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12/14/14 - Featured here are the Ring Light Mount and Inline Scout Light Mount from Arisaka Defense. Both are well-designed and made, offering the consumer yet another good choice when in the market for light mounts. Background - Arisaka LLC is a small design/manufacturing company, named in honor of Arisaka Nariakira, inventor of the Arisaka rifle. Its Japanese American founders chose the name to honor their cultural background and show respect for one of Japan's most iconic weapons designers. Both shooting enthusiasts, they channel their creative energy into creating unique and well-engineered components and accessories for the shooting industry. All Arisaka products are designed, prototyped, manufactured, assembled and sold exclusively within the USA. Besides the light mounts shown here, Arisaka also offers other accessories for the AR-15 platform. All Ariskas Defense Light Mounts are CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and Type III hard coat anodized. (Update - as of 2017, 7057 is used instead of 6061). Ring Light Mount - CMR - The Arisaka Ring Light Mount is available for KeyMod, M-Lok and CMR interfaces. The Ring Light Mount for the Centurion Arms Modular Rail (CMR) is illustrated below. The mount consists of a machined body with vertically-mounted, removable ring. There are two choices in ring size; the small fits light bodies with a diameter from 0.84" to 0.88" while the large fits light bodies from 1.00" to 1.03" in diameter. The mount comes with one ring, and you pick the one applicable to your needs. Unfortunately, not knowing whether the ring was solid or split on Arisaka's website, I wasn't able to use the small ring with my intended light as I had thought that I could expand a split ring to clear the larger diameter base cap. So, I'm only able to illustrate the large ring here. The CMR utilizes a direct-attach method with two #8-32 screws. The ring is secured to the body with a single screw, which threads into the ring's stud. My SureFire light is shown mounted in the Ring Light Mount. Once the ring is slipped over the light body, the screw is tightened and it draws the ring downwards, clamping the light in place. The offset placement if the light is designed to allow clearance to most front sights. However, this will vary with handguard/sight combos. On the CMR upper below, I don't have to contend with a rail-mounted front sight clamp, as it's set up with a Vltor folding front sight gas block. How close to the top rail the light is depends on the width of the handguard. The light can be installed and removed without having to remove the mount from the handguard. The CMR light mount weighs 1.0 oz. Ring Light Mount - KeyMod -The KeyMod version of the Ring Light Mount is identical except for the KeyMod interface. The mount has two KeyMod nuts which engage the key holes in the handguard, with a recoil lug in between them. Other than the method of attachment, it's identical to the CMR Ring Light mount shown above. Since KeyMod keyholes are directional, the KeyMod nuts have to be reversed for right-side mounting so that they face forward. The screws are simply loosened until the nuts clear the slots and are turned 180°. Here's the ring easily clears the KAC folding front sight, on the VIS KM. Inline Scout Mount - KeyMod -The Inline Scout Mount is designed for the SureFire Scout light (M600) and Mini-Scout (M300) . It replaces the factory Picatinny mount and is intended for use on the 45° flats that is present on some handguards. It can also be used on the side flats, of course. The mount itself is very low profile (only 0.2" thick), and features three mounting positions for the light that allows it to be moved closer or farther away from the rail to place it as close as possible to the top rail. The side positions are offset 0.12" from the center one. The Scout body is attached to the Inline Scout Mount with two screws. The user selects one of three possible positions; center, left or right; and attaches the light to the mount. The Inline Scout Mount is 2.9" long and weighs 0.6 oz. (2017 update - the mount design has been updated. See below). I tested the Inline Mount out on my BCM KMR, which is a pretty narrow rail. The KAC front sight clamp interfered with the Scout Light body, even with the light offset; away from the sight. A quick 5-minute job with a dremel provided the necessary clearance to the light and a swab with Aluminum Black touched it up. Arisaka is working on their own Scout body without the factory Picatinny adapter protrusions on the side for more clearance to front sights. The Inline Mount can position the light more forward or back, depending on which Key Holes on the handguard are selected. Shown below are some mounting positions, including a cantilever (forward) position for reducing barrel or suppressor shadows. Mounting the Inline Mount and light requires the tailcap be left off so that the forward KeyMod screw can be accessed. Once the mount is secured to the hand guard, the tail cap can be installed. The flip-open lens cover is there to prevent my lens from getting blasted from the comp. The light head is right next to the ports and after a couple of dozen rounds, it starts getting carbon'd up with residue. I really like the option of cantilevering the light out further, which I've done on a shorter handguard/upper. Arisaka's light mounts are not only well-designed, made and functional; I also find them aesthetically pleasing. Simple and elegant. The Ring Light Mounts work perfectly well for those who don't have Scout lights. I'd use Scout lights instead of the 1" diameter lights if they weren't so darn expensive. Arisaka's Inline Scout Mount offers some light mounting adjustability that others don't, in a neat compact package. I'm looking forward to Arisaka come up with more new products.
