Attaching a tape switch to the hanguards

bobafett · #1 08-06-09, 23:31

I need ideas on rigging a tape switch for a light to go on my railed handguards without using a VFG. Is there a way to do this properly? Will it burn the power cord having it touch the metal handguards when they get hot?

I have Magpul XTM rail covers on the handguards right now if that helps or hurts...

TOMTOM · #2 08-07-09, 00:41

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Tango...et%20black.htm

Eric · #3 08-07-09, 01:18

The TD down rail cover with the pocket for the tape switch is the better way to go. However, an inexpensive and field expedient method is to zip tie it into place. Zip ties will eventually become brittle due to exposure to the elements, but they are an option.

bruce_hxc · #4 08-07-09, 01:40

Also,

http://www.surefire.com/Remote-Dual-...aponLight-SR07

RetreatHell · #5 08-07-09, 01:45

Tape switches aren't really needed, bro. Most guys who shoot their carbines a lot (including me) wind up taking them off and never using them for a wide variety of reasons.

1- They are just "one more thing" to have hanging off your gun and usually not needed.

2- The cord can get snagged up on shit.

3- They are NOT faster to activate the light as long as your light is in the proper location on your rail in the first place.

4- They just overcomplicate something that is so simple already.

I used a tape switch on one of my carbines for all of one week (because I couldn't stand NOT using a "cool guy" accessory that I already owned and paid for) before I took it off because I realized it was not needed for anything and overcomplicated things, and also because those with more experience than me on the subject of lights/lasers told me they were not needed as well.

If you really want to use the tape switch regardless, which believe me I do understand if you already have it and spent money on it or something, then the Tango Down rail cover as pointed out above would be your best bet if you want it to look "clean." But you could technically just use some velcro straps or zip ties (like the guy above did) and that would suffice.

But before you buy anything to use the tape switch with, I think you should try running your weapon light without the tape switch first.

However, I feel I should say that there are plenty of guys here that do run tape switches and seem to prefer them.

I just personally feel that they are entirely unnecessary.

-Paul

TUNNEL RAT 33 · #6 08-07-09, 02:05

i used velcro that i got at walmart . i put the hook side on the tape switch and the fuzzy side on the forearm. works ok

Iraqgunz · #7 08-07-09, 03:49

I agree with RetreatHell. With the right tail cap and set up you can activate the switch without the need for a pressure switch.

A-Bear680 · #8 08-07-09, 06:08

Tape switches are more trouble than they are worth. Among all the other bad things that have been mentioned , accidental turn-ons & burned out batts are a serious problem.

decodeddiesel · #9 08-07-09, 11:01

I tried like hell to make a tape switch work when I was issued an M951 in the Army. I just couldn't and ended up hitting the cap with my thumb. This worked so much better in a dynamic enviroment it was unbelievable.

I would suggest you remove tape switch, install momentary on tail cap, move weapon light to position where it can be activated by thumb. Be happy.

If that just won't work the Tango Down rail covers with pockets work well. Or you can get some heavy duty "heat shrink" and use a hair dryer to shrink down the switch to the rail or your VFG.

bobafett · #10 08-07-09, 11:13

Thanks for all the input, the light I bought has an on/off tail cap or optional pressure switch. No way to do momentary with the on/off switch while keeping my grip, unless I go back to a VFG... and it is an option if I have to, I just sold the one I had

82ndtrooper · #11 08-07-09, 13:33

I found the tape switch to be the same PITA that others have discussed.

Mine was on a Surefire Scout light and I used bicycle intertube to secure it onto my foregrip on the right side. Eventually it just kinda crapped out on me and I opted for an offset DD mount and slid it further back to where my thumb can easily hit the tail cap for momentary light on/off function or just press it into the ON postition if needed.

Just sayin.

Iraqgunz · #12 08-07-09, 15:38

Bobafett,

Have you considered getting a TD QD stubby grip? I think it would really help solve your dilemma unless you are really anti-foregrip.

bobafett · #13 08-07-09, 21:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iraqgunz

Bobafett,

Have you considered getting a TD QD stubby grip? I think it would really help solve your dilemma unless you are really anti-foregrip.

Haven't tried a stubby yet, I may as well, I went to the trouble to put rails back on. May as well take advantage of it.

Stephen_H · #14 08-08-09, 00:33

I disagree that tape switches are useless. I don't put them on all of my guns, but they can provide additional options for efficiently activating the light, especially on a crowded rail. Also, mounting the tape on the 12 o'clock rail gives you ambi light activation regardless of where the actual light is mounted. Photo below:

This weapon has a 9" rail and no vertical grip. I could not find a decent position to mount the light so that I could active via a tail cap without significantly altering my firing grip. With the tape switch at the 12 o' clock I just roll my thumb over the top and press the tape. The light is in a custom mount between the 12 and 3 o'clock rails.

Stephen