Best way to get a light on my M4?

[Johnson184]

I've got a stock regular 11707 M4 with a +2 extension. I'd like to use this shotgun as my primary home defense weapon. Because of that... I'd like to figure out a way to mount a light onto it. I've browsed several topics, and it seems pretty conflicted over different mounting tactics.

Umm... what's the best way? And could you give a cost estimate? Thanks.


P.S. I also wouldn't mind picking up a shell holder. Really liked Mesa's 8 round capability, but from what I hear... Surefire's 4 rounder is the cat's meow.

[OhioM4]

The suggestions have ranged from duct tape to $600 imported Swiss rail systems. I have not seen any I like yet either. To be honest some of the simple mounts that clamp to the magazine are looking good to me. I don't like the idea of having to remove it every time I break down the gun. Something integral to the front grip would be ideal but I want to use it as a grip and not have it covered with rails.

[Hookster]

but from what I hear... Surefire's 4 rounder is the cat's meow.

I think you were refering to Sidearmors 4 rounder?

I'm very happy with the Sidearmor setup here are a few pics:

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/benellim411707014.jpg

[Hookster]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/benellim411707008.jpg

[Hookster]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/benellim411707017.jpg

[Johnson184]

How much does it cost to get that SideArmor setup? Does the shellholder come integrated into it?

Oh... and I take it you just bought a flashlight/mount, then mounted it. Any problems?

I'm just trying to figure out how much it would all cost me, how much heavier it'll make the gun, how much harder it'll be to break down the gun for maintenence, and how hard the install is.

[texas skeeter]

easiest/cheapest way. candle/duct-tape and hope like **** it does'nt get windy!!:D:D

[Hookster]

Hi Johnson,
Here's the link to the Sidearmor site:

http://www.sidearmor.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=46&zenid=102v3bhuv06rn2c5frdie1rsg5

Looks like they are currently on backorder. the price for the rail system with one long side rail is 329.95 (I'm running one long side rail on the switch side and a short side rail on the light side) the shell carrier is a separate bolt on piece and it's going for 54.95

Installation was easy and field stripping with the system in place is not a problem

For the light I used a Streamlight TLR-1 (135 lumen model)about 99.00 from Optics Planet plus the pressure switch backplate 37.00 and the switch 26.00

There's a lot of good info in this review thread by StrangerDanger:

http://www.benelliusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19212&highlight=sidearmor

also a lot of questions addressed in this thread

http://www.benelliusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19419&highlight=sidearmor

and a few more pics here

http://www.benelliusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19550&highlight=sidearmor

Take Care

Hookster

[StrangerDanger]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3774660494_8fe4d738a9.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3774660494_daff3535cd_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3720121278_3e23265fbb.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3720121278_62b709340e_o.jpg

Surefire Scout Light with a 40" remote switch to the pistol grip. A remote switch could take the pad to a placement similar to Hookster's.
An X300 or X400 could also be used. You'd save a few ounces. Similar light output. You could also run the light on the left side and try to use the momentary cap on the back of the light, or use the rocker levers on the X300/X400 series.

There are no cheap ways to add a light to the M4 that are worth much. Each way has drawbacks. Minimizing added weight is important. The Sidearmor rail adds about 8 to 10 ounces over the stock configuration. Since you're removing some items during the install.

The shell carrier from Sidearmor is the best I've used. The carrier itself weighs about 4 ounces. It bolts on via two screws. So it is easy to remove. Figure each shell weighs almost 2 ounces themselves. So the weight adds up quick.

[Hookster]

You could also run the light on the left side and try to use the momentary cap on the back of the light, or use the rocker levers on the X300/X400 series

X2 on that, Placing the light so you operate it with thumb on the left side or index finger tip on right side is also a good option if you want to save some weight/expense.

Hookster

[OhioM4]

Are the Side Armor rail and magazine clamp rail the only options that don't use the forward hand grip? The Side Armor solution meets all my criteria (except price).

[Hookster]

I believe those are the only options (beside duct tape :rolleyes:) that don't replace the original forend. although you could add a rail to the original forend like the pics that Duggan has posted. I believe these were used for that:

http://www.ergogrips.net/item-detail.cfm?ID=4756-2&storeid=1&image=ergoprail.gif&CFID=37904886&CFTOKEN=90156085

Hookster

[Johnson184]

I guess I'd just have to drill some holes into the forend "grips"? I like the Sidearmor, but can't justify spending $400 to mount a light. I don't need the rail extending all the way down the barrel, and I guess I'd rather have a smaller mount with a more expensive light on it.

[Duggan]

I believe those are the only options (beside duct tape :rolleyes:) that don't replace the original forend. although you could add a rail to the original forend like the pics that Duggan has posted. I believe these were used for that:

http://www.ergogrips.net/item-detail.cfm?ID=4756-2&storeid=1&image=ergoprail.gif&CFID=37904886&CFTOKEN=90156085

Hookster

I am actually doing that right now. I will post detailed pics and a review when I am done.

[Hookster]

Hey Duggan, It kinda seemed like you've been layin' low lately. Now we know why, Fiendish experiments in the laboratory. I look forward to seeing the results.

[HOGWILD]

http://www.insighttechgear.com/2009catalog.pdf:D

[HK-HUNKER]

Thank for the catalog. was curious if anyone here has a review on the INSIGHT MRDS Mini Red Dot Sight. Looks about the same price as the T1, which I was thinking of getting. This one only has a 1 year battery life, but it looks somewhat promising. Sorry about the hijack, but was curious.

[Duggan]

Hey Duggan, It kinda seemed like you've been layin' low lately. Now we know why, Fiendish experiments in the laboratory. I look forward to seeing the results.

Somewhat, also just been enjoying summer, my senior year of college started last week, lots of people around, work to be done, etc ... can't spend all my free time lecturing/advising/taunting people on forums all day. :)

[OhioM4]

...my senior year of college started last week...

Are you studying for an MBA (Master of Benelli Armament)??

[Duggan]

Are you studying for an MBA (Master of Benelli Armament)??

LOL I actually do plan to go either to MBA or law school path in the near future ... perhaps both if I feel super motivated and find $300,000 to blow.

But no, I'd never get a job doing anything gun related ... I learned early on with computers and bar-tending that I am not the "if you do what you love you never work a day in your life" type. I get sick of things real quick if I am around them too much, and as such I've learned to keep my business and pleasure activities as separate entities ... at least most of the time.

That said, I'd love to be a lobbyist for someone in the gun industry ... as that would leave enough separation between my job and hobbies that I likely would not get sick of things. And besides, who wouldn't love a chance to thrash anti-gun pussies in legal battles?

[OhioM4]

I tell people I'm picking careers by process of elimination. I've been a newspaper photographer, machinist, construction worker, project manager, computer Network engineer, and most recently an IT Director. I can trace my current IT Director job backwards through a series of random events to the day I applied for a job operating a fork lift! Go figure. I did the MBA program at Case Western Reserve University. At the time it was one of the top twenty business schools in the US. Ultimately, I think the better paying jobs just came with age.

Set goals and work towards them, it's surprisingly effective.