Best ways to mount light to bolt action?

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UrbanHermit

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So I'm going to be getting into night predator hunting soon. In developing a routine for this, I've noticed that it's rather frustrating to keep a headlamp/hat light oriented correctly to see targets through the scope. A weapon light is the obvious solution, but there's no built in way to mount such a thing, and I refuse to get an AR.

What's the simplest way to mount a light to something like a Ruger American Rifle? Ideally I'd prefer a mount that can utilize a standard flashlight that can be quickly detached rather than a specialized weapon light.
 
Get a scope ring light mount. Either a rail section on the scope ring, or an extra ring that fits the scope body and holds the light. I use something similar for the illuminator used with my night vision scope. Best way to put a light on a bolt gun.
 
adcoch1 said:
Get a scope ring light mount. Either a rail section on the scope ring, or an extra ring that fits the scope body and holds the light. I use something similar for the illuminator used with my night vision scope. Best way to put a light on a bolt gun.
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That's basically what I have in mind. I'd prefer something closer to the muzzle, but I don't see how I'd do that.
 
They make all manner of attachments for lights. Many just clamp to the barrel. A lot of them very reasonable too.

For that kind of shooting, I doubt accuracy would be affected enough to worry about it.

This should give you a pretty good idea as to whats available....

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=flashlight+mounts+barrel&atb=v224-1&iax=images&ia=images

Ive used zip ties and in some cases, tape, for years on stuff I didnt want to mess up or couldnt find something that worked. Its really not rocket science and pretty easy to cobble something together. Might not always be pretty, but that just gives you more bragging rights and have your buddies talk about you. :)
 
trackskippy said:
They make all manner of attachments for lights. Many just clamp to the barrel. A lot of them very reasonable too.

For that kind of shooting, I doubt accuracy would be affected enough to worry about it.

This should give you a pretty good idea as to whats available....

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=flashlight+mounts+barrel&atb=v224-1&iax=images&ia=images

Ive used zip ties and in some cases, tape, for years on stuff I didnt want to mess up or couldnt find something that worked. Its really not rocket science and pretty easy to cobble something together. Might not always be pretty, but that just gives you more bragging rights and have your buddies talk about you. :)
Click to expand...

With anything barrel mounted, I would be concerned with the effect on accuracy. Probably worth experimenting with though.
 
At the distance the light covers, do you think any shift in accuracy would be that much affected?

If youre thinking of going that route, tape the light youre going to use to the barrel about where you would put the mount, shoot it, and see if its a problem.

A lot of the pistol type lights give off amazing light, and are very small and light. Might want to consider that too. My Olights are a lot brighter than any of my handheld lights.
 
Chassis. Easy to mount rails anywhere!

Off gun? Have the partner light up. Off-axis light can have benefits (if legal).

Practice. The light throw will likely have shapes in it from reflectors, etc. Learn to ignore the light shapes, focus on target and reticle. Oh, and to ignore nearer grass, branches, leaves that are brighter than the target. Yes, that's all harder than it seems like it should be, and people mess up and pull shots all the time, so for sure shoot with a lighted practice gun if not the actual rifle, before you go spotlighting for real.
 
As has been mentioned, I'd recommend either a scope mounted pic rail or a pic rail adapter for the sling stud. Which one depends on where you want to mount the light.

I personally prefer the sling stud adapter setup if you are using a tripod or otherwise don't need the sling stud. Make sure the mount you use allows you to adjust the direction the light is pointing. This is the one I use:

https://sniperhoglights.com/predator-pro-mount/

They also sell it without the scope mount ring, so it's a good option if you want to get the stuff to try both locations and see which one works better.
 
Reaching the forward end of your forend when behind the rifle on supports for predator hunting is a pain in the ass. Mount a pressure switch to the rear, and/or mount the light on the scope.

I’ve night hunted coyotes with lights for decades, frankly, I absolutely hate my light on my rifle. Rather have it mounted on my shooting stick.
 
jmorris said:
If I am shooting stuff at night though, I prefer thermal or NV.
Click to expand...

If you have the money, this is the truth. You can get Gen 1 NV scopes pretty cheap now, and with a good illuminator you can see farther than you'll likely ever shoot. My Wraith with the proper accessories for mounting to a bolt action and a solid illuminator ran me about $600, which is crazy for being able to see and shoot to 400+ yards in almost pitch black on a moonless night.

Probably the biggest thing you gain is you are much less likely to spook game with NV compared to the scope/light setup. They can't "see" the red light, but if you get the beam on them too concentrated they can sense it and spook.
 
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