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How many of you have a tactical flashlight? How many actually practice with it when you shoot? If you practice with it, what is your prefered method of holding it? A reference to the techniques can be found here

I have a flashlight with me at most times. It comes in handy. I use and practice with the Harris Technique.

Oh yeah. There is also the Surefire-Roger's technique, but you will need a certain flashlight (ie: Surefire 2Z or G2Z) to do that.

can't vote because the type of flashlight technique that I use both for defense and competitive shooting with flashlights is not in the list.

I use something that can only be discribed as a modified Chapman. With a combat surefire, I use the two handed approach.

My surefire is set-up with a keyring in the landyard ring. I hold the flashlight with my first finger in the keyring and the light between my third and little finger. This places the light switch against the thick thumb pad of my weak hand. (I like the keyring because if I have to do a reload, all I have to do is release the flashlight and use the fingers I normally would use to do my reload and then the flashllight immediately repositions itself back into the shooting stance with natural hand motion)

In the chapman technique, I would then place the pad of my weak hand against the frame of the pistol on the weak side of the weapon and it would settle into the "notch" of my strong hand where the thumb pad becomes smaller. This places the light below and to the weakside of the slide.

I am older and with old eyesight, I need help seeing my front sight. That is the reason I have Hi-Vis on the fronts of my handguns. What I do is the this: Instead of placing my hand holding the flashlight (as discribed above) down and against the frame, I move it up. The thumbpad of my strong hand "locks" into the notch of my weak hand holding the flashlight, placing the flashlight up and slightly to the left of the slide (I am right handed). What this does is directs the light more directly "down the slide" and onto what I am pointing the gun at, but at the same time it "lights up" that Hi-Viz sight so that there is this extreemly bright glowing sight right on what I want to shoot at.

Once you practice this, it is quick, easy and extreemly effective.

Garry N

For in home use I have a weapon mounted light, but I still carry a Surefire.

For day to day carry, I use the Harries.

If I was working in uniform, it would be a weapon mounted light. Certain other specific missions would be a weapon mouned light.

Use several techniques, but Harries most often.

Harries when using a light with the gun, neck-index or a modified FBI when I'm checking stuff without a gun.

I carry two different tac-lights, (Surefire G2 with upgraded lamp and Rayovac 3W LED) for everyday use, and keep two spares (old Brinkmann Maxfire with Surefire P60 lamp and Pelican M3 Xenon) in the car.

On duty, I generally only carry the Rayovac on my regular site, but I'll add the Pelican if I'm sent to another site, since the extra throw lets me get a better look at things I'm not entirely familiar with.

I don't carry a tactical light although I have several all over the house, LIght stick and cheapo flashlights in the cars, more about losing our lights in a storm than anything else. I don't really go out much after dark and when I do its visit well lit places. I still have pretty good night vision, I figure I'm more familiar with my home than the bad guy, I would hate to tip him off to where I am. I suppose I would be more open to the idea if It were easier to mount on my carry gun, and if my holster would accept it. another belt mounted holster would be a pain.

When I step out my door I have to make sure I have my carry gun, 2 extra mags, Keys, GPS, Garage door opener, Wallet, Knife glasses, thumbdrives and cell phone I don't know how y'all do it but I don't have enough memory, beltloops, or pockets to carry anything extra.

Sure...I have one...I practice and use it in a manner that feels right, and works for me...The Stevie-D method...

I also change the batteries out too...Nothing more useless than a flashlight that doesn't work when ya need it I figure...

Shut up Steve!!! Its too early!!!

Around the house and property I use a Ryobi pistol grip flashlight, with the 18 volt rechargeable battery pack. That means Harries or some freehand "FBI" style.
With a tac light it's the Chapman. Although, I was unaware the method even had a name.

Good write up.