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Posted: 1/18/2004 5:02:45 PM EDT
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Are these suitable for inclemate weather? It doesn't seem very weatherproof. I'm considering putting on on my SHTF carbine, but don't want soemthing that will go down as soon as the clouds open up. Does anyone have negative experiences on these lights? I appreciate your comments and recommendations. |
| I do not know how "waterproof" they are but I have used mine on a duty pistol for almost a year now and it has seen over 1,000 rounds of .45 so they are durable. Try searching to see if it has been asked before. I know the new M3X is supposed to have "Mil-Spec" tolerences and be somewhat waterproof. |
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Quoted: Does anyone have negative experiences on these lights? I appreciate your comments and recommendations. My 'experiences' with the light only come from observations during a night carbine class. The light is a neat idea, that needs more refinement. From what I understand it is NOT weather proof. The beam does have some spoting. Also, if you focus it to a tight beam the bezel can be so close to the end of the light that recoil [i]may[/i] knock it off (and sending the batteries flying). IMHO its better suited for a pistol where you don't need as tight a beam. A rifle needs a tighter beam to allow you to engage targets at longer ranges than you would with a handgun. For this reason I'd take a G2 over the M3 for a rifle. However for a handgun I'd prefer the M3. |
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I agree that the M3 needs refinement. At Maverick656's suggestion I looked at the M3X (which I hadn't heard of). It appears that Streamlight also felt the M3 needed some refinement and came out with theis "extreme" newer version. The M3x is advertised at a higher lamp output (120 lumens for hr) with an incandescent bulb. The description advertises that the bezel is "shock isolated" and that there's a dedicated pistol and rifle version... although I don't know what the difference is. Maybe the beam is more tightly focused. Finally, the M3X is advertised as being "air-tight" and waterproof to a depth of 66 feet. It sounds like a much better light for a carbine than the older M3. I e-mailed one of the industry board supporters with some questions about the light. We'll see. -------------------- Forest, Since it's a "working" gun definitely don't want to scrimp on equipment. However, the M500 and M900 series SF's are WAY too expensive and pose other problems which rule them out as first choices. The G2 is definitely a viable option because I already own one. The G2 sight tower mounts seem alright but don't place the tail cap in a right-side position that I naturally reach. The left side is much easier to reach with my left thumb, but then I run into problems acssociated with left-side mounted lights and right-handed shooters. Ideally I'd like to mount the G2 at about 4:00 directly onto the right side of the M4 handguard as far forward as possible. All I need is a piece of weaver/pickatiny rail that securely mounts to the handguard, and a holder for the G2, which just about everybody seems to make. I have a lot of thinking to do on this before I decide. Any other input is much appreciated. Thanks |
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There are a number of these lights on LE guns in my area (As I suppose every area). I'm afraid what I've seen hasn't been as positive as Maverick's experiences. We've had several of the lights go down after continuous service. One went dead on the first shot from an AR where it was mounted on a RAS. We never did figure out the actual problem, we had another M3 there and switched out batteries and the bulb but it still wouldn't work. The owner sent it back to the company and when he received it back the notation was "broken bulb". However that couldn't have been the reason due to our already having made the switch and failing to correct the problem. Another friend carries his on a Glock 22 .40 cal. 24/7. He told me recently that he noticed after continuous use and firing the light won't reliably stay on now. There've been other situations all pretty much the same here. I know a number of individuals running these lights in my area are gearing up to purchase the Surefire X200 when it's released. |
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Some of the guys at my department have had similar experiances with their M3's on our G22's. However, some of our more "active" shooters have had good luck with them. It seems to be hit and miss. After seeing the M3X I think that might be my choice if I don't go with the G2 and a shock bezel. I sure would like some feedback on that first, though. |
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MEH, Thanks for the info on the M3X - I'm looking foward to checking them out when they are available locally. My 'primary' light is a Surefire 650 that I bought from BrightFlashLights. Darn near perfect (if they would make it from polymere to save an ounce or two it would be perfect). I've used the G2 in class and I keep it on my 'backup' AR. Works fairly well. I've attached weaver rail to standard handguards in the past - but the double heat sheilded M4 units would make it more difficult. Perhaps attach it with pop rivets instead of machine screws & lock nuts? |
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I have the Bushmaster M4 handguards. They are the larger diameter oval style, but only have a single heat shield. The metal shields sit just a hair over 1/4" above the plastic handguard. That's still not enough room for a backing plate and screws. I modified the heat shield on my older CAR handguard to work with a backing plate for an accessory rail. It wasn't than big of a modification. Hmmm... pop rivets... that sounds like it would work. |
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If you decide to go with the M3 on your carbine, GG&G sells a mount for it that will mount it at 10 O'Clock. and is easily operated by your left thumb. As for durability. The weakest point of the M3 system is the switch. They seem to give out first, and have been returned by LE offices across the Nation for this reason. As for myself. I have put about 2K through a 45cal. with one on it, and about 150 with it on an AR. No problems yet. The best part about the system is that you can switch the light between pistol and rifle, and when your not using it, keep it on your belt. If your using light to spot and shoot, it's fine. If you want field tough blinding light, go Surefire. KZ |
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I think waterproofing may very well solve all the electronic issues with these, leaving only bulb breakage, which should be reduced due to shock isolating the bezel. The M3X is a light that can compete with Surefire's units that cost 2-3times the price (at half the size and wieght). And I doubt Surefire has cornered the market on LED technology, Insight will probably soon (in the next year) have their own LED light. Of course you have to realize part of that is just wishful thinking, I really don't like Surefire's marketing or pricing. |
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