View Full Version : Which side do you mount your light on?
Assuming that you shoot right handed and that you're not using a light like the X-300 in the 12 o'clock position, which side of your rifle's forend do you mount your light on and why?
ETA: Lefties feel free to share as well, but please let us know if you are a lefty.
I am a right handed shooter and I mount the light at 1:00. Here is my reasoning...
I want the slimmest profile that I can get so a good Gear Sector mount or something of similar quality light places the light tight to the rail and mounted solidly to the rifle. I shoot with a beer can grip on most of my rifles. With the light at 1:00, I am less prone to AD the light under stress and where the light sits, it is just a quick roll of the thumb to the right and I can easily activate the light.
And I just realized that I have no pictures with my new scout lights and Gear Sector mounts....:blink:
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/ARs/P1010084.jpg
Shoot ambi, run predominately right handed. I have it on the left side of the rifle due to short stocky T-Rex arms and fingers, its hard for me to reach my thumb across the top of the rail to the right side to depress the button if it were on the right side.
Since I'm right hand dominate its easier for me when im shooting left handed to reach my dominate hand across the rail to the left side with authority.
http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g342/F2SConsulting/77dc2c38.jpg
I run mine at 3 o'clock....easy for me to activate yet out the way enough to avoid AD's with it.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb244/a996hawk/photobucket-6504-1321763148101.jpg
run predominately right handed. I have it on the left side of the rifle due to short stocky T-Rex arms and fingers, its hard for me to reach my thumb across the top of the rail to the right side to depress the button if it were on the right side.
Same issue here. I have a hard time reaching over the rifle with my short thick fingers so I put mine in the same spot as Smash. I prefer to keep my lights with a thumb switch, as I hate tape switches. I've seen one too many accidental light activations with those...
The_War_Wagon
01-20-12, 21:13
Small hands means port side as a righty. 11 o' clock is preferred.
Thanks for the replies so far. I have mine on the right side at about 1 o'clock or 1:30. It seemed easier to do it this way because I use an SR-06 pressure switch and this arrangement gets the light and wire out of the way of my left hand. If I didn't use the remote pressure switch then I would likely move the light to the left side.
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo98/fireman325/DSC03787.jpg
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo98/fireman325/DSC03788.jpg
Quiet-Matt
01-20-12, 21:24
1:00 for me. Like Cory, its just a slight movement of the thumb to activate the light. I use a thumb-over type of grip, so there is less of a grip change with this set-up versus mounting it on the other side. And it's out of the way for the rest of the time when I don't need a light.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x-KC1LJySpc/TpCc2MMjupI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/_XF5Qs0SOmE/s720/DSC02551.JPG?gl=US
I am a right handed shooter and I mount the light at 1:00. Here is my reasoning...
I want the slimmest profile that I can get so a good Gear Sector mount or something of similar quality light places the light tight to the rail and mounted solidly to the rifle. I shoot with a beer can grip on most of my rifles. With the light at 1:00, I am less prone to AD the light under stress and where the light sits, it is just a quick roll of the thumb to the right and I can easily activate the light.
And I just realized that I have no pictures with my new scout lights and Gear Sector mounts....:blink:
=======================================
My reasoning and light location, as well.
CC, Nice setup.
.
1:00 for me. Like Cory, its just a slight movement of the thumb to activate the light. I use a thumb-over type of grip, so there is less of a grip change with this set-up versus mounting it on the other side. And it's out of the way for the rest of the time when I don't need a light.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x-KC1LJySpc/TpCc2MMjupI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/_XF5Qs0SOmE/s720/DSC02551.JPG?gl=US
What length is this?
Running my mini SF Scout in a HSP Thorntail,...left side, guess it'd be 9-10 o'clock-ish.
Push button activation...I removed the SF SR07 switch as I felt tailcap was better for me.
Quiet-Matt
01-21-12, 06:30
What length is this?
