Help with M3/M3LED

[Sturnovik]

I already own a streamlight TLR1, but have used a M3 for a long time. I'm looking to get another one after selling it, but have two issues. The current model that I saw was the M3 but a LED model. The other one is the standard bulb model for around 70 dollars. The new one has more lumens, LED and is poly (which I like, for my own reasons). No matter what sight I look at I see the M3 Led and standard M3 looking the same, not even a marking on the side. I've even seen one marketed as LED and it had some sort of werid LED on bottom of the M3 (almost like a TLR2 does with its laser pointer) and standard bulb on top.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/insight-technology-m3-tactical-illuminator.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=plusbox-beta&gclid=CNyWk4Xm_q8CFQ5ThwodsVwgTw

I googled around and it looks like they only added a LED bezel that rotates on. Am I understanding this right? I never had to ever add new batteries in the M3 I had, I cant remember if it used 123's like the current LED lights do?

Anyone able to help me sort this out? I already have two TLR 1's but I'm wanting one of these since I'm selling one of the streamlights to a friend.

[barca101]

For the last few days I've been thinking about posting about the Insight M3 or M3X LED. I currently have a SF X300. I had an old incandescent M3 that I gave to my brother several years back. I liked the way it looked, but it wasn't LED. Now that Insight has improved on the light, now I want one.

If I remember correctly, my old M3 did take CR123 batteries. Do you know what kind of pistol your attaching it to? I want to attach mines to my new Sig 229R, but I'm not sure if it will accept the model that you want. From researching, the one I have to order is the M2-700-A3. Just check before you order. Let me know how you like yours.

[Brandon04GT]

M3:



M3 LED:



My XD45 with an M3X LED:



You can also buy an incandescent M3/M3X and then buy the LED upgrade for it separately later. The LED head for the M3 is not the same as the one for the M3X.

[Sturnovik]

On optics planet it just called it m3 led I thought? Or is the m3X a different one? And it's for a glock 17.

And thank you Brandon, I don't know how I missed that bezel difference in the picture!

[Brandon04GT]

You're welcome

The pics on the Opticsplanet website is confusing. For some reason they also say the M3 is made by EOTech when it's actually made by Insight. I think the two brands are owned by the same parent company though.

Aside from the M6 line, there are four different versions M3s. There is the M3, M3 LED, M3X, and M3X LED.

The X series is just a new and improved version of the classic M3/M6 line. The light output is also different for each one of the four I just mentioned.

[Sturnovik]

Yea, if it goes over 110-115 max, then I'll probally get another TLR1. That said I didn't see a listing for the m3x led model. It much better than the m3 led?

And yea insight is now owned by L3 (they own eotech too).

[Brandon04GT]

I don't have experience with the M3's but from what I've seen and read, the main differences are the toggle switch at the back is improved and the X versions are fully waterproof whereas the M3 is only water resistant. The latchbar coming out of each side of the light is also wider in the X.

I believe the TLR-1 is probably simply a better all-round light especially since it's cheaper. I think the only real advantage the M3 line has over the TLR-1 is the quick on/off snap fit attachment.

Here they are on the Opticsplanet website: http://www.opticsplanet.net/insight-...luminator.html

I picked up my M3X LED from www.gunsandgearstore.com because they seemed to have the best price on it. I paid $140 shipped.

[Sturnovik]

Yea I'm going to pick up the m3 led since it's the same price as the Streamlight. And I like the m3 because its light and doesn't have some corrosion issues ive had with my TLR1. That said I'll never sell my streamlight.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

Will the picatinny version work with a Glock, or do you have to get the one with the Glock specific mount?

I feel like the picatinny version would be much more versatile, specially with the quick release, it'd be easy to move it from gun to gun.

[barca101]

loosewreck, if you want the M3 for the Glock its GLL-700-A1 and the LED is M3-700-A8 which is Glock specific. The 1319 may not fit.

[fullspeed1]

Yea I'm going to pick up the m3 led since it's the same price as the Streamlight. And I like the m3 because its light and doesn't have some corrosion issues ive had with my TLR1. That said I'll never sell my streamlight.

Corrosion issues? Rust or corroded battery??? That's a first I've heard of from a TLR-1. Do you have pics of it?

[Sturnovik]

^ corrosion/"rust" on the finish.

The locking screw, the flip tab for the battery and some parts of the body have gotten "bronzed if you will, and in some spots actual rust. That said, honestly I've beat this thing to hell and back and even carry it on my daily walks. I'm surpised it's still in the condition it is.

I'm going to order the glock specific model with LED. I don't see the point to paying for the LED bezel and then paying another shipping and handling fee.

[Sturnovik]

^loosewreck,

I actually lost my streamlight keyset after snapping on the smith and wesson 99 (it's a type of weaver apparently), to my new rifle.

I tried putting it on the G17 again and even with that foreign key it worked just fine.

1913, I think I have tried on it before. It will probally have issues.

[fullspeed1]

^ corrosion/"rust" on the finish.

The locking screw, the flip tab for the battery and some parts of the body have gotten "bronzed if you will, and in some spots actual rust. That said, honestly I've beat this thing to hell and back and even carry it on my daily walks. I'm surpised it's still in the condition it is.

I'm going to order the glock specific model with LED. I don't see the point to paying for the LED bezel and then paying another shipping and handling fee.

Sounds like a light coat CLP might do the trick....

[Sturnovik]

Yea, I thought it may too. The streamlight people didn't even believe me through email but atleast they sent me a link to buy a new screw, but it was 5 bucks!

Either way, I am going to eBay around until tomorow to see if I can find it a few bucks under.