VFC replica of Surefire 310R Light for M1911s

[skyler8158]

I've wondered for years why no company replicated the old Surefire classic weapon lights...looks like VFC finally caught on. They've released 2 versions, one for TM M911s and another for WA M1911s.

 

http://www.airsoftglobal.com/product_info.php?cPath=510_669&products_id=13216

[Robinio]

Nice!

[intinerious]

The marui ones were sold out within a week in WGC. Would've bought it the first day it came out if I didn't have freakin exams to study

 

 

I haven't seen any other HK retailers (website) that have these in stock as well. So far only WGC and Airsoft Global (AG isn't HK right?) have them.

[kilo_64]

I'm a bit daft on pistol lights; but is this the unit that mounts without a lower rail???!

[Vercingetorix]

@Kilo: Yes.

 

This would come out right after I source a real one Still, its kinda neat to own something ~10 years old and legit.

 

Is it just me or is there no pressure switch mentioned any where in those descriptions or shown in those pictures? If they omitted it that would be pretty retarded, considering the side activation switches are a bit of a *badgeress* to engage constantly.

[intinerious]

@Kilo: Yes.

 

This would come out right after I source a real one Still, its kinda neat to own something ~10 years old and legit.

 

Is it just me or is there no pressure switch mentioned any where in those descriptions or shown in those pictures? If they omitted it that would be pretty retarded, considering the side activation switches are a bit of a *badgeress* to engage constantly.

 

From pics of the real SF and the VFC replica; they seem to have made 2 switches on the sides of the unit (a switch on one side). I'll hazard a guess that one of them is the momentary on and the other is constant on.

 

The real surefire one only have 1 switch on the unit...I guess that's the constant on? and the pressure switch would trigger the momentary on.

 

So basically VFC got lazy with making the switch and added their own modification onto their SF replica...so it's not a 1:1 copy of the real thing, which is a shame really, since almost all VFC products are a near 1:1 replica of the real stuff.

[Vercingetorix]

The real surefire one I have, which is one of the older, Laser Products branded ones, with the strip-style, rectangular pressure switch, has 1 switch on the unit/H10 housing itself, which can be activated by pushing either side (they are connected) and it is for momentary-on only, there is no constant-on function that I have been able to find, which is rather unfortunate.

 

Not sure how VFC designed theirs... Maybe I'll pick one up along with an Army MEU or something, someday, after I finally raise enough money to finish my current custom TM 1911.

[intinerious]

The real surefire one I have, which is one of the older, Laser Products branded ones, with the strip-style, rectangular pressure switch, has 1 switch on the unit/H10 housing itself, which can be activated by pushing either side (they are connected) and it is for momentary-on only, there is no constant-on function that I have been able to find, which is rather unfortunate.

 

Not sure how VFC designed theirs... Maybe I'll pick one up along with an Army MEU or something, someday, after I finally raise enough money to finish my current custom TM 1911.

 

Thanks for the clarification!

 

I'm planning to pick one up myself after my exams..so some days before or after Christmas. Hopefully other retailers would have them in stock by then.

 

How different are the dimensions of the TM 1911s and the WA ones? or is it just the mag catch is different between WA and TM? Seems strange to me that there would be dimension differences since both are meant to be accurate replicas of 1911s?

[Vercingetorix]

The real 610/310r should be a fairly drop-in fit on WA 1911s IIRC, as they are truly 1:1 scale. The SF 610/310r requires some heavy filing to fit a TM spec'd 1911, as IIRC the frame is a little wider and has some other dimensioning differences (nothing huge, but a few mm here and there is enough to seriously screw with the mounting of the unit), and you already touched on the slide stop differences.

 

I have a feeling these WILL come with pressure switches, its probably just one of those bizarre instances where an HK retailer omits something vital to a product from their product imagery (a la the initial release of the ACM Aimpoint T1s on EBB and DragonRed IIRC, which said nothing about including a high mount, but actually came with them bizarrely and awesomely enough).

 

And I did a bit of research to see if I was missing something with regards to the constant-on function of the real surefire models, and one of their models, I suspect the latest one before they shelved production of the H10 platform, did incorporate a constant on switch, but most of the examples I've seen or handled lack this feature. VFC cloned the ones without this feature as far as I can tell.

