Need help choosing the right Scout light

[AR-10]

My original plans for this build included a stubby VFG and a Scout light in an offset mount.

Then my buddy came over yesterday and saw my new build, goes out to his truck and pulls this out of his bag:

http://i30.tinypic.com/dnld03.jpg

He basically gave it to me, and said if I ever replace it to make sure this one makes it back into his hands.

It looks like an M900A, but the throw lever came from A.R.M.S. so I believe it's an older model - it seems their new throw lever models come with a different type of lever.

Now I'm not one to complain about free stuff, especially when it's a $600 light - but this thing is HEAVY.

In fact, I moved it back two slots because I essentially just added over 1 lb. of weight to the upper. I would actually prefer to have the grip even more forward, where you see it now is a compromise between "muzzle heavy" and "comfortable VFG".

Anyway, I decided I'm not going to run this light and I'm sticking with my original plan.

So, I'm looking at two different Scout lights (Rainier Arms, this is sort of a question for you) -

Option 1: http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1772

or

Option 2: http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=1788

I really like the mini Scout, and according to Rainier Arms' descriptions, the output of the mini is 110 lumens while the M600C puts out 120.

This is where I got confused, because Surefire's website says the output of the M600C is 200 lumens.

That's almost twice as much as the mini, which would make the larger size worth it to me.

If the difference in output is only 10 lumens, I'm going to go with the mini.

Do any of you have experience with the mini Scout? Are you happy with the light output?

I really don't want to spend $300 on a mini, only to find out I should have spent the extra $100 for the larger model...

[Paulo_Santos]

I'd first recommend you determine what type of set-up you want and then shop from there. Do you plan on using a pressure switch or the tailcap ones. Surefire makes some affordable ones like the G2 that you may want to check out.

[AR-10]

After playing around with different setups, I'm planning on using the tail cap switch.

I was looking at those G2 lights earlier.

[Paulo_Santos]

You have a ton of options from Gear Sector, Vikings tactics, rainier Arms, Bright Flashlights. They all have weaponlight/mount combos.

[AR-10]

I didn't even know about those Viking Tactics combo kits, and those Gear Sector mounts look very slick.

Thanks for the info, I'm gonna do some more research on these cheaper lights and I'm sure I'll be back when I can't make up my mind again.

Saving a couple of hundred bucks on my light means I can finally upgrade my trigger

[Creeky73]

if you are going to go with the separate mount and light instead of the Scout direction, check out the light mounts at Larue. They have some really nice quick-release light mounts that will work with just about anything from Surefire and other popular brands. The recent bump in lumens in the Surefire lights makes me feel for people who bought them about 6 months ago.

[Rated21R]

I have the mini scout and love it. Light weight, good amount of light, plenty for what I need. I couldn't pass it up as I got a sweet deal. I'd recommend it.

[TehLlama]

Likewise, found a deal on the mini scout. Great, light, comparable output to my old X300. I like it better than my X600, but they're the same concept.
If you're going to be using the tailcap, or buying an SR07 pad for it, consider getting the VTAC E2 version (the same KX4 Head on an E2 body) and mounting it in a 03Designs, VLTOR, or GearSector offset mount. Doesn't save that much, but end result is still extremely nice. Waiting to see how the LaRue QD Offset ends up being for the scout offsets.

[AR-10]

I'm bidding on two M300A lights right now.

I saw Gear Sector's offset mount and I am getting one as soon as they are available.

I'm also thinking about installing one of these instead of a foregrip:

http://www.surefire.com/Remote-Dual-Switch-for-WeaponLight-SR07

[Rated21R]

I'm bidding on two M300A lights right now.

I saw Gear Sector's offset mount and I am getting one as soon as they are available.

I'm also thinking about installing one of these instead of a foregrip:

http://www.surefire.com/Remote-Dual-Switch-for-WeaponLight-SR07


I picked one of those up too. Not sure yet if I am going to use it or just use the clicky tail cap. Trial and error will let me know.

[Stickman]

The Gear Sector Offset Light Scout Mount appears to be the best offering currently on the market.


http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2010/07/10/gear-sector-offset-scout-mount/


http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/wp-content/blogs.dir/5/files/gear-sector-offset-light-mount/868w0383-1024-stick.jpg

[Dualspringfields]

I wish someone made a tape switch for a G2. I dont mind useing the the tailcap, but I would like to use a tapswitch.

[AR-10]

I think I went overboard on the handguard but hey, it's only money right???

I'm glad I went this route, I am much happier without a VFG and this Gear Sector mount not only looks slick but it's extremely well-designed.

What I like the most is how both sides of my handguard are now clutter-free.

