How safe is it to clamp accessories onto your barrel?

itsturtle · #1 02-10-11, 08:24

For example, my AR is stock with the plastic hand guard. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a quad rail hand guard. Bushmaster sells this unit that clamps onto your barrel and has 3 short rails. I really only want to mount a flashlight so it won't be very heavy. Will this cause damage to the barrel after time?

http://www.bushmaster.com/images/cat...s/YHM-639K.gif

TOrrock · #2 02-10-11, 08:28

Instead of that Bushy rail, I'd suggest the unit from Midwest Industries that mounts on the front sight tower.

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/...category_id=94

itsturtle · #3 02-10-11, 08:36

I had looked at a couple of those as well. Have you used that style before, or know someone who has? Kind of seems like it would cause an obstructed view.

I do like the price compared to the Bushmaster part.

TOrrock · #4 02-10-11, 08:41

About to install one on my father's 6520.

It shouldn't obstruct your view.

itsturtle · #5 02-10-11, 08:44

I will have to look into that when it comes time to buy, thank you.

ucrt · #6 02-10-11, 08:57

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I like the GG&G Mount also. Mainly because it uses 2-screws to hold itself to the front sight. I mount my light on the right side of my gun to keep it out of the way but with a quick roll of my wrist, I can hit the button.

GG&G Slic Thing Mount

.

BrigandTwoFour · #7 02-10-11, 11:08

If you're only looking to do a flashlight, Elzetta makes some mounts that fasten to the FSB.

http://www.elzetta.com/zfh1500FAQ.htm

Something like that. I'm not the biggest fan of the 6 O'Clock mount, but it is what it is.

ssracer · #8 02-10-11, 11:37

I know a few people with that Elzetta mount and they are all very happy with it

itsturtle · #9 02-10-11, 12:35

I had been told it is best to have a light mounted at 3 or 9. More specifically, when looking down the sights, it should be to my 9. Which is why I moved towards the Bushmaster or Midwest unit to cast any barrel shadow away from your view.

BrigandTwoFour · #10 02-10-11, 14:27

Another option is the IWC mount & slot. You typically see these on magpul MOE handguards, but they are supposed to fit on the regular A2 style ones as well.

http://store.impactweaponscomponents...mc1olimo1.html

Whootsinator · #11 02-10-11, 14:42

Another vote for the Elzetta mounts from me...

WGG · #12 02-10-11, 15:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsturtle

I had looked at a couple of those as well. Have you used that style before, or know someone who has? Kind of seems like it would cause an obstructed view.

I do like the price compared to the Bushmaster part.

I have one of the MI mounts on my LMT carbine and do not have an obstructed view with either irons or optics.

RogerinTPA · #13 02-11-11, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Templar

Instead of that Bushy rail, I'd suggest the unit from Midwest Industries that mounts on the front sight tower.

http://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/...category_id=94

Agreed. It is a much viable option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsturtle

I had looked at a couple of those as well. Have you used that style before, or know someone who has? Kind of seems like it would cause an obstructed view.

I do like the price compared to the Bushmaster part.

I have two mounted for a few years now. They are sturdy and rock solid.

If they obstruct your view while shooting irons or an RDS, you're doing it wrong (you should be concentrating on sight alignment, particularly the very tip of the front sight post/dot and trigger control....nothing else).

RogerinTPA · #14 02-11-11, 10:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsturtle

I had been told it is best to have a light mounted at 3 or 9. More specifically, when looking down the sights, it should be to my 9. Which is why I moved towards the Bushmaster or Midwest unit to cast any barrel shadow away from your view.

The 12 O'clock position is the most optimal, as the light is unobstructed and readily available in a variety of shooting positions, around barriers and behind cover. The MI mount gives you an 11 O'clock position. A 9 or 3 O'clock would be mounted to the rail. A 6 O'clock would be mounted under the barrel or bottom rail, which most would consider, suboptimal.

itsturtle · #15 02-11-11, 10:18

I wasn't really meaning obstructing the view down the sight, I guess I was leaning more towards a situational awareness. Like transitioning from one target to another.

I know this is going to sound terrible, but I've never actually shot my AR yet. I bought it Monday, worked all week, and it has been single digits temp during my only free time. Hopefully I can get out this weekend and run some rounds so I don't sound like as much of an idiot.

RogerinTPA · #16 02-11-11, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsturtle

I wasn't really meaning obstructing the view down the sight, I guess I was leaning more towards a situational awareness. Like transitioning from one target to another.

I know this is going to sound terrible, but I've never actually shot my AR yet. I bought it Monday, worked all week, and it has been single digits temp during my only free time. Hopefully I can get out this weekend and run some rounds so I don't sound like as much of an idiot.

During a 2x2x2, 1x5, el presidente, tri-lambda drills, shoot on the move, etc...you are looking over the sights, shifting your eyes to acquire the next target, realigning the sights, then engaging/shooting, while mitigating recoil to get accurate hits. It's done at a very very fast pace and when viewed, looks like all of those adjustments are being performed simultaneously.

Viking Tactics 1x5 drill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaCpOt9xVy4

TOrrock · #17 02-11-11, 10:38

To put what Roger said in a bit more laymen terms....

It's not really an issue with situational awareness. You're looking slightly over your sights, not through them, when you're moving.

Once you actually get some trigger time on your rifle, and hopefully can get some dynamic shooting in, especially with someone who knows what they're doing helping you out, you'll see what we mean.

I understand that you're on a limited budget, I definitely know how that feels, but your next purchase that you would carry with you and make a hell of a difference in your shooting and understanding, would be a class with one of the better trainers out there. Yes, it's expensive, yes, it's absolutely worth it. It also doesn't have to be a gear queer fashion show, some of the best shooters I've seen have been running "slick" set ups.

itsturtle · #18 02-11-11, 10:54

Yeah I was looking into some of the classes available in the area and almost lost my breath. But, I found a pistol class later this month that is only $100 and I'm going to try to get into that one. I'm waiting until they post their next carbine class.

I'm trying to spend as little as possible on accessories so I can afford as much ammo as possible. I really only want to get some kind of ammo pouches and a new holster for my pistol.

RogerinTPA · #19 02-11-11, 10:59

Agree with Templar. Crawl, walk, run. Get very familiar and comfortable with your weapon first and as funds, time and opportunity become available, take a class. If a class isn't feasible, hook up with other M4C members in your area and have multiple range outings.

itsturtle · #20 02-11-11, 11:11

Thank you. Summer time will definitely open more opportunity for me.