IDPA legal flashlight question?

[9mmalpha]

Im new to USPSA and IDPA, Im wondering if there is set rules on what kind of flashlight you can use on IDPA match? I saw a video on 2008 IDPA national in S&W one of the top competitior had a flashlight that is designed to comfortably hold it without compromising your pistol grip. do IDPA allows non typical flashlight / like those wire type that bends etc.. is there anyone here who might know?

[Jim Watson]

The only thing IDPA rules have to say about flashlights is that gun-mounted lights are not allowed.

Otherwise it is up to the MD.

[kaiserb]

Im new to USPSA and IDPA, I'm wondering if there is set rules on what kind of flashlight you can use on IDPA match? I saw a video on 2008 IDPA national in S&W one of the top competitor had a flashlight that is designed to comfortably hold it without compromising your pistol grip. do IDPA allows non typical flashlight / like those wire type that bends etc.. is there anyone here who might know?

Flashlights are fun in IDPA, it is much harder to hold a light and pistol than you may think. The 2009 IDPA Nationals had two stages requiring the use of a flashlight (provided by the MD for the stage). Here is one of the stages:

[lugnut]

There are some people that have used those expensive flashlights that slides over you strong hand- can't recall the mfr/name. I'm not convinced that are worth it... especially considering that some stages require you to start with the light on a table, etc.

I use a basic Surefire G2.

[nwb01]

This one !

I do not own one of these. I have heard mixed reviews of using this light for competition in IDPA.

[lugnut]

This one !

I do not own one of these. I have heard mixed reviews of using this light for competition in IDPA.

Yep that's the one!

[Chills1994]

PM sent, 9mmalpha.

[Walküre]

I just use my EDC, a Surefire C2L.

(ETA - And before that, I used my previous EDC, a Surefire E2D. I prefer the C2L by a good margin, except that the smaller E2D can be nicer for carry.)

Edited January 14, 2010 by Walküre

[Duane Thomas]

Moved to the IDPA forum.

[9mmalpha]

thanks guys for your reply, Im practicing the cigar type hold on flashlight for now just to be on safe side of IDPA rules. I find it tricky to perform mag change while holding a flashlight but with right size of equipment I think it makes the difference.

Edited January 20, 2010 by 9mmalpha

[Duane Thomas]

but with right size of equipment I think it makes the difference.

That's what women always tell me, anyways.

[jmorris]

I built a custom light that allows full dexterity for tacloads etc. I only used it in one match (2007 west TX regional). I finished 120.04 seconds faster than the average and 12.15 seconds over 2nd overall in 8 stages (they droped one no light stage due to time). No one said a thing about the light but it then again it was dark after all. The book only says no gun mounted lights.

Edited January 21, 2010 by jmorris

[sirveyr]

I built a custom light that allows full dexterity for tacloads etc. I only used it in one match (2007 west TX regional). I finished 120.04 seconds faster than the average and 12.15 seconds over 2nd overall in 8 stages (they droped one no light stage due to time). No one said a thing about the light but it then again it was dark after all. The book only says no gun mounted lights.

Do you happen to have a photo of said contraption? I happen to love MacGyver type set ups!

I have been using a slightly modified traditional 1" scope ring attached to my light. I can get fairly close to a "conventional" grip on the gun by using it.

Edited January 21, 2010 by sirveyr

[jmorris]

Do you happen to have a photo of said contraption? I happen to love MacGyver type set ups!

I do, but no patent as of yet. I share a lot of stuff I build here at BE but this one really worked well.