Initial Impression: IWC's SMC Surefire Scout mount for ALL Magpul MOE handguards [Archive]

View Full Version : Initial Impression: IWC's SMC Surefire Scout mount for ALL Magpul MOE handguards

bleaman225

04-14-11, 09:19

About two months ago I contacted Earl at Impact Weapon Components link to IWC (http://www.mount-n-slot.com/) in regards to a mount for a Surefire M300 Mini-Scout light. I was looking for a mount that was compatible with mid-length Magpul MOE handguards. Earl gladly agreed to send one of his Side Mount Cantilevered (SMC) Scout Mount-N-Slot mounts to me as soon as they were out of development. Last week the mount arrived in IWC's great packaging.

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/IMG-20110406-00089.jpg

When I opened the box, I found everything I needed to install the mount is included in the packaging (photo doesn't include the allen wrenches but there are some included for you).

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/DSCF4166.jpg

Everything about the item, from the neatly laid out packaging to the actual mount itself, exudes quality. There are no tooling marks or sharp edges. The finish of the product is uniform with no light or dark spots. Simply put, it's just an all around nice product.

Sooo, I didn't waste alot of time before mounting my Mini-Scout to the SMC mount and slapping it on my upper. Currently, it is residing on my recently acquired 14.5" BCM LW middy SBR. I plan on getting alot of time in with this rifle over the next few months and that should give me a good chance to feel out the mount. I can't foresee any issues but as long as I can source up training ammo, it will get plenty of live fire testing.

A quick little side track... This past Friday, I smashed my thumb pretty badly at work. It delayed this review by a couple days but one good thing did come out of it. Instead of you having to look at my ugly, stubby, smashed-up fingers, my girlfriend stepped in as my hand model for the pictures. Downside is she didn't want anything but her hands showing. Sorry...

Back to the matter at hand, the SMC mount must be ordered according to which side of the handguard you wish to mount it. Either bolt release side/ejection port side, port/starboard, left/right needs to be decided by you since the design of this mount is specific to each side. The location of the light is right at the 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock.

In the past I have always had the light mounted on the ejection port side, so I chose to follow suite with this mount. I had my hand model do her best to recreate my grip on the rifle for a reference in the photos. She did the best she could and I believe that you can get the point from the photos.

"Strong side" regular grip

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/DSCF4153.jpg

"Strong side" activating light

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/DSCF4154.jpg

"Support side" regular grip

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/DSCF4155.jpg

"Support side" activating light

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/DSCF4156.jpg

To give you an idea, I wear size 9 (medium) gloves. I have no issues reaching and activating the light whether shouldering the rifle right or left handed.

The SMC mount does exactly what it is designed to do. It mounts easily. It mounts securely. Installation is simple. It places the light in an ideal location for a gun with a front sight post. I am happy with it and look forward to getting some time in with it.

Additionally, there is a 1" flashlight mount SMC Mount-N-Slot coming. From what I understand they should be out for coating right now. If you are interested in the SMC mounts you can contact IWC and they will be able to give you pricing and availability. Thanks to the Earl and the guys at IWC. I look forward to seeing what else you guys are bringing to the table in the future.

PICS:

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/DSCF4157.jpg
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/DSCF4163.jpg
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/DSCF4159.jpg
http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/DSCF4160.jpg

Barrel shadow from 10 ft (edit to remind you that I'm using a 14.5 barrel with an A2 flash hider)

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/DSCF4161.jpg

I am by no means a profeshunal pickertaker so I did the best I could with the point and shoot camera I have. I will try to get a better back drop down the road and maybe come up with a way to get some better lighting. Or just get someone else with the gear to do it. Any volunteers?

Eurodriver

04-14-11, 11:48

This looks great. I'm still waiting on the MOE Midlength TMC 1" Light mount but this is definitely a winner if you're running a M300 or 600.

bleaman225

04-14-11, 12:15

This looks great. I'm still waiting on the MOE Midlength TMC 1" Light mount but this is definitely a winner if you're running a M300 or 600.

Definitely. If you have 1" OD flashlights, it is going to be the bee's knees.

markm

04-14-11, 12:20

Can it mount on either side of the handguard?

(I mean... I know the handguard will take it, but does the mount work on the other side?)

bleaman225

04-14-11, 12:22

Can it mount on either side of the rail?

No I mentioned that in the review.
For clarification, there is a recess in the mount for the "legs" of the scout light to mount into. The recess is only on one side.
From what I've seen of the 1" OD flashlight mounts, it will be a single side only deal also. <edit: But I have not seen the final product for the 1" flashlight units.>

markm

04-14-11, 12:23

No I mentioned that in the review.

Sorry.. I quick scanned the review and missed it.

Fire

04-14-11, 14:08

Great review, Thanks.

The grip pictures were very helpful and resolved all my concerns about the position. I'll be in for one.

MattC

04-14-11, 16:47

Thanks for the review and pictures (and thank your hand model too :D). Now I'm REALLY looking forward to the release of the 1" mount.

bleaman225

04-14-11, 21:24

Emailed back and forth with Earl this evening and he said that the SMC mounts will be going onto the website next week. I emailed him to find out if that's both the Scout and the 1" flashlights but that was only a minute ago. I'll let you know what I find out.

EDIT: Both the Scout and 1" flashlight versions should be available for sale next week on IWC's website.

