Ken. For most people they are slower. Paying for training should occur before paying for accessories. That said, both also say they’re great for night vision/low light and potentially longer distances. To each their own though
I never said one should just get accessories and then rely on them without training. I am very very vocal about people getting training. And with training, you're 100% wrong about people being slower. Everything I said in the video is 100% factually accurate. And as much as I respect Yeager and the training he provided and the doors he opened for social media firearms stuff. He was also very stuck in his ways and promoted companies like Crimson Trace and other low quality products. To add to that.. What he said does not in any way change reality. And the reality is that there are factually added benefits to having dots and WML's. Yes..to each their own. I was painfully clear about that in my video.
Now, here’s the problem: Ken Hackathorn said “YOU don’t need a red dot” If he had said “I prefer not to have a red dot” and give reasons why he would have been alright. He deserves the criticism he’s getting.
Bought a red dot , never could find it . Fishing around forever . Bought a Holosun HS507K-X2 Vulcan .WOW, no problem picking up dot . Best pistol sight .....IMO .
Because he is widely considered to be "an expert." And to his credit, in many ways, he is. But saying what he said, opinion or not, is not only irresponsible, but potentially dangerous. It is my opinion that a 12ga shotgun is best for birds and breaching. But it would be irresponsible and immoral for me to try to convince someone to not get one for home defense if that's what they wanted.
Because most of these people are morons and just want to play soldier and accesorize. So when someone says you don't need to have the extras, their feelings get hurt.
As a former mechanic, we used to walk around and blast each other with our streamlight stingers on strobe 😂. In the day in the shop they will blind the living shit out of you.
All my home defense pistols have a light on them. My home is dark at night. I can’t remember ever being away from my home where it was so dark I couldn’t see. I simply don’t go places that are not lit with some kind of light. I’ve got red dots on a few of my guns but I have a feeling if I ever need a carry pistol it’s going to be close and fast. A red dot seems to come into its own as the distances get longer. At those ranges I’ll be looking for a place to disengage the conflict. That’s just my opinion.
I’m with you 100% on this one. I add one other thing that I agree is going to vary from person to person…I carry with a full size WML because it is more comfortable. The layout of the holsters like a Werkz and others with a full size WML is just more comfortable to me for all day carry. I don’t have to worry about things keeling over and the wider footprint just sets better on me.
Most quality holster makers make light bearing and optic ready holsters. Werkz is one that comes to mind who solely makes holsters for pistols with lights. But they're out there.
@@RTTGunsGear My carry guns all have lights and Red Dots. I am in total agreement. I have Werkz holsters and like them. However, their OWB is only in Glock 17 length that defeats the purpose of the shorter slide Glock 19. I purchased a Tenicor OWB to get the Glock 19 length. My point was that it is still more difficult to find a holster you like that also fits your light and gun combination.
To say there is no downside to having a WML is a fools errand.Of course there are downsides-the ability to comfortably carry anX300T on the end of your Glock is not possible IWB.Sure you can carry it,but it isn’t comfortable-which causes most to opt for a smaller light or not run one at all.On my duty rig-it’s no problem,but for CCW,it’s a lot and requires dedication.I run a TLR7A on my G19 and while I have no reservations about the difference,it’s still giving me a WML all the time,without destroying your twig and berries.I always carry a Surefire Stiletto Pro anyway-so I have the best of both worlds.
@@RTTGunsGear I did-carrying a WML off duty in a CCW holster is uncomfortable which causes most people to forego it.That’s the only one that matters to most people,because as you surely know-most people are not as dedicated as the truly professional individuals who do it for a living.I carry everywhere-even to the mailbox,and I also have 2 reloads,a Strider folder,a Surefire handheld light and a full blowout kit.I’m a State Police Investigator but also a combat veteran and of all the guys I work with-none are as dedicated.My own partner has been known to leave his off duty at home when he leaves the house and he has twice left his primary in the safe when he showed up for work.
@irishdefense77 I guess the way you typed, it very much appeared as if you were just talking about the X300. With that said, I was speaking from an objective stand point, not subjective feelings on what is comfortable. I carry and regularly sit, as well as drive long distances with the x300 and don't mind it. Others would probably find it uncomfortable. Hell, some find it uncomfortable to carry a wallet in their pocket, but it's hard to make an argument against a good wallet.. So taking away the individual subjectivity of comfort, there still isn't a downside to having a weapon light.
By pot belly kens lodgic i should take off my scopes on my rifle's cause im not a sniper, and throw away my tools in my cars cause im not a certified mechanic
How are you going to use a Red Dot within the average self defense shooting distance? All of mine followed something bad happening and all were within a few feet to grappling distance with an armed bad guy. Spend more time on physical fitness.. My cardio and hand to hand skills have served me well time and time again. I own two firearms with red dots. Fun but I can't find much utility in them unless I needed to take an extended shot.
Rule #2 in gun safety, never point your firearm at anything you don't intend to destroy. A separate hand held light should be used under most conditions. When you point your weapon mounted light at anything, you're pointing your muzzle at something!!! If it's a person you're committing a crime in most states. You could go to jail for that alone.
You should probably take some legitimate low light training. It would keep you from saying such things. There's a number of ways of using your WML without pointing at someone. You will also likely go to jail for justifiably using your firearms, period. Light or not.