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Arisaka Defense Offset Scout Mount Keymod 4/10/15 - The Offset Scout Mount KeyMod from Arisaka Defense is a very low-profile angled mount that replaces the factory Picatinny rail adapter on the SureFire M300 and M600 Scout lights. Description - The Arisaka Defense Offset Scout Mount KeyMod is designed for the M300 and M600 series Scout weapon lights from SureFire. It replaces the stock Picatinny rail adapters, and attaches directly to the mounting interface on the body. It's an angled plate that will fit most KeyMod handguards like the BCM KMR (pictured here) and Noveske NSR. It measures 1.265" long and is only 0.165" thick. It uses BCM's patent pending inverted screws to attach to the KeyMod handguard (same type as used on BCM's KeyMod sling mount), which actually move outwards as they're tightened, instead of in. A recoil lug keeps it from moving fore-aft. A torx wrench is provided. The mount also features four lateral mounting positions for the light body, which attaches with two screws (no hex wrench is provided for the screws). I really like this feature as it enables the user to move the light body closer or farther away from the rail, and clear rail-mounted front sights if necessary. The difference in lateral positon is approximately 0.320". The Offset Scout Mount KeyMod is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and Type III hard coat anodized. It's currently available in black, and weighs 0.4 oz. Shown below is the Offset Scout Mount used with an M600 with Malkoff E2 head. The issue again, with the SureFire M600 body was clearance to the KAC front sight clamp. I had to use the outermost position for the light body to clear the front sight, so the body isn't tucked in as close as it possibly could be. Ironically, the Noveske Scout mount, enables the factory body to be positioned closer to the front sight because the body isn't rotated 45° so the Picatinny adapters aren't in the way. Arisaka has introduced their own M600 replacement body without the protrusions, so that should no longer be an issue.
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Arisaka Defense 300 and 600 Series Light Bodies 5/7/15 - The new 300 Series Light Body and 600 Series Light Body from Arisaka Defense are streamlined replacement bodies for the SureFire Scout M300/600 weapon light. They are made without the mounting interface for the stock Picatinny clamp, which provides better clearance to rail-mounted front sights. Description - When the SureFire M600 Scout light came out, I was impressed at how compact it was compared to the old 6P lights (why couldn't they just make them all as slim I wondered). Then the mini-Scount (M300) came out and that became one of my favourite lights. I had issues with the factory Picatinny mount thumbscrew loosening up even with locktite, so I'd always swap out the factory rail-grabber mount to an aftermarket mount. With aftermarket mounts, the Scouts could be tucked in as close as possible to the handguard in the 10:30 or 1:30 positions. The main issue in that location was that a rail-mounted backup front sight interfered with the Scout body. Specifically, the protrusions, or flanges, that made up the base of the factory Picatinny mount. They flare out from the body and more often than not, prevent the Scout from being mounted right beside the front sight. 300 Series - The Arisaka Defense 300 Series Light Body is a replacement body for the mini-Scout (single battery); and does away with the protrusions, enabling the user to mount the light right next to most rail-mounted front sights. The 300 Series Light body is compatible with all SureFire E1 series and Scout Light M300 series tailcaps and heads like the KM1A, KE1A, and KX1A. It is also compatible with all aftermarket Scout mounts, as it has the same mounting holes and square lug interface on the underside of the body. The 300 Series Light Body is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and Type III hard coat anodized. High quality Buna-N