Flashlight carry question

[Wiggle]

Lately I've been walking through this area downtown that is somewhat poorly lit and a little sketchy (not truly dangerous, just iffy). I've been carrying my Solarforce L2 with the MC-E module which turns out to be an ideal walking light. Now for part of the trip where it's darkest I find I like to just carry my light by sticking it up my jacket sleeve and letting the tailcap end sit in my palm if that makes sense. It seems like I can get to it quickly and easily if I want to but I just wonder about one aspect. To me, it seems like it could appear to someone as if I were carrying a weapon and was wondering if this could lead to trouble. Does anyone have any input?

 

[socom1970]

Sorry to bring up a possibly unwanted question, but how about not walking through such bad areas and expecting a flashlight to save your life? Pick better paths to walk. It sounds like you are asking for trouble to happen, FWIW. The best way to defend yourself against an attack is to not be there when it happens.

That said, if/when I feel the need to exercise tactical carry of a light, I just palm the light with my thumb on the switch. The light is not exposed much (I have big hands) and it is ready to go no matter what.

 

[Wiggle]

It's not terribly dangerous, only a little dark. And the alternative ways are similar but longer. I keep the light close by because it alternates between well lit and poorly lit a couple times, not so much because I feel threatened. I'm more concerned with how this looks to other people, not how effective it is to draw in a tactical manner.

 

[BRO]

The bad people that you will run into if they preceive it to be a weapon, good. That alone could prevent an attack but if they still attack you, then it's on and you go for it flashlight in hand if need be.

The good people that pass you don't think in terms of attack and/or defend, so it really does not matter. If the good people that pass you are so sheeplish that they think they see a weapon, so be it. You don't want to start a conversation in the middle of the night anyway.

I say walk, be alert and if need be defend your self to the death. Enjoy your walks with you flashlight where you enjoy carrying it and using it.

 

[Big_Ed]

The bad thing about having a really bright light on while walking is that it might bring unwanted attention to you. The "bad guys" might not even realize you just walked down the street if you use a more discrete light. The light could make you a target.

 

[ypsifly]

Based on personal experience, using a bright light in the ghetto makes most people avoid you as they will think you are a cop. I would just hold it in my hand and walk like I belong there.

 

[Benson]

When I walk at night, i usually carry a light in my hand. For walking, I prefer my 4D MagP7, which I habitually carry ready in my left hand, index finger on the switch (my shoulder takes the weight, so it's really not tiring at all), but if its bulk will be an issue at my destination, I'll often take a 2C Mag61 (same grip, but can't rest it on my shoulder, so I carry it down at my side when not in use -- it gets a bit heavy, though) or a 3AAA, 18500 or 18650 light (again, left hand, "tactical" grip w/ thumb on tailcap).

Generally, I only use a flashlight when going across an intersection (shine it in front of me for increased visibility), or going through a couple parking lots I use as shortcuts. On the sidewalks, I just use a headlamp where needed. I also use a flashlight to check out anyone approaching me -- using the spill and, where needed, corona on the big lights, as 99.999% of the people I meet will be nice guys like me, who don't want blinded any more than I do...

I'm not sure whether I'm more or less likely to be thought of as carrying a weapon than your sleeve carry; after all, a Mag over the shoulder could be taken as a club of some sort in bad lighting, a short light in the hand less so. But I've never had any issues with it, and frankly, as BRO pointed out, it doesn't bother me if someone does perceive it that way -- cops are the only ones who would pose a problem if they thought it was a weapon, and if I were approached by any cops, they'd realize it was a flashlight when I turned it on. I suppose if approached by ninja-cops, I might have a problem.

 

[RedLED]

I carry my SF E2DL in my hand, or sometimes up my sleeve, and if any one comes at me they will be blined by the light while I emboss, for the rest of their miserable life, the crown of the bezel square in the middle of their forehead!

 

[wadus]

I really doubt anyone who is just walking by will notice you are holding anything during the day, let alone the night. People are way too busy with themselves, talking on the phone, daydreaming about God knows what, etc.

If that someone is paying attention to something you're holding, you're probably better off because they are the ones you need to be careful of. If they see you holding something that may be a weapon, I'd say they are less likely to attack or confront you.

