THANK GOD FOR GUNTECH!!! $40 and I'm squared away...at least as far as the handguard goes. It took two guys but they did it. Wish I had called them first. But back to the topic...
While there they also showed me this nice looking vfg with an integrated light and laser. They said it's the same company that makes the sig stoplite. $175 + uncle sams cut. It was kind of bulky and didn't seem like it would work well for the full forward position. Anyone have any experience with this thing?
I seen you already bought it, so please don't take this as me making fun of your rig - its honestly not my intention. I just want you to keep a few things in mind, especially if there is a return period.
I assume you are talking about the Crimson Trace VFG. Crimson Trace usually makes great gear, but AR gunners feel like the VFG was a miss. I'll go over the issues people have reported - and remember I am not trying to hurt your feelings or anything like that. I just seen you got it a week ago, so maybe you will see something that doesn't suit your needs if there is a return.
1. Lasers on Carbines have a limited role. There's different schools of thought. If you plan on putting a magnified optic, they are great for close quarter defense work though.
2. The problem with the CT VFG is that the laser isn't mounted on the reciever or free float handguard as most are. It is mounted on the plastic VFG. This causes the point of aim / point of impact to shift when any force is applied to the VFG.
3. The position of the light / laser wasn't well thought out. As someone here has mentioned, the best way to use a VFG is as more of a handstop. You want to use a split finger grip - your pinky and ring finger on the VFG with the middle and pointer tucked on the bottom of the handguard. The thumb can point forward or rest on top of the handguard. When you apply a good grip with the CT VFG on, you will block either the light or the laser - depending if you are right or left handed or shooting primary or support side. The ergonomics of the grip also don't allow a good use of a foregrip.
4. The durability has been somewhat poor since day one. TangoDown and other companies are using metal VFG for the added durability. That's not to say that plastic VFG are bad, it just seems like there have been a decent amount of reports of the CT version breaking.
5. The flashlight / laser is on the bottom. This is a real bummer when trying to shoot from cover. There's a good reason why Vickers and other top trainers are starting to mount pistol lights on the top rail in front of the front sight. Hint - its not because it looks cool....because it actually looks really goofy. lol. Another popular set up is an offset mount that you can reach easily with your support hand thumb when using a more traditional scout light.
6. Price. Given the price you listed, you probably didn't get the Crimson Trace version. If it is a copy then it is basicaly a copy of a not very well thought out platform. Depending on how much you value the laser, you could get a much better platform for the same price. A Magpul VFG and Streamlight TRL-1s could be bought in the same price range. There are some other scout style lights and the VTAC offset mount is very reasonably priced. The laser is a tricky area, since most people find the PEQ military grade series to be the only ones durable enough for a combat rifle's use - but they are in the $800 and up range.
7. Weight. A big reason lights and lasers are expensive for the high grade stuff is they are very light given how durable they are. This is another area where the laser should be given a second thought. Ounces make pounds, and sometimes a lightweight rig is the most important attribute to have. I would look at everything being hung off a rifle and decide what can be cut out to shave some weight.
Again, a laser on a carbine has a very limited purpose of use, but if you have one then you may want to consider keeping it. I've also assumed that you got the Crimson Trace version on a good deal. If not, then the durability issue could be even larger. Just keep in mind you can find a Streamlight TLR-1s with 160 lumens for about $100 and a Magpul VFG for $20. The light mounted at 12oclock is becoming a standard in defensive carbines.
And remember, I'm not hating on your gear or trying to get you upset. Quite the opposite. When I got into the AR platform, I wasted a lot of money. I soon learned that the "buy once, cry once" mantra often holds true. But in this case, I feel you could have a superior set up for the same amount of money - so I felt the need to pass on my knowledge.
If you are second guessing the purchase and there is no return, just make the most of it and list it on an Equipment Exchange. If you like the set up, great! It's your rifle and you should run it how you feel comfortable. It is important to look at what the top trainers or operators are doing though, because they have worlds of information.
I often don't give comments on gear selection because people will sometimes act like you just slapped their mother, but time to time I try to pass on things I've learned and picked up. I don't come on the AR portion of this site often, so if you have any more questions just send me a PM or Email. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions or help you with any other projects like your recent handguard replacement. Hell, if you live near me I can do it for you at no cost or lend you the tools and information.
Remember, YMMV. Take it easy!
Steve
