Rifle mounted lights, why?

[Vtec44]

You mean something like this? It's my backup HD weapon, so I want a light on it...

[rugershooter]

Why? Ummm...so you can see what you're shooting at in low light. Whether it's on a rifle, pistol, or shotgun, I believe a light is a necessity on any self defense weapon so you can identify your attacker. Clearing rooms? Not unless I have family in other areas of the house to keep safe. But that doesn't negate the need to identify the target.

[PsychGuy274]

Same as a pistol light. 5.56 has less risk of overpenetration than most handgun rounds so it can be argued a rifle is one of the most effective and also safest to bystanders means of defense.

5.56 has less chance of overpenetrating compared to pistol ammo? Does you planet have different physics than mine?

[toby]

.....

[robcoe]

5.56 has less chance of overpenetrating compared to pistol ammo? Does you planet have different physics than mine?

I have heard this a lot, the theory is that a rifle round will break up upon hitting a wall. I have tried it a few times with pieces of drywall, OSB and 2x4s that were to small for my dad to save for other jobs. Never got it to work in any sort of consistant manner.

The .223 and 5.56 rounds tumbled and broke up, but around 75% of the time they still managed to penetrate 3 layers of drywall and OSB, and the other 25% they were deflected so much they just never hit all the layers. 9mm and other handguns also blew through the walls but maintained a general trajectory.

Overall from when I tried it I would say yes, a light .223 varmint or soft point round will probably penetrate a bit less, but the magical "the bullet passes through the wall then breaks up and is harmless" scenario just is not there, it will still kill your neighbor, so will 9mm, .45, .40, 12ga and anything else that will manage to stop an intruder, that's why knowing what is downrange the direction you are shooting is important.

[Reductio]

5.56 has less chance of overpenetrating compared to pistol ammo? Does you planet have different physics than mine?

Fragmentation.

I hate to do it... but box of truth has some tests on there. Basically, drywall fragments it very quickly, while pistol or shotgun ammo just deforms a bit.

[Baconator]

I've always been of the opinion that it would be easier to defend a civil case for killing an intruder with a gun that has no question of legality. While you, I, and everyone with a brain knows that a CA compliant version of an AR-15 is perfectly legal, a jury would be told all sorts of stories about how that is a military gun etc. etc. A handgun, I would think, would be easier to defend in a civil case (especially if it is a stock configured gun). Just my $.02, I am sure someone will disagree with me.

[SJgunguy24]

The same reason why cops like to flood your mirrors with their alley lights when they pull you over. It's intimidating and can overwhelm the senses of whomever your directing the light at. Sometimes that is enough to end any confontation. There are tons of tactics that a light can be used for, don't discount a weapon mounted light. Now as for all the other crap, meh, I guess it looks cool.

[Sniper3142]

Several of my firearms might need to be used when the $h!t hits the fan.

And that might happen in the middle of the day, or the middle of the night.

Better to have it and not need than to need it and not have it.

[killmime1234]

Let me preface this by saying I don't have a light on any of my rifles.

That said, why is everybody so against tacticool? It's like people chroming up their cars: it serves no purpose but to look "cool," but it's still very prevalent. Why does it bug you that someone wants their hobby to look "cool?"

I don't have an issue with it.

[MaHoTex]

I also see pictures of AR's and AK's with all this crap on them. Two different optics, vertical fore grip, and then you see the flashlight.

Do these people think they're going to be clearing rooms in the middle of the night with their rifles?

Sorry, I just couldn't hold back any longer.

So the bullet can see in the dark...

[taperxz]

Its clear that many think of the light on a rifle only used in urban areas. Lights are a great tool to use in rural areas. I find it extremely useful when i hear commotion coming from the hen house, horse stables, or when the sheep are running at night. There is usually a predator on the other end of my light when i use it to see what the problem is. I also have them for my pistols

[Quiet]

Fragmentation.

I hate to do it... but box of truth has some tests on there. Basically, drywall fragments it very quickly, while pistol or shotgun ammo just deforms a bit.

It's also one of the reasons why LE SWAT teams are switching from 9x19mm subguns to 5.56x45mm carbines.

[Steve1968LS2]

I also see pictures of AR's and AK's with all this crap on them. Two different optics, vertical fore grip, and then you see the flashlight.

Do these people think they're going to be clearing rooms in the middle of the night with their rifles?

Sorry, I just couldn't hold back any longer.

Funny.. when I'm on here I always see people with superiority complexes judging what other people do with their money and rifles.. lol

Most every rifle (and pistols) I own have lights.. but I don't keep them mounted except for those used for HD (nightstand gun).

BTW.. half of the day it's dark outside.. and why do you care what others do since it pretty clear you think thier "crap" is stupid?

[Merc1138]

Because no wear = no practice.

It's like a mechanic opening a new package of tools before working on your car...

Can't have 2 guns?

Maybe the mechanic's tools got stolen the day before and the insurance company coughed up a check and he was able to get a new set.

Do I need to buy pre-worn rifles now to keep you satisfied? Like those pre-tattered and faded jeans?