View Full Version : Where do you mount your light’s pressure pad?
BallisticHarmony
07-06-18, 00:06
Poll relates to specific position of the pressure pad, as opposed to the light or mount.
Personally I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on the Surefire 600DF + tape switch, Magpul offset mount and Magpul tape switch mounting plate at 10:30. The light will also be on the left side since I’ll be employing offset sights at 1:30. I’m definitely curious about the rest of the community, though.
Personally I like the 12:00 position but I currently have a 10.75" MLOK rail with a flip up front sight and 12:00 mounted PEQ-15 so I literally have no room for the tape switch on top. Having said that, I run my dual switch at the 9:00 position which I have become accustomed to and doesn't bother me but with my M300 at 3:00 and tape switch at 9:00, it makes my rail look "cluttered". My M300 is mounted on an offset mount which is at 4:30 putting my M300 right at 3:00. I did this because it looks more "flush" that mounting it directly to the 3:00 position.
No PEQ for me and since both my wife and I are right handed shooters, I like the light at 1:30 and the SR07 at 12:00, just behind the front sight if I have one. My DF will be here tomorrow so I'll post a picture then. Super ergonomic for me, obviously left isn't great but it is definitely doable. Only real downside is that I can't run offset irons with it.
BallisticHarmony
07-06-18, 01:00
Please post pic!
BallisticHarmony
07-06-18, 01:43
No PEQ for me and since both my wife and I are right handed shooters, I like the light at 1:30 and the SR07 at 12:00, just behind the front sight if I have one. My DF will be here tomorrow so I'll post a picture then. Super ergonomic for me, obviously left isn't great but it is definitely doable. Only real downside is that I can't run offset irons with it.
Also what do you mean left isn’t great? Your left hand?
Also what do you mean left isn’t great? Your left hand?
The way the gun is setup is for a right handed shooter. With the VFG that I have, when I shoot lefty, I basically have to grip the handguard around the light so it’s a bit awkward.
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redpillregret
07-06-18, 03:40
I like 12 o’clock so it can be accessed from both sides, with the exception of my precision shorty which doesn’t have the real estate.
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titsonritz
07-06-18, 04:14
I have a Cloud Defense LSC @ 12 o'clock, which is how I voted, but I also use a push button tail cap.
CrowCommand
07-06-18, 05:47
^ Ditto.....CDLCS about halfway down the rail at 12 o'clock. Arisaka M300 is in a Haley Thorntail mount at 10:30-11:00.
12 o'clock whenever possible.
52739
Preference is here.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180706/a14f35123fddc536c16a1610981ecdf0.jpg
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I hate pressure pads. Tried two types of Surefire and hated them both.
Direct switch or tailcap it is for me. Prefer mounting the lights at 12 with the RDS rifles (X300s), but for the scoped rifles I put it at 11 (X300 or Scouts) - still useable offhand but not easy.
I'm sure if I had a gucci laser PEQ AND the NVDs to use them I'd look into trying switches again. But until then... ;)
I'm sure if I had a gucci laser PEQ AND the NVDs to use them I'd look into trying switches again. But until then... ;)
The good thing about my pressure pad is that it operates both my surefire M300 and my PEQ-15 using my thumb. Also the weapon light is only activated when I press the button down and turns off when I release my thumb. I think its best NOT to leave a weapon light in the "ON" position but to operate it in short periodically "ON/OFF" burst. Remember that scene in Jurassic Park when the kids were shining that spot light around when they were in the back of the Ford Explorer and it attracted the T-Rex? Remember what happened? Yeah, it wasn't pretty, the vehicle got turned upside down, crushed by the foot of a dinosaur and pushed over a wall into the top of a tree, and those kids are still recovering to this day. That's my thoughts on using a weapon light. Its like saying "Hey, I'm over here, shoot in this general direction". Just want to point out that if it wasn't for Jeff Goldblum running in the opposite direction carrying a roadside flare to distract the T-Rex, those kids would be dead.