O-rings are included. The ends are bare aluminum because the body is used to conduct electricity, so they need to be uncoated. Note that if the body is refinished, the ends need to be masked off, or the coating removed later one. It's currently available in black, and weighs 0.5 oz. Shown below is the Arisaka body assembled with a tan SF M300 tailcap and head. The original Scout body interfered with the KAC front sight, so I dremeled some clearance into the front sight base. The Arisaka body, however, cleared it completely. It also has adequate clearance to an HK MP7 front sight. As mentioned above, the Arisaka body is compatible with aftermarket components, including the excellent Malkoff E1/Scout M300 head, so you can assemble your own Scout out of the Arisaka body. I've illustrated it below with the Malkoff head, SureFire UE07 tailcap, and SR07 rail-mounted tape switch on my Centurions Arms upper. An Arisaka body ($59), Malkoff head ($69) and SureFire Z68 tailcap ($34) totals $162, which is a lot less than the $299 MSRP on an M300. 600 Series - The Arisaka Defense 600 Series Light Body is a replacement body for the M600 Scout Lights powered by two CR123 batteries. Light the 300 Series body, it does away with the protrusions, enabling the user to mount the light right next to most rail-mounted front sights. The 600 Series Light body is compatible with all SureFire E2 series and Scout Light M600 series tailcaps and heads like the KM2A, KE2A, and KX2C. It is also compatible with all aftermarket Scout mounts, as it has the same mounting holes and square lug interface on the underside of the body. The 600 Series Light Body is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and Type III hard coat anodized. High quality Buna-N O-rings are included. It's currently available in black, and weighs 0.6 oz. Shown below is the Arisaka body assembled with Malkoff M600 head and mounted using the Arisaka Offset Scout Mount Keymod. The difference in clearance is shown with the SureFire and Arisaka bodies; the stock body requires that it's offset as far away from the front sight as possible so that the mounting lugs don't interfere with the front sight clamp. The Arisaka body can be mounted two positions closer to the sight; tucking it in as close as possible to the handguard. Quality of machining and finishing on both bodies are excellent. Up until now, those who wanted Scout light were limited to purchasing the SF Scout, as no one offered Scout bodies to build their own lights. Now, Arisaka has opened up more affordable options for the consumer. Please make 'em in tan, Arisaka.
2/5/17 - Updated Light Bodies - Arisaka has made an inline manufacturing change with their 300 and 600-series light bodies. Previously, the Arisaka light bodies were not 100% compatible with SureFire V-series IR heads due to the anodizing process and conductive contact surfaces. If you look at my writeup of the original Arisaka light bodies above, you'll see that the only exposed parts are at the end of the threads. On the SureFire Scout body, the threads and inside of the body are uncoloured. The updated Arisaka bodies have a MIL-DTIL-5541 Type II Class 3 chemical film on the threads and inside of the light bodies to prevent oxidation but still allow conductivity. The same Type III hard coat is used on the outside. The threads now appear 'raw' like the SureFire Scout bodies. This will resolve any compatibility issues with SureFire IR heads. Also shown is the updated KeyMod Inline Scout Mount, which is now made in 7075 instead of 6061 aluminum. It now uses the BCM KeyMod screws instead of the KeyMod nuts used on the original version. It weighs 0.5 oz vs. the 0.6 oz of the original. Included are the necessary screws to attach the light body to the mount. The T15 Torx and 5/64" allen wrenches are not included. Does not work with SureFire AA Scout bodies. The light body is first installed to the mount; then the mount attached to the handguard. The tailcap is left off during installation to allow access to the two KeyMod screws.
