Hey guys, I’m looking to piece out a sort of KISS setup - 16” Colt carbine, light as possible, keeping it simple with just a polymer MOE mlok handguard and FSB.
I want to mount a white light on the rifle - probably a Surefire G2X or maybe some scout style light. What would be the optimum mounts to achieve this? I understand the MOE handguards out right now are MLOK, so theoretically should be able to use any mlok mount, but since many of the mlok mounts out there seem to be made more for the longer free float mlok handguards, i wanted to see if there’s mounts that would be optimum for this particular handguard (shorter, with A2 FSB, using thumb to a actuate tail cap).
Prior research shows the IWC SMC mounts to be promising, as well as the Magpul light rail mount or their cantilever mounts. Any experience with them?
FWIW I have two mid length uppers with MOE handguards and FSB using the IWC SMC mounts and 1" Streamlights. Perfect for my long arms using thumb-to-tailcap.
I just bought another SMC mount for a carbine length upper with an MOE SL and FSB. I have not mounted the light yet, but I know it will be an improvement on the current mount.
I have experimented on that upper with the Magpul Cantilever mount and their V-Block and rings, but it wasn’t ideal. IIRC the light wasn’t as tucked in toward the handguard as well as the IWC mount is on the other uppers.
About how many mags can you shoot off at a decent rate before you think the light would be too hot to the touch? Am looking to also do some high volume shooting.
About how many mags can you shoot off at a decent rate before you think the light would be too hot to the touch? Am looking to also do some high volume shooting.
The light with one of those setups probably won’t get hot until you’ve put 4 or 5 mags through the gun. The handguards on the other hand are going to be quite toastie after 2 mags shot at a fairly rapid pace.
The gas block will get hot
But the light will not. The photo above was taken after I’d run 500 rounds through the AR in one day at the range. The gas block was hot enough that water poured on it turned to steam. But the Mossie Mount and light stayed cool to the touch.
I can tell you from experience, it takes more than 4 or 5 mags to get Magpul handguards warm. Slimlines are better than MOEs.
Another option is to modify a pic rail so it can be mounted inside the top half of the hand guard.
The Mossie mount shown in the second post doesn’t seem like a good idea. Whoever designed that probably never fire a round with the light mounted. Placing the light so close to the barrel and front sight tower is not a good idea. Yes the front sight tower heats up, not as hot as the barrel but it gets very warm. Operating a tailcap or toggle switch on lights like a Surefire 300 will definitely put your digit in touch with a hot piece of metal.
This is about as simple as you can get: an old Surefire 6p with a Malkoff lamp mounted in a 1” scope ring. Been running this set up for years with lots of practice night firing.
You would be wrong about that Sam, Buck Mossie designed the rail. I’d say don’t knock it 'til you try it. Here is a little back ground on who and what we’re talking about…
I’ve not burned myself using the Mossie Midnight Mount during night fire practice. But then, I’ve switched to the MagPul Slimline handguards which gives a little more protection from a hot FSB.
Anyway, As I said earlier, although the FSB was plenty hot after a few hundred rounds, the Mossie Mount and light were still cool to the touch and I was able to switch on the light without burning myself. The only problem I’ve encountered with this setup is the beam backlighting the gunsmoke and obscuring the target.
Let’s say we agree to disagree on the actual application of this mount with regards to its close proximity to the front sight tower.
I didn’t know the association that Detective Mossie had with the design. Is he the same as the “Buck” that was a moderator here. I think I met him once at least a dozen years ago. He was a personable gentleman during our short meeting at the SHOT show. And I’m familiar with Mr. Vickers, as I’ve trained with him numerous times including night shooting sessions.
My very real concern about the mount or any mount that place the light near the front sight tower is that it requires the user to reach his finger/thumb around the sight to manipulate. A person wearing gloves might not feel the heat. But a civilian who is NOT an operator may not be wearing a glove. I am not an operator, never kicked down any doors, never serve a single warrant. But I have shot ten thousands of rounds in practice and training. I do know that an A2 front sight will get hot after 30 rounds.
Oh wait, I do operate keyboards and automobiles. Does that count?