[intinerious]

The real 610/310r should be a fairly drop-in fit on WA 1911s IIRC, as they are truly 1:1 scale. The SF 610/310r requires some heavy filing to fit a TM spec'd 1911, as IIRC the frame is a little wider and has some other dimensioning differences (nothing huge, but a few mm here and there is enough to seriously screw with the mounting of the unit), and you already touched on the slide stop differences.

 

I have a feeling these WILL come with pressure switches, its probably just one of those bizarre instances where an HK retailer omits something vital to a product from their product imagery (a la the initial release of the ACM Aimpoint T1s on EBB and DragonRed IIRC, which said nothing about including a high mount, but actually came with them bizarrely and awesomely enough).

 

And I did a bit of research to see if I was missing something with regards to the constant-on function of the real surefire models, and one of their models, I suspect the latest one before they shelved production of the H10 platform, did incorporate a constant on switch, but most of the examples I've seen or handled lack this feature. VFC cloned the ones without this feature as far as I can tell.

 

Thanks for clarifying the WA/TM issue

 

I dunno about the pressure switch though....I don't think WGC would omit the switch in their pics, since they are a major retailer, and if the staff at WGC really forgot to include the switch then they must be pretty stupid. Then again I don't use their site often, so I dunno whether there had been other instances of stuff missing from their pics. If they have the pressure switch though, I'll be extremely happy; but I'm still hedging my bet that the VFC doesn't come with one and operates via the 2 side switches, one for constant on and the other for momentary on.

 

Did your research come across any SF light that looks exactly like the VFC one (with 2 side switches)? I think I've seen one for the M9, but not for the 1911. All the pics I've come across for the 1911 feature the pressure switch and one side switch. If VFC's light isn't an exact copy of the SF lights, then it'll reinforce my belief that the light doesn't come with the pressure switch.

 

I've got a friend that's going to gun street (where most of the HK airsoft retailers are) and I'll ask him to check out the WA light (since the TM one's sold out). If nobody has any more info about the light I'll make sure I update the info here

[Vercingetorix]

Well here are the two principal types I've found:

Mine (two sided switch, both are momentary, unless there is some nuance I haven't figured out or there is some intermediate model that looks the same or functions differently):

 

 

Newer/est version (with constant one and grip-screw secured slimline pressure switch prone to cracking):

http://www.opticsplanet.net/printable-surefire-weaponlights-colt1911.html

I believe it might have a constant on switch on the other side (hard to find a place that has pics of both sides), that looks like the switch seen on mine, not sure. But its clear that IS NOT the version VFC cloned. I guess we'll see when someone with the VFC one to hand chimes in on here.

 

Oh and to be a total shameless *bramston pickle*, heres a shameless plug for anyone who wants a holster for one of these (I have a left SF 6004 holster with no shroud for super cheap, PM me I can ship worldwide to)

[Gaffa]

Strange... Every time I click on one of their products it says "Product not found"... That's for a lot of the guns too.

[intinerious]

Well here are the two principal types I've found:

Mine (two sided switch, both are momentary, unless there is some nuance I haven't figured out or there is some intermediate model that looks the same or functions differently):

 

 

Newer/est version (with constant one and grip-screw secured slimline pressure switch prone to cracking):

http://www.opticsplanet.net/printable-surefire-weaponlights-colt1911.html

I believe it might have a constant on switch on the other side (hard to find a place that has pics of both sides), that looks like the switch seen on mine, not sure. But its clear that IS NOT the version VFC cloned. I guess we'll see when someone with the VFC one to hand chimes in on here.

 

Oh and to be a total shameless *bramston pickle*, heres a shameless plug for anyone who wants a holster for one of these (I have a left SF 6004 holster with no shroud for super cheap, PM me I can ship worldwide to)

 

That light is BEAUTIFUL

 

I didn't realise that your SF had 2 sided switch (always thought it was one sided). So maybe VFC made an accurate replica after all?

 

Maybe since the real SF light's pressure switch was prone to cracking and that the material used for the replicas are going to have the same problems (if not worst), VFC abandoned the pressure switch with the light?

 

Ah and I forgot to ask this: does the NOVA or PGC kit for marui MEU/1911 have the same dimension as real steel or are they marui spec? I'll throw a tantrum if I got the TM version of the VFC light, then get the NOVA kit somewhere down the road and realise they don't fit perfectly If the NOVA or PGC kits are 1:1 spec of real steel 1911s, then I'll get the WA light AFTER I get my MBK.

 

But then I'll have slide catch issues as well since the WA one doesnt work with the TM slides...argh.

