The BLAM, Benelli Light Attachment, is a laser cut, black oxide coated steel fixture that serves as both a sling point and a light mount for the M1, and M4/ M1014. BLAM can be configured for left or right handed shooters, and uses a polymer 1913 section which can be replaced if needed.
A sling and a light are pretty straight forward equipment on most long guns, and its hard to take shotguns or rifles serious if they are lacking these basic provisions. What the BLAM does is to offer a light weight and low profile solution to these two items. For this review I mounted several different Surefire lights (X300, single and two cell Scouts), an Insight XTI Procyon, and a light from Inforce. Using my thumb to activate the light, I found the angled push switch of the Inforce light extremely simple and easy to use. The rocker switches of the Surefire lights worked well as they could be pressed directly in with the thumb, and the Scout lights worked nicely with their direct push button tailcaps. The rocker switch of the Insight XTI Procyon worked, but not as well as the others, though the light has worked well in other applications for me. I did not use a pressure switch with the BLAM as I don't use pressure switches on my duty weapons, though I see no reason why they wouldn't work if that is your preference.
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The BLAM allows the hand to extend out, and places the light in a very natural position (for me). If you are a shooter who likes to hold a shotgun in close with your support hand, a pressure pad would seem to be your best option with this mount, or any other shotgun mount as well. Placing a light in the forward position, as the BLAM does, keeps the shadow from the barrel to a minimum.
Both the Benelli M1 and M4 which were supplied in this review, had the Blue Force Gear VCAS sling included. I've used this sling multiple times, and have carried it on a duty weapon, as well as worked with them on issued weapons. The sling is highly functional in this role, and the BLAM has no problems supporting the sling and weapon whether the sling is extended out, or pulled tight and close to the body.
I see no issues with the Corps Technology Group Benelli Light Attachment in terms of use, installation, or durability. The steel components are such that damage to the unit would almost certainly result in damage to the weapon, and the polymer 1913 rail section can be replaced by the user if needed. The only area for improvement I can see would be to increase the radius of the sling mount. The edges are not sharp, and do not have burrs, but neither do they have rounded edges. The laser cut of the material leaves a hard 90 degree angle that could possible abrade slings in long term use and hanging of the weapon. I will note the models we used had no such abrasion, but it is an issue that I've seen with some other sling mounts over time.
With a price of $55, the mount isn't cheap, but neither is the weapon system its being mounted on. In the larger scheme of things, a functional, durable mount for a light and sling is pretty important. The BLAM does its job very well, and is one of those items which is so well laid out, it makes you wonder why Benelli didn't include it coming from the factory.
The BLAM is made by Corps Technology Group, a Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB). http://www.corpstechgroup.com/
