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Posted: 6/7/2005 5:47:29 AM EDT
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I am in the process of building a carbine for patrol work and would like to keep this gun as light as "no frills" as possible. The only "addition" that I am going to add is a white light. I was considering using the Surefire 500 (this gun does not have a rail system), and had a few questions. Becuse the light module is mounted on the handguard in the 1 oclock position - does it block your vision so as to be a negative factor in CQB type engagements? The new M500's all have LED lights mounted in the 9 oclock position. How does this effect sling mounting? I want to mount a 2 point sling mounted on the "left" side of the weapon and am not sure how these LED's lights will fare? Will the sling block them, or even break them? Anyone have a general observations about this light system? I would be interested to hear them. Thanks Chris |
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Having the light mounted at the one o clock position doesn't really obscure your vision. I've been running the Surefire M500B setup for the last 2 years and really like it. You have a slight shadow cast by the barrel, but I think you will get that on any lighting system where the flashlight sits back any distance from the end of the barrel. As for the LEDs... Yes the LEDs make it a problem using a two or three point sling. I tried running a three point sling when I first got the forend light and noticed that the sling would catch on the LEDs. I emailed the sling company to see what the deal was, if I had attached it wrong or anything, and was told that was a drawback of the three point sling design. Was told that several people had reported snapping off their LED lights entirely. Not a fun thing to do on your $400+ flashlight. Since then, I've gone with a single point sling. As with anything, it has its strengths and its weaknesses. Overall I really am happy with the M500. It's an easy system to learn and use proficiently. |
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I have the older M500A w/o led's so I can't speak to the sling issue. I think the 500 series has the best and most ergonomic switch options for a non VFG light. If you don't want to run a VFG, I think the M500 is the pinnacle of conventional mounted light systems. The light will definitely not block your vision for CQB. Of you run a single point sling so as not to interfere with the LED's, get the TD PR-4 or PR-16 single point sling mount. They are positioned lower than the typical SPS end plate mounts and will thus not interfere with running the charging handle. These are a no brainer if you use a SPS. |
The M5xx series is my favorite by far  Here is a cut and paste of the pros and cons of the 500A from a previous post. Some "cons" were covered above: 1) No freefloat. Personally, I have zero desire to freefloat a 200 meter defensive carbine, but some people feel differently. 2) Remove the second (inner set) heatshields for fullauto use. The M500A has dual heatshields (like Colt M4 heatshields). Unlike the Colt M4 however the inner shields are solid and have no ventilation holes. If this forend is going on a fullauto weapon then removing the inner shields will allow for better barrel cooling. 3) Vertical foregrip mounting options are extremely limited. Personally I don't care for VFGs, but if you do there are better choices in a weaponlight. You can mount a small rail to the bottom of the M500A for VFG mounting, but doing so will make the switches very awkward to reach. 4) Colt side sling mount not usable. The nav LEDs get in the way of a Colt side sling mount. See pic:  Aside from that, you're good to go  Here are a couple of mine:    
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| M500 is the the way to go. I had the tango down grip, mu95 light, on my M4 when I first bought it. After, taking a class with Paul Howe, I got rid of the VFG and MU95. I found it to be too cumbersome. I switched to the M500 anf I love it. I also got rid of the EOTECH. Iron sites worked better for me. Good Luck. KEEP IT SIMPLE. |
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Yankee Hill Machine makes a few small accessory rails that clamp onto the barrel. You could go that route ofr a foreward attachment point, keeping the sling away from the LEDs. I can't get teh site to work right now or I would post pictures...I was looking at them just yesterday. |
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Working now. Here is their "Triple Mount" http://yankeehill.bizland.com/store/media/YHM-639K.jpg Maybe combine it with one of these to mount the sling to, with would angle it down and away slightlyhttp://yankeehill.bizland.com/store/media/YHM-9690A.jpg |
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Chris, I just got a M500B, cause my buddy has a M500A and got me hooked on them. The 500A is brighter than a regular SF light IMO. But the 500B is a Friggen spotlight out to 35 yrds. I absloutly love it. I got it to shoot crap out at the ranch at night and it works perfectly, I honestly think it the brightest weaponlight you can put on an AR ( the 500B ). Now it is a little heavier 'cause the thing takes six batteries. The 500B has the bigger diameter lens and even it doesn't block your vision. Mine doesn't have LED's but my buddy's 500A does and he put the sling the the FBS. Hoope it helps. You'll love the 500A. |
I had an M500 with LED's prior to going to a rail system. You can mount a 3 point sling using a GG&G Sling Thing in the FSB. I used the Sling Thing and a Wilderness Giles Sling with no problem. |
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Well I am sort of stuck in my decision making, between the 500 system or the old standby - a classic 6volt system mounted at the 6 oclock position under the front sight and running a long pressure pad to the pistol grip. I like the classic system because its at the 6 oclock position, its a light weight unit and I can manipulate the light with my firing hand ( if I have to move an obstruction with my support hand). I am concerned about the weight of the 500 system, and that it may obstruct some of my view of the threat area because of its size (mounted at the 1 oclock position). However, I like the fact that it has no exposed wires. The distances that I work in are usually very close - length of a car or width of a room etc. I want this weapon to be short, light and the only "frill" - a white light. What do you all think? Chris |
| The M500A sounds perfect. The 500B takes six batteries, it does get a little heavier. But the A is substantially lighter. But for really CQ like you describe, the 500A will be perfect, it's extremly bright close up. I still don't know why you are worrying about it obstructing your view, it isn't that big a deal at all. If you want VG get something else, but if you truly want the light to be the only 'frill' then this is what you want. |
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