BCmJUnKie, its a 11.5"
I tried every imaginable position, and came to the conclusion that this works best for me. I also have relatively short arms and small hands.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6731367249_598483ecd1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronssmith/6731367249/)
20120120 016a (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronssmith/6731367249/) by Ronald S. Smith (http://www.flickr.com/people/ronssmith/), on Flickr
Doc Safari
01-21-12, 14:15
I purchased these handguards from Brownells:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=1613/Product/AR-15-M33-HANDGUARD
I mounted my light in the Daniel Defense offset mount which allows me to pretty much duplicate RSS1911's light position:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6731367249_598483ecd1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronssmith/6731367249/)
20120120 016a (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronssmith/6731367249/) by Ronald S. Smith (http://www.flickr.com/people/ronssmith/), on Flickr
The jury's still out on whether those handguards are GTG or just commercial junk (what I personally predict), but they were inexpensive and I didn't want to go "all rail all the time." I was also getting tired of the MOE handguards.
A quick review: the rubber rail covers cut easily with a box cutter so you can leave only as much rail exposed as you want. The handguards themselves are a hair oversize it seems: took me forever to get them on compared to a set of mil-spec handguards. They fit fine once they're on, but Dang!
I currently have my light (G2X) mounted at 1:00 in a GS mount. I shoot right handed, and I find it is easy for me to roll my thumb over the top of the rail, and it allows me to get my support hand further out on the rail (midlength gun) as opposed to having the light mounted at 11:00.
My other gun has a SF X300 mounted at 12:00 on an Omega-X 12" FSP rail. It wins hands down for ease of activation, regardless of which side I'm shooting on. The only downside is I find the FSP rail adds more weight than the other gun with the GS mount.
1:00 for me. Like Cory, its just a slight movement of the thumb to activate the light. I use a thumb-over type of grip, so there is less of a grip change with this set-up versus mounting it on the other side. And it's out of the way for the rest of the time when I don't need a light.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x-KC1LJySpc/TpCc2MMjupI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/_XF5Qs0SOmE/s720/DSC02551.JPG?gl=US
I just switched my setup to be on the right side like this one. I use a thumb over grip, and for what ever reason I had it on the other side and would break my grip to use the light. It also got in the way when trying to brace on barricades. Not sure why I didn't think of this sooner. Thanks for all the info on this thread.
Schadenfreude
01-21-12, 18:03
Right hand shooter light at 3:00 partly because my sling mount is on the left side usually operate it with my index finger - recently bought a remote switch still trying to decide where to put it. Really want to try the 12:00 thing but don't have a spare X300 yet
I attach a SF 6PX at 11:00 in a Gear Sector mount. This works best for me, because I can use my thumb or web area between my thumb and index finger.
I run a Surefire 300 at 3 o'clock on a MOE hand guard. I shoot right handed and this setup allows me to get more thumb over the top of the gun.
I attached mine with an offset Gear Sector mount at the 1 o'clock position and now run it with an SR06 switch. This allows me to properly grip the rail and activate the light strong & weak hand.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g464/MSteele22/BCM/DSC02326.jpg
justlikeanyoneelse
01-22-12, 19:26
Personally run mine in the 3 o clock position with a surefire dual pressure switch at 12 o clock. I use the magpul afg so the light isn't in my way and the dual pressure switch allows me to activate the light with my left thumb. Rifles a 10.4 sbr.
This thread reminds me of the time I got blindsided by Pat Rogers himself on Lightfighter for having my light at the 1 o'clock position. At the time, I was running a VFG with a VTAC light mount at 3 o' clock position (pictured below)
Note: Been rocking irons for a good part of last year. But its time to slap on the T-1.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/getoffthex/Kentucky%20Training%20Group/003.jpg
I never had a problem activating the light during night shoots with my support side thumb. However, I have since changed my set up. Cleaner and lighter. No more VFG, no more VTAC and G2 LED. I now have a TLR-1 mounted at the 3 o'clock. I simply activate the switch with my support side middle finger (no pun intended) for a momentary on. If I am shooting support side (left hand), I activate the switch with my strong hand thumb.
Haven't had a problem with this set up at all. As a matter of fact, I was a bit surprised to find out Kyle Defoor was running it this way. The man has good taste :D
bigguy1305
01-23-12, 14:05
i put mine on the right side on both my rifles.
10925
10926
I'm lefthanded and run mine in an 11:00 position.
TLR-1 at 3 O'clock on a VTAC rail , I finger it from underneath
Thanks for the pictures, a light is my next purchase.
My question is to the left handers out there. I have a DD M4 with the Vertical Grip but small hands. Have any of you lefties, mounted a light on the right side and used the thumb of your right hand to activate the light? My hands are too small to reach around to a 7 o'clock mount and my supporting hand thumb naturally rests on top my fingers with the vertical grip.
