TLR-1 on AR railed gas block?

[tiamat]

I have a Streamlight TLR-1 that I was thinking of mounting on my AR-15 that has a railed gas block until I realized that the TLR uses plastic block adapters to fit various rails (1913, glock, beretta, etc).

I know that things like the plastic Magpul flip-up sights aren't recommended for use on railed gas blocks due to the heat, so I imagine this wouldn't be any different.

I'm pretty sure I've seen pics of other peoples' AR's with a TLR mounted on the gas block though - has anyone here done it and is it ok, or did it melt?

 

[Gordon]

On the bottom ?

 

[tiamat]

trying to find a pic on the net to show what I'm talking about.

edit: something like this:

 

[OpticsPlanet]

With the temperatures involved, I can't imagine that would be a Good Idea, but I'd be interested in the outcome if you try it.

I've read that gas blocks reach around 350 degrees. As you noted, Magpul specifically advises against the use of the MBUS due to distortion from the heat. Even if it doesn't melt or distort, I would be concerned about the batteries heating.

Mark H.

 

[tiamat]

Specs from Streamlight's fact sheet list operating temperature of the light between -40°F to +120°F, so I'm going to go out on a limb and say mounting one to a railed gas block is a bad idea and probably not covered under warranty either. time for a new approach.

 

[tiamat]

also wanted to add, Streamlight's instructions state that they rail keys are polymer, not plastic as I said in my original post. Not sure if that would make any difference, but I'm still not going to find out.

 

[MrCleanOK]

Polymer is just a fancy way of saying plastic. If you're just going to be poking varmints at night, you're probably okay. If you want to be that cool guy doing mag dumps at the range right after dark, I'd skip that.

 

[pintler]

As others have said, heat might be an issue.

I'd think it would depend on how you use the rifle. If it's intended for a defensive rifle, I'd expect the light would last through most likely defensive scenarios.

OTOH, if you take it to a carbine class and are doing mag dumps, I'd expect problems.

 

[strambo]

What is the role for the rifle? The way it is set up now with the magnified optic and bipod, why does it need a light?

 

[tiamat]

That's not my rifle in the pic, just a pic I snagged off the 'net to show what I was talking about.

Mine doesn't really have a defined role - it's just a 16" carbine with standard hand guard. Because it was a flat top, I did plop on a 3x9 scope I had lying around so I could have some method of aiming the thing so I guess that pic isn't completely different than what I have aside from the bipod. As it is today I'd say its just a plinker - I have several handguns and a few 18"-20" pump action 12 gauge shotguns that fill a Home Defense role.

 

[Inebriated]

I wouldn't put it directly on the gas block, but I'd have no problem mounting a Surefire 6PX/G2X to an HSP Thorntail offset mount.

That's what I use on AK's with Ultimaks, and heat becomes a non-issue.

 

[blue32]

I ran my TLR-1 off the magpul 2 piece guards with their rail section screwed in the 10 o'clock. If you run your left hand as support, your left thumb will find the switch naturally. Makes switching on for a few seconds while clearing a small room - then off so I don't back light my partner, very fluid.

 

[tiamat]

yeah, I mean really that is the crux of the problem - I know the gas block is not the ideal place for a light and it really should be hanging off a rail from the handguard. I just don't like the magpul handguard (and don't want to be like every other tom, dick and harry out there with one), and haven't found one that I do like that I'm willing to spend $300+ on.

Maybe I should just wear my Petzl headlamp LOL!