Flashlights (not as a weapon)

[Jeremiah10:23]

This may be the wrong forum and if it is please feel free to move it.

As I was out walking the dog the other night I came to the sudden realization that if I needed to get to my pistol I would have to 1. release the dog, 2. switch the flashlight to my off hand, 3. reach for my gun.

It seems to me to be too many steps. I have a 4d maglite (good as a weapon but fairly large) and I do not like rail-mounted lights because it seems to be a poor option for concealment. (I own only 1 SD gun which does double duty as CC and bedside).

Given all of what I have said, what would be your recommendation for a different flashlight or how would you alter the situation to make it more defensible?

Thanks.

 

[MtnCreek]

Is the dog strictly a pet or is this a trained working dog?

If it's a pet, just lead him with your strong side and carry the light with your weak hand. Release dog / draw pistol.

If this is a trained working dog, I'm sure you trained him to lead on your left. That's something I've never thought about...

Edit: Ask a K9 cop, then let me know what he said.

 

[Jeremiah10:23]

She is a pet only. Might hurt an ankle or something but...

 

[Carne Frio]

We have a lot of dark up here, at this time of year.
Walkers and joggers seem to prefer the head mounted
type of lights. Keeps the hands free. I walk my dog
while wearing one, dog leash in off hand and right
hand able to access my gun .

 

[Water-Man]

^^This^^

Unless you're worried about messing up your hair.

 

[Cosmoline]

The head lamps are great. They make everything from little LED's to big halogens.

 

[Ehtereon11B]

Go to Petsmart and pickup one of those leashes that has the flashlight built in. Problem solved.

 

[hso]

if I needed to get to my pistol I would have to 1. release the dog, 2. switch the flashlight to my off hand, 3. reach for my gun.

Carry the flashlight and the leash in the weak side hand, release the dog as you light the threat, draw the weapon with the strong side to address the threat. If all goes well collect the dog after you've saved your neck. What's more important, keeping track of the dog at the risk of your life or living and being able to collect the critter after?


http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/headlamps/performance/myo-rxp

 

[Jeremiah10:23]

Go to Petsmart and pickup one of those leashes that has the flashlight built in. Problem solved.

I had actually been trying to figure out how to mount the light to the retracto leash. I will look for one. Thanks.

It is really sad because we have had the dog about a month and it never crossed my mind until I heard a coyote the other night. Thank God I live in a safe area.

 

[CraigC]

Carry your flashlight in your left hand and the leash in the right. Release the leash and draw your pistol in one fluid motion. If you can't handle a flashlight with your left hand, you need to work on that.

Thank God I live in a safe area.

No such thing.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I have a 4d maglite

High quality, durable lights, but about 20 years behind technology. My little single AAA battery Streamilight Microstream produces much more light with longer battery life, and is small enough to hold in your mouth indefinitely while using both hands.

Given all of what I have said, what would be your recommendation for a different flashlight or how would you alter the situation to make it more defensible?

If you're opposed to weapon mounted lights, you can:

A) Do the headlamp thing already suggested or

B) Get a more compact, more powerful modern LED flashlight that is less of an incumbrance.

I carry the above mentioned Microstream at all times. About 30 lumen output, over 2 hours battery life on a typical alkaline cell. There are certainly more powerful options, but none so small and cheap enough that you don't mind too much if it gets lost (they're about $20 typically)

Maglite does have a new one out, called the Mag-Tac. 310 lumens, uses 2 CR123 cells, US made and about $80. Quite a bit larger than the little Streamlight, but 10x as bright.