52748
52749
The good thing about my pressure pad is that it operates both my surefire M300 and my PEQ-15 using my thumb. Also the weapon light is only activated when I press the button down and turns off when I release my thumb. I think its best NOT to leave a weapon light in the "ON" position but to operate it in short periodically "ON/OFF" burst. Remember that scene in Jurassic Park when the kids were shining that spot light around when they were in the back of the Ford Explorer and it attracted the T-Rex? Remember what happened? Yeah, it wasn't pretty, the vehicle got turned upside down, crushed by the foot of a dinosaur and pushed over a wall into the top of a tree, and those kids are still recovering to this day. That's my thoughts on using a weapon light. Its like saying "Hey, I'm over here, shoot in this general direction". Just want to point out that if it wasn't for Jeff Goldblum running in the opposite direction carrying a roadside flare to distract the T-Rex, those kids would be dead.
52748
52749
Lol those pics are PEQ (((inception)))
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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180706/c47f7446852bc039415663730c03cd1c.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180706/46e1941999299eb1c5610214651916d6.jpg
I may have to move it back one more slot, I’m sure it’ll survive but I try not to have it so close to the ports on a comp.
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Lol those pics are PEQ (((inception)))
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Its virtual reality! None of this is real!
BallisticHarmony
07-06-18, 17:56
[QUOTE=Wake27;2640173]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180706/c47f7446852bc039415663730c03cd1c.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180706/46e1941999299eb1c5610214651916d6.jpg
Love that scope height. I wanna do that with an NX8 and 1.9” KAC mount, with offset irons. Putting the light at 10:30 almost negates needing a pressure pad, but I guess if I had to shoot lefty it would come in handy.
https://i.imgur.com/cNIy21z.jpg
Sheeeit, those 1.93” scopes are so high you could put the light at 12 o’clock with zero issues.
The good thing about my pressure pad is that it operates both my surefire M300 and my PEQ-15 using my thumb. Also the weapon light is only activated when I press the button down and turns off when I release my thumb. I think its best NOT to leave a weapon light in the "ON" position but to operate it in short periodically "ON/OFF" burst. Remember that scene in Jurassic Park when the kids were shining that spot light around when they were in the back of the Ford Explorer and it attracted the T-Rex? Remember what happened? Yeah, it wasn't pretty, the vehicle got turned upside down, crushed by the foot of a dinosaur and pushed over a wall into the top of a tree, and those kids are still recovering to this day. That's my thoughts on using a weapon light. Its like saying "Hey, I'm over here, shoot me”.
Agreed, but you can momentary activate a WML (any brand) without a pressure pad. Thumb touch button - ON, Thumb let go of button - OFF.
;)
BallisticHarmony
07-06-18, 21:58
Sheeeit, those 1.93” scopes are so high you could put the light at 12 o’clock with zero issues.
You think? That would be the best of both worlds, faster sight picture during dynamic shooting plus ambi ergos and no barrier splash!
Agreed, but you can momentary activate a WML without a pressure pad. Thumb touch button - ON, Thumb let go of button - OFF.
;)
Aaron over at Sage Dynamics does not recommend the WML cuz he’s seen so many fail during his classes
After only playing with mine in the house for a little bit, I'm surprised they're not more common. It seems so much more natural and was not bad at all in the prone. I just need that damn Razor for it to be legit.
I mount the light at 12:00 and use the tail cap.
Mossie Tactical Midnight mount with Surefire X300
https://photos.smugmug.com/F1/AR-General/n-9HMHf7/i-BhwcLb3/0/0d4c18b5/M/i-BhwcLb3-M.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KVF2r4M/0/dfff8ce3/X4/i-KVF2r4M-X4.jpg
The Surefire mounted to a section of PRI rail modified to fit under the front of a MagPul Slimline handguard
https://photos.smugmug.com/F1/AR-General/n-9HMHf7/i-kx6JgWB/1/6616a925/X4/i-kx6JgWB-X4.jpg
Both are solid mounts and the switch is easy to get to with either hand.
glock21xxx
07-06-18, 23:30
I mount the light at 12:00 and use the tail cap.
Mossie Tactical Midnight mount with Surefire X300
https://photos.smugmug.com/F1/AR-General/n-9HMHf7/i-BhwcLb3/0/0d4c18b5/M/i-BhwcLb3-M.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KVF2r4M/0/dfff8ce3/X4/i-KVF2r4M-X4.jpg
The Surefire mounted to a section of PRI rail modified to fit under the front of a MagPul Slimline handguard
https://photos.smugmug.com/F1/AR-General/n-9HMHf7/i-kx6JgWB/1/6616a925/X4/i-kx6JgWB-X4.jpg
Both are solid mounts and the switch is easy to get to with either hand.
