S&W Sport II - assistance in mounting a light needed + Optic recommendations

[sgt244]

Good evening,
I have never mounted a flashlight onto any AR before, but the time has come, and I'd like you guys to help me out if possible.

I have a modlite plhv2 that I'd like to mount on my rifle...
I would like to mount it as seamless/clean as possible.
I would also like a pressure pad/switch so I can actuate the light without moving my hand from it's grip on the rifle.

Attached is a picture of how my rifle looks currently.

Could you guys give me my best option for being able to mount both a light switch / and light to the gun. I don't mind if I have to spend some money on stuff. I just need you guys to tell me exactly what I need and how to go about it. (Such as links or names of the items I need to buy etc.)

Again, I'm not afraid of spending some money to do so... I just don't know where to start / how to go about doing this.

Any and all advice is more than welcome, thanks.

P.S. thinking about putting a red dot on the gun. I was looking at the Eotech xps3, would anybody object to that or advice me to look at something else?

 

[wvpv]

UTG has a drop-in handgrip that works with an A2 front sight. Something like that might work for the Sport II -- at least according to the Q&A on OP.

A grip like that should give you the M-Lok options for mounting a light. I bought a used Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X 1000 off of eBay. Worked out great.

 

[bamashooter]

It'd be much easier and provide more options if you unass that handguard for another (rail - type) which is more receptive to accessories. I would recommend going with a M - LOK compatible handguard.

 

[CGhelofxr]

Get a magpul hand guard then most of your problems are fixed.

 

[sgt244]

Get a magpul hand guard then most of your problems are fixed.

Okay, so magpul hand guard, then what type of mounts would I need to buy / any switch for the light they all are compatible with magpul ?

 

[CGhelofxr]

Okay, so magpul hand guard, then what type of mounts would I need to buy / any switch for the light they all are compatible with magpul ?

Picatinny slot rails….they’re both older will mount in the slots on the hand guard. Probably need a 3 or 5 slot rail for the light. The light switch can be Ty-wrapped to the hand guard.

The rails should be near the hand guard at the store or if ordering online they may be “recommended” when added to your cart.

 

[bamashooter]

While you ask questions here which is fine and dandy, I advise you to conduct some additional online research. Youtube is a good place to start.

 

[WR Moore]

Mag-Pul makes several short poly rail sections you might be able to mount to your current hand guard. BUT the current handguard is tapered and unless the rail section is parallel with the barrel, your light isn't going to point straight ahead. Mag-Pul also makes replacement hand guards that aren't tapered and have slots where you can easily attach rail sections.

Now then, gun mounted lights are used for target/threat identification. NOT for searching. Also, mega power and multi-features are over rated. You want the light to go on and off. Period. Inside structures, reflected light from excess power can illuminate you. For quite awhile, I used a Surefire light (300 lumens?) with a push button cap mounted to the rail section by a GG&G ring mount. Streamlight TLR-1s are also a good choice. I've got several of those from 100 lumens up.

Aimpoint originated the RDO. Their PRO (patrol rifle optic) may not be stylish but it's rugged, high quality and an excellent value. Go with the 2 MOA dot. (I've had a 3000 for 40 years, a PRO for less time.) No more than 3 MOA if you go with other brands. I personally wouldn't buy Eotech.

 

[sgt244]

Mag-Pul makes several short poly rail sections you might be able to mount to your current hand guard. BUT the current handguard is tapered and unless the rail section is parallel with the barrel, your light isn't going to point straight ahead. Mag-Pul also makes replacement hand guards that aren't tapered and have slots where you can easily attach rail sections.

Now then, gun mounted lights are used for target/threat identification. NOT for searching. Also, mega power and multi-features are over rated. You want the light to go on and off. Period. Inside structures, reflected light from excess power can illuminate you. For quite awhile, I used a Surefire light (300 lumens?) with a push button cap mounted to the rail section by a GG&G ring mount. Streamlight TLR-1s are also a good choice. I've got several of those from 100 lumens up.

Aimpoint originated the RDO. Their PRO (patrol rifle optic) may not be stylish but it's rugged, high quality and an excellent value. Go with the 2 MOA dot. (I've had a 3000 for 40 years, a PRO for less time.) No more than 3 MOA if you go with other brands. I personally wouldn't buy Eotech.

Thanks for all of that information!

I was able to find something like this that looks like it will work with my current hand guard… which is ideal since I don’t necessarily want to start changing too much of the rifle itself. This thing has great reviews and been around for a while… think it might be a good solution.

 

[WR Moore]

Ah, the front sight on an AR is also the gas block. I'm not sure how high up on the tower the heat can go, but I do know that wrapping a nylon sling around the gas tube below that light will melt the sling. No clue as to how many rounds that takes.

 

[sgt244]

Ah, the front sight on an AR is also the gas block. I'm not sure how high up on the tower the heat can go, but I do know that wrapping a nylon sling around the gas tube below that light will melt the sling. No clue as to how many rounds that takes.

Yes I havn't added a sling just yet, but would like too... Any ideas of which sling would be a good option?

Also, I have heard really good reviews of the light mount, with no complaints or issues in terms of heat damaging any light etc.

Apparently, they are used by law enforcement agencies. etc. So I'd assume they'd need to be vetted / tested beforehand.

With that said do you object to mounting it this way? ... I havn't seen anything that would say it's a bad idea yet.

