skorittnig Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Hi all, Looking for a way to attach a flashlight to an M4- I have a full length magazine tube on its way. I was looking at my gun- looks like there is already a permanent barrel/magazine tube clamp on the gun? I have seen Nordic Comps clamp/rail combo- is anyone using this with the existing clamp on the gun? How are you guys connecting the flashlight to the gun. I don't have a flashlight yet. Please feel free to accompany your response with pictures. Thanks all, skorittnig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 So far THE slickest method I have seen was a piece of pic rail JB-welded to the barrel hanger ring closest the reciever and an M600C or equivalent slapped on it. The easiest method is to go to Optics Planet and buy their mag-tube mount. It is the same $75 mount that Benelli has on their website, but for $50. Have to remove it when you take your weapon down though. There is no *GOOD* solution as all the forearm rail systems currently marketed strike me as crap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genieinthelamp Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 I have to agree with Unobtanium. I have not found a single good forearm replacement that works well -- and I had hoped to get lucky with a few purchases off eBay, but nothing worked out. Oh well. Ultimately a solid clamp mount to the mag tube might be your best bet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duggan Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 (edited) I am very underwhelmed with the aftermarket offerings. It's a choice between a barrel/mag tube clamp or rail based system, which has to be removed for cleaning and has no real defense against torquing sideways ... Or you get the surefire or FAB or Sidearmor rail ... all of which have their own issues. Ideally, like mentioned above, I want a minimalist flashlight setup that doesnt have to be removed for cleaning. A few guys have made a cool mod to the factory handguards, where they added a piece of rail and then put a light on the rail ... but I haven't done this yet. ' ETA - Thread here: http://www.benelliusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8955&highlight=m4+light Edited May 13, 2009 by Duggan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERdept Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Some more options......... https://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=27250&title=SHOTGUN%20TRI-RAIL%20ACCESSORY%20MOUNT My cousin has this on his Benelli M1 and swears by it... https://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1537&title=TACTICAL%20SHOTGUN%20MOUNT If there is no link, then copy paste to your browser. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 The biggest issue there is when it comes to installed a weapon light on the Benelli M4 is the weight. Saying that, what light should we mount to minimize the weight penalty? Easy, get a Surefire X300 series weapon light. It weighs approximately 3.5 ounces with batteries. How we activate it and attach it is another issue. While there are deficiences with the Surefire M80 rail, it offers probably the best platform available for a minimum weight penalty. Furthermore, it offers you the ability to attach the Surefire Picatinny rail mounted remote switch to the address rail. I recommend mounting the X300 to the right hand side of the rifle at the front of the Surefire M80 rail. Then, route the remote switch around the bottom of the M80 rail and attach the remote switch to the left hand side of the picatinny rail system. Further forward, the better. This will allow you to activate the weapon light via your support hand thumb. If you're left handed, reverse the placement. It is important to keep the weapon light on the outside of your body. If you run it on the inside, you'll have trouble carrying it when slung. To mitigate the weight you've added, I recommend getting a Titanium full length magazine tube. Now, you could also get a Surefire X400 and have a laser also. But you'll have some parallax on two plains. I'm waiting the parts for most of this setup now. I've been waiting about a month for the Titanium magazine tube to ship. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERdept Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 This is the exact set-up above. Surefire rail, X-300 light, remote paddle where my left hand sits on the rail........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duggan Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Why do you still use a barrel clamp thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Why do you still use a barrel clamp thing? +1 Makes no sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renault Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 This is the exact set-up above. Surefire rail, X-300 light, remote paddle where my left hand sits on the rail........ looks a tid bit uncomfortable to hold. is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 Have you tried mounting it on the right side, with the tape switch routed to the left side to be activated via your thumb? It looks crowded along the bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERdept Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 It all works for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skorittnig Posted May 16, 2009 Author Share Posted May 16, 2009 Thanks for all of the pictures and replies- it has helped me in forming an educated decision. I'm likely going to buy a nordic components mag extension support clamp with rail to mount the flashlight upon. Are these as sturdy as they look??? I've owned nordic components products in the past, and would buy again without hesitation. I've chosen this because 1). I am waiting for a "real" 1913 rail from Kip (like everyone else)-so no shell-holder/rail combo with fake integral 1913 system. I have an eotech that isn't being used for Kip's rail (when it arrives). 2). I don't want a flashlight in my way on the handguard (so B&T or surefire are out)- besides, they are sooo expensive and what would I do with all of that mounting room (practically speaking). 