Rifle light mounting position

[Johnny C]

Why does everyone mount their rifle light on the side?
Seems like the bottom would be better.

 

[Rookie]

For me, it's easier to activate with my thumb.

 

[IUKalash429]

For me, it's easier to activate with my thumb.

This.

 

[snorko]

Plus on the bottom it would be in the way of the grenade launcher.

 

[Ggreen]

If you are using barricade you block your light.

 

[Gabriel]

For me, it's easier to activate with my thumb.

This.

 

[Frank_N_Stein]

If you are using barricade you block your light.

This also.

 

[Johnny C]

I have seen some mounted right on top as well.

 

[Frank_N_Stein]

I have seen some mounted right on top as well.

I mount mine on the left so I can activate it with my off-hand thumb. I'm not a fan of pressure pads. But do what works for you.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

Mostly because there will be times when you may be using a rest, or a barricade to shoot off. Also for me, my favorite ARs are a pistol, and SBR, so with my hand under on the VFG, and AFG, there's just no room for the light under. I ended up also putting the light on my 18" AR on the right side so they're all the same.

 

[gregkl]

I mount mine on the left so I can activate it with my off-hand thumb. I'm not a fan of pressure pads. But do what works for you.

That pic of the light mounted on the left activated by the thumb looks like a good idea. Seems like you could train to thumb the button as you take a grip.

Why are you not a fan of pressure pads out of curiosity?

I'm starting on the quest of setting up a rifle for self defense and lights are one of the items I'm looking at.

 

[lewisjt]

I run pressure pads at the 12oclock. Light at the 130 open up the left side of the gun for hand placement.

Pressure pads have downsides however. Cords can be sloppy, can snag, can break, and can fail. They also seem to increase light AD/ND.

Make sure you manage your cords, buy good equipment, and place them carefully so as to not activate during normal shooting without a conscious thought.

 

[Gabriel]

Maybe it's changed in the last decade, but pressure pads used to be pretty unreliable. I also don't like having wires running from the light to the pad.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

I use bailing wire to keep my cable out of harms way.

 

[hammerd13]

It all really comes down to personal preference and task at hand...

• Bottom = generally a bad idea (as mentioned, due to barricades, etc.)
• Left/Right side = good, as it can be triggered with your thumb directly or pressure pad. It's also out of the way of your optics/irons
• Top = can be good as well...plus offers the benefit of being able to activate with either hand without a pressure switch. For example, I like using a Surefire X300 on the top of my BCM 300 Blackout pistol. BUIS is mounted directly behind the light.

[/IMG]

 

[Ggreen]

Cloud defense really solved everything with the owl

 

[Ruger_Ronin]

I mount all lights at 11 (lefty) with pad @ high noon. I found this configuration best for me as it keeps it

1) Unobstructive (barricades, hand placement, etc.)
2) Opposite of my body to keep light from banging into me/gear
3) It looks cool offset. (ok i made that up, or did I)

 

[DadSmith]

I mounted mine at the 9 o'clock position so my thumb can turn it on and off as needed.

 

[Frank_N_Stein]

That pic of the light mounted on the left activated by the thumb looks like a good idea. Seems like you could train to thumb the button as you take a grip.

Why are you not a fan of pressure pads out of curiosity?

I'm starting on the quest of setting up a rifle for self defense and lights are one of the items I'm looking at.

No real particular reason, just not a fan of them. It is easier to use my thumb.

 

[Frank_N_Stein]

Cloud defense really solved everything with the owl

That light is yuge.