I’ve always liked that midnight mount!
Here is a setup from 1986: 1978 Colt SP1 with an original Laser Devices FN-9 attached to flash hider and secured to bayonet lug. Pressure pad is secured to triangle handguard with rubber bands or Velcro. This was my dads SHTF set up. Surprisingly it still works and you only have to change out the 6 AA batteries every 2-4 hours.
52751
MountainRaven
07-06-18, 23:53
Poll relates to specific position of the pressure pad, as opposed to the light or mount.
Personally I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on the Surefire 600DF + tape switch, Magpul offset mount and Magpul tape switch mounting plate at 10:30. The light will also be on the left side since I’ll be employing offset sights at 1:30. I’m definitely curious about the rest of the community, though.
I have my light at 1:30 and offset irons. But I have the front sight mounted behind where my support hand goes on the handguard, because light placement was my priority and the irons are very backup for me.
But 12 o'clock is where I put my pressure switch when I can. If I can't, I'll run something else that allows ambidextrous operation: Tailcaps, X300s at 12 o'clock, &c.
I have my light at 1:30 and offset irons. But I have the front sight mounted behind where my support hand goes on the handguard, because light placement was my priority and the irons are very backup for me.
But 12 o'clock is where I put my pressure switch when I can. If I can't, I'll run something else that allows ambidextrous operation: Tailcaps, X300s at 12 o'clock, &c.
You have a pic? I wasn’t sure the sights would clear over the top of the light.
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MountainRaven
07-07-18, 00:41
You have a pic? I wasn’t sure the sights would clear over the top of the light.
I'll get one or two for you tomorrow or Sunday. But no problems with the bezel of the light and the iron sights.
I'm running a SureFire M300 Scout in an RM45 mounted to the 3 o'clock rail on a Geissele Mk13, the light rides very close to the 12 o'clock rail.
Aaron over at Sage Dynamics does not recommend the WML cuz he’s seen so many fail during his classes
Sorry, I was meaning ‘generic Weapon Mount Light’, as opposed to a particular brand of WML.
Here is a setup from 1986: 1978 Colt SP1 with an original Laser Devices FN-9 attached to flash hider and secured to bayonet lug. Pressure pad is secured to triangle handguard with rubber bands or Velcro. This was my dads SHTF set up. Surprisingly it still works and you only have to change out the 6 AA batteries every 2-4 hours.
52751
Necessity is the mother of invention! Very cool!
CrowCommand
07-07-18, 09:38
I mount the light at 12:00 and use the tail cap.
Mossie Tactical Midnight mount with Surefire X300
https://photos.smugmug.com/F1/AR-General/n-9HMHf7/i-BhwcLb3/0/0d4c18b5/M/i-BhwcLb3-M.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KVF2r4M/0/dfff8ce3/X4/i-KVF2r4M-X4.jpg
The Surefire mounted to a section of PRI rail modified to fit under the front of a MagPul Slimline handguard
https://photos.smugmug.com/F1/AR-General/n-9HMHf7/i-kx6JgWB/1/6616a925/X4/i-kx6JgWB-X4.jpg
Both are solid mounts and the switch is easy to get to with either hand.
I really like the MMM, but after running it awhile, I found the "paddle" style lights are pretty exposed and could potentially ND. I still run it, just something to consider....
Nothing is perfect. One downside to pressure switches is that they require a higher level of maintenance to remain functional and the fix is usually "buy a whole new switch". My answer isn't for everyone, but I'd rather take steps to avoid a light ND than deal with the expense of maintaining the more fragile tape switch.
12 o’clock if possible, but on short guns you run out of room. Here 2 of my set ups https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180707/e36a10b3fa68f72fe820f49bbb995dd4.jpg.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180707/d3ac2443dfdaed5a0b5cf51dfe56de18.jpg
12:00 preferred, Cloud Defensive mount on this one w/Arisaka light, mount, and SF pressure switch.
https://i.imgur.com/QDwcDgk.jpg
MountainRaven
07-08-18, 13:14
You have a pic? I wasn’t sure the sights would clear over the top of the light.
