Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles Clamping a Flashlight to a barrell and affecting POI ?

Hi guys - question, i'm looking at purchasing an Olight M3XS-UT Javelot torch, for mounting on my .25/06 or .308Win for Wallaby and Roo culling over here, just after twighlight from 50m to 150m and was looking at the Olight WM02 magnetic barrel mount. Ive always believed never attach anything to the barrel in fear of POI changes - what does everyone else think ? Would this magnetic system be ok ? Thanks in advance.

To find out, just hang about 8 ounces on the barrel and see what happens. 8 ounces is close to the mount and light weight combined.

I clamp a flashlight to my .17 hmr and it does nothing to the POI for me

I used one of those clamps to mount a light on the barrel of my Ruger M77. It was awful, no groups. I use the rifle for hog hunting and needed a light. I finally made a mount that attached to the stock. I used spare weaver mount base on a fixture I made to screw into the forearm. Then with a weaver scope ring around the light I can easily remove and install the light on the rifle. I tried the scope mounted lights and didn't like how they worked. I've found I get the least glare and refraction when the light is mounted on the forearm well forward of the scope.

I would expect a significant change in point of impact. Groups may get better or worse no way to know for sure untill you try.

POI shift may not be bad at 50 M though 150M is not likely to be favorable if you are attaching and removing the torch on a regular basis. I like the idea of ataching the light to the stock more so than to the barrel. Still would expect a significant change in Point of impact when mounting the torch to the stock as opposed to the barrel.

Please share your findings.

Just laying your fingers on the barrel can add 1/4 inch to groups at a 100 yards.