Lights On Long Guns

by
posted on April 7, 2014
201042283345-accessory-array_ms.jpg

Setting up a white light on a long gun can be somewhat frustrating in that the device can take up a good bit of rail space, the activation control can end up in an awkward-to-reach location and mounting fittings can become complicated. Here are a few tips to make the process easier:

You'll need to "map out" the setup before buying the parts. If possible, try to position the light on the side of the gun that makes most sense for its particular method of activation by your support hand thumb or fingers. If you prefer to always activate long gun lights with the same digit, and you have multiple, different, platforms on which you wish to mount lights, strive to retain that consistency so that your "muscle memory" for that task transfers from platform to platform. For instance if you're a right-hander and you mount a light on your AR's right-hand fore-end rail, you'll have to run a tape switch to the left-hand rail to activate it if you want to do so with your support-hand thumb.

If you're mounting a Grip Pod, however, you may be able to use that company's factory rail accessory to mount a light on the unit's right side and simply bump the tailcap switch with your left-hand thumb since it will naturally fall in that area when that hand is in position on the Grip Pod's vertical section.

Regardless of how you do it, the simpler you can keep the installation the better. The more Velcro, wires and switches there are, the more things can go wrong when gear starts getting dragged across the ground or through bushes. Some so-called "weapon lights" have built-in Picatinny mounts. Otherwise, any quality flashlight that can stand up to recoil and that has a 1" diameter body can be mounted with a simple riflescope ring. Wire ties or gaffer's tape can help to secure loose wires for tailcap switches. Just don't forget to keep a few spare batteries with the gun.

What suggestions do you have for mounting lights on long guns?

Latest

M1917 Carbine
M1917 Carbine

The “M1917 Carbine”

Overshadowed in history by the Springfield M1903, the U.S. Model 1917 was nonetheless an important infantry rifle beginning in World War I—and a little-known “Carbine” variant would, much later, arm Chinese, North Korean and North Vietnamese troops.

The Armed Citizen® March 10, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Bersa Follows Trend, Begins American Manufacturing

Bersa USA’s announcement that it was exhibiting at the IWA Outdoor Classic Exhibition in Nuremberg, signals yet another step forward for a company following a path other famed firearm firms have taken to find success—moving some or all manufacturing to the United States.

Preview: FOXPRO X24

This compact system, controlled by the TX-1000 wireless remote (three AAAs), features Xtreme High Definition speakers with improved frequency response with 24-bit audio for realistic sound clarity and comes loaded with more than 200 animal sounds.

Review: Bear Creek Arsenal BC-202

This handy Bear Creek Arsenal BC-202 carbine is based on the now-discontinued Ruger 10/22 Magnum.

New For 2025: Century Arms AP5-SD & AP5-L

Century Arms has expanded its AP5 family of MP5 clones with two unique options, both equipped with faux suppressors designed to preserve the original look of the MP5 design without running afoul of NFA laws.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.