3). As for the shell holder, I have an FN SLP that I use for 3 gun competition- A while back I purchased a "3 gun gear" shell holder that sits on the left side of the receiver (with an adhesive and strong velcro). Never had any problems with this equipment- so I'll probably get that shell holder for my M4. I figure the likelihood of having to reload (this gun is a home defense only shotgun) is pretty slim- besides, I will be putting an extended mag. tube from Kip on the M4 when it arrives. Please let me know if you have any constructive input related to this set-up. I realize it may not be as tacticool as some of the guns I see on here- but I'm trying to keep it simple and effective as this gun could save my or my family's lives some day. Thanks again- skorittnig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERdept Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 Why do you still use a barrel clamp thing? Because it's unique looking and I like it. The grip is quite comfortable, right behind the light. The rail covers take away any chance of being gouged. Keeps hand placement the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duggan Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 Because it's unique looking and I like it. The grip is quite comfortable, right behind the light. The rail covers take away any chance of being gouged. Keeps hand placement the same. Your gun I guess, do as you will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ERdept Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 Your gun I guess, do as you will. Yup. Was a remnant from a different pump shotty, but didn't want it lying around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skorittnig Posted May 16, 2009 Author Share Posted May 16, 2009 Hey guys- found a pretty neat Daniel Defense Flashlight holder at Brownells- a bit pricey- but DD's stuff is usually very high quality. Here is the link: http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=23975&title=PAK?%20OFFSET%20FLASHLIGHT%20MOUNT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duggan Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 Hey guys- found a pretty neat Daniel Defense Flashlight holder at Brownells- a bit pricey- but DD's stuff is usually very high quality. Here is the link: http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=23975&title=PAK?%20OFFSET%20FLASHLIGHT%20MOUNT That mount needs a rail to grab. The m4 has no stock rail, the aftermarket rails are mediocre. This is the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skorittnig Posted May 16, 2009 Author Share Posted May 16, 2009 That mount needs a rail to grab. The m4 has no stock rail, the aftermarket rails are mediocre. This is the problem. I was thinking about putting the Nordic Components mag tube clamp w/rail on the M4- and attaching the Daniel Defense flashlight holder to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duggan Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 (edited) I was thinking about putting the Nordic Components mag tube clamp w/rail on the M4- and attaching the Daniel Defense flashlight holder to it. The problem is your solution is awfully inefficient ... the reason you'd want to use a rail based light is that it WOULDN'T be a mag tube clamp (requiring removal for cleaning) ... if you get a mag tube rail clamp, then use a DD rail mount flashlight holder ... it's a redundant system for no real benefit as I see it, as neither of the items is quick release ... IMO you would be better off just getting a simple magtube clamp mount if you're going to go that route. You see what I mean though? You're using 2 parts to perform a job that is better performed by one part ... a railed tube clamp with a DD rail grabbing flashlight mount is going to be more complex, expensive, heavier and bulkier than a smaller, stronger, more efficient one piece mag tube clamp light mount ... Edited May 16, 2009 by Duggan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skorittnig Posted May 17, 2009 Author Share Posted May 17, 2009 The problem is your solution is awfully inefficient ... the reason you'd want to use a rail based light is that it WOULDN'T be a mag tube clamp (requiring removal for cleaning) ... if you get a mag tube rail clamp, then use a DD rail mount flashlight holder ... it's a redundant system for no real benefit as I see it, as neither of the items is quick release ... IMO you would be better off just getting a simple magtube clamp mount if you're going to go that route. You see what I mean though? You're using 2 parts to perform a job that is better performed by one part ... a railed tube clamp with a DD rail grabbing flashlight mount is going to be more complex, expensive, heavier and bulkier than a smaller, stronger, more efficient one piece mag tube clamp light mount ... Very good point sir! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wgfolker Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 I was looking for the same thing and found something I like but it is for a Remington 870. Would one that fits a Remington 870 also fit a Benelli M4? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duggan Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 I was looking for the same thing and found something I like but it is for a Remington 870. Would one that fits a Remington 870 also fit a Benelli M4? Depends. Show us the mount. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wgfolker Posted July 3, 2009 Share Posted July 3, 2009 I've typed this message 4 times already. The forum won't post a picture or a link, because I need to post 5 times or something, but I'll try this. I saw it on TheHighRoad forum. The posters name is candewman and it's his website. How about that? They have pictures there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trapshooter1 Posted July 4, 2009 Share Posted July 4, 2009 I've typed this message 4 times already. The forum won't post a picture or a link, because I need to post 5 times or something, but I'll try this. I saw it on TheHighRoad forum. The posters name is candewman and it's his website. How about that? They have pictures there. If you have typed this message 4 times already shouldn't this be the fifth post? Just keep posting random stuff on this thread tell you get five. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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