I know we've talked about this offline, but I figure my comments might be a useful addition for anyone reading this. At the very least it will allow others to criticize my logic.
I'll try to add my 2 cents on this without sounding like a blustering idiot, which may be hard for me to accomplish. [:)]
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Let's say you have a SureFire M952 (2 cell w/ ARMS mount).
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Well, I do have a M952 so I'm good there.
Add to that a pressure switch to increase mounting options.
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I have the SW02 "clicker" tailcap, but for the sake of argument I'll consider this part of my setup. You know what I think about pressure tape.
As I can see it, the pros and cons are as follows:
3 o'clock:
CON:
- increases the width of your rifle;
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Why is this a con? I think it is a non-issue.
- hangs weight off of one side, having (an albeit slight) effect on balance;
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I don't notice the balance effect you mention, but I understand that it is there.
- adds to the width if you grab the rifle on the horizontal plane (i.e., without the vertical grip)
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That's true, but why would you grab it like that? If I'm in a standing position and need to brace the rifle with skeletal alignment (elbow on iliac crest) it's more natural and stable for me to turn my hand so that my fingers are pointing toward 9 O'clock.
- very prominent barrel shadow at the 9 o'clock position in the light beam, even when mounted far forward (could be very distracting when you're looking for strange shadowy objects in the dark).
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True, but there is enough scattered light so that you can still see partially into the shadow. Shooting isn't a static sport either, so keep in mind that you can always move that shadow around.
6 o'clock:
PRO:
- no barrel shadow issue;
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The shadow is still there it's just in a different spot. In a small enough room, that shadow would be just about at head level on a target that you're aiming COM. Facial recognition is VERY important. Plus, if that shadow is covering their eyes you've just negated any blinding effect that you may have otherwise gained.
- easy to grab the horizontal plane of the light.
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The diameter of the entire system is still the same. It does rest in the palm a little easier though.
So, why do you choose 3 o'clock over 6 o'clock??
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I have a few reasons that I chose the 3 O'clock position over all others.
1. It just felt natural for it to be there.
2. It can still be used without the light getting in the way of a mounted bayonet.
3. There is not enough room on a single rail for my big hands, the vertical grip, and the light. In order to fit everything on one rail I have to move the grip back so far that it becomes a useless weight. Grabbing the mag well and magazine instead is much more comfortable.
4. Shadow isn't at head level.
5. I have a clicker tailcap. Using my thumb to push the cap is a lot easier and offers much greater control than using the knuckle push technique.
6. Future purchases may include a KAC QD bipod mount. There's only one place for that to go.