Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Weapon Accessories’ Category

Picatinny – How It Really Works!

Monday, February 16th, 2026

This was shared by Spuhr on Instagram.

When the Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913) was originally designed, it was intended to use only the 45-degree angled surfaces for clamping and reference (highlighted in green on the drawing). The tolerance to the top flat surface was deliberately made very large.

Advantages of the original design (green surfaces):

• A QD mount can be attached and detached on a huge variety of rails with extremely tight control — total width tolerance is only about 0.1 mm!

• This makes the system very forgiving of manufacturing variations between different rails.

Disadvantages:

• The mount will always sit slightly canted depending on the exact width of the rail.

• For most practical purposes, this doesn’t matter at all… but it drives people with OCD absolutely crazy…

NATO’s recommendation since 2009 (STANAG 4694): Use three surfaces instead (highlighted in red): the two 45-degree sides plus the top flat as the primary reference.

Advantages:

• The mount will always sit perfectly straight and level

Disadvantages:

• In addition to the ~0.1 mm width tolerance, you now also add 0.25 mm tolerance to the top flat.

• That adds up to a cumulative tolerance of up to ~0.6 mm (0.024”).

• This works fine for screw-fixed mounts, but it’s a disaster for QD mounts — they become much harder to get consistently straight and repeatable across different rails.

What we do at Spuhr:

• Fixed mounts: We follow the NATO/STANAG recommendation (red surfaces) for maximum straightness and repeatability.

• QD mounts: We stick to the original Picatinny design (green surfaces only) to keep tolerance stack as low as possible and ensure compatibility with as many rails as possible.

The last picture shows one of our custom inspection fixtures for QD mounts — we use it to verify that they sit reasonably straight despite rail variations.

NATO really missed an opportunity by not tightening up that loose 0.25 mm top-flat tolerance — it would have made QD systems so much better!

StopBox Pro

Tuesday, February 10th, 2026

I ran across StopBox USA at SHOT Show. Founded with the mission of providing rapid access firearm security without reliance on electronics, it is a Spokane Valley, Washington-based manufacturer of innovative firearm safety and security solutions designed for responsible gun owners.

All StopBox products feature a fully mechanical design that requires no batteries, no electronics, and no biometric systems. This ensures consistent performance in any environment and eliminates common failure points found in traditional electronic safes. Every product is proudly Made in the USA using durable, impact-resistant materials.

The flagship product, the StopBox Pro, is a portable firearm retention device that provides secure storage while allowing rapid access when needed. It’s made from high-impact resistant glass-reinforced polycarbonate-ABS which is steel reinforced.

Offered in two sizes, its customizable mechanical combination system offers over 81 possible combinations and is designed to be child-resistant while remaining easy for the owner to operate. The StopBox Pro is commonly used for bedside storage, vehicle storage, and secure access throughout the home.

stopboxusa.com/products/stopbox-pro

Vickers Tactical Slide Racker for GEN3-GEN5 Large Caliber GLOCK Models

Friday, February 6th, 2026

TangoDown™ Inc. is pleased to announce the latest addition to the Vickers Tactical™ lineup: introducing the GSR-05 Slide Racker (see below for model compatibility).

The slide rackers have become a popular addition to various GLOCK® models.  All slide rackers offer serrated wings which allow for easier slide retraction when using a red dot optic and when non-ideal situations arise.  All GSR series parts are made of the same material as the OEM part.


Fits .45ACP/10mm GLOCK® with a 1.12 slide width.

Fits GEN3-5 GLOCK® models:  20; 21; 29; 30

MSRP:   $24

Color Availability:  Black

For more information, visit:   tangodown.com/vickers-tactical-slide-racker-gen3-5-glock

Customer Questions:  sales@tangodown.com

***Does NOT fit the following:  GEN5 models 22 and 23; GEN V or GEN6 models

***If you are not familiar with modifying your firearms, seek appropriate assistance from a Certified Armorer or Gunsmith.

Warbringer Detachable Tool System for Weapons Stocks and Braces from Lirces 3

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026


What it is

Developed by Lirces 3, the Warbringer is a modular quick detach striking tool system that works with buffer tube style weapons like the AR-15 and those like it and non-buffer tube weapons like AK47’s and other weapons that do not require a buffer tube. The Warbringer takes popular tools like Hammers, Tomahawks, Ice picks and more and converts the striking tool part into a weapons stock or brace that then attaches to 1 inch extension pieces for non-buffer tube weapons or a quick detach hollow buffer tube handle for weapons with buffer tubes.

