it occurred to me that I have done numerous drills about working with a handgun and a handheld light, but never drilled about a longarm and a handheld light.  Anyone who knows me knows my penchant for carbines.  So, I say to those in the know, "school me!" 

4:50 mark.

For a long gun it is much easier using a hand-held light when it has a side mount switch.

For a long gun it is much easier using a hand-held light when it has a side mount switch.

$$$$$ 

I wonder if anyone makes a bayonet mount flashlight?  Now THAT would be acceptable. 

I wonder if anyone makes a bayonet mount flashlight?  Now THAT would be acceptable.

There are mounts for just lights or lasers, and Pica rails that mount to a bayonet lug.  The rail would give you a great number of options for lights and mounts to use.

Let me Google that for you....

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=bayonet+lug+flashlight+mount

There are mounts for just lights or lasers, and Pica rails that mount to a bayonet lug.  The rail would give you a great number of options for lights and mounts to use.

Let me Google that for you....

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=bayonet+lug+flashlight+mount

Tom G shoots more "old school" carbines. ARs are advanced technology for him.

I wonder if anyone makes a bayonet mount flashlight?  Now THAT would be acceptable.

they do have adapters but ive only seen for ar-15s. there are a few companies that make them and none of them are really quick disconnect. you gotta screw on the adapter which either has a 1" ring or a pic rail.

if you can find a real cheap beat up bayonet you could hack it up to repurpose its mount for your m1. that wouldnt be easy but you would be able to attach/remove it quickly.

either way its kinda awkward to reach the switch when mounted that low and far in front though.

mounting an ultimak rail is probably sacrilege to you but just for reference this guy right here added one with a simple light mount to his.http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=6&f=2&t=330211

Tom G shoots more "old school" carbines. ARs are advanced technology for him.

I prefer the term "real carbines."  But, yes, I should have been more specific.  Since my M1 carbines ares my go-to guns, it makes sense to think about having to use them at night.  And that bayonet mount is pretty solid.  This definitely bears consideration!

One of the universal clamp mounts should work.

e.g. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/147050/tacstar-universal-barrel-mount-for-3-4-to-1-diameter-barrel-to-1-diameter-flashlight

You can also get barrel-mounted rail sections.

e.g. http://www.combathunting.com/M1_CARBINE_M1_GARAND-Deluxe_Universal_Tri_Rail_Barrel_Mount_5_Slot.html

(Not advocating these particular products; just are examples).

You'd probably want to use something to protect the barrel from marring. Thin leather or similar.

You can always add a rail and use an offset light mount.

That or Duct Tape. 

While knowing how to manipulate a long gun with a handheld light would be good knowledge to have, there are so many options of mounting a light that it seems silly not to do so for a primary defense rifle.

Heck, when I bought my first shotgun, I had a flashlight ziptied to the magazine tube until I got a proper mount.

Really diggin' that DIY job for the M1 Carbine.  I may have to copy that or find something close to it for pop's carbine.