Barrel mounted light vs rail mount?

Pops1085 · January 22, 2013, 02:12 AM

I have an ar-15 carbine that im turning into a simple shtf rifle (nothing added but a light) but I was wondering if a light mounted to a barrel affects the gun in any way compared to a light mounted to the bottom of a standard handguard. I have a bolt on rail that fits on the bottom of a regular handguard from when I thought I was gonna hang just about everything I could find off it (lesson learned) anyways what do you guys think?

DnPRK · January 22, 2013, 08:37 AM

I have a TRL-1 mounted on a rail attached to the lower A2 hand guard. That placement makes it easy to manipulate the light switch with the support hand.

Mobuck · January 22, 2013, 08:50 AM

Anything mounted directly to the barrel has the potential to change both point of impact and overall accuracy.

**Art Eatman** · January 22, 2013, 12:35 PM

Not really needing bench rest accuracy in a self-defense rifle. I imagine any change in point of impact would be consistent, so all that's needed is a sight-in check. Convenience in manipulating the switch is likely the controlling factor.

Pops1085 · January 22, 2013, 01:53 PM

The local walmart has one of those universal barrel mounted lights. Do those hold any merit as a cheap alternative or would I be foolish to not spend 150 bucks on a rail mounted surefire.

January 22, 2013, 02:12 AM	#1
Pops1085 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2012 Posts: 146	Barrel mounted light vs rail mount? I have an ar-15 carbine that im turning into a simple shtf rifle (nothing added but a light) but I was wondering if a light mounted to a barrel affects the gun in any way compared to a light mounted to the bottom of a standard handguard. I have a bolt on rail that fits on the bottom of a regular handguard from when I thought I was gonna hang just about everything I could find off it (lesson learned) anyways what do you guys think?

January 22, 2013, 12:35 PM	#4
Art Eatman Staff Lead Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX, USA Posts: 20,937	Not really needing bench rest accuracy in a self-defense rifle. I imagine any change in point of impact would be consistent, so all that's needed is a sight-in check. Convenience in manipulating the switch is likely the controlling factor. __________________ You're from BATFE? Come right in! I use all your fine products!

January 22, 2013, 08:37 AM	#2
DnPRK Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2001 Location: LC, Ca Posts: 1,723	I have a TRL-1 mounted on a rail attached to the lower A2 hand guard. That placement makes it easy to manipulate the light switch with the support hand.

January 22, 2013, 08:50 AM	#3
Mobuck Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 1,469	Anything mounted directly to the barrel has the potential to change both point of impact and overall accuracy.

January 22, 2013, 01:53 PM	#5
Pops1085 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2012 Posts: 146	The local walmart has one of those universal barrel mounted lights. Do those hold any merit as a cheap alternative or would I be foolish to not spend 150 bucks on a rail mounted surefire.