Why

Traditional stocks and braces are designed to be light weight and are designed to make contact with the shooters shoulder or forearm for stability and can’t withstand any kind of real strike to targets, buildings or vehicles without severe damage. The Warbringer also is designed to make contact with the shooters shoulder or forearm for stability while shooting but also functions as a striking tool on or off the weapon. The Warbringer doubles in function over traditional stocks and braces and improves upon the weapons capabilities and application in emergencies by transforming a standard stock/brace into a removeable useable tool/weapon on or off the firearm. Lastly by detaching the Warbringer the shooter can save his host weapon from unnecessary striking damage that can ruin the weapon and attachments like optics and laser zeros required for accuracy.

Fit Function and Build Materials

The Warbringer is designed to work with weapons that have a buffer tube or weapons without a buffer tube to work with nearly all weapon systems.

Hammer Stock is made of (S7 Tool Steel)

Hammer Brace is made of (S7 Tool Steel)

Timing Nut is made of (416 Stainless Steel)

Extension Piece is made of (6061 Aluminum)

Hollow Buffer Tube Handle is made of (6061 Aluminum)

Strike Industries Folding & Release Adapter (6061 Aluminum)

Compatibility

AR-15, AR-10, AK-47, Pistol Caliber Carbine, Machine Guns, Designated Marksman Rifles, Assault Rifles, Pistols, Handguns, nearly any weapon system with or without a buffer tube.

Buffer Tube weapons – For use on Ar-15’s and all buffer tube weapons using standard mil spec buffer tubes, the Warbringer has cylindrical Hollow Buffer Tube Handle section with locking bar that fits over buffer tubes to allow adjustability in length for the buffer tubes predrilled length adjustment slots. Simply pullthe locking bar to release the male locking pin and slide the hammer stock back or forth to the predrilled slots in the buffer tube and release the locking bar to select your desired positioning on the buffer tube. The locking bar is pulled or depressed to install or remove from the host weapon.

Non-Buffer Tube Weapons Version- For use on Ak-47 or weapons without buffer tubes the Hammer stock/brace has extension sections with both male and female threads so that they can be stacked together to adjust the overall length of the hammer for comfort while shooting & the required length for using the hammer/tool when separated from the weapon.

This Version requires the use of a folding adapter specificallythe Strike Industries Folding and Release weapons mechanism. A special adapter is included that fits directly into the Strike Industries folding and release mechanism and uses the same screw provided from Strike Industries.

The Warbringer can have a variety of different adapters made to fit any folding mechanism upon request.

Buffer Tube Version Features:

1. The Buffer Tube version has a hollow buffer tube handle designed to fit over weapons buffer tubes and attach and adjust position to the buffer tube slots. The Hollow Buffer Tube Handle also accepts the 1-inch extension pieces & timing nut & tool head in stock or brace to further adjust to each shooter’s length of pull requirements for a perfect fit for any weapon.

2. The Hammer is one of many different striking tools that can be screwed onto the extension pieces, for example hammer axe, Halligan tool, Ice/climbing pick, shovel are all options that can be replaced at any time to meet mission requirements.

3. Timing Nut this nut allows for proper orientation of that attached tool head and locks it in place.

Hammer Brace Features:

The Hammer Brace version is compliant with ATF approved designs for braces to be used for forearm points of contact vs shoulder points of contact.

1. The Hammer is one of many different striking tools that can be screwed onto the extension pieces, for example hammer axe, Halligan tool, Ice/climbing pick, shovel are all options that can be replaced at any time to meet mission requirements. These different tool heads will be designed to fit to the shooters forearm vs. shoulder to stay compliant with the ATF. 1-inch extension pieces are stacked to desired length of pull followed by the timing nut & tool head in stock or brace to further adjust to each shooter’s length of pull requirements for a perfect fit for any weapon.

2. Timing Nut – this nut allows for proper orientation of the attached tool head and locks it in place.

1 Inch Extension Pieces – These sections have both male and female threaded sections. The female section can attach to other extension pieces, the hollow buffer tube section, to a fitted Strike Industries adapter to securely attach to a weapons folding and release mechanism or to varying weapons folding & release attachment mechanisms.

Important note – Either the stock or brace tool head can be switched between buffer tubes or non-buffer tube set ups by unscrewing and replacing.

