Surefire M80 Forend Review

[Hookster]

Hey All,
Well, I finally got my Surefire M80 picatinny rail forend today (many thanks to MeanGreen for the lead). Anyway, I thought I'd share some thoughts on it as well as some pictures. As most of you probably know I'm looking at using it simply as a forend grip that would be a U.S. made 922r compliant part that would also allow me to keep my Sidearmor rail system. I don't intend at this time to mount any accessories to it although from looking at it, if I were to mount my Streamlight TLR-1 to the right side it doesn't look like I'd have the problems StrangerDanger had with his hand hitting the backplate/wire plug area of his Surefire light (I believe it was a X300) due to the Streamlight having a 90 degree plug and smaller backplate projection

So, as far as being a forend that I can use in conjunction with my Sidearmor rail, I'm very happy with it. I had been concerned about weight before but it only adds 2.9oz after removing the weight of the stock grips. Additional weight on top of that would depend on your choice of rail covers.

The other issue that has been raised is hand comfort/grip feel. I've tried a few combinations of rail coverings already and they're included in the pictures. I believe the combination that StrangerDanger recommended was Magpul XTMs at the 6 oclock and ladder rails at 3 and 9 (3 ladder rails are included with the forearm). I found this fine too and probably the closest to the circumference of the stock grips. I also tried and like the XTMs on all three sides. I bought enough to completely cover all three sides but three panels per side seems more than enough to grip. Any extra would just be adding weight. This will probably be the combination I'll be using for now. It does make for a fairly fat grip but I have large hands and thought it had a good feel.

Overall I find it more comfortable than the KZ which I reviewed here:
http://www.benelliusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19590&highlight=KZ
But depending what your after in a U.S. made forend the KZ may be a better choice for mounting options etc.

So in closing, If the Mesa "Urbino" U.S. made stock that MeanGreen posted comes out and is of good quality I would probably go back to my stock Benelli grips instead of Surefire or KZ but until then I think I'll be fine with the Surefire.
Now all I need is my FL tube. (Hi Kip!!!)

And now some pictures.....
http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/DSC00435.jpg

[Hookster]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/DSC00436.jpg

[Hookster]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/DSC00437.jpg

[Hookster]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/DSC00438.jpg

[Hookster]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/DSC00433.jpg

[Hookster]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/DSC00428-1.jpg

[Hookster]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/DSC00426.jpg

[Hookster]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/DSC00434.jpg

[StrangerDanger]

Hookster,
it looks pretty cool actually. Have you shot it to see if the binding issue plagues yours?

Have you tried mounting the pressure switch to the surefire rail instead? You're right about the x300 poking too far to the rear due to the xt07 tail cap design. Yours is much more low profile.

On the other hand, holy expensive batman!

[Hookster]

No, I just got the M80 this afternoon so I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. I've looked around but didn't see any posts about binding problems. Do you have links to accounts of problems? It looks like the gas pistons/rods have enough play room. I haven't tried changing the switch position but I'm pretty happy with where it's at. Even with the enlarged grip size, the switch position still feels very natural to use.

Hookster :)

[MeanGreen]

Hookster,

Great review. Man, you gun looks awesome with that Sidearmor rail. Now I know why you went with the Surefire instead of the KZ. I am also thinking the same thing, if and when Mesa comes out with their Urbino and I going back to the stock forend. I'll also probably then have to pick up the Sidearmor rail after that. :)

[axhoaxho]

Thanks for the review, your M4 looks great.

I went to the Surefire website and seemed cannot find the M80 forend for sale in there. Could I ask where and how can I find one for my M4?

With best regards,

[Hookster]

Hey Axhoaxho,

I just got an email from Optics Planet (who I was on backorder with) that they finally have them back in stock. But I had just aquired mine from National Police Supply where MeanGreen had refered me to. Sean DePriest, the owner there is a great guy to deal with. He didn't have it in stock but said he'd try to get me one. He called me about a day and a half later that it was on the way. So I had it in hand 4 days after talking to him. Very refreshing after all the time I spent on backorder.:)

Later,
Hookster

[axhoaxho]

Thanks Hookster, for the information.

