NousDefionsDoc
11-07-2005, 15:42
Introduction
We recently received the Surefire ® Model 600 Kit 01 6v Scout Tactical Light System (light) and Surefire® M73 rail system for testing and evaluation (T&E). The kit was offered and accepted with no compensation other than that the team would keep the kit following the T&E. No member of the team had or has any business relationship whatsoever with Surefire®.
Conditions
The kit was tested during training conditions in a country with one of the longest running insurgencies in the world. Testing was conducted by a variety of personnel and under conditions ranging from arms room (assembly) to marksmanship range to shoothouse. In addition, the light was used for approximately 4 weeks as one Operator’s primary weapon light. Weather during the testing period ranged from hot to inclement. Average altitude for testing areas was approximately 2,500 meters.
The test team included former and current Special Operations Forces Operators and Law Enforcement personnel. Assembly was conducted by host nation support personnel.
Test weapon was a new model M4 carbine. The carbine had a KAC vertical foregrip and Surefire® M73 rails installed.
Operations included marksmanship range, shoothouse, movement by vehicle and short range patrolling in mountainous terrain.
Results
Overall, the test team was very impressed with the Surefire® Model 600 Kit 01 6v Scout Tactical Light System and the M73 rail system. The system performed with the same degree of reliability we have come to expect from all Surefire® products. We really appreciated the light weight in comparison with our standard light system – the Surefire M951C. The illumination was more than sufficient for our operations, at 65 Lumens. We also liked the smaller form factor. With the requirements for weapon add-ons increasing seemingly daily, lighter weight and smaller form factor are significant factors.
Assembly
We allowed host nation armorers to install the system in order to evaluate complexity. They managed to properly and completely install the light in approximately 10 minutes following the instructions in a second language and one comment from an Operator.
The provided hardware allowed for mounting the light system with no alterations required on the weapon.
The lock up on the rail system was outstanding – rock solid.
The M73 Rail System proved easier to install than the similar KAC system.
Use
The light system performed very well under all conditions. Illumination was outstanding. The tape switch was easy to manipulate, even when the weapon was held in awkward positions. The beam was in line with weapon and sights. No problems were encountered during ancillary operations such as searches and prisoner control.
The system remained rock solid after numerous shots fired and even being bumped into walls and doorways a time or twenty.
Areas for Improvement
The only recommendation we have is that the Operator should use a VFG with a tape switch cut out, as the recess in this foregrip will facilitate use of the tape switch and help protect the switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we highly recommend the Surefire® Model 600 Kit 01 6v Scout Tactical Light and M73 Rail System without reservations. Like all Surefire® products we have used, it is excellent kit. In fact, Surefire® are the only lights we use.
*Photos courtesy of kgoerz
We recently received the Surefire ® Model 600 Kit 01 6v Scout Tactical Light System (light) and Surefire® M73 rail system for testing and evaluation (T&E). The kit was offered and accepted with no compensation other than that the team would keep the kit following the T&E. No member of the team had or has any business relationship whatsoever with Surefire®.
Conditions
The kit was tested during training conditions in a country with one of the longest running insurgencies in the world. Testing was conducted by a variety of personnel and under conditions ranging from arms room (assembly) to marksmanship range to shoothouse. In addition, the light was used for approximately 4 weeks as one Operator’s primary weapon light. Weather during the testing period ranged from hot to inclement. Average altitude for testing areas was approximately 2,500 meters.
The test team included former and current Special Operations Forces Operators and Law Enforcement personnel. Assembly was conducted by host nation support personnel.
Test weapon was a new model M4 carbine. The carbine had a KAC vertical foregrip and Surefire® M73 rails installed.
Operations included marksmanship range, shoothouse, movement by vehicle and short range patrolling in mountainous terrain.
Results
Overall, the test team was very impressed with the Surefire® Model 600 Kit 01 6v Scout Tactical Light System and the M73 rail system. The system performed with the same degree of reliability we have come to expect from all Surefire® products. We really appreciated the light weight in comparison with our standard light system – the Surefire M951C. The illumination was more than sufficient for our operations, at 65 Lumens. We also liked the smaller form factor. With the requirements for weapon add-ons increasing seemingly daily, lighter weight and smaller form factor are significant factors.
Assembly
We allowed host nation armorers to install the system in order to evaluate complexity. They managed to properly and completely install the light in approximately 10 minutes following the instructions in a second language and one comment from an Operator.
The provided hardware allowed for mounting the light system with no alterations required on the weapon.
The lock up on the rail system was outstanding – rock solid.
The M73 Rail System proved easier to install than the similar KAC system.
Use
The light system performed very well under all conditions. Illumination was outstanding. The tape switch was easy to manipulate, even when the weapon was held in awkward positions. The beam was in line with weapon and sights. No problems were encountered during ancillary operations such as searches and prisoner control.
The system remained rock solid after numerous shots fired and even being bumped into walls and doorways a time or twenty.
Areas for Improvement
The only recommendation we have is that the Operator should use a VFG with a tape switch cut out, as the recess in this foregrip will facilitate use of the tape switch and help protect the switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we highly recommend the Surefire® Model 600 Kit 01 6v Scout Tactical Light and M73 Rail System without reservations. Like all Surefire® products we have used, it is excellent kit. In fact, Surefire® are the only lights we use.
*Photos courtesy of kgoerz