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Arisaka Defense Tailcap and CMR Offset Scout Mount 8/4/15 - Two new products from Arisaka Defense are their Tailcap, which is compatible with their 300 and 600-series light bodies; and an Offset Scout Mount for the CMR. When I first started featuring Arisaka Defense products on my website, the illumination lineup was limited to just light mounts. Arisaka then introduced their 300 and 600-series light bodies, which are direct replacements for SureFire's Scout light bodies, and now, they've introduced their Tailcap. This enables the consumer to pick up a SureFire or aftermarket light head and build their own Scout light. Arisaka is also offering complete 300 and 600-series lights, utilizing Malkoff Devices heads. Tailcap - The Arisaka Tailcap is a replacement switch for the Arisaka 300 and 600 Series Light Bodies, as well as the Surefire Scout and E-Series lights. It has a recessed/protected switch that cannot be accidentally activated as it's encircled by a protective ring. The ring has no scallops or holes, unlike the SureFire Scout tailcap. A serrated band adds grip during installation and removal. The Tailcap features both momentary and constant-on functionality: the user can press the switch for momentary activation, and continue pressing forward until it clicks for constant-on. Clicking again will turn the light off. The Tailcap is built around Don Mcleish's highly regarded McClicky switch, which many people use to repair older Surefire tailcaps. I did notice that the switch on the factory SureFire tailcap is stiffer, and that the Arisaka switch is depressed more easily. It maybe takes half the force to depress. Personally, I'd like it to be firmed up a bit to prevent accidental engagement of the constant-on mode (especially with gloves). Like Arisaka's other illumination products, the Tailcap is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and MIL-A-8625 Type III hard coat anodized. It has a maximum diameter of 0.95" and is 0.97" long. It weighs 0.4 oz. CMR Offset Scout Mount - The CMR Offset Scout Mount is designed for the Centurion Arms CMR handguard. The CMR uses a proprietary method of mounting accessories, which is a series of threaded holes that allow accessories to be direct-mounted; saving weight and keeping it simple. The mount is compatible with the SureFire M300 and M600 Scout lights (it replaces the stock Picatinny rail adapters, and attaches directly to the mounting interface on the body), as well as Arisaka's own 300 and 600-series bodies. The CMR mount is of the same basic design as the Arisaka Scout Mount KeyMod. It's a 45-degree angled plate that measures 1.265" long and is only 0.165" thick. Instead of KeyMod screws, it uses two 8-32 screws (included) to attach it to the CMR. The mount also features four lateral mounting positions for the light body, which attaches with the two included screws (no hex wrench is provided for the screws).This enables the user to move the light body closer or farther away from the rail, and clear rail-mounted front sights if necessary. The difference in lateral positon is approximately 0.320". When uses with Arisaka's light bodies, even more clearance can be gained for larger front sights. The Offset Scout Mount CMR is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and Type III hard coat anodized. It's currently available in black, and weighs 0.4 oz. I've illustrated the CMR mount below with Arisaka's 300-series light body and Malkoff head, along with the SureFire tapeswitch tailcap. Typically, I don't use tape switches, preferring to operate the light with my thumb. However, on the CMR, due to the front QD sling swivel socket at the front end of the handguard, I cannot mount the Scout light forward enough to do it comfortably. That's my one gripe about the CMR - I'd rather have the same accessory mounting interface extend all the way to the front of the rail than have a QD socket there. So, I mounted the light on the opposite side of my support hand (I'm a lefty) and activate it with a top-mounted tape switch instead.
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Arisaka Defense Inline Ring Mount and Offset Picatinny Mount 11/21/15 -Arisaka Defense has recently introduced a few new items to their lineup; including the Inline Ring Mount, and the Offset Picatinny Mount. Inline Ring Mount - The Inline Ring Mount is designed to attach a 1" diameter light body to a handguard. It's available in KeyMod and M-Lok versions (KeyMod shown here). The base is a derivative of their Inline Scout Mount previously featured, but has the 1" ring interface instead of the Scout interface. The mount is particularly useful for 45-degree mounting flats on handguards, such as the BCM KMR here. It can also be used on the side flats, of course. The base itself is very low profile (only 0.2" thick), and features three mounting positions for the ring that allows it to be moved closer or farther away from the rail to place it as close as possible to the top rail or to clear a backup front sight. The side positions are offset 0.12" from the center one. The user selects one of three