M4 with MH90 tube

[Turd_Ferguson]

I thought I'd give this a try, but it doesn't seem like the ground path works on this combination. Does anyone have any experience with what it takes to modify either tube to get these to mate up properly. I'd so love to run a Pila 12 volt M4. Would be handy me thinks. Any suggestions?

 

[Size15's]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

If I understand correctly you want to make a tube for six SF123As.

I suggest the LU20 with two A12's on the MH90.
Or
why not the M4 with two A19's?

However, I have no idea whether three Pilas are safe in series or whether there is a Lamp Assembly that can handle them.

I urge caution. Seek advice and take safety precautions.

Al

 

[wasabe64]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

I second the caution.

IIRC - PILA recommends that only two batteries be used in series. The total series voltage of three or more cells may cause problems with the charge/discharge protection circuit built into the PILA battery.

 

[Turd_Ferguson]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

OK, bad idea. I'm over it.

Is the LU20 the 12v lamp housing? As you can see there is an M50 attached to the MH90 so it will be attached to something. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin07.gif I just need the 12v lamp housing (I'll just run two Pilas).

Thanks Alastair. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Topper]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

I have used 3 Pila 168s in one of my M4's by adding 2 A19's has worked well for me so far. Caution is a good thing. My post is not intended to refute the caution at all, obviously
I do not point it at me when I turn it on I think the MN61 rates around 350 lumens so I tend to point it away from me. I honestly cannot state how long I have run that combo as in turn it on for a runtime test. I may try that but not tonight it is getting close to bedtime for me.
Careful is a good thing.
Topper /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Turd_Ferguson]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

Interesting. I've got a N62 in my head. Didn't plan on running it any longer than a minute or two at a time. Probably a really bad idea with an N62. Oh well. Doesn't quite work anyway. That MH90 body just doesn't match up with the M4 tube for some reason.

 

[Size15's]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

You can't screw the M4 into the MH90 because is was never designed to do so.

The "TailCap" threads are different from the WeaponLight "Lamp Module" threads. The TailCap threads are longer.

There are two main types of extender - those designed to screw between the housing and the TailCap (like the A19) and those designed to screw between the Lamp Module and the housing (like the A12).

Does this help answer your question?

Al

 

[Turd_Ferguson]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

Yes, that answers my question, but I have another. What is the part number for the 12v lamp housing? I need to order one.

Would that be the L120M?

 

[Turd_Ferguson]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

Ok, you can't just buy the lamp housing alone. You have to buy the whole assembly which is the LU20 which includes the housing, the lamps, and the bezel. Where's that jcciv when you need him? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Oh well. Thank you Alastair and wasabe64 for the warnings. And thanks to Topper for your candid answer. If you wouldn't mind, I'll send you an N62 if you'll see how long it takes before the whole thing blows up. I jooz kidding! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Size15's]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

SureFire does not sell or provide Lamp Module Housing Bodies on their own - only as part of the Lamp Module. Therefore, there is no part code for the Lamp Module Housing Bodies.

The "M98" Millennium Universal WeaponLight that uses four-SF123As features the LU20 Lamp Module. It houses two SF123As (the MH90 houses the other two).

The "L120M" is more complicated. In the "olden days" it was the Lamp Module with a 2.5" diameter TurboHead used by the 12PM/12ZM, with a Lamp Module Housing Body that held three SF123As. The Fourth was held in the A21 Universal Housing. This formed part of the LeopardLight which had scope mounting rings and a long cable tape pressure switch TailCap.
Four SF123As powered the N62 Lamp Assembly.

Now-a-days the LeopardLights use the M4 body and XMxx TailCap. However, some scopes/rifles have Picatinny rails so that the M98 can be used instead.

I'm not sure what the current L120M looks like. I would bet that there is no current L120M.

Certainly the LeopardLights are better built after discussing your requirements with a WeaponLights Specialist at SureFire.

Al

 

[Turd_Ferguson]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

The whole "modular" thing is quite confusing. Oh sure it's "modular" as long as you buy the whole light. I got some conflicting information when trying to order the LU20. It's not any easy concept for the phone sales folks and it adds complexity when it's back ordered. The 12 volt M98 series is apparently hard to come by. There are some slated for production so, hooray!

The easier solution would be just to purchase the M900AB which is readily available. It's not my favorite, though, because the vertical grip is rather large in diameter and uncomfortable for my hand. It's also not quite a flashlight when removed. My solution will be quite excellent when I get all the pieces. The key is the TangoDown vertical grip which appears 11 times in the 2005 Tactical Surefire catalog (but is never mentioned) along with the M982 with an N62 lamp and two Pilas. To top it off, I can incorporate the GG&G offset flashlight mount with an X200 for generally lighting needs. Should be great once I get it all together.

Oh and by the way, there is an internal part number for that lamp housing but it's not easy to get (but there is a price for it). Probably left over from a time when it was going to be a more modular system (or perhaps from a foreign catalog). In any case, it's on back order. I'm hoping I get it before I just give up and buy the M900AB (no Pilas, bummer).

p.s. Probably not a good idea to pound the Pilas with recoil. But, the plan is to be able to remove and use as a spotlight as well. Handy handy.

Here's a preview of the platform:

 

[Size15's]

Re: M4 with M50 tube

It is possible to order components of the Millennium Universal WeaponLights individually.

Lamp Module LU20 (for the M98)
Housing (MH90)
Mount (M49 or M50)
TailCap (XMxx or SW02 etc)

If you check out the SureFire (Guns'n'Ammo) CombatTactics magazines there is some feature and mention of the TangoDown Forgrip and railcovers with the cut-outs for the SureFire tape pressure switch.

I have a doubt as well about how the Pila's stand up to recoil.

My other doubt is how robust the mount is on the photographed weapon. I understand that mounting at 6 o'clock is not ideal for various practical reasons - resting/supporting; shooting from behind cover, bangs, drops, slams etc.

AR15.com has a dedicated forum for discussing such things. I don't have any practical experience myself.

Al