S&S Precision Integrated Flashlight Mount (high-speed-low-drag junkies read on)

[E-man930]

I just ordered one this morning - I came across it this past Saturday and waited to call the store once they opened to verify inventory. Looks like I got the only one from one of the distributors' online store. I'm not sure if this is because it is new or because it is a best kept secret. I'm looking forward to testing this combo light body / mount. I beleive you can adjust where you want the light to sit in reference to your rail, so it will allow you to get the light where you want it regardless of the rail or equipment combo. :dirol:

http://www.sandsprecision.com/

Check the catalog on page 8.
(I will post pics up once I get it in)

regards,

E-man

[Dennis]

Makes sense! Do they have others beside the 1 cell E series? A 1/2 cell E series with C (P60 head) adapter would be very useful! (ala Scout light)

Dennis.

[E-man930]

Other versions may be in development such as a 2 cell (123) version for 6V LED heads, I don't know but it may be worth emailing the manufacturer. I only emailed them to ask where I can buy this product from them and had a response within an hour or so on a Saturday. I believe the rationale behind the one cell version is to save weight; I have a brand new Surefire mini scout that I can't wait to canabalize for this project. If the mount allows placement at a variety of angles to the rail and holds that adjustment I will be stoked and getting a few more. :D

[Dennis]

Be sure to post your results here to remind me to get one too!

Thanks,

Dennis.

[patriot_man]

yes pics please as soon as it gets there! I've been having trouble with adobe reader ever since the newest update so I can't see it...

[Dennis]

Image attached...

The screw allowing for pivoting allows for versatility but I would think it needs a locking system other than tightness to keep the unit from rotating under use.

We will see!

Dennis.

[E-man930]

Will do - it comes in tomorrow so hang in there.

[E-man930]

Well the mount / flashlight body came in today and as i sit here typing out my thoughts for the purpose of educating my fellow M4C brothers and I can't help but feel a little dissapointed...

There are positives I need to cover. First and formost you can tell right away this part was made by folks who are not new to machining and anodizing. It looks like a quality part that belongs on an AR15. But the problem lies with the measurements put into the design; it has me wondering if this mount / light combo had any real world testing or was even mocked up in a shop on a few different rail / front sight combos in the fashion I am attempting to use it as.

The entire problem is do to the proximity of the "hinge assembly" to the part that mounts on the rail. It is so close that I was not able to screw on a sure fire tailcap (I tried all three in the picture with the results being a slight scratch on the edges of all three tailcaps where it rubbed against the head of the allen bolt) nor was I able to mount the entire assebly on to my rail.

Now let me elaborate - I have the Vtac version of the Troy Extreme rail on all of my carbines and I run the rail without anything mounted anywhere on the rail except for the front sight post. (Troy flip ups & Daniel Defense fixed) This is where I encountered the second fatal flaw of the IFM; again, due to the proximity of how close the "hinge assembly" is to the rail mount the design will not allow you to mount the item in front or behind your front sights. If you mount it directly behind your front sight (this is where I envisioned mounting it) the LED head will hit the side of the front sight; mount it ahead of the front sight and now the tail cap will not clear. The only way I cound make use of it would be to mount a side rail piece onto the rail and then mount the IFM - which is not something I will do as I do not want to disrupt my grip / hold of the round rail body with a side mounted light.

The final flaw is minor and may just be me over analyzing the design... The tabs left on the flashlight body which form the outer part of the "hinge assembly" as well as the tab on the rail mount that forms the center part of the hinge appear to be small and dainty. I think one good hit (if it were mounted) and the light body could easily be broken off, leaving the end user without a light. Same can be said of the rail mount tab close to the body of the light - way to light duty yet the tab opposite the body is plenty beefy.

So - I hate to be the bringer of bad news but the concept of the IFM is sound but this particular design is flawed due to the measurements used to locate the hinge assembly.

Now if S&S Precision deside to do a redesign and fix the inherent issues of this version - you can sign me up. (Only if I can trade in my current desk ornament for something useable)

Here are some Iphone pics as I just didn't feel excited about taking pictures of something that should have ended up on my AR15 instead of my desk.

E-man

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/7697/img0859p.jpg (http://img686.imageshack.us/i/img0859p.jpg/)
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8879/img0863ri.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/img0863ri.jpg/)
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6352/img0861oq.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/i/img0861oq.jpg/)

[VA_Dinger]

S&S Precision does make some impressive products. I recently got one of their HK416 specific light mounts for the Surefire Scout & Mini-Scout lights. I’ve just been too busy to order a light for it. I will get some pictures up next week when I get it all finished and mounted.

[E-man930]

Looking at their catalog you know they have the ability to make the right goodies we all need and crave - but I feel like they really missed out on making the IFM usable on the top rail in conjuction with a front sight post.

[Dennis]

So it only works with their tailcap?

I have had similar issues with both the VTAC and VLTOR Offset mounts coming too close to the front BUIS. I solved this on one carbine by shaving off one of the Magpul MBUS wings. I guess we have to be careful what we ask for when we want low profile close tolerances...

Can't you return it?

Thanks for the try and the info though!

Dennis.

[E-man930]

I plan on calling Greygrouptraining tomorrow to inquire about returning it. I believe this mount was intended to only be mounted on the side rails of a quad rail setup. Maybe a version two will make it out the door soon that works on the top rail in conjunction with various front sights and surefire light heads and tailcaps.

[E-man930]

Now looking at the Danger Close Consulting Scount mount...