One thing that’s always bugged me (at least since the assault weapons ban expired in 1994) is that the bayonet lug of a 16″ AR-15 carbine is about as useful as tits on a bull. Even on a 20″ AR with full length hand guards, civilians never have much reason to fix bayonets short of saying “Well, look at that. It fits.”
But on the carbine, since the standard bayonet handle isn’t long enough to make it to the flash hider ring, I decided I would prefer to mount a flashlight on the lug. Turns out they do make an accessory that lets you do that, but this particular rail mount isn’t quite what the doctor ordered. I looked on the manufacturers web site, and it says it’s made to fit Colt lugs, and apparently not all AR-15 bayonet lugs are created equal.
I tried to fit it on by hand, and it wouldn’t go. Some tapping with a rubber mallet got it a little further, but still no good. I’m not going to pound the hell out of my AR. Drat. I guess I’ll have to figure out another way to mount the flashlight. I prefer standard A3 handguards, and need to be able to take acessories I keep for home defense off when I shoot matches. This would have been a good solution if it worked.
Hmm. I wonder if it would fit the lug to a Mossberg 590. Would be a cheap(er) way to get a light on the HD gun…
What about something like this? (http://www.crosstac.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/4ad4f0cf528112053225c3523421acf5.jpg)
err…I meant this
I just bought one of those little 1/2 inch weaver mounts. Drilled two holes in my handguards and used some screws/bolts to put it on handguard.
Elzetta makes a light mount which puts the light under the bayonet lug. It does not actually use the lug, AFAIK.
http://www.elzetta.com/
“One thing that’s always bugged me (at least since the assault weapons ban expired in 1994) is that the bayonet lug of a 16″ AR-15 carbine is about as useful as tits on a bull. Even on a 20″ AR with full length hand guards, civilians never have much reason to fix bayonets short of saying “Well, look at that. It fits.â€
I think someone will change their tune after the first zombie invasion….
I think I’ll be looking into the chainsaw lug at that point :)
That’s why midlength 16″ carbines are the way to go.
Regards,
Hey Sebastion, maybe a little machine work to loosen the tolerances would allow the mount to fit. Not really clear from your description just what is stopping the mount form going all the way on. Maybe a picture would help?
It’s something machining would help, but all I have is a Dremel tool. It would be tough to show in a picture, since it’s really that the thing is just a bit too small to fit nicely.
Sebastian – can’t you just mount this light on a Picatinny rail system on your AR carbine?
There are a lot of options, but I was looking for one that put the light in a place where it wouldn’t get in the way, and would allow me to keep my A3 handguards. I don’t like the rail handguards on ARs. I have one upper like that, but I don’t really dig it as much.
I bet Bayonet lugs have loose tolerances in what is permissible sizing. It is a shame that you can’t get it to fit because then you could put this on. http://www.laserlyte.com/New_Products/New_PB_1.html
Get a 16inch midlength gas tube system and the bayonet will fit. Besides it looks better than a 16inch carbine gas system.
So, is the groove too narrow for the mount to slide over the bayonet “T”?
I think that’s the problem yes. If I can dremel it a bit wider, it might fit fine. I definitely am not taking a dremel to the lug.
You have one of the dremel router tables? I think they have a small “T” slot router bit.
Small file might be enough.
I’m getting a page not found from midway, so I can’t take a look.
I’m looking at the about the same problem and your post was an answer to my thoughts. Wow, I was looking for that very thing. Then I read your review and started looking elsewhere. I think I’m going to get one of these.
http://www.outdoorbunker.com/TACTICAL_QUAD_RAIL_BARREL_MOUNT_FOR_RIFLE_p/(ncs-mbm-).htm
I plan to mount it in front of the sight. It doesn’t mount to the bayonet lug but then neither did yours. I’m not blowing a $50 on something that may or may not actually mount. They sell all kinds of mounts.
“One thing that’s always bugged me (at least since the assault weapons ban expired in 1994) is that the bayonet lug of a 16″ AR-15 carbine is about as useful as tits on a bull. Even on a 20″ AR with full length hand guards, civilians never have much reason to fix bayonets short of saying “Well, look at that. It fits.â€
So how about if you are a proponent of Maneuver Warfare as espoused by H.J. Poole?
The bayonet is extremely handy to civilians, even on a 16 inch barreled carbine, if one spends the requisite time required to learn to wield the rifle with a knife.
For more information, I’d suggest a reading of Poole’s “The Tiger’s Way”.