With best regards,

[BigHat]

Optics Planet shipped mine a few days ago too. With Kips tube and a US made follower I'm 922r compliant or least a step closer.

Any leads on the best place to procure those rail covers? I assume firing a shotgun without them would do a number on your hands.

[Hookster]

Hey BigHat,
I got the Magpul XTMs from Brownells.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=26423/Product/AR_15_M16_XTM_trade__RAIL_PANELS

The ProMag ones I picked up at a gun show and you should have gotten some Surefire ladder rail covers with your M80.

Take Care,
Hookster

[BigHat]

Hey BigHat,
I got the Magpul XTMs from Brownells.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=26423/Product/AR_15_M16_XTM_trade__RAIL_PANELS

The ProMag ones I picked up at a gun show and you should have gotten some Surefire ladder rail covers with your M80.

Take Care,
Hookster

Great !! I didn't realize it came with covers. Thanks for the info. The tracking data from Optics Planet indicates it will be here Tuesday.

[Hookster]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv262/hookster_photo/DSC00442.jpg

[Sukhoi_fan]

Hey Hookster, do those rail covers make the forend feel like an oversized Pringles can or not?

[Hookster]

Hi Sukhoi,
Let's call it more like a slightly undersized Pringles can :rolleyes:

Actully I like the feel of the Magpul XTMs on three sides, but like I said, I have fairly large hands. I also found the XTMs on the bottom and ladder style covers on the sides comfortable, and like I said, probably fairly close to the circumference of the stock grips. If you wanted to go smaller still you could run ladder style covers on all three sides. I tried this and found it ok. That combination was probably the closest in feel to the KZ handguard to me.

Take Care,
Hookster

[StrangerDanger]

The reports I read about jamming were quite old. I can't search for them very well on my ******. I recall some were mentioned on ar15.com. I didn't have any issues with mine with the 11707 barrel assembly.

There is some weight saving potential on yours beyond kips tube. You could run one or two of those short rails from Sidearmor. You'd save a few ounces. Then another ounce or so by removing the factory front sling loop.

I'm tempted to buy one again honestly.

[Hookster]

I've done some more searching and haven't found any reports of any cycling issues due to the M80. Like I said, it seems like there's plenty of play room in there for the rods.

Yeah, I just got the long siderail back on the right side when I was playing around. I was planning on putting the short rail back on the right side but I need the long one on the left because I have the switch and sling swivel on that side. I'll probably pull the factory front sling loop when I install my FL tube.

So... thinking about buying another M80 eh... Sidearmor/Surefire/KZ should probably be paying me for the advertising :p But hey, If you can be 922r compliant and look cool while doing it. Why not?

Later,
Hookster

[Hookster]

The tracking data from Optics Planet indicates it will be here Tuesday.

Hey BigHat,

Did it come? if so, watcha think?

Hookster

[BigHat]

Hey BigHat,

Did it come? if so, watcha think?

Hookster

It here's but I got in after 11 (was in Dallas) and it's locked-up at my front desk. I'll check in tomorrow night and let you know. Thanks for asking.


Edit: Got it on. I like it. Think the std rail guards will do well enough to protect the hands without adding too much bulk. Easy install once I realized I needed to attach it to the barrel and then slide both onto the mag. tube unlike the approach to the std hand guards. Popped in my follower too. 5 min journey to 922r compliance. A good thing.

Can I assume the included LokTite was just a gift for use when mounting their light or something else? I see no reason to need the stuff to install the guard. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thank you very much,
Matt

[Hookster]

Edit: Got it on. I like it. Think the std rail guards will do well enough to protect the hands without adding too much bulk. Easy install once I realized I needed to attach it to the barrel and then slide both onto the mag. tube unlike the approach to the std hand guards. Popped in my follower too. 5 min journey to 922r compliance. A good thing.

Can I assume the included LokTite was just a gift for use when mounting their light or something else? I see no reason to need the stuff to install the guard. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thank you very much,
Matt

Hey Matt,
I'm glad your happy with it. I too found the LocTite that's included a bit of a mystery since there are no screws/bolts in the M80. I assume the same thing, that it's there to help secure whatever you might mount to the rail. Are you going to be using it as a mounting location for anything or just a 922r part?

