So The Blaze ran an article right after the Colorado shooting by a (claimed) former Navy Seal. He said that one of the best things you can do if you're in a "gun-free zone" is carry a flashlight to blind an assailant.
Putting aside the question of how often that might work and whether I can hit things with a flashlight that I can't hit with 17rds of 9mm, I wonder if any of you regularly carry a flashlight for self-defense purposes and if so what kind.
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:38:40
by ShotgunBlast
The only flashlight I carry with me is from my smartphone. Far more utilitarian than tactical.
I like the idea of having a flashlight as part of my EDC, I guess I just need to find one that is small enough that it won't stick out clipped to my belt without sacrificing brightness.
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:56:05
by allingeneral
This setup is pretty bright (140 Lumens). I carry one in my truck and I can light the top of a 40-foot tree from a couple hundred feet away with it. I carry a big 6D cell light with a 600 Lumen LED in the boat.
Figures one of my favorite YouTube channels (nutnfancy) has a good EDC flashlight review. Thinking about picking one up (maybe get one for the wife too).
I always carry a flashlight. The article is correct. It's not a deadly weapon but if you hit someone in the eyes with a 200 lumen light they are going to looses their vision just long enough for you to act, whether that to get away or to attack
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:06:33
by zombiekiller57
ShotgunBlast wrote:The only flashlight I carry with me is from my smartphone. Far more utilitarian than tactical.
I like the idea of having a flashlight as part of my EDC, I guess I just need to find one that is small enough that it won't stick out clipped to my belt without sacrificing brightness.
Check out the Fenix PD20 It's a nice light. It's one of my EDC lights You can find them for for under $50
78.5mm (Length) x 22.2mm (Diameter)
39-gram weight (excluding batteries)
Max 180 Lumens
I'm an O-light fan. I have one of the single CR123 models on belt as a EDC. I have a double CR123 for camping.
I have beaten the CRAP outta the O-lights, and they're functioning just fine. They're also less expensive than the "tactical" lights. You can get them from the guy at the gunshow, or order from Amazon.
As to blinding a shooter in a gun-free zone? Um... I would just shoot at the light, or in the general area..
However, for emergencies? My flashlight is used more than any tool on my "Utility Belt"
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:07:04
by lizjimbo
Get an LED light. LED can be got at Lowes or Home Depot. It will make them look away very quickly!
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:07:09
by thekinetic
Where I can't carry my gun I carry my baton, I prefer to beat someone's head in more anyway!
The light is a good idea, I wonder if they have halogen flashlights? Them lights would blind you!
Of course there's always my boot knife.....now that I think of it I don't really go anywhere not armed to the teeth.
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:10:34
by Rich
Do you need a permit to carry a flashlight in New York?
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:13:33
by dorminWS
Jamie wrote:So The Blaze ran an article right after the Colorado shooting by a (claimed) former Navy Seal. He said that one of the best things you can do if you're in a "gun-free zone" is carry a flashlight to blind an assailant.
Putting aside the question of how often that might work and whether I can hit things with a flashlight that I can't hit with 17rds of 9mm, I wonder if any of you regularly carry a flashlight for self-defense purposes and if so what kind.
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:15:00
by dorminWS
Jamie wrote:So The Blaze ran an article right after the Colorado shooting by a (claimed) former Navy Seal. He said that one of the best things you can do if you're in a "gun-free zone" is carry a flashlight to blind an assailant.
Putting aside the question of how often that might work and whether I can hit things with a flashlight that I can't hit with 17rds of 9mm, I wonder if any of you regularly carry a flashlight for self-defense purposes and if so what kind.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Uh-huh. One of those flashlights clipped onto the rail of a pistol would be the best option, IMO.
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:38:18
by Jamie
thekinetic wrote:Where I can't carry my gun I carry my baton, I prefer to beat someone's head in more anyway!
Those batons are almost as restricted as firearms.
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2012 19:35:29
by zerodown1
Jamie wrote:So The Blaze ran an article right after the Colorado shooting by a (claimed) former Navy Seal. He said that one of the best things you can do if you're in a "gun-free zone" is carry a flashlight to blind an assailant.
Putting aside the question of how often that might work and whether I can hit things with a flashlight that I can't hit with 17rds of 9mm, I wonder if any of you regularly carry a flashlight for self-defense purposes and if so what kind.
A good tactical flashlight with a strobe will do a good job of blinding tha t SOB, so will a laser.
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2012 22:27:06
by BlackKnight
The only flashlight I regularly keep handy when off duty is a Maglight in my truck. On duty I carry a Hell Fighter X-8 tactical light. Funny I just looked atthe X-8 and on it is printed "Law Enforcemen, EMS, and Military Only" and I got it from the NRA Store. Great flashlight.
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:01:55
by Jakeiscrazy
I EDC a Streamlight TL-2X. I bought it only because I lost my O-light i6 Paladin.(have since found it).The Streamlight is only 200 lumens(Olight is 440) but the clip makes it really easy and fast to get out. The Olight always got stuck at the bottom of my pocket.
Flashlight for self defense by itself? No, but certainly to supplement a gun, knife, or an expandable baton I think there very nice.
Those batons are almost as restricted as firearms.
I can't think of the last time I saw a sign saying no batons.
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Sun, 05 Aug 2012 19:06:48
by Mindflayer
Any feedback on the 5.11 flashlights?
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Sun, 05 Aug 2012 19:11:07
by Jakeiscrazy
Mindflayer wrote:Any feedback on the 5.11 flashlights?
I played with there larger rechargeable ones in stores and wasn't impress. The output was low and the light was big. Plus multi LED designs annoy me and theyre not cheap.
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:55:50
by cwfunrider
I've wanted to add a flashlight to my EDC routine but do not lile stuff on my belt. My firearm is carried IWB and everything else is in a pocket. Another item just has not found a good stow spot yet.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]
Re: Flashlight carry
Posted: Sun, 05 Aug 2012 21:49:03
by TBob
I carry a Surefire Fury P2X (500 lumens) in one of the side pockets on my Tru-Specs. I've been carrying tactical lights when flying commercial since 9/11 for the same reason. Even a few moments of blinding or distraction can buy a few moments to act. It isn't a panacea, but it is another tool in the toolbox.
A quality green laser pointer can do permanent eye damage, so makes another good companion for inflight use. The human eye is the most sensitive to green light.
The world is full of potential defensive weapons. The mind is the limit.