As promised:
Off-set irons and SureFire M300 Scout (to demonstrate that, yes, the Scout is there):
https://i.imgur.com/NCoWocsr.jpg
Calladoody FPS POV sight picture:
https://i.imgur.com/jCw1QaN.jpg
As promised:
Off-set irons and SureFire M300 Scout (to demonstrate that, yes, the Scout is there):
https://i.imgur.com/NCoWocsr.jpg
Calladoody FPS POV sight picture:
https://i.imgur.com/jCw1QaN.jpg
Good to know, thanks. I may try to make mine work that way as well.
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The_War_Wagon
07-08-18, 16:57
I checked 10:30, but 11:00 is more accurate, for my ONE, pressure-padded rifle.
It's a K.I.S.S. carbine; the light is the ONLY "accessory" on it, aside from a sling. I had an old PentagonLight with the pressure pad, still NiB and laying around forever, that I stuck on it. With a Magpul forend, it mounted behind the light, at 11 o'clock, just perfectly. My hands aren't the biggest (sz. 11 wedding band), nor my fingers the longest (no piano lessons in MY future!); I can actually hold it, WITHOUT hitting it with my thumb - but activate it with minimal movement. 12 o'clock, would have meant a lot MORE movement.
And, of course... YMMV.
So many factors go into this decision.
Certain rifles I like with sling attachments close to the receiver. Then I usually mount a light (Surefire, Inforce) at 10:30, activated with my left thumb. Some rifles have sling attachments forward, and these have lights at 1:30 with toggle/paddle switches (Surefire, Inforce APL, Streamlight) operated by my left middle finger (when I am not using it to register my displeasure with something).
Most of my rifles, at least the serious ones, have front sight towers, so I don't mount at 12:00.
But, recently I have been experimenting with 12:00 mounting on rails in front of the front BUIS. Of course, these have toggle/paddle switches. My biggest problem with these is I feel I have to take them off every time I put them in a case to keep them from turning on accidentally. Unfortunately, most of these don't have a lockout switch or feature. (Except for the APLs, but I don't really have much confidence in them.)
That being said, I don't use pressure switches, ever. In my youth, I snagged a cable and broke it, and never again. (PS. I can break anything.)
12 o'clock. I've experimented with other positions but the 12 works best for me.
https://i.imgur.com/uXsBdip.jpg?1
TexasAggie2005
07-10-18, 08:27
I've tried various Scouts and mounts, with thumb activation and pressure pads. I ended up with X300's on the top rail.
Ambi, easy controls, simple on/off, no barrel shadows, multi-use on a pistol, etc. Does all that I need.
Sheeeit, those 1.93” scopes are so high you could put the light at 12 o’clock with zero issues.
Yup.
You think? That would be the best of both worlds, faster sight picture during dynamic shooting plus ambi ergos and no barrier splash!
Works exactly like that.
@Fjallhrafn Nice rifle, very similar to mine.
https://imgur.com/OHNyrK9.jpg
https://imgur.com/2DPv2GG.jpg
hotrodder636
07-10-18, 09:07
I use an SF X300U and have not ventured into pressure pads and Scout lights. So far they have worked for me but the momentary in of the pressure pad is enticing.
redpillregret
07-10-18, 09:30
I've tried various Scouts and mounts, with thumb activation and pressure pads. I ended up with X300's on the top rail.
Ambi, easy controls, simple on/off, no barrel shadows, multi-use on a pistol, etc. Does all that I need.
Yup.
Works exactly like that.
@Fjallhrafn Nice rifle, very similar to mine.
https://imgur.com/OHNyrK9.jpg
https://imgur.com/2DPv2GG.jpg
Are you satisfied with the throw of the X300U on a rifle? What low light training courses have you taken with that setup?
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TexasAggie2005
07-10-18, 10:03
Are you satisfied with the throw of the X300U on a rifle? What low light training courses have you taken with that setup?
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No formal low light classes and I do not use either rifle in a professional manner.
I am happy with the X300U's performance to do what I need for where I live, travel & hunt. I do use both rifles for night hunting of hogs & coyotes, daytime hunting, as well as home defense and general fun. For my exact circumstances; night hunting and HD, the X300U gives me more than enough light to make shoot/no shoot decisions. At my family land, the absolute longest possible shot line is ~325yds, though I'd probably never take a night shot at that distance. At my home it's ~125yds.
If I were a police officer, military, etc, I would find a setup that works best for that capacity. I have no experience in those settings, so no clue if the X300U is up to those jobs.
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