Hookster

[BigHat]

Are you going to be using it as a mounting location for anything or just a 922r part?

Hookster

Hookster,
Probably just for 922r purposes. I'm sort of a minimalist when it comes to shotguns. I went with an optic, but found the Burris FF the one I like best after trying a T-1 and EoTech prior. Not a big light or laser fan but to each his own.

By the way, I have a SOCOM 16 mounted in a SAGE EBR stock. Pretty nice, but heavy. I'm almost positive you'll not get a co-witness on a M-1A. In fact, you need a cheek pad to get a comfortable cheek-wield and alignment with any optic. On my EBR stock, the cheek piece is fairly high. Just the way they're designed.

Matt

[MeanGreen]

Hey Hookster,

Well, I am returning my Surefire forend and going with the KZ forend instead after trying out the two. I don't know if it was having to pay $230 for it as opposed to $190 for the KZ forend or just the weird rubber upper on the forend. I truly like the fact that the KZ is all metal where the Surefire is metal and rubber. The Surefire forend seemed like it would wear out a lot quicker. I already noticed some wear on the rubber just from taking it on and off twice, so I am sure that would get worse with time. Anyways just my two cents if anyone gives a rat's ass.

[Hookster]

I'm sure the KZ will work fine for you. Hopefully Mesa won't be too long getting the Urbino out (it sounded like they were motivated to get things moving) then we can go back to the stock grips. I'm keeping my KZ as well in case I run into any problems.

Later,
Hookster

[StrangerDanger]

It's a shame the FCAM system from Mesa never materialized. The assembly system we developed was very inovative. I would have steered it in another direction now that I have a few more years of experience with the M4.

Hookster, which of the two do you feel is more comfortable?

[Hookster]

For myself, I find the M80 slightly more comfortable. I believe because the side rails on the M80 ride lower down on the side so my hand is more in contact with whatever rail covering is used. The KZ side rails are higher so only my fingertips and thumb come in contact with an ergonomic covering. Really though, that's just me and the difference is only a few steps above negligible. I could easily deal with either one but the stock grips still rate #1. I gather from your post you have/had some involvement with Mesa R&D?
Tell us more!

Hookster

[StrangerDanger]

Back in 2005 or 2006 I worked with Mitch over at Mesa Tactical. I pitched the idea and he liked it. So we collaborated on the design.

I had some of the early prototype stuff to test the mounting system. Unfortunately, Benelli changed some things around the barrel between model productions and our original model was off. They mainly added that shelf to the base of the barrel that seats against the receiver.

The original FCAM attached like the SideArmor does via the five top rail holes. Then a handguard portion slid into the top cover and engaged where the factory handguards seat (into the metal bracket retained by the magazine tube).

The front of the handguard seated indexed with the forward handguard mount as the barrel was seated. The lock up was very solid and provided a tool-less disassembly.

Overall concerns were always about weight, strength, ergonomics and providing an option that couldn't be achieved by other means at the time.

I would advise that a more valuable product would be to simply produce a similar replacement handguard that is made in the USA that has a low profile pocket for tape switches. This would sell big because it would be a compliance part and have some added functionality over the factory handguards as well. Big full length top rails really aren't needed. They're simply extra weight. The only value on the Sidearmor is it acts as a bridge over to the side rails.

Here is a thread about the FCAM over at Mesa's website with some really early prototype photos.
http://www.mesatactical.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=41

Seems they're renewing interest in the project with some injection molding rather than aluminum extrusions.

[axhoaxho]

I would advise that a more valuable product would be to simply produce a similar replacement handguard that is made in the USA...


Bingo!

Regards,

[MeanGreen]

If anyone is interested in getting one. I know that National Police Supply has a couple in stock. Sean is absolutely the best at customer service. Would love it if there were more people running businesses like him out there.

Here is their website.

www.nationalpolicesupply.com (http://www.nationalpolicesupply.com/)

[Steve1968LS2]

I must of missed this.. how much was it and where can you get it?

