Weapon light mounting location

[corsairpilot62]

So, I was cloning an M16A4 and was looking at mounting a weapon mounted white light.

Most folks go either left or right side mounted. Makes sense, with utilizing support hand

but what about bottom or 6 oclock mounted? Are there any disadvantages or advantages as compared to side mounting the light?

I’d post this on barfcom but I’m not gay. i figure this is kinda like rifle slung muzzle up or muzzle down kinda thing and more just preference. But….id like some thoughts on the topic.

 

[021411]

I’m not an operator but I remember way back the argument on light placement was having to clear a wall or barricade. Depending on which side the light was on and what side you’re clearing could block the light. Again I’m not a door kicker so I’m just regurgitating what I remember reading back when.
If you want to go 12 o’clock, Arisaka brought back the Mossie Midnight mount for FSB.

 

[corsairpilot62]

I’m not an operator but I remember way back the argument on light placement was having to clear a wall or barricade. Depending on which side the light was on and what side you’re clearing could block the light. Again I’m not a door kicker so I’m just regurgitating what I remember reading back when.
If you want to go 12 o’clock, Arisaka brought back the Mossie Midnight mount for FSB.

Thanks for the info! Not an operator either just a cloning nerd.

Light blocking a barricade i could see. But clearing a wall, if bottom mounted wouldn’t that mean your muzzle isnt clear either?

 

[021411]

I’m sure with training and tactics it wouldn’t really matter at the end of the day.

 

[corsairpilot62]

I’m sure with training and tactics it wouldn’t really matter at the end of the day.

I agree with ya on the training. But, Its kinda weird you don’t see more bottom mounted lights.

 

[021411]

I agree with ya on the training. But, Its kinda weird you don’t see more bottom mounted lights.

Probably due to the fact that everyone pretty much uses an aluminum hand guard of some sort and the plethora of WML mounting options. I remember the days of the Surefire VFG with the light.

 

[Skunk]

If you’re using your cover/concealment correctly, you’ll rarely be laying the carbine on anything or occluding the light. Put it where you can use it effectively.

 

[502Chevelle]

If your light is mounted at 6 o’clock, the barrel will cast a pretty good shadow above the light. meaning if you are in the dark, such as when you would use a light, and you are aiming center chest of someone at a closer range, their face will be heavy in the shadow and hard to recognize. In Kyle Lambs book, “Green Eyes and Black Rifles”, there are some pretty good pictures showing this. I was skeptical so I tried it. It actually looked like it did in the book, heavy shadow and no way to tell who I was pointing at.

 

[corsairpilot62]

If your light is mounted at 6 o’clock, the barrel will cast a pretty good shadow above the light. meaning if you are in the dark, such as when you would use a light, and you are aiming center chest of someone at a closer range, their face will be heavy in the shadow and hard to recognize. In Kyle Lambs book, “Green Eyes and Black Rifles”, there are some pretty good pictures showing this. I was skeptical so I tried it. It actually looked like it did in the book, heavy shadow and no way to tell who I was pointing at.

Awesome, thanks for the info, and book suggestion!

 

[higginsworksforme]

Mounting it at 12 o'clock makes the same shadow but I guess you're more likely to be bringing the muzzle up rather than down onto a target so it's more better.

 

[stanley_white]

When I mount my flashlight at six o’clock it makes fixing bayonets a challenge.

-Stan

 

[corsairpilot62]

When I mount my flashlight at six o’clock it makes fixing bayonets a challenge.

-Stan

This is probably the best reason ever!

 

[MO Fugga]

When I mount my flashlight at six o’clock it makes fixing bayonets a challenge.

-Stan

Tally Ho, faggots!!!

I still do 12:00, because of the Inforce collection. Looking for a 10:00 and lo pro mount suitable for a 5" 2 slot handguard.

 

[RIGREG]

I had an M16A4 with an ACOG in Iraq in 05-06. I was the driver, so it sat beside me in the Humvee. I ditched the sling and used an improvised Wolf Hook setup to avoid tangles. When I mounted the Surefire, I positioned it on the 3 o’clock rail so I could manipulate the push switch with my right thumb. At Ft Benning, DS Daniels declared me left handed, because I’m left eye dominant. I didn’t want a tape switch. It didn’t feel right to me. A lot of the guys who used them had M4’s with vertical grips. My bottom rail was bare and no sling in the way either. That was my setup.

Anyway, it was user preference in my unit. It’s only a few thumbscrews or a lever, so try it out till it feels natural. I’ll also add, ours were all the battery eating Xenon bulb versions. I don’t know if the LED ones were widespread at that time. By 2011, the LED Surefires were an RFI item to my Guard unit.

Greg