I actually have one of the new mod 1 Gear Sector scout mounts, and I also used to own two Thorntail scout mounts (one SBR, one normal).
The Thorntail rides very close to the rail because the part you screw the Scout light onto forms one half of the clamp.
The Gear Sector is just slightly further away, perhaps 1/8". So really not a huge difference.
The Thorntails occupy the entire rail forward of the clamp due to the way the mounting bracket works. Also, the Thorntail clamping design is quite poor. The screws only engage a few threads and are very easy to strip out, and they sit too low. This causes the screws to bite into the rail when you tighten the clamp down.
Despite the drawbacks, if it gives you proper light position, then there’s no reason to pass as long as you’re careful, but I personally find the GS perfect for my application, and I definitely like the clamping mechanism much more.
Over the past six years, I have used LaRue inline and off-set mounts, Danger Close Consulting mounts, the SureFire thumb screw mount, the Gear Sector, and the HSP Dropwing and Thorntail 1913 and -SBR.
I have long since sold the LTs, the DCC, and the Gear Sector. The Dropwing and the SureFires sit in my parts box. The Thorntails (1913 and SBR) are all that I use.
IMHO, the Dropwing will keep the light as close as possible to the rail with the Thorntail taking second place. For most applications, the Thorntail is going to be the better option of the two. For a long rail, I think the Thorntail 920 might be the best of all, but you’re pretty much limited to the SureFire 920, 620, and 320 lights for that one. At which point you’re already paying more for the SureFire factory throw lever mount.
I was interested in one of HSP mounts for an SBR, but it looked like it pushed the mini scout light further forward than I would like. I’ve actually seen a Surefire Scout (600 series) fail on my previous issue rig, which I suspect concussion from the muzzle blast may have been a contributing factor.
I have both and for me it comes down to the length of the rifles handguard. I have long arms and in order to get maximum control I want the light as far forward as possible. The only reason I even bought the Thorntail is because our duty rifles have the 7" handguards. The Thorntail gets the light further forward than anything else I found.
I do think the nature of the Thorntails design makes it more prone to damage. Nothing scientific to back up that statement. Just knowing how leverage works it seems a good blow to that side if the rifle could do more damage than to a mount like the Gear Sector.
My Gear Sector mounts are tremendously strong and if I have a long enough handguard (and am not using a 12 o’clock mount) are my first choice hands down.
I do think the nature of the Thorntails design makes it more prone to damage. Nothing scientific to back up that statement. Just knowing how leverage works it seems a good blow to that side if the rifle could do more damage than to a mount like the Gear Sector.
Not a dig at the Thorntail, however, our first design for an offset light mount was extremely similar to the IWC / Haley offerings ( I even discussed this with Earl from IWC ) in so much as it was a cantilevered unit that moved the light forward of the mounting location. We abandoned that initial design due to the exact weakness you allude to. When dropped even a short distance our prototypes would bend and render the light useless for target identification. It was our design intent to build a mount that would survive long after the light failed. Our current offerings do just that. I only wish I had recorded the destructive testing we put them through. Many a Surefire light was sent to an early grave. ( which for anyone that knows the durability of Surefire lights, that’s saying something )
My Gear Sector mounts are tremendously strong and if I have a long enough handguard (and am not using a 12 o’clock mount) are my first choice hands down.
What most people don’t know / realize is that we built our entire line of low profile components specifically for use on the limited space of a carbine length rail system and in the role they excel. Below is a picture of my SBR. You’ll notice I have 5 components on a carbine length rail with almost no loss of “real estate” for placing my support hand. I run the light on the outboard side ( southpaw ) and activate it via a 12 o’clock mounted SR07 pressure switch. This allows me to activate light using my support hand regardless of which shoulder I happen to be shooting from with very little movement / shifting of my support grip.
Have an oldschool GS mount that you had to slide on for my Elzetta.
The thing has been rock solid, and horror of horrors, despite the fact that I never locktited it, it hasn’t loosened up under use.
Not to mention they’re so stupidly simple, how can you not want one?
That being said, if somone gave me a Haley mount, I wouldn’t say no…
