StrangerDanger Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 Zipties to the ladder rails worked well. This makes it easy to remove the stock. Since I can pull the ladder rails, and unscrew the stock. If I had drilled holes in the rail, I'd have to cut the zipties to get the stock off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 Factory handguards are the bestest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duggan Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 (edited) Innnnnteresting! I forgot that the Sidearmor system uses the factory handguards ... see, if I buy a rail I will specifically want to use a small VFG. The rail looks good though, not nearly as big as perhaps I thought ... if only it was made to proper specs, I would probably buy it. I still disagree with your light setup choices, but to each their own ... it looks like you get your intended effect and the end result looks clean and well done. I still contend that a push button, support side mounted light is the best of all worlds, and much simpler ... I am curious about your plan on employing the light though ... are you going to strobe with it, or have it on every time you grip the gun, or on command for 15 seconds or so at a time as you clear rooms, or what ... It seems to me that such a pressure switch, located on the fire control grip, would be easy to accidently hit with some grips, or if it was hard enough to activate that this was not an option, that it would sometimes fail to activate when you wanted it to with less than optimal grips ... I'm sure you will test all this though ... I hope it works out for you. Also, if you haven't read a guide such as this one, I suggest looking at it ... I personally found it very helpful, as it just concerning the practical use of a weapon light ... http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=20&t=446092 ETA - I forget, are you running an optic in a larue mount on the rail? If so, I am very interested to hear if the mount gets destroyed or not ... Edited June 16, 2009 by Duggan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 17, 2009 Author Share Posted June 17, 2009 The Sidearmor definitely is a NO-GO for a FVG. I'm liking this setup a lot. I don't run around with the light on constant. I use it as a true momentary illumination device. Activate, deactivate, move, sweep and so on. The way the grip is cut puts the switch in a pocket, so the rubberized outer grip is slightly over the top of the switch. So you have to consciously press into the grip to activate the light. The strip is the length of my middle, ring and pinkie finger. I found when I was normally holding the Benelli, I wasn't squeezing with my fingers. I was pulling towards my shoulder. So the majority of the pull was applied to the first to second knuckle. I have yet to have any AD's with the light even when slung from my 2 point GearSector sling. I intentionally let the grip slap against my side to see if it would illuminate. Nothing. Plus, I'm not running secret ops missions for General Clancey. So AD's with light aren't that big of a concern for me. I'm going to trial run a method to activate the light easier to see if it is better or worse. Just a simple spacer between the grip and the switch will pre-load tension on the switch I think. My biggest problem with tape switches was the install. Most systems I've seen assembled leave wires hanging everywhere. With this setup, I have 1.5" of wire exposed. From the back of the light to the top rail. Not bad for having a 40" switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 17, 2009 Author Share Posted June 17, 2009 Gluing is done. I added a velcro strip beneath the switch pocket to preload the switch tension. It made the switch a little more pliable. All screws are blue locktited and properly torqued. I plan on shooting it later today in low light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 18, 2009 Author Share Posted June 18, 2009 I ran 200 rounds through the M4 this evening. Everything ran great. I want to run a few more times in the dark. However, I had to remove my extension since I sold it for 150 bucks. So now I patiently await for Kip's Titanium tube. The iron sights work okay even though they are blocked by the ladder rails almost flush with the tritium bead. Light activation was fluid. I found I could strobe it if I wished. The only thing I wish the Scout had was low output nav LED's. I have a Surefire Helmet light, but the activation/deactivation is poor and the picatinny rail mount I have won't fit on the Benelli. Cleaning the weapon was easy. No tools required to disassemble the weapon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duggan Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 ETA - I am an idiot and post things in the wrong place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 Just ordered up the Aimpoint T-1 with the LaRue mount. Yay. Plus a few other odds and ends that they had. It's all her fault. So what will get here first, the scope of the Ti tube? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Pretty sure the scope will arrive first, LaRue usually ships my stuff within 3 days of ordering and there was a slight speed-bump in Ti tube production. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 Did we hit another bump besides the wedding and the bad toof? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duggan Posted June 20, 2009 Share Posted June 20, 2009 Did we hit another bump besides the wedding and the bad toof? Just the wedding, and the fact that kip cut half his hand off awhile back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan_kalani Posted June 20, 2009 Share Posted June 20, 2009 what do you guys think of the trijicon reflex? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 20, 2009 Author Share Posted June 20, 2009 I frown on dot optics that do not offer the ability to control the intensity of the dot. The newer reflex might be better. The old one was less than stellar. Here in the desert, the lighting conditions are extreme. If I was on a restricted budget, I'd get the Aimpint H-1 for about the same money as the Reflex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] Posted June 21, 2009 Share Posted June 21, 2009 Amipoint M4 works for me. Can't seem to post photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted June 21, 2009 Share Posted June 21, 2009 Amipoint M4 works for me. Can't seem to post photo. www.tinypic.com I wanna see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 21, 2009 Author Share Posted June 21, 2009 CompM4 on a Benelli? Seems a little big. I tried mine on for fun before I sold it. No go for me. Heavy too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] Posted June 21, 2009 Share Posted June 21, 2009 http://tinypic.com/r/2pq5gdk/5 I like the size or look and the way it works. Seems to make it very easy to aim with stock in first position - heavy? - not really, size seems proportional but perharps larger relative to the smaller devices like T1 or ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 I got my Aimpoint T-1 today. The package size is perfect. I mounted it 4 spots from the furthest to the rear lug. I switched the throw lever to the left side of the optic. This will present less obstruction to the charging handle. It seems that the pistol grip stock is fine for my arms. I tried shifting closer to see if it would be better with a shorter stock, but it felt the same. I can't fully reassemble since I don't have a magazine tube right now. However, the Sidearmor rail holds the barrel in place. So I got a good feel for it. On the highest setting, I think you could see the dot if you were aiming into the sun. That thing is nuclear bright. Having owned the CompM4 recently, I can say that there is no reason to subject yourself to the weight, size and expense of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigHat Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 On the highest setting, I think you could see the dot if you were aiming into the sun. That thing is nuclear bright. Having owned the CompM4 recently, I can say that there is no reason to subject yourself to the weight, size and expense of it. Thanks for the info. I have a T-1 on a LaRue mount that I moved to an FN PS90 while I waited to find out about Kip's rail. LaRue says "no problems" on an M4 with a stock rail, but I've seen the pics that put that in doubt. Eventually I was going to get another optic so I appreciate your insight on the M4 sight compared to the T-1, especially for carbines and shotguns. I have a Leupold Mark 4 CQ on an AR-15, a EoTech 516 on an M1A (EBR stock), the T-1 on an FN PS90 and a naked M4. I want to buy the right optic and swapping what I have to different weapons is an option. The EoTech on a 7.62 rifle might be the biggest mismatch right now. So far my only gripe on the T-1 is that the "dot" seems to bloom even at intermediate settings so it may not be right for a rifle. It's like a 4 MOA dot with a bloom that makes it an 8 MOA blob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 26, 2009 Author Share Posted June 26, 2009 I have big concerns about the LaRue mount and the out of spec rail. So to try to prevent any damage, I cranked the throw lever so tight that it takes both of my thumbs to release/close it. I then cut the ladder rail as close as possible ahead and behind the mount to act as a cushion. That's why I left some room behind the optic on the top rail. I figure that much clamping force on the side should limit the need of the recoil lug. The cheek weld is much better than when I was using the EOTech 552. On it, I felt like I had to lift my cheek off the stock to center myself behind the reticle. Mine only seemed to bloom on the very highest setting indoors. My guess is that setting is meant for use on Mercury killing space zombies. I like to find a setting where it works for daytime and night time use without having to adjust the intensity. I plan on setting it, and leaving it on 24/7. 50,000 hours should be long enough. That's about 5.7 years. For comparison, my 2 pound EOTech ate double A batteries in 1000 - 1500 hours, and would turn itself off after 8 hours of on time. Weak. What I like about the T-1 over the CompM4 is the lack of that massive battery compartment. A lot of that optic obstructed your field of view. Matched with my light setup, this seems like cheating. I'm going to put one of these on my MRP. I'm more concerned about close range speed than accurate 200+ yard shots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Thanks for the info. I have a T-1 on a LaRue mount that I moved to an FN PS90 while I waited to find out about Kip's rail. LaRue says "no problems" on an M4 with a stock rail, but I've seen the pics that put that in doubt. Eventually I was going to get another optic so I appreciate your insight on the M4 sight compared to the T-1, especially for carbines and shotguns. I have a Leupold Mark 4 CQ on an AR-15, a EoTech 516 on an M1A (EBR stock), the T-1 on an FN PS90 and a naked M4. I want to buy the right optic and swapping what I have to different weapons is an option. The EoTech on a 7.62 rifle might be the biggest mismatch right now. So far my only gripe on the T-1 is that the "dot" seems to bloom even at intermediate settings so it may not be right for a rifle. It's like a 4 MOA dot with a bloom that makes it an 8 MOA blob. Funny, because LaRue whined at me for putting it on the "non-spec" rail on the Benelli M4 when I shredded their mount. Oh well, they refunded me and so that's all that matters I guess. Maybe they think everyone uses low-brass birdshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrangerDanger Posted June 27, 2009 Author Share Posted June 27, 2009 It's tough for them to cry that it shouldn't have been used on a M4 with the factory rail when it is shown on their website with it mounted. If someone was dead set to use the LaRue on the crap rail, they could mount something behind it that uses a cross bolt. Then seat the mount directly against the LaRue. Whenever my mag tube gets here, I'll put it through some love. Beyond just birdshot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobtanium Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 It's tough for them to cry that it shouldn't have been used on a M4 with the factory rail when it is shown on their website with it mounted. If someone was dead set to use the LaRue on the crap rail, they could mount something behind it that uses a cross bolt. Then seat the mount directly against the LaRue. Whenever my mag tube gets here, I'll put it through some love. Beyond just birdshot. Buy 2 boxes of 3" slugs. That should be enough to warrent a call to LaRue. Then again my mount was adjusted correctly, not torqued to **** and back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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