I like how the lite is tight to the weapon and doens't look "McGyvered" on.

[Hookster]

Hi Steve,
If you're asking about the price of the Surefire M80 forend they run about $230. The part of my M4 that you see the light attached to in the pictures is a Sidearmor rail. which run $329. The Streamlight TLR-1 that I use is low profile.
If you use the site search for "Sidearmor" you'll find multiple previous threads with lots of info and pictures. Here's a few:

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

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

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

Take Care,
Hookster

[Steve1968LS2]

Hi Steve,
If you're asking about the price of the Surefire M80 forend they run about $230. The part of my M4 that you see the light attached to in the pictures is a Sidearmor rail. which run $329. The Streamlight TLR-1 that I use is low profile.
If you use the site search for "Sidearmor" you'll find multiple previous threads with lots of info and pictures. Here's a few:

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

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

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

Take Care,
Hookster

So what I'm seeing is the Surefire part, the Side armor part, and the seperate lite.

Anything else? lol

[Hookster]

Just the Benelli part...:rolleyes:

[jon.benton]

Not sure how many fore-grips National Police Supply has, but I ordered one and it shipped the next day.

<Sent from my mobile phone while standing in the rain by the mailbox waiting for it.>

[Hookster]

Hey Jon, Let us know what you think when you get it. More opinions on products on the sight is a good thing.

Hookster :)

[jon.benton]

Got it in the mail today, rapid turnaround. (I'd had one on order from OpticsPlanet for about a month.)

Looks good on the gun...the lines against the barrel aren't as clean as the factory ones are.

The metal mounting nubs are a nice touch, and the grip feels very solid on the gun.

It also looks like the pistons have free range of motion. We'll see what a little heat and gas does for them.

I'll let you know how it works on the range this weekend, and I'll post some photos as soon as I get through my probationary period.

I also installed an aftermarket magazine follower from Brownell's. (Red Aluminium) I acutally think the quality is better than Benelli's.

On another note...I got an unexpected notification from UPS that I have a package inbound...not sure, but I think the Benelli Bunny may have my Ti magazine tube from the Kipster...

I am so pumped that I may just wet myself.

*Update*

Just returned from the range...shot about 30 slugs through the gun with perfect function. (The gun, not me...)

There was no apparant gas leakage from around the handguard, and the pistons seemed to function fine. I was using a grip-pod system for stability, and it was rock solid.

On another note, I did notice that shooting the cheap remington "Slugger" rifled slugs did not fair well past 25 meters. 2" groups at that range, but the round entered the paper sideways at 50.

[zee10103]

Are you still OK with the SUREFIRE?

[jon.benton]

Are you still OK with the SUREFIRE?
I am absolutely fine with the Surefire. I would buy it again...

I would recommend purchasing extra "ladder" rail covers, though. The pack only comes with three, and (singly) they are not long enough to cover an entire rail.

[zee10103]

I did the Mesa 6 Shot Rail. Will I need to modify the Sureshot? Thanks, TDL.

[jon.benton]

I did the Mesa 6 Shot Rail. Will I need to modify the Sureshot? Thanks, TDL.

It is going to be close, but you should be fine. (I did a side by side comparison....don't have my sureshot mounted.)

[zee10103]

Did you decide not to use the Mesa Mount? I ended up using the same five bolts and washers. No clearance issues with the removal or installation of the barrel.

[Hookster]

Are you still OK with the SUREFIRE?

Still Happy!

Hookster :)

[zee10103]

Cool, and thanks for kicking in. Do you have a perfered seller for this Forarm? Have not seen any @ feebay.

[jon.benton]

Did you decide not to use the Mesa Mount? I ended up using the same five bolts and washers. No clearance issues with the removal or installation of the barrel.

Right now I have the EOTech EOLAD on my M4 which will not allow enough clearance (in my opinion) for the shells to be pushed up far enough to be secure.

Another reason I didn't use it was an earlier thread that mentioned that heavier optics might be prone to causing the threads to strip out of the receiver...figure I'm pushing my luck with the sight, don't want to add the extra stress of the Mesa side saddle.

