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Posted: 10/2/2005 2:32:41 PM EDT
| Is the Surefire 918 shotgun forend any good? Is 125 lumens practical on a defensive shotgun, or should I just get the 60 lumen SF618? |
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I have the 918 for my 870. It is somewhat heavier than the 618, so I think that is what you should consider rather than the lumens. I took off my sidesaddle and mag extension when I put the 918 on because the total weight of the shotgun became more than I wanted. However, I still would rather have the extra lumens of the 918 over the extra ammo capacity for a bump-in-the-night gun. |
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M918 is a 9-volt system, M618 is 6-volt. It's longer and heavier by one CR123 battery. I was shopping for a 618, but went with the M918 because I have an M900 for my carbine. Instant parts compatibility and potential spares, plus one fewer type of bulb to keep around. I got mine from C4iGrant at G & R Tactical. |
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The 6V (two-SF123A batteries or one SF223AC battery stick) model 618 can accept the P61 High Output Lamp Assembly (120Lu/20min) which although has a shorter runtime than the standard P60 (65Lu/20min) lamp assembly, I believe is well worth it for the output. The 9V (three-SF123A batteries or one SF323AC battery stick) model 918 can accept the MN11 High Output Lamp Assembly (225Lu/20min). You could order the 618 and P61 - and if you find yourself needing more light, or more light with longer runtime you can "upgrade" to the "Millennium" Lamp Module - the LM90 which converts your 618 to a 918. Al |
| You don't exactly need 80-90yd. light performance for a shotgun but the higher intensity, greater range and still having a full 1hr. runtime is a nice bonus. Another factor to consider in getting the 9v would be that if you have a 9v Millennium system for your rifle (M500, M900, M96x) or for personal carry (M3/L6) then you have parts interchangeablity. The 918FA is a little longer & heavier but is only $40 more though it includes the spare high output lamp whereas the 6v systems do not. |
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I have the 918 FA on my 870 and have been very pleased with it. The only thing I would comment on, and this may never affect you, is that I run a tip off filter on mine. I noticed under shotgun recoil that that FM 13 filter will slide forward and eventually completely off the light. I had this happen twice with it fully in the locked/cammed down position. I sprayed some adhesive on the bezel and reattached after carefully marking it's correct position with a witness mark as to how i wanted it to open. I also taped off the areas where I wanted the adhesive to stop and have had no problems since. |
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