My only other option would be a light with a tape switch mounted at 12 o'clock and not a big fan of tape switches due to potential of accidental lighting.
Thanks!
On my DDM4 I use a TLR-1 @ 3 O'Clock all the way out on a DD Omega rail. That works best for me, because I can still hold my support hand out close to the FSB & activate the light with my middle finger.
My wife has shorter arms & uses a Surefire P6 on a LaRue mount @ 9 O'Clock on her M&P15X, & activates it with her thumb.
Alot of things come into play here. It depends on the light you're using, how it's activated, (tail cap button, rocker switch, pressure pad), length of your rails/arms, etc.
I have a Surefire GX tac on there now in the same position
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh92/climbr1/IMAG0030.jpg
http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af269/CoryCop25/ARs/P1010225.jpg
I tried this on my personal rifle and didn't like the tlr-3.
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1079/dsc01978sm.jpg
i switched it to this so far, but i am changing it again, will probably do offset on right side (i am right handed)
with this set up, i just turn it on with a click and leave it on. no momentary use (which i never use anyway, nor strobe)
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1255/dsc00157io.jpg
In iraq I had mine on the right as I had a one point sling and if it was on the left it hit my leg a lot. Couldn't mount it on top as we had to have our peq2s mounted on top. That and a pressure switch in my tango down vfg made life easy.
Thanks for the replies so far. I have mine on the right side at about 1 o'clock or 1:30. It seemed easier to do it this way because I use an SR-06 pressure switch and this arrangement gets the light and wire out of the way of my left hand. If I didn't use the remote pressure switch then I would likely move the light to the left side.
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo98/fireman325/DSC03787.jpg
http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo98/fireman325/DSC03788.jpg
I have one carbine with almost this exact same set up, except I am using the Larue offset mount.
I have another carbine that I use the tailcap switch on the Scoutlight. That one I have in the 11:00 position, also in an Larue offset mount.
I do not notice an appreciable difference in the illumination. I really do not have a favorite, as I am using my left thumb to activate both lights. It is a little easier to switch the light to constant on with the 11:00 mount, as it is easier to hit the tailcap than depress the button on the tapeswitch.
I have one carbine with almost this exact same set up, except I am using the Larue offset mount.
I have another carbine that I use the tailcap switch on the Scoutlight. That one I have in the 11:00 position, also in an Larue offset mount.
I do not notice an appreciable difference in the illumination. I really do not have a favorite, as I am using my left thumb to activate both lights. It is a little easier to switch the light to constant on with the 11:00 mount, as it is easier to hit the tailcap than depress the button on the tapeswitch.
I'm sorry for not getting back to this sooner, but could you please post a picture of the offset LaRue mount? I would really like to see that setup.
Trunkmonkey4
02-23-12, 22:47
I used to have all of my lights at 9 o'clock with no tape switches just push button but I have sense moved all mine over to 3 o'clock with switches at 12. No problems, I used to stay away from wires due to getting hung up but with all the new ways to secure cables these days its not really a issue.
Punisher1336
02-24-12, 12:15
I run my light at the 9 o clock position. TLR-1, no pressure pad.
pruitt0212
02-25-12, 16:34
I'm personally a right handed shooter that also does a lot of ambi shooting to maintain proficiency with my left. I run a Surefire RAID M720V at 3 o'clock with the pressure switch up at 12 o'clock. A bit of a trade off of how I used to run it, which was a Surefire E2D in a LaRue offset mount placing the light right at about 11 o'clock.
loganp0916
02-25-12, 17:39
I'm right handed and don't like peressure switches so I run my g2 at about 1:00 with a clicky tailcap.
I'm sorry for not getting back to this sooner, but could you please post a picture of the offset LaRue mount? I would really like to see that setup.
I don't have any pictures handy, but I will try to take a couple and get something posted here in the next couple days. I have been pretty covered up as of late.
I'm a lefty and run my TK11 using a Gear Sector mount at 11 o'clock. I've found it easier to reach over the top and activate with my thumb. It allows me to keep a better grip of the gun instead of having it at 1:00 position.
motorolahamm
04-06-12, 09:55
depends for Me , if i am just using the push switch on the tail cap i run it on my week side and activate with my thumb. If use a tape switch then its normally on the strong side w/ the tape switch on the left or placed or taped to the vertical grip. the lights i run are the surefire m962xm07 and the surefire m951
Eurodriver
04-06-12, 10:49
I'm right handed and don't like peressure switches so I run my g2 at about 1:00 with a clicky tailcap.
