I’ve been away from this site (and shooting in general) for about two years. I’m finishing a BCM middy build right now, and I feel a little bit out of the loop. I’m thinking about getting a Magpul MOE mid-length handguard, but they didn’t even exist when I started building this particular gun.
So, what is the best option for mounting a light (e.g. Surefire 6P LED) to a mid-length Magpul MOE handguard? In catching up on posts here, I came across the IWC SMC mount. Is this currently the “preferred” (best) method for mounting a light on the MOE?
Also, what sling mounts are recommended for the MOE (I have a Vickers two-point sling on order)? I’d prefer that the front sling mount was as close to the upper receiver as possible.
Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.
They make different lenght rails that work with the MOE HG.
A small rail on your handguard will work with a rail mounted QD sling attachment (DD makes one).
I prefer my sling mount further out. I run the Colt style front sight side mount.
I run a small MOE rail on top of my MOE HG just behind the front sight. I than run an off-set mount with light off of that. That leaves the side of the handguard area free of any obstructions and I can reach up with my thumb to activate the push button on my light.
Well, to start off, I had these same problems and spent alot of time trying to figure out the best route to mount light and sling, while still staying pretty lightweight.
For the light, I went with the MOE Illumination kit, which is awesome. Comes with the kind of cantilever rail, another small piece of rail, and two mold-type things to hold pressure pads. I use the small cantilever style rail, and added the Viking Tactics offset light mount to that, with it holding onto a simple Surefire G2.
For a sling, I’m sorry but I’m still stuck on that. I’m using a cheapo nylon strap for a sling. I just can’t figure out what sling mounts to use, or where to use them at. I’m pretty set on a Blue Force Gear sling or VTAC. I’ve heard alot about the IWC mounts being used on MOE HG and whatnot, I’ve also heard they are producing a sling mount that will fit into the slot on a MOE stock. I’ll subscribe to this thread to see what people say about the whole sling deal.
If you are considering mid length MOE’s, this is the recently released light mount (fits the 6P you mentioned). I have one on the way so I can’t comment as to the quality yet.
Those new IWC light mounts look pretty neat. I might have to pick one up, though I’ve just read that SureFire is now saying not to use the G2/6P series lights as weapon lights. What’s up with that? Are they just trying to sell people a Scout instead, or is there really something about the G2/6P that makes it unsuitable on a weapon?
Also, I was looking at pictures of the MOE handguard this morning and noticing the side cutouts at the (roughly) 9 and 3 o’clock positions. Has anyone here tried mounting a Blue Force Gear UWL through the rearmost cutouts? I’m not necessarily opposed to picking up one of new IWC sling mounts, but I’m a KISS kind of guy and would prefer not to drill on my handguard if I don’t have to, and I find the simplicity of the UWL attractive.
Just to be clear, I’ve attached a crude image to illustrate the question I’m asked about using the UWL with the MOE. Admittedly, it would put the front sling mount farther out than I would prefer, but are there any other downsides?