Hammer Stock Non-Buffer Tube Version with Strike Industries Folding & Release Adapter Example Pictures



Part Numbers & Individual Pricing –

Hollow Buffer Tube Handle – 81512121523 (450.00)

Strike Industries Adapter – 19201891150 (50.00)

Timing Nut – 20913914700 (40.00)

Extension Piece – 52420514190 (50.00)

Hammer Stock – 81920153110 (300.00)

Hammer Brace – 82181350000 (300.00)

Full Kit Pricing

Non-Buffer Tube Version-(625.00) Includes (1)-Strike Folding & Release Adapter. (8)-1 Inch Extension Pieces. (1) Timing Nut. (1) Stock or Brace.

Buffer Tube Version-(799.00) Includes (1) Hollow Buffer Tube Handle. (2) 1 Inch Extension Pieces. (1) Timing Nut. (1) Stock or Brace.

Less than 1000 full kit units 15% off MSRP – 1000 full kit unitsor more 25% off MSRP

lirces3.com

SHOT Show 26 – FAST SideKar from UNITY Tactical

Monday, January 26th, 2026

UNITY Tactical’s new FAST SideKar is the best product I saw at SHOT Show. It’s simple, straight forward design updates and improves the M240 Medium Machine Gun and other similar platforms.

This optic and laser riser-style mount adds additional Picatinny rail space to the feed tray cover and moves the laser away from the barrel which is known to cause heat and cable issues. Instead, the laser is still mounted on its side but back near the optic on a 9 o’clock M1913 rail next to the optic. This new location will help speed up zeroing due to a reduced offset. But don’t worry, the laser isn’t emitting right over the top of the barrel. It remains offset to the side and the beam won’t be directly affected by the heat coming off the top of the barrel or indirectiy due to expansion of the mount beside the barrel.

No more long remote tape switches and no more heat damage to the laser from hot barrels. Additionally, the laser is not in the way in the event you’ve got to wrestle with a barrel during a swap.

An added benefit is that the mount acts as a riser offering a bit of additional height to make it easier to gain a sight picture while wearing PPE.

Made from 7075-T6 Aluminum, the SideKar is Type III Hardcoat Anodized.

It is my understanding a version is under development for the M250.

Available now! A unit can buy these and put them right to work.

unitytactical.com/fast-Sidekar

Streamlight Launches the ProTacRail Mount 1L-X and 1L-X Pro

Sunday, January 25th, 2026

Optimized for Rifles with Short Rails; Pro Model Features Flexible Jack Cap® Tail Switch

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 22, 2026 Streamlight®Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the ProTac® Rail Mount 1L-X and the ProTac® 1L-X Pro, multi-fuel tactical lights with a compact design to fit short-barreled rifles, submachine guns, and carbines with limited rail space for both light and pressure pad. The new high-output lights, which also are available in USB configurations, deliver up to 850 lumens for extreme brightness. They will debut at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas, where attendees can see them in person at Streamlight Booth #11468.

Lightweight and low profile, both feature a rugged, integrated rail clamp designed to rapidly and securely attach to guns with a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny or M-LOK® rail system. The light-only models feature a standard push-button tail cap, providing ease of activation without a pressure pad. The Pro models also offer a Jack Cap® tail cap switch that provides dual operational redundancy, including push-button and remote pressure switch control, for the ultimate in flexibility.

The compact lights feature a smaller footprint profile for tight rail set ups (the light-only model is ideal for rifles where pressure pad space is extremely limited). Each light uses a lumen-focused beam optimized for short range clarity, delivering up to 850 lumens of blinding white light. The lights are powered by either one Streamlight SL-B9® protected lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack, or a single 3-volt CR123A lithium battery for use if the rechargeable cell is out of power.

“These multi-fuel weapon-mounted lights are the perfect solution for law enforcement, military and tactical users when using short-barreled lights in maneuvers under low-light conditions,” said Streamlight President Michael F. Dineen. “The Pro version features a Jack Cap tail switch that allows users to choose between using a push-button or remote pressure switch, depending on their preference. They are designed to deliver the ultimate in compact power for your rifle.”

Offering high, low and strobe settings, both lights feature a TEN-TAP® programmable switch that allows users to select one of three different programs: high/strobe (factory default); high only; or low/high.

On the high setting, the ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X USB and 1L-X Pro USB models deliver 850 lumens, 30,000 candela, and a run time of 30 minutes when using an SL-B9 battery; with a CR123A battery inserted, they provide 500 lumens, 18,000 candela and a 1.75-hour run time. On low, the lights offer up to 6.5 hours of run time,100 lumens and 3,400 candela depending on battery selection.

