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There are few things more frustrating than mounting a tactical light and pressure switch, only to discover that the beam is partially obstructed by your muzzle or muzzle device. Here's how you can avoid barrel / suppressor shadow when installing your weapon light setup.
When determining how best to attach a tactical light to your long gun, it's important to consider accessibility and placement. The light itself should not interfere with your support hand in any way, and you should be able to actuate the tail cap or pressure switch without modifying your grip. Additionally, the light should be positioned such that the beam is not obstructed by any other optics or accessories.
But what if your rifle has a fixed A2-style front sight post, a carbine-length handguard, and / or a suppressor? These common features can make it challenging to mount a weapon light in the optimal position without experiencing barrel shadow. As the name suggests, this phenomenon occurs when the tip of your muzzle or suppressor blocks a portion of the spill from a light source.
While at first it may seem like only a minor inconvenience, barrel or suppressor shadow can actually pose a significant tactical disadvantage during a defensive encounter. A large sliver of your beam is gone, so there's a chance of overlooking crucial information in your surroundings (environmental hazards, an attacker lurking in the darkness, etc.) Moreover, the orientation of your barrel or suppressor in the light can give away your position, as well as which direction you're facing.
There are several strategies for minimizing or avoiding barrel shadow altogether. For instance, many shooters run a full-length handguard and install their weapon light as far forward as possible so that all light is directed towards the intended target. Another option is to attach the light to the underside of your rifle, rather than the right or left side where other parts of the rifle may cast shadows (as seen below.)
Colt Law Enforcement Trade-In AR-15 Carbine With An A2-Style Flashlight Mount
However, we've found the easiest and most cost-effective solution is utilizing an offset and / or extended M-LOK mounting system to unlock the full 360 degrees around your handguard. This allows you to find the ideal position for a light on your setup, whether that's at a slight left-hand angle or protruding just beyond the barrel.
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It's also important to consider which type of light you're running, how you secure your pressure switch / cable, and what you do to train with your light. For more advice on the best weapon light setups, watch our video with Clint below!
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