This is the last bit of kit I need to purchase for my AR build, and I am close to pulling the trigger; I am looking for an off-set light for my Surefire G2, to be positioned at 11:00, and am trying to decide between the LaRue QD and the VLTOR w/ the thumbscrews. Haven’t been able to find any comparos when I search, so wanted to get some specific responses.
Aside from the price gap, what are the pros/cons of each? I am running a LaRue QD mount for my Aimpoint, and love the QD feature and top quality. Does this mount tuck the light as close to the rail as the VLTOR offset? As for the VLTOR mount, I would promptly purchase (the quality is not in question), but am not too sure about the thumbscrews; the LaRue QD feature is more “clean”, in my opinion.
So which would be the recommended route to take? Thanks in advance!
I vote for the Vltor offset. I really love mine, it tucks the G2 in tight at around 1100. As for the thumb screw, I have no issue, tighten in place and the light stays put for at least 500 rounds now.
Right on, thanks for the replies. I think I will go with the VLTOR, since my en-route stock is from the same company While the VLTOR thumb screws are not as good as the LaRue QD, I more prefer the “tucked” location versus ease of mounting.
I don’t think there’s that much of a difference between the LaRue and Vltor positions. Yes, they are different, but not enormously. For the sake of argument, let’s throw the VTAC mount in as well. You really get what you pay for. The VTAC gives functionality at tremendous savings. The Vltor adds toolless removal while keeping extreme low profile. The LaRue gives up some of the low profile but gives a positive locking system that all but guarantees no dropped light when you least expect it.
Pics help tell the story. The perspective messes with it a bit, unfortunately. I am a shitty photographer. And don’t say anything about my dirty kitchen sink carpet thing.
VTAC, Vltor and LaRue all lined up. I tried to eyeball it so they were all on the same line for where the rail would be positioned. Hard to explain.
VTAC on the rail.
Vltor on rail
LaRue on rail
VTAC has improved on this model by adding thumbscrews. I suspect LaRue could make their mount more low profile if they gave it a few minutes worth of thought. Clearly a bunch of thought went into the design of the Vltor mount.
Unless you’re going to be removing it, go with the VTAC or VLTOR. I prefer VLTOR, even if it’s a touch more expensive.
For 4:30 mounting, the DD Offset is far and away my preference.
My wife’s is set up with an E2DLED in VLTOR Scout mount, and she loves it.
i purchased two of the vltor mounts and i both liked and disliked them depending on how i mounted my light. when i put the mount on the 12 oclock rail (behind fixed fsb) i loved it’s position and had no problems. when i mounted it on the 9 oclock rail (because a troy flip up rear was on the 12 oclock) and used a foward grip i found the thumb screws rubbed my support hand fingures in such a way i had to go back to my surefire forgrip. great quality product though…just my experience.
Excellent, excellent replies! Thank you so much for the pictures, they really helped a lot!
I want to be able to remove the light and mount if need be, so that DQ’s the VTAC (though it is a great value and is a clean install). Then it comes down to proximity to the rail, in which case the VLTOR has the clear advantage.
To me… every little bit counts. I hate stuff hanging out wide on my gun.
I’ll never understand how guys can mount lights hanging way out on the side rails.
The first time I mounted my VTAC on the top rail behind the FSB, I was thrilled at how snug it was to the gun. I’d like a Vltor, but haven’t got around to buying one yet.
Thanks for the great pics! I prefer super snug mounting of my lights for both slimness and activation purposes and it seems like the VTAC is a bit snug-ger than the VLTOR. So basically you just saved me a bunch of money since I was gonna buy VLTOR’s to replace my VTAC’s.
Also, thanks to Westcoastfrog for the point about the VLTOR screw rubbing, I actually sand down the corners on my VTAC mounts just to keep that area as smooth/slim as possible.
It’s not very often when I decide NOT to buy something new and cool…
ETA: Rail is a KAC RAS. With different rail profiles, the distances change. The LaRue normally sits on a gun with a DD Omega. It doesn’t seem to stick out as far because the side rails are so narrow on that bit of kit.
While the VLTOR thumb screws are not as good as the LaRue QD, I more prefer the “tucked” location versus ease of mounting.