 

[WR Moore]

Well, the two big questions are if you can easily operate the light in that position with either hand and does it block your vision? Low cost and/or kool factor can make a surprising number of decisions. As can what the vendor can do for the purchasing dude/dudette. You know what they say about the word "assume". I'm right handed and my light is on the left side of the handguard so I can run it with my left hand. If I switch shoulders, I can still do it by reversing my right hand so the thumb/index finger is closest to me.

Clint Smiths book Urban RIfle 2 is worth the price for wide ranging advice. I don't buy all of what he says, but it's worth the price. Search his name or Thunder Ranch. He makes good points about slings.

Slings are a personal matter. I prefer a simple, but sturdy 2 point sling, but I rig it based upon my training and experience. As a general principle, avoid the wonder slings named after someone/someplace.

 

[McChemist]

Picatinny slot rails….they’re both older will mount in the slots on the hand guard. Probably need a 3 or 5 slot rail for the light. The light switch can be Ty-wrapped to the hand guard.

The rails should be near the hand guard at the store or if ordering online they may be “recommended” when added to your cart.

Get a magpul hand guard then most of your problems are fixed.

Definitely. The hand guard that comes with the SII does not have a heat shield or at least mine didn't. You don't have to send many rounds downrange before the stock guard will get too hot to hold.

 

[Fishinfool]

Here is another option you might want to try. I have an older Bushmaster M4 that I did not want to change furniture on, but wanted a light.

I Installed a 2 inch section of picatinny rail on the bottom, center of the foregrip with 2 screws. Then attached a quick detach Streamlight weapon light that is compact, powerful, and operates with a paddle switch that falls in good alignment with the hand. A nice, compact system that works well. A pressure pad is available and can also be used if wanted. I push the front sling mount out of the way and use a front sling swivel that attaches to the front sight post.

TLR® Flashlight Series | Streamlight®

Streamlight's TLR® Series. Mighty and bright, TLR weapon lights are built to be lightweight and low-profile: discover the perfect flashlight and aiming laser for your pistol, handgun, or full-sized weapon.

www.streamlight.com

Larry

 

[sgt244]

Here is another option you might want to try. I have an older Bushmaster M4 that I did not want to change furniture on, but wanted a light.

I Installed a 2 inch section of picatinny rail on the bottom, center of the foregrip with 2 screws. Then attached a quick detach Streamlight weapon light that is compact, powerful, and operates with a paddle switch that falls in good alignment with the hand. A nice, compact system that works well. A pressure pad is available and can also be used if wanted. I push the front sling mount out of the way and use a front sling swivel that attaches to the front sight post.

TLR® Flashlight Series | Streamlight®

Streamlight's TLR® Series. Mighty and bright, TLR weapon lights are built to be lightweight and low-profile: discover the perfect flashlight and aiming laser for your pistol, handgun, or full-sized weapon.

www.streamlight.com

Larry

View attachment 774764

Very creative!

 

[CGhelofxr]

Now for optics....first consideration is your budget. Are you thinking scope or red dot ? For me history has shown a return to red dots.

 

[sgt244]

Now for optics....first consideration is your budget. Are you thinking scope or red dot ? For me history has shown a return to red dots.

Willing to spend up to $1,000 … thinking red dot over a scope.

Tough ideally I’d like to spend no more then $650 if possible… I could flex up to $1,000

I want a really substantial piece of equipment that’ll hold up over time and be able to use for many years to come and not have to baby it…

 

[CGhelofxr]

Willing to spend up to $1,000 … thinking red dot over a scope.

Tough ideally I’d like to spend no more then $650 if possible… I could flex up to $1,000

I want a really substantial piece of equipment that’ll hold up over time and be able to use for many years to come and not have to baby it…

You can find good deals on Aimpoint and/or Eotechs. Check the classifieds here and Gunbroker there are deals just got to be patient.

 

[McChemist]

The choice in red dot/scopes depends on the intended use-competition, hunting, HD, plinking. I fall in the HD-plinking category. I put a Sig Romeo5 Gen 1 and Magpul backup sights. The Romeo has a shake awake feature that allows instant on and inactivity timeout that greatly improves battery life. And I don't have turn on and then remember to turn off. If your useage is more serious, the your equipment needs to be higher performance to match ($$$$).

 

[Abnormal]

Here is another option you might want to try. I have an older Bushmaster M4 that I did not want to change furniture on, but wanted a light.

I Installed a 2 inch section of picatinny rail on the bottom, center of the foregrip with 2 screws. Then attached a quick detach Streamlight weapon light that is compact, powerful, and operates with a paddle switch that falls in good alignment with the hand. A nice, compact system that works well. A pressure pad is available and can also be used if wanted. I push the front sling mount out of the way and use a front sling swivel that attaches to the front sight post.

TLR® Flashlight Series | Streamlight®

Streamlight's TLR® Series. Mighty and bright, TLR weapon lights are built to be lightweight and low-profile: discover the perfect flashlight and aiming laser for your pistol, handgun, or full-sized weapon.

www.streamlight.com

Larry

View attachment 774764View attachment 774786

Lose those hand guards. They are complete crap with no heat dissipating use. Get some of these. They are cheap and made from billit aluminum. Both my Sport II's have them. Attach all sorts of options. Mine are over-scoped (eyes not so good now) with 10-40x56 scopes for that "up close and personal view. https://ar15discounts.com/products/aim-sports-m4-carbine-quad-rail-black/