SF 500A - Good, Bad, Ugly?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - SF 500A - Good, Bad, Ugly?

Posted: 2/28/2006 3:09:32 PM EDT

For a duty carbine...

Wnat to keep the std forearm config, so am looking for something like the 500A. It is simple and clean to me. Will be getting rid of my M73 to go back to stock.

What are your experiences with this light?

Are there any others out there like this?

What are the down sides to this type of light?

Posted: 2/28/2006 3:58:35 PM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:
For a duty carbine...

Wnat to keep the std forearm config, so am looking for something like the 500A. It is simple and clean to me. Will be getting rid of my M73 to go back to stock.

What are your experiences with this light?

Are there any others out there like this?

What are the down sides to this type of light?

It is a good setup, but is on the pricey side. The other down side is that they trap heat well. I wouldn't worry about this to much though unless you run F/A a lot.

C4

Posted: 2/28/2006 4:00:02 PM EDT

[#2]

Good duty set-up. My dept. uses them. I have not heard any gripes. Check with Calvin at Brightflashlights on here for availabilty.

Posted: 2/28/2006 4:28:13 PM EDT

[#3]

Are they fatter than std carbine HG's? I have short fingers - will this be a problem?

Grant - no F/A. Send me a price the 500A (no led needed if cheaper). Thanks.

Posted: 3/2/2006 9:34:46 PM EDT

[#4]

I have a 500 B and love it. It's as bright as a spot light.

I like regular handguards and no exposed wires, so I went with it and havn't looked back. I agree with the clean look.

Fatter? Think M4 6920 style/size, not colt 6721 size. I don't have big hands fits me just fine though.

Heat? I 've been on these boards for a few years, people have ALWAYS said the 500 series traps heat. Why? I have no idea, guess 'cause the outer heat shield doesn't have holes in it. I've yet to experience/notice it. I don't have FA but have done 100 rd. beta dumps.

Anything else? The B takes 6 batteries and it a little heavy, my buddy has the 500 A his is a lot less nticeable weight wise.

Highly recommended.

Posted: 3/3/2006 4:29:12 AM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
I have a 500 B and love it. It's as bright as a spot light.

I like regular handguards and no exposed wires, so I went with it and havn't looked back. I agree with the clean look.

Fatter? Think M4 6920 style/size, not colt 6721 size. I don't have big hands fits me just fine though.

Heat? I 've been on these boards for a few years, people have ALWAYS said the 500 series traps heat. Why? I have no idea, guess 'cause the outer heat shield doesn't have holes in it. I've yet to experience/notice it. I don't have FA but have done 100 rd. beta dumps.

Anything else? The B takes 6 batteries and it a little heavy, my buddy has the 500 A his is a lot less nticeable weight wise.

Highly recommended.

Unless your running the gun REALLY hard (most likely on F/A) you wouldn't notice it.

C4

Posted: 3/3/2006 4:29:44 AM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:
Are they fatter than std carbine HG's? I have short fingers - will this be a problem?

Grant - no F/A. Send me a price the 500A (no led needed if cheaper). Thanks.

IM sent.

C4

Posted: 3/8/2006 3:14:22 AM EDT

[#7]

Are the LED's really worth it (functional)? There are used ones that do not have it and can save a little $

Posted: 3/8/2006 8:29:38 AM EDT

[#8]

I don't think the LED navigation lights are all that great. Once you light up, everybody knows you're there anyways, but some people like to use them. I've got a used M500 that I would be willing to part with for $200 shipped. Interested?

Posted: 3/8/2006 9:21:14 AM EDT

[#9]

Yes I'll take it - e-mail sent.

Posted: 3/8/2006 10:04:01 AM EDT

[#10]

I was running a M500A on my patrol rifle and decided against it due to the weight.

I switched to one of Grant's custom WG9D's mounted in the 6 o'clock position (w/std M4 hand guards). I like this set up much better. Still bright (9volt 105 or 200 lumens) but wieghs much less. It is also less than half the price.

Posted: 3/9/2006 3:36:23 AM EDT

[#11]

How waterproof/resistant are these?

Posted: 3/9/2006 8:09:43 AM EDT

[#12]

Just got my M500A with blue LED. It looks and feels great. It is slightly thicker (i think) than the standard Colt handguard for my LE6920. But I like the feel of the switches (no loose wires) and bright light.

If you are a LEO, Surefire gives LEO discount prices. h.gif

Posted: 3/12/2006 1:49:06 PM EDT

[#13]

I bought mine the first week they were available. $235.00 but it predates the LED navigation lights, battery housing cap or HA finish. Its still going strong, with only 1 LA replacement. Can make the rifle a pain to fit into may guncases though.

Posted: 3/13/2006 2:50:52 PM EDT

[#14]

votja - rec'd today. big +1

Anyway, this light is kinda of Glock ugly. But it is nice and I think will fit my need perfectly. The added weight is no biggie- just wish it were a tad smaller in circumference.

How wet can I get this thing before it craps?

Posted: 3/13/2006 6:35:14 PM EDT

[#15]

prefer the m900 myself, but if you like using the handguard, its really a decent sent up IMO. Doesn't get in the way of the right side vew over the handguard. Easy to operate. If you like go for it.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - SF 500A - Good, Bad, Ugly?

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