Generally I prefer nice clean simple lines to my guns. However, the prospect of night hunting, and/or camping at night in predator territory, makes a compelling reason for weapon mounted lighting.
As Greg said, a key aspect will be whether the arrangement is strong enough to withstand recoil.
Have you considered a shorter rail and something like the Crimson Trace Rail Master or Rail Master Pro
http://www.crimsontrace.com/products/type/rail-master-pro Already of a size and weight designed for handguns.
Another factor will be holsters. Does the holster you showed hold the gun with the light fitted or does it have to be removed? This may not be a big issue in the long term as holsters are already being manufactured for light equipped semi-autos.
Thank you all for your input.
The current configuration is designed to be a semi-permanent design. I have worked with 3M to select one of their VHB tapes to hold the rail in place. It was selected based on it's sheer and tensile strengths. The light selected for the weight and temperature specs is this Streamlight-
http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=277. It is on the upper end of the weight scale for rail designed lights, so anything smaller should be well supported.
I wasn't sure I would like the rail, and I wanted an option that could, though not easy, be removed without damage to the barrel. If testing goes well, I will review the mounting options, and may have a gunsmith bolt it to the barrel.
The holster pictured fits the revolver with the rail only. At this point, a custom holster would need to made for the light on the gun, or a gym bag might work.