possible positions; center, left or right; and attaches the ring to the mount. The light body is then secured with the clamp. The ring is reversible so the clamp screw should always face to the outside. The outer diameter of the light body only sits 0.41" above the mounting surface, making the entire unit very low profile. The base length is 2.37" long, the ring inner diameter is 1.00" and the assembly weighs 1.0 oz. Like Arisaka's other illumination products, the Inline Ring Mount is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and MIL-A-8625 Type III hard coat anodized. Note that the new base pictured here has Arisaka's logo machined into it - seven circles around a larger center circle. It was something I suggested they do (add some kind of a manufacturer mark), and they went with it. I think it's a nice touch. Offset Picatinny Mount - The Offset Picatinny Mount is a combination of Arisaka's Offset Scout Mount, and Picatinny adapter. The mount attaches to the sides of a handguard, placing the Picatinny adapter at a 45-degree angle. It's intended for use with Picatinny-based lights like the Surefire X300 or Inforce WML. The mount is a 45-degree angled plate that measures 1.265" long and is only 0.165" thick. It's available for the M-Lok and KeyMod (shown here) interfaces. It uses BCM's patent pending inverted screws to attach to the KeyMod handguard (same type as used on BCM's KeyMod sling mount), which actually move outwards as they're tightened, instead of in. A recoil lug keeps it from moving fore-aft. A torx wrench is provided. The 5-lug Picatinny rail section has two sets of holes. One set are threaded holes, which are used with the angled mount. The other set are Arisaka's tri-position holes (not threaded), for use with their inline base. The mount features four lateral mounting positions for the rail section, which attaches with two screws (no hex wrench is provided for the screws). The difference in lateral positon is approximately 0.320". Since the angled mount has four mounting positions, and the Picatinny rail has two, there's are a total of eight lateral mounting positions with this mount, spanning approximately 0.5". This allows the user to move the Picatinny rail section closer or further away, to accommodate the clamp of the light, and rail mounted front sights. You have to mock it up a few times to get the closest possible mounting location to the rail. The rail is also reversible from front to back. The Offset Picatinny Mount is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and Type III hard coat anodized. It's currently available in black, and weighs 1.0 oz. Offset Scout Mount M-Lok - The Offset Scout Mount M-Lok is the M-Lok compatible version of the Offset Scout Mount previously featured. Other than the M-Lok interface, everything else is identical. M-Lok is Magpul's modular locking accessory mounitng system that is a direct-attachment method for mounting accessories to compatible handguards. Rather than the keyhole-shaped holes of Vltor's KeyMod system, the M-Lok uses horizontal slots in the handguard, thought which a proprietary cammed T-nut is inserted from the front and tightened to secure the accessory to the handguard. I've illustrated the Offset Scout Mount M-Lok with a 600-series Scout Light, mounted to the Kinetic Development Group MREX for the FN SCAR. The light is tucked up close to the front sight, and is a lower profile option than the INFORCE WML I had on there before (when I had the rail on the side). Arisaka has also introduced their momentary-only tailcap. The Arisaka Momentary Tailcap is a replacement switch for the Arisaka 300 and 600 Series Light Bodies, as well as the Surefire Scout and E-Series lights. It has a recessed/protected switch that cannot be accidentally activated as it's encircled by a protective ring. The previously released Clicky Tailcap features both momentary and constant-on functionality: the user can press the switch for momentary activation, and continue pressing forward until it clicks for constant-on. The Pressing the Momentary tailcap turns the light on, and off when the switch is released. Twisting it on all the way will turn the light on constantly, until it's twisted off. When installing the Momentary Tailcap, thread it onto the light body until it bottoms out (constant on), then back it off (unthread it) approximately 0.5 to 1.5 turns for momentary function or to prevent accidental activation during storage or travel. Shown below are the Momentary and Clicky tailcaps; the main visible difference between the two are the internals and springs. Like Arisaka's other illumination products, the Tailcap is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and MIL-A-8625 Type III hard coat anodized. It has a maximum diameter of 0.95" and is 0.97" long. It weighs 0.4 oz. 4/5/19 - I recently received one of Arisaka's current (at the time of this writing) M-Lok Offset Scout Mounts in FDE cerakote, and noticed a couple of updates since the original I got in 2015. The FDE one has the Arisaka logo and the mounting hardware is different. It uses a larger hex wrench now. It's shown below with the Scout M600DF.
