thumb screws for viking tactics light mount

**Lengradde** · 03-15-08, 04:21

I've seen a couple pictures of the highly regarded Viking Tactics light mount with thumb screws. To those of you who have this, where did you get those screws?

I'm trying to decide between that or http://www.botachtactical.com/kzqureofflmo.html

The KZ sure looks nice and keeps a low profile. The only flaw I can see is that it just isn't as wide as the Viking Tactics mount, so it might not be as sturdy? The KZ also moves the light a little further down than the Viking.

**sonrider657** · 03-16-08, 06:40

The Viking mount is certainly economical but it is also very poorly made and lacks the features of the KZ mount. The Viking mount secures the flashlight with set screws that dig into the flashlight body - you will scratch and/or dent your flashlight. Secondly, the surface finish of the Viking mount indicates that it is made in a very cheap injection mold (having worked in the molding industry for years, the Viking mount is one of the worst molded parts that I have seen). I recommend examining one closely before buying to see if you can live with the appearance (it is apparent why they only cost $20). I got one and refused to mount it to my rifle.

Having said all of that, the Viking mount is functional and will do the job - just don't expect a finely made product.

**ST911** · 03-16-08, 10:19

Originally Posted by sonrider657

I recommend examining one closely before buying to see if you can live with the appearance (it is apparent why they only cost $20). I got one and refused to mount it to my rifle.

Having said all of that, the Viking mount is functional and will do the job - just don't expect a finely made product.

How does the appearance of the mount adversely affect performance?

Important points for the "fit and finish" crowd, but lost on the umpteen users out working hard with them.

**Erick Gelhaus** · 03-16-08, 12:12

Originally Posted by sonrider657

... The Viking mount secures the flashlight with set screws that dig into the flashlight body - you will scratch and/or dent your flashlight. ...

Having said all of that, the Viking mount is functional and will do the job - just don't expect a finely made product.

Uh, I'm not getting this. Its a flashlight mount for (theoretically) a fighting weapon. Who cares if it scratches or dents the light's tube? As long as it keeps the light on the weapon, I don't care if the tube gets scratched.

**RD62** · 03-16-08, 14:30

I sprayed my Viking mount and G2 with Aluma-Hyde FDE and like a spaz didn't let em cure enough before I remounted and tried them out. The paint is now worn in a few spots and the black shows through. Will their ugliness effect their performance?

Really though, I had some reservations about the mounts durability, but they thus far seem unfounded. It seems pretty durable fully assembled, and if I break it I'll only be out a few bucks and I'll pick up the new VLTOR mount which is similarly styled. Aluminum, thumb screws, squeezes the light and rail at same time so it probably wont F-up the light too bad. There is a picture here.

I don't know where you can get the thumb screws. They'd be neat, but I really don't take my light of and on very much. The light mounting screws do dig into the light, but it was already beat up when I put it in the mount. Works good though!

I also really like the 10:00 postion the mount puts my light in. Tight against the rail. I feel it helps reduce clearance issues when shooting around a barricade.

I don't have any experience with KZ products, but have had some issues with Botach in the past (I think most have). I think if you want to go with aluminum wait for the VLTOR other wise give the Viking a shot for $20.

-RD62

**Lengradde** · 03-16-08, 19:05

Cool, wasn't aware Vltor had a new mount. I'm guessing it will be a while before I can order it? Suddenly nothing else feels like an option anymore, as it seems to combine the best of the Viking Tactics mount with the best of the KZ.

Is there any chance you know the weight of it? As always, I try to cut down on weapon weight whenever possible.

**rhino** · 03-17-08, 02:34

After seeing my light fly downrange from more than one crappy light mount that failed to hold it properly, the fact that the Viking Tactics mount screw dig into the flashlight body a little is a bonus feature to me. When I fire my gun or throw it around, I know for certain that the light isn't going anywhere that the gun doesn't go.

Let's see:

It holds the light tightly, exactly where I want it.
It does not move.
It does not allow the light to leave the gun like a missile, or move at all.
It is very lightweight.
It is simple and easy to install/use.
It doesn't cost very much.

That's all I really care about. My level of concern over a few superficial, cosmetic scratches and dents is somewhere between the elevation of Death Valley and the level of my love and admiration for hippies.

**Jay Cunningham** · 03-18-08, 09:12

I think the VTAC w/G2 works great...

**Mantis** · 03-18-08, 10:58

I like how the Viking mount tucks the light in. No complaints here of its construction.
I got those YHM thumbscrews from:

Calvin Hall
BrightFlashlights.com
brightflashlights@gmail.com
(352) 732-2156