Unattached flashlight with a long gun?

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Skribs

Skribs

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I'm probably insane for asking this, but are there methods for using an unattached flashlight with a long gun? I've seen the methods with a handgun, but I was wondering if I wanted to be able to see where I'm moving and target identify, but for whatever reason I don't have a flashlight attached to the gun, are there techniques for using my support hand with a long gun?

I have flashlights attached to my HD long guns, but I was just curious.
 
Options are much more limiited. Sticking it in your mouth is one option (I'm serious about this). Alternatively, those lights you can wear on your head have come a long way and bright ones exist. Also could be useful for pistols.
 
Amazon sells remote-control operated power-strips, for Christmas lights and regular lights.

Some lanterns are sturdy enough and design that throwing them would be an option. A thrown flashlight may not shine where you want it, but a lantern that shines out in all directions might work.
 
One idea I considered, and I think it would work with a semi-auto rifle with a VFG, is to sort of do the Holleywood style grip where your support wrist rests under the handguard and on the front of the VFG. I don't know how well it would work on a real rifle, but it was semi-comfortable on my airsoft AR.

Would definitely not work with a manually-operated firearm, and don't think it would work on a straight-stocked weapon.
 
Search for the Rogers Surefire technique, modify it a bit to something like holding a cigar, and grip the light and forend together. Adjust as necessary for the sizes of your fingers, light, and weapon. I have done this many times during the period when my employer prohibited weapon-mounted lights on our long guns, starting about 2007. A smaller-diameter light is helpful, as is a lanyard.

Remember, one's light need not be perfectly aligned with the barrel to be very useful.

My favored light for this method is the Surefire LX2.
 
Yes, but a mounted light would be better, there are the 90degree lights that you could clip on to your body, and that's what i would do
 
The problem with duct tape and hose clamps is that the light is attached, which is off-topic. The OP has lights mounted on his long guns, already.

FWIW, Surefire makes, or did make, a high-end ($$$$) Weaponlight with a main light in line with the bore, but with one or more supplemental, dimmer LED lights for navigation and general illumination purposes. This might be what some folks would find ideal, though one had best be wealthy to buy into that concept. This unit mounts to a Picattinny rail, and has a vertical grip. The size and vertical grip prevented me from being interested; I want my SD/HD/duty shotgun to be light and agile, not a cumbersome burden.

When my chief decided to prohibit weapon-mounted lights on our weapons in 2007, I was, at first, angry and disgusted. (We purchase our own duty firearms, within guidelines; the common practice in this region.) But when I removed the Surefire integral weaponlight forend from my 870P, and installed a nicely slim Speedfeed LE forend, I soon discovered that the newer generation of extremely powerful yet slim hand-held lights made it quite reasonable to handle the shotgun and unattached light quite handily.
 
Skribs said:
One idea I considered, and I think it would work with a semi-auto rifle with a VFG, is to sort of do the Holleywood style grip where your support wrist rests under the handguard and on the front of the VFG. I don't know how well it would work on a real rifle, but it was semi-comfortable on my airsoft AR.

Would definitely not work with a manually-operated firearm, and don't think it would work on a straight-stocked weapon.
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This.... It's actually a modified Harries technique. Use your wrist to support the fore end or do a Rodgers style and pinch the light between your fingers cigar as you hold the fore end. I'll tell you neither method is ideal and you'll run into more problems then its worth. I'd highly recommend a weapon mounted light if you ever plan on being in a low light situation.
 
Light clamps for long guns are relatively inexpensive. I got one for my shotgun and I think it cost about $15 from botach. If you have a flashlight that uses a push endcap you can put the light right in front of where you put your support hand. Works best on pump shotguns.

Without mounting your light, options are limited to what have already been said. Mouth, headlamp, or use a short rifle to make it easier to balance a handheld light.
 
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