I am just back from several recent matches and what I thought was straightforward turns out to be a bit more complicated than it seems on the surface. I guess it is time to revisit one of those subtle differences that sometimes arise at chronograph.
When the use of firearm mounted flashlights became more common especially in Carry Optic Division, the rule states that the flashlight must be functional. This rule also applies to Single-Stack and Production, but because of the weight restrictions and the box rule you rarely if ever see them on a SS pistol. They are somewhat more common in Production but still rare.
The idea was to support more “tactical/self-defense” style firearms which were becoming more common in both civilian and law enforcement. Many newer competitors/shooters were using their carry style firearms with red dot sights and tactical flashlights. But when you leave the door open competitors will take advantage with the various devices like heavy brass weights attached to the accessory rails. Not very practical or tactical by design, but if they make light, legal.
Of course, the reason the term functional was added to those divisions was to prevent the use of dummy flashlights filled with lead which had appeared in Limited Division. The idea was to put more weight at the end of the muzzle to help control recoil with full house Major loads.
So, when the competitor comes to chronograph, we test the flashlight to see if it works in those affected divisions. We will check to see if it produces an illumination of some sort. Of course, we have seen the brass weights with the little LED lights glued on the end or built-in with the slide switch. Since there is no minimum standard other than it “functions,” if it works the competitor is good to go.
However, what if when tested it does not operate? If it does not work that is an automatic bump to Open for a violation of Division Rules. There is no rule that allows this to be fixed at chronograph, and once the gun is handed over, it’s there for the duration of the test. We allow non-functional safeties to be repaired, or the gun replaced with RM permission, and also allow a backwards base pad to be removed and installed properly, but nothing else.
Remember, this requirement only applies to Carry Optic, Production and Single Stack Divisions. While we normally test all flashlights as part of the equipment check, if they do not function in all other divisions, it is not a requirement. I have started to see flashlights on Carry/Limited Optics style firearms with ported/compensated barrels shooting Open minor to add weight on the muzzle or to be “tac-cool” Frankly, I think some of the competitors have holsters designed around the flashlights and just use the same holsters they may have purchased for other firearm configurations.
So, as a competitor it is smart to check your flashlights at the beginning of each day at the match. However, if it does not function as designed, i.e. makes light, when tested, you must correct that problem before you head to chronograph, or shoot a stage–just in case they are checking on the stage.