Both lights mount to a broad range of short-rail rifles and submachine guns, safely and securely by means of a one-handed snap on and tighten interface that permits users to keep their hands away from the gun muzzle.

The new models are fabricated from 6000 series machined aluminum with a black anodized finish and feature a high temperature, impact-resistant BOROFLOAT® glass lens. The ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X USB measures 4.64 inches long and weighs 5.12 ounces with a CR123A battery and 5.22 ounces with an SL-B9 rechargeable battery pack. The ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X Pro USB also is 4.64 inches in length, weighing 5.5 ounces with a CR123A battery and 5.6 ounces with the SL-B9 battery.

With the standard push-button switch installed, both lights are rated IP67 for waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes; when using the remote switch with the 1L-X Pro USB, the light is IP54 rated for water-resistant operation.

The ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X USB and the ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X have MSRPs of $190.00 and $181.00, respectively, while the ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X Pro USB and the ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X Pro have MSRPs of $221.00 and $212.00, respectively. All four models are backed by Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Streamlight Launches the ProTac Rail Mount VIR Pro

Saturday, January 24th, 2026

Multi-Fuel Long Gun Light Provides Both White and IR Illumination

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 23, 2026Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the ProTac® Rail Mount VIR PRO, a gun-mounted tactical light featuring up to 1,100 lumens of visible white light and an infrared (IR) LED. The new light is designed to securely fit all long guns with MIL-STD-1913 or M-LOK® and M-LOK compatible rails.

The ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO enables users to easily toggle between bright white and IR light via the head-mounted switch, allowing first responders to illuminate a target for identification while remaining undetected. A built-in cutoff prevents accidental visible light activation while in IR mode, guaranteeing stealth and control.

The light’s Jack-Cap® tail cap switch provides switch redundancy, offering a choice between push-button or remote pressure switch operation. A TEN-TAP®programmable switch allows users to select one of three different programs: white light high only/IR high only (default); white light medium only/IR high-low; or white light low-high/IR low-high.

“The ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO provides shooting enthusiasts, law enforcement personnel and tactical users alike with a flexible lighting tool that has both visible white light and IR illumination,” said Streamlight President Michael F. Dineen. “It’s an essential tool for both covert and overt operations.”

The new light is powered by two CR123A lithium batteries or a single Streamlight SL-B26 lithium ion USB rechargeable battery pack that recharges in five hours. Featuring high, medium and low settings, the white LED provides up to 1,100 lumens and 40,000 candela over a 400-meter beam distance on high and 120 lumens, 4,200 candela and a 130-meter beam distance on low. For IR lighting, the ProTac Rail Mount VIR Pro uses a 940nm IR LED, which emits 2,300mW on high and 600 mW on low.

Run times range from 1.5 hours (high) to 11 hours (low) when using CR123A batteries, and from 2 hours (high) to 14 hours (low) with the SL-B26 battery pack. The IR light runs up to 7.25 hours using CR123A batteries and up to 9 hours with the SL-B26 battery.

The ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO has an ambidextrous momentary/steady on-off switch. Its rail clamp securely attaches to rifles, carbines, and submachine guns with a MIL-STD-1913 rail or with the included M-LOK mount, allowing for alternative mounting options to M-LOK and M-LOK compatible rail systems.

The light is constructed from 6000 Series machined aircraft aluminum, with a black anodized finish. It measures 5.65 inches in length and weighs 8.2 ounces with two CR123A batteries and 8.8 ounces with an SL-B26 rechargeable battery pack. The new light uses a high temperature, shock-mounted, impact-resistant BOROFLOAT® glass lens. 

Featuring extensively live-fire tested construction, the ProTac Rail Mount VIR PRO is IPX7 rated for waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes with the standard push button switch installed. It is IPX4-rated for water-resistant operation when using the remote pressure switch. The ProTac RM VIR PRO has an MSRP of $400.00, while a USB version of the light has an MSRP of $418.00. Both come with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. 

SHOT Show 26 – SureFire XC3 Sub Weapon Light

Friday, January 23rd, 2026

The SureFire XC3 Sub weapon light is powered by an included SFRCR123 rechargeable lithium battery, generating 1,000 lumens of white light and 13,000 candela shaped by a parabolic reflector for positive target identification up to 228 meters in low-light environments.

www.surefire.com/xc3-sub-weaponlight