Yes sir, I'm sure I could use some more training. There is never enough. I retired from law enforcement about 8 years ago and lights on a handguns weren't common. I had some training during my 30+ years of doing the job. Most of which was at night. After all that's where the fun stuff happens. The best job I had during that time was a K9 handler. He was an awesome partner. He was a patrol dog with lots of skills. He made me look good. One of our tracks was a young man who had fled from deputies after shooting another person. The young man forced a confrontation in a dimly lit parking lot at night. I was forced to shoot him with my Glock 23 while holding the dog with my off hand. The first round took him down. He did not survive. I was glad to have night sights. My rather large stream light was on the ground. Lights on handguns and long guns have their place. Perhaps in defending the home. Most civilians will not be like law enforcement or military whose duty is to go to the trouble. Weapons mounted light should never serve as the primary or only lighting. @@RTTGunsGear
The bottom line is the more gadgets hanging off the gun , the more likely you are keeping it at home more than you should. Better to put a J frame in your pocket everyday than carrying this gun every so often.
I have RDS and WML, flared mag well, on my EDC, looking into threaded barrel and compensator as well. It goes with me daily, hence daily carry, I believe if I'm going to carry, if I'm going to do anything in life I am going to do the very best and prepare the utmost I can to be as proficient I can for any situation
Fighting for your life isn't a sport. Cheat. Use every advantage you have available to survive that engagement. Blinding your opponent can possibly save your life.
Nowadays you can carry such a small powerful flashlight these days glock 48 with a tlr-7sub is not that bulky and your getting a lot of lumens that little thing is bright .
The light was given to me by Werkz. I still run the TLR-1 HL on my other pistols like the 19x, Canik, etc.. It is definitely a more powerful light. But I wouldn't have bought one since the TLR-1 is a great light.
@@RTTGunsGeargotcha. I’m still really new to the world of firearms, waiting on my CCW permit in New York State. I have been using a g19x airsoft pistol as a training aid until my permit is granted, and I have the TLR-1 HL on it. I got it because of the price difference with the X300, and plan on running the TLR-1 on my edc. Thanks for the great videos, you got one more subscriber!
Great video, thank you for addressing this. Folks like Hackathorn and Ayoob are legends in the tactical firearms community and deserve the respect they have earned. However, on issues like red dots and lights they have allowed the world to pass them by. We will all get there someday.
@Rooster-q3x Just to be clear. You're saying that nobody cares what you think and that people should stop caring what others are doing....while simultaneously giving your opinion because you gave a crap what I was doing/saying? Hmm...weird.
@@RTTGunsGear no that's not what I meant. I didn't mean YOU. Just in general we as a society are very caught up in what other people are doing. It wasn't meant to be directed at you and your video. I found your video useful.
If you are having to use a weapon light to search for your adversary, you are going to have one hell of a time proving self defense in a shooting. And as far as a red dot, they are not for me. I just shoot my side arm a lot. I have carried the same exact 1911A1 since about 1984. It just shoots pretty much by muscle memory after so many years. But in the end, set your gun up how you want,,, it's yours for a reason.
Can you survive and defend yourself without all the latest do-dads? Yep. But why? A light in the dark while shooting to defend your life? How is that "over rated". Ken definitely missed the mark on that one.
Do what works for you. And everyone knows this. I could say that light is to big for that pistol. But that's my opinion. If it works for you then it's right. And I would show enough class not to say on a video that one of the legends is ready for the retirement house.
Here we go again another one with there panties in a bunch for what ken said, his getting old people, give the man a brake, hell I don’t agree with him but that’s his opinion and he’s earned the right to give it,
@@RTTGunsGear the hell he don’t, if that’s what he believes that’s it and the last time I’ve checked this is still some what of a free country and he has the right to say what he wonts, I don’t get it with some in the gun community they think what ever they think is right and Katie bar the doors if you don’t agree with them, some of you all act like a bunch of dipshit woke liberals just weighting on someone to say something you don’t like and you all loose your shit, and one more time he’s a old man, and he mite be having some troubles with his memory and saying stuff he really don’t no what he’s talking about, I no I watching my mother going threw it right now she will say something one minute and the next minute it’s deferant and don’t remember saying it, he mite be getting the early set of alltimers, just a guess
Ken's not wrong, he's being realistic. I don't need or want a light/laser. I always carry a small handheld flashlight and keep the kit as simple and compact as possible.
Ken is 100% wrong. Just because you choose not to have every advantage possible in self defense, doesn't mean Ken's not wrong. Nobody is telling YOU what you have to do. So pocket those fragile feelings and learn the difference between objective and subjective.
@@RTTGunsGear I'm sure you understand that in certain situations, tactical advantage is first about concealment. Just saying he's flat wrong is missing some nuance.
@rttgunsgear Calm down there neckbeard, you’re half right and half wrong about dots and lights, but you’re not respectable enough to have such a definitive opinion and whiney little attitude. If anyone needs to holster their feelings, it’s certainly you
I do not own any red dots. Night sights are fine with me. Weapon lights are always on my pistols. Personally, He never should have said all he said. Everyone is different, everyone has preferences.
The irony is that Wilson Combat sells crazy expensive “Gucci” pistols with all the bells and whistles that you could argue are unnecessary and silly trends. You should absolutely have a red dot and a light. Honestly, you should have anything on your pistol that aids your ability to utilize that tool efficiently and effectively.
Everyone has an opinion, just like everyone has a bung-holie-O. So, Ken can do him and I will do me...wirh a Staccato C2 light & Holosun, which easily dominates the field of "play" easily to 50yds. Semper Fi ✝️ 🇺🇸
I do see two point of view on this, in reality when would you act in self-defense in completely darkness where you would use your light while you are out and about?? In this case how would you recognize there is a threat?
Rarely is there ever the moment when someone is in "complete darkness." In fact, above ground and outdoors, I don't think there is a single place on earth that is in complete darkness. But to that point, I can count nearly a dozen places just outside my front door that my porch light and the street light do not illuminate enough for me to see if someone is there. Just food for thought. Bad guys lurk in the shadows. Thanks for the comment and watching! And you may have given me another idea for a video!