[Hookster]

Cool, and thanks for kicking in. Do you have a perfered seller for this Forarm? Have not seen any @ feebay.

1st I'd call Sean at National Police Supply

http://www.nationalpolicesupply.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_109&products_id=2745

Optics Planet would probably be choice #2

HDO Sports would be #3

Later,
Hookster :)

[jon.benton]

Cool, and thanks for kicking in. Do you have a perfered seller for this Forarm? Have not seen any @ feebay.

Got mine from www.nationalpolicesupply.com (http://www.nationalpolicesupply.com) that someone posted earlier in this thread. They shipped the next day.

Not sure if they have any left.

I dropped the order that I had with Optics Planet. (Stood for about a month.)

[zee10103]

Yes I agree. Before I load up and some Buck Shot I need to do the lock tight on all five of the bolts.

[zee10103]

Thank you again Mr. Hookster. You know before I do purchase any more parts for the M4, I will need to run it buy Unobtanium first. With all the events occurring in my life, I do not need another critic in my face.

[Centauro97]

Just got mine in from Optics Planet.

They had been out of stock, but only took 2 weeks to get mine shipped.

They may have more in stock if anyone's interested.

I got it primarily for 922r compliance, but also because it's made by Surefire. It's a nice addition.

[pinarello6]

New M4 user. Obtained M80 via Surefire's website direct. Do any M80 users know if any additional securing is required other than "prying" it on ? It feels very secure but based on the M4's recoil and gas ejection I would have felt better with some type of additional mouting hardware.
As far as the unit itself, It appears highly functional although the lines where it meets barrel are not as clean and defined as the factory's

[zee10103]

New M4 user. Obtained M80 via Surefire's website direct. Do any M80 users know if any additional securing is required other than "prying" it on ? It feels very secure but based on the M4's recoil and gas ejection I would have felt better with some type of additional mouting hardware.
As far as the unit itself, It appears highly functional although the lines where it meets barrel are not as clean and defined as the factory's
Look@ my scans in my profile. I am verry pleased with this system 110%. zee10103

[Hookster]

New M4 user. Obtained M80 via Surefire's website direct. Do any M80 users know if any additional securing is required other than "prying" it on ? It feels very secure but based on the M4's recoil and gas ejection I would have felt better with some type of additional mouting hardware.
As far as the unit itself, It appears highly functional although the lines where it meets barrel are not as clean and defined as the factory's

Hi pinarello and welcome to the forum :)

I've had zero problems with mine. No additional securing is required since it's basically secured in te same way as the OEM forend.

Later,

Hookster :)

[luckymac]

I just bought a benelli M-4 and was wondering if you could help me out. I just took a look at your pics and I'm in amazement. All of my weapons are of a tactical nature and I'm looking to do the same with my M-4. I only want the best and it looks like you do to. If you could help me out and tell me where to get the tactical parts needed I would greatly thankful. I'm thinking about the collapsable butt-stock, mag ext, rails, ETC. Thank you for your time and consideration. Luckymac

[zee10103]

I just bought a benelli M-4 and was wondering if you could help me out. I just took a look at your pics and I'm in amazement. All of my weapons are of a tactical nature and I'm looking to do the same with my M-4. I only want the best and it looks like you do to. If you could help me out and tell me where to get the tactical parts needed I would greatly thankful. I'm thinking about the collapsable butt-stock, mag ext, rails, ETC. Thank you for your time and consideration. Luckymac
I just added some MG42 Photos with German Tr****.

[zee10103]

I just bought a benelli M-4 and was wondering if you could help me out. I just took a look at your pics and I'm in amazement. All of my weapons are of a tactical nature and I'm looking to do the same with my M-4. I only want the best and it looks like you do to. If you could help me out and tell me where to get the tactical parts needed I would greatly thankful. I'm thinking about the collapsable butt-stock, mag ext, rails, ETC. Thank you for your time and consideration. Luckymac Hookster would be more qualified than me. I own just one M4. The Stocks are hard to come buy. I was lucky to buy one for $400.00 Cash from a individual. The Magazines are all over the spectrum. Price, type of metals used, and your needs.

[2005xfr]

Nice review!