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Posted: 3/11/2005 8:15:37 PM EDT
| To begin with here's some information. I have a 16" M-4 style weapon. A LaRue 7.0 handguard will be on the way. Which light would you prefer, the M900 series (including all those with the built-in vertical grip) or the M95-96, etc. style which are side mounted. I've read alot of topics concerning this. Some have spoke about bumping into walls with side mounted lights. So, they opted for the M900-style with the vertical grip. Also, would you go with the throw lever or double thumbscrew attachment? If I do not go with the vertical grip light I am going with a Tango Down grip for attachment of a pressure pad for the light. The weapon will be used for firearms qualifying ( shooting using iron sights (LMT BUIS)/Aimpoint ML2 out to 100 yards). Also consider building searches. |
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I have a M961 with an XM06 switch and pressure pad. It has an ARMS throw lever mount. I also have the Tango Down Vertical grip that the pressure pad is attached to. The light is mounted on the right side. I'd mount it underneath at 6:00, but that is where my laser is so that I only need to worry about elevation, and not windage on my Laser POA/ POI. I love this light! I have a Surefire, Red "Flip Open" Filter on it for when I wnat to navigate or not be so "Visible" as the 9V White Light is very bright. Some opt for the 6V version, but I think it's a little too low on the Lumens scale, especially outdoors. Just not quite enough light IMHO. The ARMS mount is pretty solid on this unit. Can't say the same for other ARMS throw levers. If you don't need QD...I'd opt for the thumbscrews for added rigidity. Tack |
I am not a HUGE fan of the M900A for several reasons. It is heavy, long, expensive and if the VG snaps you have lost your grip AND your light. It is also harder to shoot over barricades (cars) without exposing more of yourself than you most likely want to! If this is the light you want then get the M910A. It is cheaper and has a much stronger mount. I prefer the M962C/M961C/M962XM07 or the M961XM07. I would mount ANY of these on the 9 rail and use my left thumb to activate the push tailcap. C4 www.gandrtactical.com M962XM07  M961XM07  M962C 
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| I don't know...I really love my issued M900AB-RD. I haven't had the slightest problem with it. It doesn't lock up as tight with the ARMS throwlever as I like (eagerly awaiting a LaRue lever for it). It is also handy to be able to take it off your weapon quickly because of the throwlever and use it as a handheld light for detailed searches after one of the Detectives "borrows" your handheld SF and disappears with it. I also modified mine slightly by putting some pliable wire through both of the rubber caps for the LEDs and running it through the rails so they don't get lost. |
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While the M900/910A is great light I would have to choose the M95/M96XM variant because they're much more adaptable to a users needs IMO. I also think having the XM tailcap with the push button would be a benefit in training because students can learn both tapeswitch use and push button activation. As for whether to go with 6v or 9v and what mount... the mount choice is less of an issue IMO, for cost savings the thumbscrew mount will function just fine as long as you fully tighten it. The ARMS will be quicker and less likely to ever loosen but the cost is about $50 more. For CQB purposes with ranges under 50-60 yards the 6v M95 series is certainly adequate. If you need to extended the range beyond 50 yds. then a 9v system is more ideal. |
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I'm the redheaded stepchild of the group and prefer the M500 series for my defensive carbines and skunk rifle. I also like the M962 a lot too. For me, freefloating isn't necessary and I don't care for vertical foregrips, so the self contained convenience of the M500 is perfect. The internal dual heatshields can be removed and reconfigured, and the LED running lights are nice too.  |
You and everyone else! The LaRue Tactical SF replacement mounts sold out in one day.  No to fear though, I have more on order....C4 www.gandrtactical.com |
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I currently have both (M910A Rd and M961). I will probably never use them in any real-world encounter but I will throw out my two cents on a couple of small niggly issues... 1) My gunsafe is really full and mounting a light on the side makes it take up two "spots" and it's hard to get in/out. In other words, the width is a problem. (Or the size of my safe!) Also it makes soft-sided cases bulge out in odd ways that go against the "discreet" design. Of course you could take it off... 2) Using the M961 on the right rail makes shooting over barriers a little easier, but makes shooting around a righthand corner harder. Tradeoffs either way. 3) With the M961 and a TangoDown VFG you can carry a spare set of batteries on the gun (in the TD grip). With the M900 you would have to store them somewhere else (stock?) My MIAD only holds two... 4) Having the master on/off switch for the M900 on the bottom seems like an odd choice especially since it's such a long grip. I could imagine going prone and then finding the switch moved to the off position. Fortunately my 30rd mags with Ranger Plates are longer for those "makeshift bipod" moments. 5) The TangoDown grip has a slight wiggle to it on my Troy and Samson forends. The M910 locks up perfectly tight. I have a MRP on order, maybe the TD grip will fit better on it. 6) Weight -- I hadn't really noticed it until the issue was raised, but yes -- the M910 seems slightly heavier than the M961 + TangoDown + 3 spare batteries. Which isn't really an apples/apples comparison since the TD grip battery storage results in twice the runtime. Without the spare batts in the mix the M900 would be significantly heavier. |
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