Recommended "set-up" for AR/ M4 rifles

[dink959]

Many thanks to P protective measures and cmshoot for all their thoughts and expertise on this thread. I've had a few of my thoughts confirmed, learned I was wrong about a few things, and got some really great ideas. The only problem I have now is figuring out how to finance a class to learn even more. Thanks for the free advice.

 

[DTW556]

To cmshoot and protective measures...

On the subject of lights, I recently finished up my build

(PSA 16" mid-length, stainless light weight profile barrel with 13.5" keymod rail, FailZero BCG and PSA EPT trigger, Mbus pro irons, and moe furniture) and have ordered a bcm mod 4 medium ch and bcm mod 0 stock (hate the wiggle in the moe). I'm trying to keep the gun handy and light, and have started looking at white light mounts in earnest lately. I already have a TLR-1 that I normally run on my glock 17 (thanks to protective measures for gently guiding me towards glock even though I was a firm hater in the past. Got over myself and really tried one in earnest, and found a RTF2 is one of my favorite handguns period now!) But have been looking at the setups where folks have been mounting a light similar to this (sure fire x300, tlr-1, etc...) in front of their front iron sight. What are your thoughts on this method? Should I still be looking into a direct keymod offset mount and a stand alone light like the streamlight protac or sure fire scout? I hesitate to move my front sight back, as I have the irons dialed in just like I want...


This is what I'm talking about if I didn't describe it properly

 

[cmshoot]

That's how I run my light. On both my DDM4 V1's, I mounted a Surefire X300 like in the picture you attached. The rocker switch allows the light to be operated with either hand.

 

[user 71]

To cmshoot and protective measures...

On the subject of lights, I recently finished up my build

(PSA 16" mid-length, stainless light weight profile barrel with 13.5" keymod rail, FailZero BCG and PSA EPT trigger, Mbus pro irons, and moe furniture) and have ordered a bcm mod 4 medium ch and bcm mod 0 stock (hate the wiggle in the moe). I'm trying to keep the gun handy and light, and have started looking at white light mounts in earnest lately. I already have a TLR-1 that I normally run on my glock 17 (thanks to protective measures for gently guiding me towards glock even though I was a firm hater in the past. Got over myself and really tried one in earnest, and found a RTF2 is one of my favorite handguns period now!) But have been looking at the setups where folks have been mounting a light similar to this (sure fire x300, tlr-1, etc...) in front of their front iron sight. What are your thoughts on this method? Should I still be looking into a direct keymod offset mount and a stand alone light like the streamlight protac or sure fire scout? I hesitate to move my front sight back, as I have the irons dialed in just like I want...


This is what I'm talking about if I didn't describe it properly

Not to say right or wrong but reducing the distance between the front and rear sight usually degrades your sight accuracy. Most wing shooters use a 26" or 28" barrel shotgun not because the extra 2-4" inches gives a better pattern but because it puts the front dot further from the rear sight than a 24" or shorter barrel.

Then again, the flip-ups are usually are backup sights anyway to a red dot or scope...

 

[DTW556]

Not to say right or wrong but reducing the distance between the front and rear sight usually degrades your sight accuracy. Most wing shooters use a 26" or 28" barrel shotgun not because the extra 2-4" inches gives a better pattern but because it puts the front dot further from the rear sight than a 24" or shorter barrel.

Then again, the flip-ups are usually are backup sights anyway to a red dot or scope...

You bring up the other reason I'm not 100% on board with that mounting method... And yes, I don't have an optic (yet) which is another thing to discuss entirely. Leaning towards saving up for a PRO, or maybe a vortex 1-4 with illuminated reticle

 

[cmshoot]

I'd be willing to give up 2"-3" in my BACK UP iron sights to be able to mount a light in that manner.

It's a moot point on the DDM4 V1, as the front sight is fixed and the rail extends past the front sight.

 

[cmshoot]

Both my DDM4 V1's are early models, before they had different "V's"....when I got them they were just called Daniel Defense M4's as they were the only model they made.

Green is my primary. Here's the modifications I've made:
-Surefire X300
-SEI Vortex flash suppressor
-Matech rear BUIS
-Aimpoint Micro T1 in a GG&G mount that incorporates lens covers
-RRA NM 2-stage trigger with KNS pin set
-Seekins ambi-safety
-Ergo grip
-BCM medium Gunfighter charging handle
-VooDoo Innovations BCG (LifeCoat finish and integral gas key)
-McFarland gas ring
-Blue Force Gear Vickers 2-point sling
-Tango Down Stubby VFG

Sorry for crappy iPad pic

 

[protective measures]

Many thanks to P protective measures and cmshoot for all their thoughts and expertise on this thread. I've had a few of my thoughts confirmed, learned I was wrong about a few things, and got some really great ideas. The only problem I have now is figuring out how to finance a class to learn even more. Thanks for the free advice.

You're welcome.
I appreciate how it has stayed positive & differing opinions have not been subjected to scorn or ridicule. Also it has been interesting to see all the different set-ups.

So much of my time in training classes is spent on defensive pistol I had forgotten how much I enjoyed rifles.... ARs specifically.

I'm not finished setting it up yet but here is the new S&W M&P Magpul 15-22 Sport w/ the slim M-Lok handguard.

When done it will mirror my primary for some use personally & for a loaner to really "good" wives, girlfriends, & daughters who want to shoot with their husbands, dads, or boyfriends w/o the recoil, muzzleblast, or expense of running a full power M-4.

In the past this approach has been a great way to ease some ladies into shooting rifles... or if nothing else let's them participate in an activity their "man" enjoys & have fun while doing it.

 

[protective measures]

I'd be willing to give up 2"-3" in my BACK UP iron sights to be able to mount a light in that manner.

It's a moot point on the DDM4 V1, as the front sight is fixed and the rail extends past the front sight. View attachment 639284

I read your earlier post about lighting positions & share many of your viewpoints... no big surprise there.
I've been experimenting w/ the 3:00 position for a few reasons.
I agree there are some good advantages to the 11:00/ 1:00 mount position but there is one thing I don't like about those positions. Sometimes the body of the light obscures my vision of the target/ threat area. Mostly an optic w/ a tall enough riser can clear the body of the light but not always.
I do really like the ambidexterous aspects of that method though.

 

[fattboyzz]

Thanks PM for starting this thread .

I have enjoyed the good input & sharing here