[Langenator]

I'm in the process (slow process) of optimizing my 870 for home defense. First step was adding a pistolgrip buttstock. Next step (once I get the $$) I think will be to add some sort of taclight. My experience with MOUT training in the army has shown me that, for me at least, the best place for the light "trigger" is on the foregrip.

So far the best looking thing I've seen is the Surefire 618FA, with the light integrated into a replacement foregrip. My unit at Ft Lewis has had overall excellent experience using Surefire lights on their M4 rifles, so I'm looking at getting one of these. Anyone out there have any opinions they could share on this item?

Also, I recall an article in the Aug 2001 G&A where they tricked out an 870. For their "dream gun" they attached a Surefire M900 (integrated light and vertical foregrip) to an add-on foregrip with accessory rails on it. The M900 is out of my price range at $450, but I'm still interested in where they got the foregrip with rails on it.

[Jeff White]

We have the SureFire forends on the 870s at work. They work fine. There is one problem with them on the 870s. They can overlap the receiver and pinch your finger. It's easily fixed with a little trimming on the fore end.

HTH
Jeff

[WJR]

I have the Surefire 618 FA and I think it is great. I did not own a Surefire light prior to purchasing this a few months ago and it is unbelievably bright. It is much brighter to my eyes than all of my Mag Lights.

WJR

[RKCheung]

Anybody have any experience with the fore-end light that Wilson Combat / Scattergun Tech sells on their website?

[Poohgyrr]

I have the Wilson unit on my 870P. I've handled the Surefire and think I like it better, but have not shot or carried it.

No real complaints with the Wilson, except for the cheesy stickon metal covering plate that is supposed to cover the rear part of the light pressure switch (so you don't activate the switch when you don't mean to). The sticky tape doesn't work and the plate falls off. Then if I hold the fore end with all four fingers (left hand) wrapped under and onto the right side of the fore end, I activate the light switch without meaning to.

This "problem" goes away if I point my left index finger alongside the barrel, pointing toward the target. Then my other fingers don't activate the switch unless I make an effort to do so. This is how some folks train anyway, and I just do it this way now.

Not really a problem, but I expected more ;)..........

[art_vandalay]

I have the 918FA on my 870. It takes a 9 volt battery instead of the 6 volt that the 618 takes. This makes the front a little heavier than it would be with the 618, but the extra brightness makes up for that.

[Langenator]

Thanks for the helpful reviews folks. I actually didn't even know Wilson made one.

A little rooting around indicates that Wilson wants $215. I can get the Surefire on Gunbroker for $179 http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=12612865

Now I just have to be good for another month so my wife will let me buy one....

[WJR]

Definitely get the Surefire. $ 179 is a good price. I paid around that for mine.

WJR

[laynlow]

Product Wizard sells the 6V surefire for 168.00, and he has a good reputation.

http://www.productwizard.com/suweli.html


Sableco sells the 918FA version that is roughly twice as bright as the 6V 618FA for 186.00.

http://www.sableco.net/store/index.php?cPath=86_87_135

[RKCheung]

Jeff,

Will the Surefire light interfere w/ a 6-shot side saddle?

[Blain]

From Surefire's Website,

Remington 870, 9volt Millenium Series, w/ Momentary and constant on switching (SF918FA)
This replacement forend includes a built-in nine-volt tactical light with an upgraded 1.625" Millennium Series military specification Type III hard-anodized bezel/lamp assembly with Pyrex lens. Two separate switches are integrated into the forend: a pressure sensitive activation pad for momentary light use and a constant On/Off rocker switch. A MN10 high-output lamp assembly is standard, providing 125 lumens of light for one hour. The optional MN11 ultra-high output lamp assembly can also be installed, boosting output to 225 lumens for 20 minutes of runtime.
SureFire Integrated Forend Shotgun WeaponLights feature a shock-isolated bezel/lamp assembly and a machined barrier between the lamp and battery stick to prevent the battery stick from slamming into the rear of the lamp during recoil. Batteries within the battery stick are separated by a fiber washer and held within a plastic sleeve as further insurance against recoil-related failure.



Wow.....sounds much better than the 618F flashlight I currently have on there. I wonder, though, how much do you think I could sell my old flashlight for if I wished to upgrade to the newer light system? Also, do you think the MN10 lamp would be better, or the MN11 lamp?

[shadow 1]

Yup, if you can swing it, invest in the Millenium Series from Surefire. I have one on my 870 and I really like it better than the 618. Not saying the 618 is not good, I used mine for 3 years before upgrading after saving my pennies for a few months and skipping a lunch here and there.

It's just the Millenium series is alot tougher than the rest of them.

[Blain]

What is the resale value on the 618f?

[Langenator]

AZ Gunrunners has the Surefire 918 for $201.60. Productwizard doesn't appear to offer the 918, just the 618, for $169.95.

Is $201 a good deal for the 918?

[laynlow]

Scroll up and read my post. I gave a link to sableco. They are selling the 918 for 186.00.

As for me, I intended to buy the 918, but I found a 618 for 160 even at the Tulsa Wannamakers gun show. I went ahead and grabbed that one. Since this is not a duty shotgun, the most likely time for me to need the weapon light is after I have been startled from sleep. I don't think I want a super bright light at that time, it is just as likely to hinder as help.

My 870 PM is now finished all except for a barrel vacation in Arizona. :D

[Jeff White]

RK,
I don't know about the sidesaddle. I seem to recall hearing something about that, but I can't say for sure. I'll make a couple calls and see if I can find out.

Jeff

[laynlow]

The surefire forend does not interfere with my 6 shot TacStar side saddle.

[RKCheung]

Thanks Jeff and laynlow. Looks like I'll be getting the Surefire.

[Langenator]

SF918 was ordered last night from SableCo. Thanks ya'll.

[laynlow]

That's a great forend. Enjoy.

[Langenator]

I just hope I only ever have to use it for practice.

[Speed Racer]

Does anyone know the weight difference between the 918 and the 618?
Or, can you describe if the two front ends "feel" different?

No weight description on the Surefire website that I can find.

Thanks.