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Arisaka Defense Side Scout Light Mounts 4/5/19 - Two of the newer items from Arisaka Defense are the Side Scout Mount, Picatinny; and Side Scout Mount KeyMod. The Side Scout Mounts (SSM) are designed to tuck a Scout light underneath either sides of some laser/illuminators. Arisaka's Side Scout Mounts are designed for use with SureFire Scout Lights, the Arisaka 300 and 600 series lights, and Streamlight's Protac Rail Mount lights. The SSMs replace the stock rail clamp mount and are available in KeyMod, M-Lok and Picatinny versions. The purpose of the SSMs are to tuck the light underneath either side of the ATPIAL laser/illuminator series, including the ATPIAL-C, AN/PEQ15, and LA-5/PEQ, as well as the Steiner DBAL series (I2, A3 and D2). Like Arisaka's other illumination products, the SSMs are CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and MIL-A-8625 Type III hard coat anodized (or Cerakoted over the anodizing). They come nicely packaged and are of the great quality I've come to expect from Arisaka Defense. Side Scout Mount, Picatinny - The SSM Picatinny is 1.265" in length, 0.2" thick, and weighs only 0.6 oz. It's small. It replaces the stock Picatinny rail clamps on the Scout light (SureFire M600DF shown below) and takes up only one slot on a Picatinny rail. It includes the screws to attach the light body to the mount, and requires a 1/8" hex wrench and IP20/T20 Torx driver for installation (not included). Illustrated below is the M600DF mounted to a KAC URX handguard. The SSM-P mount brings the light in a bit closer to the barrel than the OEM mount, and raises it up so that it's easier for thumb activation. Shown below is the SSM Picatinny mounted to the removable Picatinny rail on a Vltor VIS-KM handguard. The Vltor VIS-KM has KeyMod slots and removable rail sections. I'm left-handed, so I mounted the M600DF on the left side of the handguard, where the throw lever of the DBAL A2 is (I swapped out the original ARMS mount with a Larue). You can see that the light is tucked in just about as close as it will go. Side Scout Mount, KeyMod - The SSM KeyMod is 1.265" in length, 0.2" thick, and weighs only 0.6 oz. It utilizes two BCM KeyMod inverted screws to secure it to any KeyMod handguard. It replaces the stock Picatinny rail clamps on the Scout light (SureFire M600DF shown below) and takes up two KeyMod holes on a handguard. It includes the screws to attach the light body to the mount, and requires a T15 Torx and IP20/T20 Torx driver for installation (not included). Illustrated below is the SSM in FDE Cerakote with M600DF mounted to the Vltor VIS-KM handguard (same one as above, but with the Picatinny rail removed). The SSM KeyMod mount places the light ever so slightly closer to the handguard than the SSM Picatinny on this particular handguard.
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Bravo Company USA BCMGUNFIGHTER Modular Light Mounts 6/2/15 - Bravo Company USA has introduced their BCMGUNFIGHTER Modular Light Mounts for the KeyMod platform. They are the One Inch Ring mount, 1913 Rail mount and Scout KeyMod mount. Overall Description - I'm sure that visitors to this site are familiar with the KeyMod system by now, which allows the direct attachment of accessories from the outside of the handguard. The BCMGUNFIGHTER Modular Light Mounts are machined from solid billet aluminum, are fully ambidextrous and are designed to be snag-free and low profile. They are finished in Type III Hard-coat anodized black. Rather than the captured KeyMod accessory nut, the Modular Light Mounts use the same KeyMod left-handed mounting screws used on the BCM QD sling mount, which actually move outwards as they're tightened, instead of in. This mounting scheme is both low profile and light weight. To install the mounts, the screws are loosened and the mount oriented in the correct position. With the supplied Torx wrench, the assembly is dropped in, slid forward and secured at the desired mounting position on the handguard. The screws are then tightened (clockwise) until firm. A couple of the Modular Light Mounts also feature removable recoil lugs, so that the user can choose the position that suits his use the best. 1 Inch Light Mount - KeyMod Version Mod 0 - The 1 Inch Light Mount - Keymod Version is a simple dual-ring design, for 1-inch diameter light bodies. It weighs 1 oz and is designed to be mounted at the 10:30 or 1:30 positions. The 1 Inch mount is a one-piece design with dual ring clamps that will fit most common 1-inch diameter light bodies. It has two left-hand thread mounting screws and a single recoil lug between them. The light is held in the rings by clamp tension, and the dual rings ensure solid support for the light. It's reversible from left to right for ambidextrous use. Since the mounting screws are accessed through the top of the mount; this requires that the mount be attached to the handguard before the light is installed. I tried the mount and light in a few different positions before settling on the final one. The mount is illustrated below with a Surefire P60 light. The supplied Torx wrench