MattC

04-15-11, 14:00

Thanks for the update. I'll be checking the website incessantly until they're up :D

MarkyMark

04-16-11, 06:04

Wow, that looks great. I've been looking into lights and mounts only MOE hand guard. This looks really nice. I'll have to get one. Good review too.

NoveskeFan

04-16-11, 07:23

Emailed back and forth with Earl this evening and he said that the TMC mounts will be going onto the website next week. I emailed him to find out if that's both the Scout and the 1" flashlights but that was only a minute ago. I'll let you know what I find out.

EDIT: Both the Scout and 1" flashlight versions should be available for sale next week on IWC's website.

Thanks for your hard work and great review! Im looking forward to the 1" O.D. mount.

jklaughrey

04-16-11, 08:10

I would also like to add my opinion regarding the new mounts for MOE handguards, (IWC SMC). Earl sent me the Scout light mount and it has worked perfectly with a Scout 600c configuration. Fit and finish are superb. Mounting is rock solid and as usual IWC makes installation "Marine Proof". The only way I could see it being simpler is if the instructions were written in Crayon:D! Anyways my hat is off to IWC, innovative quality hardware for the end user today!

MarkyMark

04-18-11, 07:10

bleaman225

05-06-11, 09:42

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/benleaman/Permanent/IMG-20110503-00160.jpg

I was rearranging some items on the carbine and figured since the opportunity presented itself...

.036 kilograms = 1.26986263 ounces

Things have been going very well with the mount and light. Screws have stayed tight and I haven't found any issues as far as discomfort or inconvenience with my setup.

Eurodriver

05-09-11, 12:43

According to USPS my 1" OD SMC should be in today. I'm crossing my fingers. Thanks for the weight of the mount. With my light and mount w/batteries it should be about 6.5oz. Not the lightest thing in the world but its close. The surefire m300A with the OEM mount is 4.5oz w/ batteries so not too bad for being "the bee's knees".

Evil1969SS>LS6

05-13-11, 22:53

So after seeing this, I went to the gunshow and no booths had one. Actually, most of the guys running the booth looked at me like I was speaking a different language. Oh well though. Picked up some parts for my new build and ended up getting a quad rail set up so no more Moe FG.
Regardless the mount looks great and I would rock it no question.
Yea, if its not made by UTG. Magpul you're not going to find anything "non-mainstream" at the gunshow, just like most gun shops...they look at ya' like you're a tard when BCM is even mentioned. Gunshows are olny good to walk around and waste time

SteveL

05-20-11, 11:10

Deleted-Off topic

usmcvet

12-01-11, 06:14

Eurodriver

12-01-11, 08:36

Doc,

You mean "Corps-Man" proof!:haha:

Brother, thats twice in a week you've bumped a necro-thread.

At least this one isn't 5 years old. :neo:

ColdDeadHands

12-01-11, 10:49

I ordered a 1" Mount yesterday together with a G2X light. The current version of the mount is ambidextrous and works with any size MOE Hand guard...just fyi.
I can't wait to check it out!

usmcvet

12-26-11, 15:56

Brother, thats twice in a week you've bumped a necro-thread.

At least this one isn't 5 years old. :neo:

Got my Bumpa Sticka from IG last week for the 5 year epic Necro Post.:meeting:

jklaughrey

12-29-11, 06:09

Doc,

You mean "Corps-Man" proof!:haha:

Nope, meant Marine Proof brother. Us "Docs" can actually read, spell words, and even use tools.

skullworks

12-29-11, 06:51

usmcvet

12-29-11, 08:27

Would be interesting to see a side-by-side comparison to Magpul's own mount.

The MOE Scout Mount
http://store.magpul.com/images/uploads/152_821_large.jpg
(Clickable image to/from Magpul's page) (http://store.magpul.com/product/MAG403/104)

Are they shipping yet? I tried to order a pair recently and they were still a pre order. I am sure it will be well made and designed. One difference right off is the IWC mount will work on either side of the handguards. The price difference is a consideration too. My IWC mounts should be here soon. I look forward to trying them out.

And Doc I am qualified with hand tolls and a cordless drill. Anything else I need close supervision! :secret:

usmcvet

12-29-11, 14:50

Well my light mounts arrived today. I took a few photos of a G2LED in the IWC mount and a SF Scout on a MagPul Rail. The IWC keeps the light closer to the gun keeping the footprint thinner. I plan to order one for my Scout Light too. I am once again impressed with Earl and the crew at IWC.

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/478A9324-orig.jpg

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/110F1407-orig.jpg

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/774E6619-orig.jpg

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/BED31ECC-orig.jpg

A pair of BCM 11.5" barreled uppers.

usmcvet

01-09-12, 19:35

I sent a pair of hand guards off to Earl and his crew at IWC so they could put their QD mount in my MOE hand guards, If you plan to do it in the future all you need to send is the top half of your hand guards. I also added my second light mount. I have to find my torx head bits (to remove my scout lights OEM mount) to add the IWC light to my third gun.

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/BE62294A-orig.jpg

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/FEEA81D2-orig.jpg

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/34423C5C-orig.jpg

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/C638B344-orig.jpg

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/476BBF9A-orig.jpg

The smallest Torx I had at home was a #10. I went to the local hardware store and found a T8 to remove the OEM SF rail mount. I like the smaller profile of the scout set up.
http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab160/usmcvet0331/Snapbucket/7C89E387-orig.jpg

CANDERSEN

01-13-12, 20:39

I use one of the IWC Mounts on my 11.5 inch duty gun. I have been well pleased as in put the light in the perfect position for me.