Secondary light sources and methods for the carbine?

**oregonshooter** · 02-03-09, 00:45

I think just about everyone has a mounted light on their carbine, but what do you carry for a backup and how do you deploy it when you primary goes down?

I carry a spare G2 (with a mod I made) that can be used for parts on the 6P that I have mounted on the gun.

Working drills tonight I was wondering what everyone's plan is for when their weapon light goes down?

I found using the G2 in the Graham method works well for handguns and against the VDF on my carbine. I just added the VDG but did not think about this added benny when I did so.

What are you guys using / doing for secondary light sources and methods?

**tpd223** · 02-03-09, 06:26

I use a modified FBI technique with my handheld light when I am hunting for bad guys, even if my primary weapon light is working.

Using a Harries technique modified for rifles works well in my experience.

Use the light as one would for a normal Harries technique, you have the hand holding the light under the rifle forend with back pressure placed against the magazine or mag well.

**oregonshooter** · 02-03-09, 14:09

tpd223,

Does that mod harries on the carbine mag work while shooting or just for searching until the shot is fired? Does the gun bounce off the light is what I'm asking?

What mod to the FBI technique do you apply for your searches?

**Kaos** · 02-03-09, 14:17

could always do this:

**oregonshooter** · 02-03-09, 14:24

I looked at that (magpul vid) as an option but then found a comparison thread of offset light holders here on the forum and saw how far those stick out, the extra weight and cost verses the $18.00 VTAC mount that puts the light in a better position.

If I was busting down doors instead of a hobbie shooter I would likely mount 2 lights, but having a spare handheld as a backup is good enough for me. It also gives me a way to light up stuff without pointing a gun at it.

Do you use that mount?

**markm** · 02-03-09, 14:24

2 lights on the gun for me. There's no chance that I'm going to grab my rifle and and extra flashlight in an emergency. I'll realistically have my gun and whatever ammo is on/in it.

Interesting LaRue mount. I'd hate to actually become a LaRue customer!!!

**Jay Cunningham** · 02-03-09, 14:30

When I am all jocked-up I have a light on my long gun, a light on my pistol and a light on my person, usually on a belt.

If I was actually engaged in a low-light fight and my carbine light shit the bed I would probably transition to my pistol with the mounted light. So in this case, I'bve made the decision to give up a superior threat-stopping machine for better low-light discrimination. This is all circumstantial, of course. How dark is it really? What is the nature of the threat?

I have used a hand-held with a long gun - I do it sort of like Harries with the light ending up outboard of the right side of my magwell.

**Kaos** · 02-03-09, 14:42

I considered throwing flares, but I dont want to catch my house on fire.

**oregonshooter** · 02-03-09, 14:56

If I have to grab a long gun in the middle of the night, it will be a shotgun in the house as the rest is in the safe out in the shed.

If its something like Katrina and guarding the house, then I figure there is time to select a carbine and put on the extra gear that goes with running it.

Can't think of a time where I would only be able to grab a gun and mag without a support setup. Even a "go bag" with extra mags would not require any more effort to grab with the carbine.

Originally Posted by markm

2 lights on the gun for me. There's no chance that I'm going to grab my rifle and and extra flashlight in an emergency. I'll realistically have my gun and whatever ammo is on/in it.

Interesting LaRue mount. I'd hate to actually become a LaRue customer!!!