[johny_blaze]

i've been waiting for a 310R replica for sooo long, hope they restock soon, it will be a great Christmas present

[Payne06]

Well, there goes the resell value of my REAL Surefire 310R.

[intinerious]

Well, there goes the resell value of my REAL Surefire 310R.

 

If VFC's replica isn't a true replica, then I doubt your 310R's value is gonna drop

 

Anyway, wouldn't those who wanna buy the real SF light want it more of a collector's / bragging item? I can only see the VFC being a 'skirmishable' light for non-railed 1911s but it won't 'replace' the real SF light

 

Since they're discontinued anyway, I wouldn't bring a real light to a skirmish...the glass doesn't hold up to BB impacts right? You won't be able to get a replacement if your real SF breaks

[Vercingetorix]

I cannot speak for NOVA kits, but the PGC M1911A1 kit is what I have, and it is NOT 1:1, as the light I have was pre-dremelled (I got it from a certain awesome UK airsofter on these boards) for airsoft-spec 1911s (specifically the guarder frame) and it fits perfectly on my PGC, if a bit rough. In fact, since I don't have the slide lock, its friction fit, and tight as hell (I had to put it in a vice and mallet it on ). Thus I am pretty sure they are all to TM's non- 1:1 spec. If you were to slim that area down to real sizing it would probably mess up the operation of the GBB mech.

 

Thanks for the nice words regarding the light, I love it.

[Bersy]

Ordered myself a TM 1911 one while they were in stock! can't wait until it arrives now i just need a holster to fit it!

[intinerious]

I cannot speak for NOVA kits, but the PGC M1911A1 kit is what I have, and it is NOT 1:1, as the light I have was pre-dremelled (I got it from a certain awesome UK airsofter on these boards) for airsoft-spec 1911s (specifically the guarder frame) and it fits perfectly on my PGC, if a bit rough. In fact, since I don't have the slide lock, its friction fit, and tight as hell (I had to put it in a vice and mallet it on ). Thus I am pretty sure they are all to TM's non- 1:1 spec. If you were to slim that area down to real sizing it would probably mess up the operation of the GBB mech.

 

Thanks for the nice words regarding the light, I love it.

 

Ah I see. I think the NOVA kit should be the same then if any changes to the dimension TM currently uses will affect the mechanism of the gun itself.

 

Actually I'm pretty stupid. I just realised (as I'm typing this) that the NOVA spring housing fits the TM frame, and as such the lower frame must be in TM specs to be wide enough to accomodate the spring housing..so the NOVA, PGC, Guarder and TM frames should have the same dimensions more or less.

 

Btw, UNCompany have them in stock now. They have a copy/paste mistake though; you'll find that the TM light is refered to as the WA light (hence 2 entries of the WA light in their front page).

[AliceHKfan]

iirc some Korean company made some replicas a while back but I bet the VFC one would be nicer

[catachan]

I got mine today, and i must say its really sweet! Its fitt perfect on my tm meusoc and are well build. There are no presure pad but there is a hole for it so it can easely be moddifed to have one. Will modify mine tomorrow.

[catachan]

Modification done!

[intinerious]

Modification done!

 

Nice!

 

Hm...mind doing a review of it and tell us how you did the mod? I'd like to do the same thing you did when I buy it after my exams

[SpecialistR]

And get some black rubber bands!

[intinerious]

And get some black rubber bands!

 

You know, I always wondered why the tape switch is taped to the grip...doesn't that mean when you hold your grip tightly you'll always be pressing on the tape switich?

 

I can see that catachan's method is to use the fingers on the right hand to hold it down for momentary light. But in my experience I always grip the 1911 very tightly and that includes my fingers. Also, another problem with the tape switch being on the grip is if you change hands, you'll need to either change your grip or you'll always turn on your light.

 

I'm planning to secure the tape switch (when I do catachan's mod and when I get the damn thing!) on the right hand side of the light so that it covers up the hole of the slide lock bar. By doing that I can turn the light on via my right hand's index finger when its off the trigger itself (It's harder to 'push' the slide switch that's already on the light and since I've got small hands, the slide switch would be hard to reach for me). If I switch to my left hand when I hold my 1911, I'll be using my right thumb to turn the light on since I'll be holding a high tang grip.

 

Catachan, I suppose your rubber band method is a temporary fix? As SpecialistR said, getting black rubber bands would look much better. Or get those grip covers so you can slip the switch into the grip