Question Regarding My Light Setup and Method [Archive]

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Captains1911

02-14-10, 14:11

I have tried several light positions, and found the one I'm currently using as the most comfortable and ergonomic. However, activation of the light requires me to adjust my support hand grip. The first two photos below is my normal grip (Position A), and the second two are the grip I use when activating the light (Position B).

As shown in Position A, for normal shooting, I prefer using the VFG with my thumb riding along the left side of the rail and the rest of my fingers wrapped around the VFG. This feels the most comfortable and natural, I also feel relatively comfortable with no VFG at all, but I have yet to find a comfortable way to activate a light without one. For normal shooting, I do not like grabbing the VFG with all my fingers and thumb wrapped around it, doesn't feel like I have as much control that way. I've tried the light mounted on the left sight without a VFG and activated with the end of my thumb, but on a carbine length rail I cannot get the light far enough forward to where this feels comfortable, and with the light on the left side it tends to get in the way when the rifle is slung and hanging.

To activate the light as shown in Position B, I rotate my hand and swing my thumb under and around to the right sight of the handguard where my thumb can comfortably activate the light. I can make this switch in less than half a second or so, have practiced often, but never in a stressful situation. I don't know why my pointer finger rides along the left side of the rail in this position, it just feels more natural than wrapping it around the VFG. I don't like using a VFG

I have never had any formal low light training, I would like to someday, but I figure having a light with no training is still better than having no light at all (with no training). So I'd like to hear from the experts, is this method of switching my grip from Position A to B to activate the light severely flawed? It's obviously not the most desirable method but is it still reasonable? Does anybody else do it this way?

POSITION A:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e106/Captains1911/temp/DSC01035.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e106/Captains1911/temp/DSC01037.jpg

POSITION B:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e106/Captains1911/temp/DSC01046.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e106/Captains1911/temp/DSC01040.jpg

docsherm

02-14-10, 14:20

Captains1911

02-14-10, 14:23

Take your light mount and flip the light around so it would be facing you. Then move the mount to the left side of the rifle(as holding it). It will be just over the top of your rail. You should be able to activate it with your thumb while your hand is in position A.

Hope that this helps.

But then I would have to hold the rifle with my hand further back, right? IOW, my thumb is already as far forward on the rail as it can go, so in order to maintain that position the light mount would have to be out past the end of the rail. This definitely goes to show one of the main advantages of a mid-length.

ETA: Also, wouldn't that cause a conflict with my sling as is?

beckman

02-14-10, 14:49

Captains1911

02-14-10, 15:17

How about mounting the light on the left side, using a MI mount on the front sight housing? That way, the light will be further forward and you might be able to maintain the style of grip that you prefer.

You may still feel that light on a MI mount will interfere with your side-sling, but that is your call.

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/images/products/mctar01p.gif

Do you think that MI mount would work with the DD mount I'm currently using, as far as light placement goes? I do have QD sling attachments in both the front and rear sides of my rail, so perhaps that could solve my sling issue. Any idea how much that MI mount weighs?

theJanitor

02-14-10, 15:23

the MI mount and a vltor flashlight mount or scope ring is the best for light positioning with a carbine length rail and a fixed FSB. the light is further out for a grip that allows for more muzzle control, and your grip doesn't need to change much

i mount a scout light this way on my carbine, but have also run a 6p that way.

Col_Crocs

02-14-10, 17:08

There's a way to do it with your light mounted on that side... Not the easiest but it can be done...
loosen the tail cap a bit (without disengaging your batt connection) to allow some "cap flex". While shooting in position A, activate your light by pushing the tail cap up with you middle finger.
This is how I do it with my G2LED mounted on that side. Given that it's plastic and yours is all aluminum, flex and light activation may vary. I have a pretty wide range on mine. You may or may not.

beckman

02-14-10, 17:14

Do you think that MI mount would work with the DD mount I'm currently using, as far as light placement goes? I do have QD sling attachments in both the front and rear sides of my rail, so perhaps that could solve my sling issue. Any idea how much that MI mount weighs?
I don't think that the DD offset light mount is really designed to be positioned on a mount like the MI front sight mount. I would expect that that would place the light pretty high, but I have no specific experience with that setup. You can always try that combo since you already have the DD offset setup. Maybe that combo will work for you, but if the light is too high or otherwise unsatisfactory, use another brand of ring. Another poster made a few brand recommendations, but you do have a wide choice of rings, including a simple Weaver-type scope ring.

I don't know how much the MI mount weighs. Here's the product link below. If you are considering the MI mount, you may want to phone/Email them with specific questions about weight or recommended rings.

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=94

I'm not saying that the MI mount should be your solution. However, given the concerns that you mentioned in the first post, hand positioning and sling clearance, this setup seems to address those concerns.

BushmasterFanBoy

02-14-10, 17:33

Put your light on the left, offset towards 11 oclock and as far forward as possible, then, when not using the light, simply keep you thumb above the mount, pretty much on the 12 oclock rail. This method should be ideal for recoil management as well.

ETA: Didn't see your sling setup, I'd suggest getting a swivel that puts it back in the D-ring area, but that's just me. Either way, you want that positive control over the gun, which means thumb high and on the left, not choking. And you also want to reach your light with the same grip you normally use, and that means your light has got be on the left. Play around a lot with it, but I'd thinking the FSB swivel is going to have to go.

Col_Crocs

02-14-10, 18:21

Here's a photo of my light position and activation method as well as my grip.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4357967842_65d9bace90_b.jpg

iwouldntknow

02-14-10, 18:38

I don't know if it will help, since I'm running a rifle length rail, but I figured I'd post pics of my setup.
Rifle length rail
Vltor SMQ-OCG
TD Stubby

Strong Side
http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp84/223556762308/lightsetuprighthandedtop.jpg

Stong side light activated
http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp84/223556762308/lightsetuprighthandedlightactive.jpg
http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp84/223556762308/lightsetuprighthandedlightactiverig.jpg

Weak side
http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp84/223556762308/lightsetuplefthanded.jpg

Weak side light activated. I hit the tailcap button with the second knuckle of my thumb.
http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp84/223556762308/Lightsetuplefthandlightactive.jpg

I formerly had the light in a V-Tac mount at 11:30, but this lets me have my VFG at least 2 inches farther forward. YMMV

Quiet-Matt

02-14-10, 18:38

You could leave the light where its at and run a tape switch on the top rail.