Operations
Center
-Command Center
-Mission Briefing
-Weapons Check
-Medical Center
-Interrogation
-TACINTEL
-Training center
-Joint Zone
Tactical Unit
-Active Duty
-Ready Reserve
-858QRT
-Operating Forces
INTEL
-Administrative Order
-Landing Zones
-Surveillance
-Allied Forces
-Warning Order |
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STREAMLIGHT M3
Review by Ted |
The M3 is a weapon-mounted
light designed to attach to any standard weaver or picatinny
rail base. An ambidextrous locking lever is pressed when
sliding the unit on to the rail, and then locks into place.
The activation switch is also ambidextrous and is operated by
a spring loaded slide switch on the back of the unit.
At first glance, the M3 is easily recognizable by its slim
design tight fit to the weapon. The M3 is currently in use by
many 3rd watcher’s and tactical teams. The Generous light
output coupled with excellent battery life makes the M3 very
reliable in any situation.
I purchased my M3 from Turner’s Outdoors in Kearney Mesa for
$130. It is available on-line for cheaper, but I had to have
mine for a game that night, so I opted to pay the extra $20 or
so to have it then. New, the M3 comes in it’s own plastic case
with a foam insert to keep everything in it’s place. It comes
with 2 lithium batteries, an extra bulb, user manual, and the
unit itself. **Note: when new, the batteries might be bad,
especially if the unit was used as a floor model. Turner’s was
very good about getting me new batteries when I purchased the
M3. CHECK THEM.**
I bought the M3 for use on my pistols, as I use a Surefire for
my rifles. Primarily, the unit was to be used on my Glock 18c.
However, I soon found that it also fit perfectly on my Beretta
96 vertec (M9 tactical). On most versions of the Glock, such
as 17,18c, 19 etc. the unit only extends about a quarter of an
inch past the muzzle. This is preferable so that you do not
get “barrel shadow” in CQB situations. On the 96 vertec, the
unit fits flush. Once installed, I was very pleased with the
fit and function of the M3. On the Glock, sliding the unit on
was easy and requires a little nudge to lock in place,
however, once on, the M3 is sturdy as a rock. On the M9, the
fit is not as tight, but the lock ensures positive retention
on the weapon.
The activation switch is very simple to use and has momentary
and constant-on capabilities. For momentary, you press down on
the left switch and for constant-on, you press down on the
right. Both switches are conveniently located at the front of
the trigger guard, and are very easy to access. The lens and
front cover are threaded and allow for beam adjustment.
However, I have found that the beam is best when the lens
cover is tightened down securely, and an added plus, this
prevents the cover from working its way off of the unit after
repetitive shots.
If you are looking for a versatile weapon mounted light that
can be quickly switched between a sidearm and a primary, I
would strongly recommend the M3. Weapons that can accept the
M3 without modification include, but not limited to: MP5 RAS,
M4 RIS, G36, SIG 552 SEAL, Glocks and other pistols with
integrated rails, check for a horizontal slot under your
barrel. Most times, this is a rail for attachments.
The only drawbacks that I have found are 1. If you store the
weapon with the unit attached, there is a possibility that the
unit may turn on, and run the batteries down. This can be
solved by Removing the unit for storage and placing it in a
compartment that is open enough as to keep the switches from
being activated. And 2. While playing an extreme CQB game in a
house, the lens of my unit cracked. While this did little to
disrupt the light output, it did bother me. I remedied this by
removing the lens and using the unit without one. It actually
is a little brighter now, and a little less heavy. Even with
these drawbacks, I strongly recommend the M3. There are many
holsters available that will accept weapon-mounted lights,
Personally, I am looking at getting the Safari land 6004
thermal molded holster for G17-19 w/ M3 light, for the
ultimate in weapon retention, stability, and accessibility.
But, that is another review.
For more information about the
Streamlight M3 Tactical flashlight be sure to visit
Streamlights website at
www.streamlight.com . Here is a direct link for the
Streamlight M3 on their website
http://www.streamlight.com/tactical_specifications.htm |
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