What to put on the R8 Rails?

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FloridaGun

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I am purchasing a SW R8 and I am planning on using it as a nightstand gun. Something about a loaded revolver is comforting, even though many semi-autos are 99% reliable. I have found some old posts on the forum but I'm thinking that since it is near the end of 2022 some new technology may have emerged. Specifically, what do you think would be the best red dot for the top rail, and what would be the best flashlight for the bottom rail.

The weapon light seems to be the biggest deal since the rail is small and is so far forward of the trigger guard. I'm obviously familiar with the Harries technique, Chapman, neck index, etc.. but it would be nice to have a light and or laser on there anyway since I won't be holstering it. I reached out to SureFire and their tech support actually recommended no light from them because their systems are designed to interact with the trigger guard. Streamlight recommended the TLR 4. Wondering what other folks are using for their bottom rail.

Secondly, how are you attaching the red dot to the upper rail. Is there a preferred attachment that works best, and are they are any new red dot options you recommend. Thanks and looking forward to rejoining the SW club (had a 340pd j frame 15 years ago that I still miss.)
 
I'm gonna answer the second part. It might answer the first.

I recommend moving the point of attachment for the red dot as rearward as possible. Removing the rear sight assembly. And mounting any red dot you can.

Moving the optic farther back gives you better view and eliminates the possibility of adding all the weight on that rail/shroud and loosening the barrel.

3503a882587cbd63a01f17df37532034.jpg
 
Definately +1 on that Allchin mount, love how that gets the red dot low and to the rear of the gun. That's why I come here, you guys know your stuff! Now I need to figure out what to do with that bottom rail. I guess I could leave it alone and just use a flashlight, but it seems a waste to leave that rail lonely! I think I would put something on there just for the "cool" factor. It's my nightstand gun but life is too short not to make your gun as awesome as possible.
 
StrawHat said:
A flashlight on the handgun serves to pinpoint YOUR location. Dumb idea that is perpetuated by armchair commandos trying to the money in you pocket into theirs.

Kevin
Click to expand...

Seems like there is a lot of debate on weapon lights, but for the half of the gun population that believes in them, what would you put on that bottom rail?
 
Does anyone know if the Raptor mounts are still in business? I have one on my 617-6, and it is very similar to the Allchin, but just a little lower and streamlined. Both great mounts.
 
FloridaGun said:
Seems like there is a lot of debate on weapon lights, but for the half of the gun population that believes in them, what would you put on that bottom rail?
Click to expand...

This is a “house gun” so I am guessing it is in your house (read that as the OP or whoever is asking this question). I would not put anything on the rail. It is my house! I should know every inch of it intimately. Last year my wife and I moved to a very rural community. The “town” consists of one church, one bar, a filling station, and a quilt shop, all on the circle at the intersection of two roads. Minnie Pearl once quipped “…we put up a new sign in town. It says WELCOME TO HARTSGROVE and GOODBYE…”. There isn’t enough room for two signs. That describes our town. No street lights, no traffic lights. There is a light on one of my outbuildings. It provides enough illumination that I can see whatever I need to see in the main portion of the house. I know how many steps it takes me to reach the door to our bedroom from the bed, how many steps to the dining room, the living room, the laundry room, the family room, the office, etc. We have only lived there a year. I also know when the is cover and concealment. Where the light switches are. We also have a plan, what each of us will do and where we will be. If someone comes into our home, they will not be familiar with the layout, they will be the ones illuminating themselves and drawing the aim of at least two trained shooters.

As mentioned, having something hanging off the end of your handgun disturbs the balance. If you cannot accurately aim your handgun in semidarkness and hit the trading target, you don’t need more gimmicks, you need more training and practice.

Kevin
 
I like Holosun red dot sights. They are instant on when you pick them up and are 'solar rechargable'.

Personally I would not put a light on a revolver. IMO a light on a pistol is best used in the momentary mode. Meaning it is on when use push the buttom and is off as soon as you release, to identify a target, not as being used as a flash light. When mounted on a revolver, you lose the ability of the momentary mode because of the cylinder flash. You can only use it as a flash light.
 
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I put a Trijicon RMR 2 on my 629 a couple of years ago using a mount from Raptor Engineering: https://www.raptor-eng.com/ . The Raptor Engineering mount was suggested by red dot users in the S&W forum because it put the red dot as close as possible to the top of the 629. The huge California fires caused some major issues for them.
Next up, a reflex red dot such as the Trijicon RMR 2 has a learning curve. The red dot most likely not be centered or even visible when you go to aim the gun. I started out by holding the 629 pointing down in front of me until I got the red dot centered in the screen then I brought the 629 to shooting position.
I highly recommend against using an attached light, the bad guy will have an aiming point.
 
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You might consider a short shotgun such as the Mossberg Shockwave. Five rounds in the tube, you can have a sixth round in the chamber if you want to have a weapon lying around ready to fire. The sound of a shotgun racking in a shell is universally well known. I would much rather chase the bad guy off than have a mess (in more ways than one) to clean up.
 
I have a Viridian light and green laser combo on my on my home defence bedside gun. And am happy with it. Holosun is my favorite green dot to put on my handguns. I prefer green to red as I find green shows up better in all light situations. I have had an R8 for sometime but it has only been used at the so far.
 
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