[New Sights and safety M4 and something unexpected...]

What did you end up thinking of the safety? I'm using a TTI model in mine, and feel that it's actually a lot stiffer than the stock item. How did the XRAIL one work out for you?

[BENELLI OPTIC RAIL The decisive Trijicon RMR mount for the Benelli m4]

I'm looking forward to the new model as well...

[photos of IWC mount with Inforce weapon light]

Perhaps your best bet is to build out a 6 Series light using a long 6 series body. You can use surefire emitters or you can use aftermarket depending upon your preference.

 

Interesting. Definitely something I plan on checking out. Thanks for the idea.

[photos of IWC mount with Inforce weapon light]

I am wondering if this is a terminology issue or a methodology issue?

 

Maybe a bit of both. To me, I don't see how a Scout light, once you change the body and the tail cap, is still a "Scout style light" at all. The only part you still have is the LED head. So I do take issue with that terminology.

 

As for the methodology, I must admit that I had forgotten about the pic rail option. Every single picture I have seen and every discussion regarding the AVA mount seems to be focused on mounting a light in the clamp. Although, if I did mount it using an MLOK rail, I suppose I could just leave the clamp off if I wanted to.

 

Options in this regard are:

1) Light mounted near muzzle with remote activation. As mentioned, that is a challenge in and of itself. Mounting the switch where it can be reliably activated, etc. Some folks just don't like remote switches as well. Additionally, this would require a purpose built mount - which is unlikely to be made - a niche of a niche of a niche - where as most folks will opt for the mounting positions currently offered - or a Barrel Clamp. Barrel clamp mounts are there on the market for the taking. There are of course downsides there as well.

2) A long light. They do exist. Ugly, perhaps, but one may have to sacrifice depending on their priorities.

3) SBS your firearm.

 

1) I guess I'm just looking at things differently than most people. I can deal with a remote switch, and run tape switches on all my AR-style rifles without any issues. For me, that would actually be the preferred method over a tailcap switch.

 

As for a barrel clamp, everything I have come across for the M4 seems to have issues with either not staying put due to recoil, or actually effecting the magazine tube to the point that it does not feed reliably.

 

2) I suppose if I could find a long enough light, I'd be willing to try that. Assuming of course, that it didn't end up weighing as much as the shotgun itself.

 

3) I'm in California. SBS is a no go here.

 

As far as such a system that does everything you asked for I am not sure how such a mount could be made at any cost, must less for a cost that the market would be able to absorb.

 

This is very true, and it especially becomes very much a niche market (as you pointed out earlier) when we're talking about an M4 with an 18" barrel. This is also, I think, why it is so hard to find upgrades for the M4 in the first place. Perhaps my general frustration in that sense is increasing my frustration about the light mount as well.

 

Also, I agree with you in that more options are always better.

[photos of IWC mount with Inforce weapon light]

If we're dreaming about the ideal weapon light, I could think of many aspects necessary to create the perfect design. You could create a flow chart of pitfalls to overcome. Such as are you going to suffer with tape switches and cables or are you going to push for a remote wireless activation switch system like Crimson Trace is pushing? What is the activation system going to look like? Is it going to be molded buttons into the handguard, or a physical mounting position similar to the Ava Tactical mount that simply has the momentary/constant on button?

 

See, what you're describing there is all bad for me. Every time I've gone through that sort of process I end up with a massive project that ends up giving me exactly what I want but costing me a ridiculous amount of time. Nowadays I'm just trying to buy what I want instead of building or designing it myself.

 

Then again, you probably know about that already. I've seen your threads and all the different modifications you've tried.

[photos of IWC mount with Inforce weapon light]

The AVA mount does work well and like you said is beautifully machined & finished. I'm running a 14" so its pretty close to muzzle flush for me.

 

I don't currently live in a free state (stuck in CA for time being) so running a 14" barrel isn't an option for me.

[photos of IWC mount with Inforce weapon light]

I'd just like to know if there are any mounts out there that will work WELL with a standard Benelli M4.

 

The AVA mount looks downright beautiful, but I take issue with the whole "works with Scout Style lights" thing when it doesn't actually work with Scout lights. Oh wait, but it does, but only if you replace every part of the light except the head.

 

In comparison, the IWC mount looks both rough and flimsy. Rough in terms of machining quality (looks like a rough casting), and flimsy in terms of it looks like it could snap. On the other hand, the way it mounts the light slightly higher than the AVA mount could be better.

 

What I really want to know is what kind of light is put downrange with these mounts? Maybe it's just the way things will always be with a standard length M4, but I'd love to see some sort of mount near the muzzle. Because with all of these, I feel like half the light will be completely blocked by the barrel and/or mag tube.

 

Just getting frustrated in my search for a mount without major drawbacks.

 

Any suggestions?