Who Has NV On Their HD Carbine?

**DWood** · 02-03-10, 18:01

In the 12 page thread "Bedroom M4's. How do you store yours?" there are lots of different conditions that members keep their HD carbine in; round in chamber, safety on, no round in chamber, hammer cocked safety on, etc........ I keep mine with chamber empty, hammer down, safety off...........

But that is not the question. I am fortunate enough to own decent NV (D-300, Gen 2 Mil Tube) that was available from Vic at Tactical Night Vision in a group buy at TOS a few years back. I mounted it on my HD carbine in a GGG mount recently and my question is, who is using night vision optics on their HD carbines?

Had this rig out in my backyard on a very dark night recently and the performance is outstanding. Four dogs could not hide no matter how dark the corner they were in.

The minimal clearance between the NV and Comp M4 does not allow use of the front protective cap for the NV tube. Assuming I don't accidently turn the unit on in bright light, is this OK for daily use. The gun comes out of the safe at night and goes back in when the sun rises.

SBR w/Aimpoint Comp M4 and NV

Close up w/ GGG mount

Surefire illuminator (need to change DD mount to a Viking Tactics to reduce profile)

**one** · 02-03-10, 18:46

I don't keep it on the gun regularly but I do have a PVS 14 in a QD weapons mount that I can slip on in a matter of seconds. I also have a Surefire M1 IR light in addition to the mini scout light. Again the M1 doesn't stay on all the time but is in a QD mount for ease of use.

I'm not sure if I'd run the 14 indoors or not, I've always just opted for the white light option. But I have put it on the gun many times to check the outside perimeter of the home over the years.

**tmanker** · 02-03-10, 21:17

Originally Posted by one

...that I can slip on in a matter of seconds.
I've always just opted for the white light option.

First of all, seconds can cost lives. I would use it or don't. Also, I agree with the white light option; If NV is necessary, it will require you to shoulder the weapon. You may be incapacitated in some way and shouldering the weapon may be physically impossible. There are so many what if's in a HD scenario. I personally go for the mossberg 500 cruiser for HD.

**one** · 02-04-10, 00:17

You're reading deeper into it than what I meant. If something occurs that warrants me grabbing the gun indoors then I doubt that the 14 would ever enter my mind as opposed to white light.

If I wanted to go outside and set up somewhere on a corner of the house and observe whatever situation then the NV would be more of a consideration given the time constraints and location of where any potential threat may be.

Couple of situations with a couple of options is all it is.

**DWood** · 02-04-10, 10:19

Originally Posted by one

Couple of situations with a couple of options is all it is.

My thinking exactly. I should have stated that my first choice for a HD situation would probably be my 870 with 00 LE Buck, which is always ready to go. If I thought there was an immediate threat it would be the gun I grab. The NV on the AR just gives another option. The NV dismounts very quickly with the GGG mount and I could put the AR in play easily without the NV.

I also am fortunate to have an early warning alert system made up of Golden and Labrador retrievers.

Part of the Early Warning System on R & R.

**DWood** · 02-04-10, 10:29

Originally Posted by tmanker

First of all, seconds can cost lives. I would use it or don't. Also, I agree with the white light option; If NV is necessary, it will require you to shoulder the weapon. You may be incapacitated in some way and shouldering the weapon may be physically impossible. There are so many what if's in a HD scenario. I personally go for the mossberg 500 cruiser for HD.

My AR is not my only HD gun. My SBR, shotgun and Glock 35 are all easily accessible as I get out of bed and each has its own light. I have several handguns staged at locations throughout the house (no kids, no problem) since an inntrusion can happen at any time. Dogs bark at any movement in the yard so I should have time to get to a gun.

Just trying the NV out. I can move quickly through the house with it in the total darkness. Maybe it is not the best option and maybe it should come off.