Here's some pics of the light mounted up:

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/6132/img0854w.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1520/img0855g.jpg

Here's where I'm at, I think I'm done tinkering with it for now:

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/1920/img0863k.jpg

It's time for me to cough up $500 for my Micro T-1 so I can take this thing out and zero it.

[Hatter]

I'll give another nod to the GearSector offset mount. I currently use the E series and it tucks the light away in between rails, is a nice solid mount and you can't beat GS's customer service.

[Aragorn]

That is one seriously slick setup.

[m24shooter]

I wish someone made a tape switch for a G2. I dont mind useing the the tailcap, but I would like to use a tapswitch.

The tapeswitches for the 6/9Ps work on the G2s. Just like the tailcaps from the G2s work on the 6/9Ps.
I've interchanged them several times.

[The-S]

as stupid as this may sound, I run my surefire x300 pistol light on the rail of my AR when I need it. Honestly how often do you "need" a light on your gun?

[Hmac]

Ya, that's a key question. I have a G2 on a cheap QD mount (CAA I think) so I can move it between rifles in the event someone around here comes up with a local dark-shoot course or competition. Otherwise, I'd rather keep as much weight as possible off that end of my rifle.

[AR-10]

Believe me guys, if I didn't need a light it wouldn't be on there.

This is my one and only small caliber AR (for now), and it will be serving three purposes:

1) I will be taking a carbine class with this rifle.

2) I will be grabbing this rifle when things go bump in the night.

3) I will be abusing this rifle at the range and in the desert whenever time and funds permit it.

The mini Scout does not add that much weight, in fact it barely affects the balance of the rifle - so I see no reason to take it off.

I already have a lightweight upper planned out, and I won't be mounting a light on that one.

[m24shooter]

as stupid as this may sound, I run my surefire x300 pistol light on the rail of my AR when I need it. Honestly how often do you "need" a light on your gun?

That depends entirely on how you are using your carbine/rifle.
For a guy working nights, it can be quite a bit.
For a guy working days, not as much unless there is a lot of work in buildings.

[Hmac]

Yes, I'd agree that those that use their AR as a work tool need to be prepared to shoot it in the dark at all times. I was thinking more along the lines of what I suspect is the majority of AR shooters - civilians who don't patrol regularly in the dark.

[m24shooter]

In that vein, think of it along these lines.
Most SD shootings are going to take place in the dark. A light helps in that regard.
In an HD shooting, the homeowner may need to make sure of his target (think: wife, kids vs manbearpig) before pulling the trigger. A light helps in that regard too.
So maybe a better way to frame the question is that while the need for a light may be infrequent, when it is needed it is absolutely needed. This as opposed to how often a light may be used, which could vary.
Even at home, I live in a rural area. I have treelines not far out, and horse pasture on three sides. We have yotes, an occasional though rare cougar and wolf, and numerous feral dogs. These are the 4 legged vermin. Lights have helped to see what the dogs are barking at.
There are also those as mentioned that will use a light in class or training.

[Hmac]

Yes. Circumstances vary. In my own, home defense with a battle rifle is a littler farther down the priority scale.

[The-S]

That depends entirely on how you are using your carbine/rifle.
For a guy working nights, it can be quite a bit.
For a guy working days, not as much unless there is a lot of work in buildings.

You are correct. I never said it was not needed it was to raise the question of how much he needed it.

[m24shooter]

Hmac-Understood. Use what you're comfortable with and what is appropriate to your situation.
S-I didn't take it as oppositional/argumentative. One could wargame reasons for having a midget ninja dispenser on a carbine I guess, but at some point the utility has to be weighed.
On a defensive/duty weapon, lights have a definite place and worth. I would not want to run one without a light.

[The-S]

where can I get a midget ninja? LOL

[AR-10]

I came very close to buying a thumbscrew light mount, but decided not to.

I only have one AR-15, so I'm configuring it as an "all-purpose" carbine to the best of my ability.

The light I chose does not add much weight, so keeping it mounted all the time is no big deal.

I'd rather get used to the light being on there than take it off every time it's not needed.

[TehLlama]

Finally bit on a GearSector mount today. Thanks AR10 for nudging me along!
Dumb/unrelated question - do you have a DD/Noveske Endplate on yours - looks like it's set up to do the 1/2pt VCAS setup already!

[AR-10]

No sir, I was actually looking at this one:

http://www.cqd.net/CQDRSM.php

Looks like I have to replace my receiver extension, so I'm going to swap out the end plate while I'm at it.

I am not happy with Colt's 4-position receiver extension, I can't achieve the desired length of pull because there's a huge gap between the first two positions.

I don't know why Colt does this, do Colt M4's go to our troops this way or do they get a 6-position tube?

Here's what I'm talking about:

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/9727/img0869y.jpg

I ordered an LMT r/e that has six holes because this gap between the first two positions is really bothering me.