Rifle Light Considerations
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over some rifle light considerations today. There are many important factors and variables to consider regarding the mounting of rifle lights. These types of lights are utilized by everyone from professional end users to private citizens for defensive uses. Our goal here today is to delve into the various factors and aspects of rifle lights one should consider. Without further ado, let’s cover some rifle light considerations.
What is a Rifle Light?
Put plainly, a rifle light is a weapon-mounted flashlight intended for use on a firearm such as a rifle. These flashlights typically feature long, tubular bodies and utilize various types of mounting hardware. Lights of this type come in different form factors and sizes, allowing users to find an offering suitable for a wide range of hosts. Rifle lights tend to blend lumens and candela to provide users with bright illumination levels which are viable at various ranges. Rifle lights are an essential piece of a serious fighting rifle and go hand in hand with other important accessories such as optics and slings.
Good for More than Just Rifles
It is also worth noting that rifle lights are good for more than just rifles. This is to say that these types of lights are appropriate for use on other types of firearms. Besides rifles, these types of lights are also good for use on shotguns and subguns. These types of firearms can typically use many rifle lights right out of the box or can be easily adapted to accommodate a flashlight. Put plainly, shooters can rely on rifle lights as an illumination device on a wide range of firearms besides rifles.
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Mounting Solutions
One of the most important things to consider with rifle lights is how you are going to mount it. With the modern types of rifle lights available, shooters will encounter a wide range of potential mounting solutions. Some offerings include integral mounts which are intended for use with 1913 rails. This allows them to be utilized on everything from quad rails to 12 o’clock rails on handguards. Other mounting solutions include the prolific Scout and Scout Pro footprints introduced by Surefire. Mounts can include low profile, quick release, and extended cantilever style mounting solutions. At the end of the day, one should seek out a mounting solution which best fits their intended uses and preferences.
Light Placement
When dealing with rifle lights, light placement is another important factor to consider. One should strive to mount a rifle light in a location which is easily accessible and ergonomically sound. This is to say that ideally one will be able to activate the light easily and that it does not make the firearm unwieldy or awkward to handle. Mounting solutions such as the aforementioned Scout mounting footprint allows for a wide range of options when it comes to light placement.
A shooter can also tune their light placement to eliminate or minimize barrel or suppressor shadow. This phenomenon occurs when the barrel or suppressor of a firearm extends beyond the light. The result is a shadow of the barrel or suppressor which is cast when the light is active. This shadow essentially cuts down on the amount of light one’s light produces due to the obstruction of light. At the end of the day, a shooter should strive for light placement which allows for easy and efficient operation of their light.
Activation Methods
Another important aspect of mounting a light on a rifle is the activation method. This is to say the mechanism by which one operates the light is an important factor to consider with weapon mounted lights. Many lights feature prominent buttons at the rear of their bodies, often incorporated into a tailcap. These buttons facilitate either momentary activation or allow the light to remain constantly on after a single press.
Other popular activation methods include pressure pads and tape switches. These devices function similarly to buttons on tailcaps as they often facilitate constant operation or momentary illumination. These pads either feature a single button or two distinct buttons to facilitate either method of operation.
Battery Considerations
Of course, as with all electronics, rifle lights come with battery considerations. This is to say that one should be mindful of the battery life of their flashlight in addition to having other power sources on hand. Naturally, one will want to stock up on the batteries that one’s flashlight is powered by to ensure a long service life and promote preparedness.
Some batteries are available in traditional, disposable forms while others are of the rechargeable variety. In today’s market, there are many options in the way of onboard battery storage. Shooters are able to store spare batteries for flashlights and optics in storage compartments in stocks and grips. This allows shooters to have additional power sources on hand if the need arises.
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Who Makes Rifle Lights?
At this point in time, there are many companies that make rifle lights. These companies produce offerings at various price points and in many forms. This is to say that shooters can find rifle lights in large and small form factors and with various features. Shooters of all budgets will be able to afford rifle lights due to the wide range of offerings on the market. Some rifle lights simply provide white light while others provide IR illumination or even lasers in some cases. Currently, companies such as Surefire, Streamlight, Modlite,
Sig Sauer, and
Olight produce weapon lights for rifle use.
What About Pistol Style Lights?
Many shooters also utilize lights intended for pistol use on their rifles. This can be done for many reasons such as personal preference or lack of space for larger lights. Pistol style lights typically have a small form factor and easily interface with 1913 rails, allowing for versatile mounting options. This is to say that one can easily bolt a pistol light onto an existing picatinny rail or an M-LOK 1913 rail. It is also not uncommon for shooters to place pistol lights at the 12 o’clock position on their rail. This allows for a neutral, ambidextrous mounting position which is easily accessed and doesn’t produce additional bulk on the side of a firearm.
Conclusion
All in all, these are just a few of the rifle light considerations one should keep in mind when looking into employing a flashlight of this type. By considering these factors and aspects of rifle lights, one will ensure proper performance and application of their selected flashlight. In addition to our wide range of
ammo for sale, we here at True Shot Ammo carry a number of weapon lights. These lights encompass offerings from companies such as
Sig Sauer,
Holosun, and
Olight to name a few. Whether you want to
buy bulk ammo or want to pick up a rifle light, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