is used for both the mounting screws and light clamp screws. The mounting screws are meant to be torqued to 30 in-lbs and the clamp screws 25 in-lbs. Blue thread lock can be used on the mounting screws if desired. The front back up sight clamp restricted the forward position of the mount, so it had to be installed just behind it. Most people will find that the front sight is the limiting factor when it comes to light placement on a handguard. Since the mount wasn't at the end of the handguard, I had to slide the light forward so that it was correctly positioned for my thumb to activate. Doing this meant that I had to clamp around the tail cap, which isn't an issue, but it does prevent me from using the lock-out feature of the cap since it can no longer be rotated. 1913 Light Mount Modular - KeyMod -The next mount is the 1913 Light Mount Modular - KeyMod. This modular mount is designed to provide an angled rail for 1913-compatible weapon light systems like the INFORCE WML or SureFire X-series lights. It weighs less than an ounce (0.9 oz) and mounts in the 3:00 or 9:00 position on the handguard. The 1913 Mount consists of a modular base, a detachable 3-slot Picatinny rail, and two mounting screws and a recoil lug. The base has six threaded holes that are used to install the mounting screws and recoil lug according to where the user wants to place the mount on the handguard. The rail has three possible mounting positions, forward, centered and aft on the mount. The rail is asymmetric; the standoff to the mount is biased towards one side so that the rail can be flipped around, moving it closer or further away from the handguard. When mounting the 1913 Mount to the handguard, it is recommended that the mounting holes that are furthest apart from each other are used, to provide the best stability to the platform. If it's necessary to cantilever the mount off the front of the handguard, then you'll have to use holes that are closer to each other. The 1913 Mount is shown below with the INFORCE WML and SureFire X300. Again, the limiting factor is the front sight clamp, when trying to place the lights as close as possible to the handguard. With the X300, I could utilize the inner position for the rail as long as I mounted the light body behind the front sight. If I wanted to mount it more forward, I'd have to flip the rail around to the outer position. In either position, I felt that the rail could actually have been made shorter, bringing the lights closer to the handguard. As they both sit, they stick up a bit further than I'd like. The WML and X-series lights are great rail-mounted lights, when used with handguards that 1913 rails on the sides. Mounted at the 3 or 9 o'clock positions, the lights are unobtrusive and sit flush to the rail. However, when used with a KeyMod or M-Lok handguard, the intermediate rail adds height to whatever mount is used, and the light is offset a distance away from the handguard. The side-by-side batteries on the X300 prevent it from being tucked in at the 10:30 and 1:30 positions on any handguard, so the user has to accept the higher profile. Because of this, I feel that the Scout lights are the best solution for KeyMod or similar non-railed handguards, as they allow the Scout to be tucked in as close as possible, presenting the lowest profile. Modular Scout Light Mount KeyMod Version - The Modular Scout Light Mount KeyMod Version shares a similar base with the 1913 Mount. It's designed for SureFire's Scout lights (300 or 600 series bodies) and has multiple mounting holes for different mounting locations on the handguard. It weighs 0.5 oz and comes with a Torx wrench and all mounting hardware. All edges and corners on the mount are rounded. The Scout Mount has the same six mounting holes for the two mounting screws and one recoil lug. The light interface has three holes which provide two light mounting positions; forward and aft. As with the 1913 mount, the further apart the handguard mounting screws are, the more stable the platform will be. As with the 1913 Mount, the Scout Mount can be cantilevered off the front of the handguard a bit. This could be useful on shorter length handguards/barrels where there's not much space for the hand and light on the rail. I find that the shorter the handguard, the further forward I need the Scout light for comfortable thumb activation. While it's intended to be mounted at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions on the handguard, it can also be mounted upside down on the 10:30 and 1:30 45-degree flats on the handguard, so that the Scout light is on the side. Most people will mount it as intended, including me. The Mount places the light further out to the side than either the Noveske or Arisaka Defense KeyMod Scout mounts, so it's not tucked in as close as it could possibly be. This does provide more clearance to a rail-mounted front sight and there were no restrictions as to where it could go on the rail beside the KAC front sight. As with other BCM products, the modular light mounts are well made, functional and reasonably priced. |
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