Same.
I just moved mine to about 4 o'clock with an offset mount.
i can hit the button with my left thumb.
this seems to be working best for me.
http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/3192/dsc02086c.jpg
the only long gun i have that has a weaponlight on it...an old 9P with an LED drop in
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/3523/001idbq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/001idbq.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Ouroborous
04-06-12, 11:44
On my colt with fsp rail, I have a tlr-1 mounted at the 12 o'clock position. On my M&P15 with 9.0 Larue rail I have a quark AA in a larue mount at the 9 o'clock position. Of the two I prefer 12 o'clock but both are functional.
Lefty, 11 o'clock with surefire pressure switch.
Battle*Hound
04-12-12, 19:22
I run mine at 3 o'clock....easy for me to activate yet out the way enough to avoid AD's with it.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb244/a996hawk/photobucket-6504-1321763148101.jpg
I run it exactly the same with the TLR1
Quiet-Matt
04-12-12, 19:54
I've recently switched one of mine over to a TLR @3 o'clock as well. Easy enough to activate it with the middle finger or thumb in some cases.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0BkBPFObAN4/T4d3kApxmoI/AAAAAAAAJh8/Qs0_QHsxpUo/s800/IMG_0646.JPG
Lefty. X300 on a Gear Sector mount at 1 o'clock. Easy to activate with my right thumb.
patriot_man
04-17-12, 02:45
I'm right handed and I run a Surefire Scout with the click tail cap on the 3 o'clock position.
I'm torn between keeping it there or moving it to the 6 o'clock position.
In order to run it at 3 o'clock I have to use a full grip (which I don't prefer) on my vertical foregrip to activate it with my thumb. Moving it to the 6 o'clock I could use a thumb forward grip that I'm used to and just use my index finger to nudge the switch but looks like I'll have to practice if I want to get better.
Right handed, surefire vtac on left side of gun with the centerline of the tailcap roughly equal with the top of the rail.
Failure2Stop
04-17-12, 11:41
Placement of lights is a fine balance of factors.
Sling placement, IR lasers, grip type, barricade use, offset sights, support side use, and activation methods all must be considered and negative interface must be reduced.
With an optimally setup carbine I prefer to have a sling at the muzzle end of the handguard, which makes placement of a light at 9:00 or 10:30 problematic. IR lasers at 12:00 will interfere with 10:30 or 1:30 light placement. 6:00 placement of lights will make over barricade use problematic and compromises grip. 3:00 and 9:00 positions are difficult to use when firing from the support side unless you use a tape switch. Tape switches induce a host of issues, especially if you are using two devices on tape switches; they are also more prone to inadvertant activation and the lines can easily get pulled or broken unless you are very carful and conduct frequent checks of securement. 3:00 and 9:00 also force the shooter to expose more of the gun/body from vertical cover to avoid back-splash. 10:30 and 1:30 lights can interfere with offset aiming devices. 12:00 is a great light position, but it reduces iron sight radius (which isn't really a huge deal), doesn't work well with 12:00 mounted IR laser, and many are prone to accidental activation due to switchlogy. 4:30 and 7:30 mounting forces the shooter to use a chicken-choker grip on the VFG or try to activate with a knuckle, which is also sub-optimal.
So... I put a SF M600 at 1:30 (in a Danger Close mount). I can reach across the top rail to activate with the left hand or just slide slightly back with the right. It provides enough open rail for use from supported poistions and I only have to expose a little more of the gun from cover than with a 12:00 mount. It lets me use a fixed FSB and doesn't interfere with my forward mounted sling. I don't have an IR laser or offset aiming devices on most of my carbines, so there is no interference issue.
For those that do have 12:00 IR lasers I either run 2 tape switches and put the light at 3:00 (tape switches at 10:30 [laser] and 1:30 [white light], between the rails), or I move my sling mount back, close to the receiver, and put the light at 9:00 with tailcap activation. This is pretty much the only time that I willingly use tape-switches as they afford ambidexterous use. I zip-tie and tape the lines to prevent snagging and damage.
patriot_man
04-18-12, 02:38
Awesome post! I'm leaning towards using a pressure switch but I always feel leery about using one with a Scout light.
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