 

[Cosmo7809]

Based on personal experience, using a bright light in the ghetto makes most people avoid you as they will think you are a cop. I would just hold it in my hand and walk like I belong there.

Throw a scanner in your back pocket and your set

 

[Culhain]

I frequently walk to work and the downtown area that I walk through is also somewhat iffy, particularly at 4:30 AM when I start.

The streets that I walk are generally very well lit, but there are a few dark areas. I carry, in my off hand, a Mini Mag LED, however, primarily it is not for illumination purposes.

I walk with a confident, self assured demeanor and regularly say "GOOD MORNING!" to the drunks, vagrants and others that I pass. I give a cheerful "HELL NO" (and a big smile) to their regular requests for spare change, bus money, food money etc. At 4:30 AM, I also encounter some of the late night working ladies who want to show me a good time, but generally they are fun to joke with.

Once upon a time, my commute route had regular foot patrols by the local Police. They handled the situation about the same way that I do today. Alas, our city can no longer afford foot patrols as it reduces the amount of money that they can get from the Feds for stuffing every electronic device known to mankind in a patrol car. SIGH! (did you ever wonder how so many generations of typically high spirited teenagers were kept out of our judicial system by an appropriate tap by wooden night club?)

 

[Wiggle]

Thanks for all the input, I should add that I don't typically feel threatened where I walk. I'm 23, 5-10" 200lbs (little chubby but also just thick) so I'm definitely alot more confident than a 100lb woman for example.

The more I think about it, it is pretty unlikely anyone would notice the end of the light in my hand, espec. at night. And anyone looking closely for that kind of thing is either a cop or someone looking to confront me anyhow.

 

[Frankiarmz]

I'm an older guy but of similar size 5'10 215 more on the muscular side. That said, I agree that how you carry yourself is important, however stuff happens! If you are looking to be safe or protect yourself then have the flashlight handy, but consider a tactical knife. I am not endorsing violence, but if it came down to fighting for your life how far would you go? Would the flashlight save your from a pit bull attack? I have carried a good tactical knife with a tanto blade for many years, and thankfully have never had to use it.

 

[OfficerSheepDog]

I Feel like I can relate to all of you, or we all have smiler wavelengths.

I +1 Frankiarmz recommendation on carrying a Tac Knife. Myself I Carried for years a SOG Aegis. Well... what felt like it.

I Now carry a BenchMade Kulgera 930. Something along those lines is recommended in terms of blade length to weight ratio (In the case you are unfamiliar with blades.)

Ps: You do not need anything near that price point, SOG and Ka-bar have great mid class blades.

Even if your the one being attacked walk with a heavy foot towards them looking like hot stuff, it will scare them Shitless.
You can also Lean your head left or right look like your pushing something close to your neck with your hand and say Officer needs assistance 3rd district. (I think you get the idea)
Good luck and stay safe.

 

[CAMERON]

It's not terribly dangerous, only a little dark. And the alternative ways are similar but longer. I keep the light close by because it alternates between well lit and poorly lit a couple times, not so much because I feel threatened. I'm more concerned with how this looks to other people, not how effective it is to draw in a tactical manner.​

assuming you arent being obnoxious and shining the light in peoples windows..........and assuming you have a "normal" flashlight (as in you didnt duct tape your Jack Hawk 9000 to it)........dont worry about it.

if someone calls the police for whatever rediculus reason.....be polite and show them its just a flashlight....and you will be on your way.

​

 

[jellydonut]

I keep it in my hand, thumb on switch, bezel pointing upwards. Usually my sleeve will cover it partially too.

 

[CSSA]

A tactical flash light is to identify a threat not to be a defensive weapon. The flashlight allows you to be sure of what you are aiming at, a handgun allows you to defend yourself effectively, and a cell phone will allow you to call help quickly....

 

[shao.fu.tzer]

A light can be a powerful defensive tool.. expecially one with pointy bezel and lots of output. I have several blind-to-strike moves that work wonders within 10 feet of an assailant.

 

[Saint_Dogbert]

Anyone considering using their flashlight as a weapon should just make sure they know how to use it as such. Otherwise it's useless.

 

[Kestrel]

... and results in closed threads.