Opinions on sStreamlight M3 or M3X???

woodland · November 8, 2007, 02:33 PM

I am considering the Streamlight M3 or M3X with a rail adapter for my duty 870 as an alternative to the Surefire integral forend. My idea is that I could then carry a fairly small light on my belt, and be able to use on both my shotgun and Glock, plus it could be used alone as a small light, thus serving three fuctions in one.

I use a Streamlight SL20L as my main big light and am very happy with it, but that is the extent of my experience with Streamlight. Anyone have anything good or bad to say about the M3 series?

From what I understand the M3 is a 80-90 lumen halogen with a 60 min run time.

The M3X is a 125 lumen halogen light with the same run time.

Then there is the TLR-1 which is an LED with "up to 80" lumens and a 2.5 hour run time.

The M3 and TLR-1 both run about $100 and the M3X is about $20-$25 more.

What to do, what to do!

AK103K · November 8, 2007, 07:18 PM

I have an M3X and it works great. Its about as bright as my Streamlight Scorpions.

Streamlight makes quality stuff at reasonable prices.

woodland · November 11, 2007, 09:00 AM

Thanks! I guess not many have used these. I think I'll give it a try.

Shooters Plus · November 11, 2007, 10:16 AM

The M3's are very nice lights. Easy on - easy off. We now have them with a seperate belt clip that can be attached to use as a personal on-body light light also.

Good luck

bigghoss · November 12, 2007, 06:01 PM

don't get the tlr-1. it will not suit your desired purpose. the tlr-1 has a screw that needs to be loosened to remove so you won't like that one. the upside is the screw can be loosened with a coin, and looks like it may have actually been designed that way. but it doesn't swap on and off very quickly.

sonyman74 · November 12, 2007, 11:16 PM

I love my M3X.

dwatts47 · November 13, 2007, 12:35 AM

If you really want a superior illumination tool, go with Surefire's X200 or X300... There is no comparison is performance or build quality.

woodland · November 13, 2007, 12:50 PM

Good point on the TL-1. I see that now that I look closer.

BobMcG · November 14, 2007, 12:06 AM

I have a M3X and think it's a pretty good light. Extremely bright, looks and feels to be fairly tough/well built, and for being as bright as it is it still has decent battery life.

456-SGT · November 14, 2007, 12:06 AM

Nice pic of the XD with the M3X. Anyone have a pic of an XD tactical with a TLR-1 attached? I have a XD tactical that will be getting a light soon as well. Just wondering what the difference is in appearance while mounted on the weapon.

Thanks

November 8, 2007, 02:33 PM	#1
woodland Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2001 Location: western wa. Posts: 564	Opinions on sStreamlight M3 or M3X??? I am considering the Streamlight M3 or M3X with a rail adapter for my duty 870 as an alternative to the Surefire integral forend. My idea is that I could then carry a fairly small light on my belt, and be able to use on both my shotgun and Glock, plus it could be used alone as a small light, thus serving three fuctions in one. I use a Streamlight SL20L as my main big light and am very happy with it, but that is the extent of my experience with Streamlight. Anyone have anything good or bad to say about the M3 series? From what I understand the M3 is a 80-90 lumen halogen with a 60 min run time. The M3X is a 125 lumen halogen light with the same run time. Then there is the TLR-1 which is an LED with "up to 80" lumens and a 2.5 hour run time. The M3 and TLR-1 both run about $100 and the M3X is about $20-$25 more. What to do, what to do! __________________ "There is no spoon..."

November 11, 2007, 09:00 AM	#3
woodland Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2001 Location: western wa. Posts: 564	Thanks! I guess not many have used these. I think I'll give it a try. __________________ "There is no spoon..."

November 11, 2007, 10:16 AM	#4
Shooters Plus Member Join Date: October 6, 2007 Location: MS Posts: 84	The M3's are very nice lights. Easy on - easy off. We now have them with a seperate belt clip that can be attached to use as a personal on-body light light also. Good luck __________________ www.shootersplus.com Guns for Sale! Glock, Colt, Ruger, Sig Sauer, Springfield, Smith & Wesson, HK and many more! Wilson Combat 1911 parts and accessories

November 12, 2007, 06:01 PM	#5
bigghoss Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2006 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 2,664	don't get the tlr-1. it will not suit your desired purpose. the tlr-1 has a screw that needs to be loosened to remove so you won't like that one. the upside is the screw can be loosened with a coin, and looks like it may have actually been designed that way. but it doesn't swap on and off very quickly. __________________ I don't collect guns, I accumulate them.

November 12, 2007, 11:16 PM	#6
sonyman74 Member Join Date: January 23, 2007 Location: Cottonport LA Posts: 68	I love my M3X. __________________ Springfield Armory XD-9 Service & Sub-Compact & XD-45ACP Tactical Benelli Super Nova Tactical, R1 270WSM, M4 Super 90 Benelli Super Nova & Benelli Super Nova Slug Gun Bushmaster AR-15

November 8, 2007, 07:18 PM	#2
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	I have an M3X and it works great. Its about as bright as my Streamlight Scorpions. Streamlight makes quality stuff at reasonable prices.

November 13, 2007, 12:35 AM	#7
dwatts47 Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2007 Location: arkansas Posts: 995	If you really want a superior illumination tool, go with Surefire's X200 or X300... There is no comparison is performance or build quality. __________________ *I see no reason why man should not be as cruel as mother nature.*

November 13, 2007, 12:50 PM	#8
woodland Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2001 Location: western wa. Posts: 564	Good point on the TL-1. I see that now that I look closer. __________________ "There is no spoon..."

November 14, 2007, 12:06 AM	#9
BobMcG Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Posts: 81	I have a M3X and think it's a pretty good light. Extremely bright, looks and feels to be fairly tough/well built, and for being as bright as it is it still has decent battery life.

November 14, 2007, 12:06 AM	#10
456-SGT Member Join Date: May 4, 2007 Location: Central California Posts: 78	Nice pic of the XD with the M3X. Anyone have a pic of an XD tactical with a TLR-1 attached? I have a XD tactical that will be getting a light soon as well. Just wondering what the difference is in appearance while mounted on the weapon. Thanks