I've always thought it was interesting that the M3 and M3T follow that Z series grip ring concept, while the M2 seems to pull from the C2, while the M4 seems to be more plain bodied, like the 6P/9P but in HA and longer.
SureFire experimented with the M2 featuring the same bezel as the M3 but it was felt that the bezel was too large for the M2 body.
To make a bezel like the M3 bezel but smaller (more in keeping with the two-SF123A form) would mean a flashlight that is not modular - SureFire did not want to go down that route.
The M2 was originally what the C2 is now. The M2 gained it's shock isolated bezel and the C2 (with the standard bezel) was created along side it.
Why does the M2 have the 'Clip & Grip' body rather than the pure CombatGrip body of the Z2?
- I understand that users wanting 'Tactical Lights' used dedicated holsters for the M3. It's a reasonable large flashlight. One of the reasons not to carry an M3 but to select a smaller flashlight is so that it can be easily carried without requiring a dedicated holster. Thus the clip giving more options and retaining the ability to more quickly access and draw the flashlight compared to one kicking about at the bottom of a pocket.
Why is the M4 straight-bodied rather than featuring the CombatGrip?
- SureFire used to offer a CombatGrip version and a Straight-bodied version of their Tactical Entry Light - the 12ZM and 12PM.
It was found that the addition of the Longer, heavier Shock Isolated TurboHead made the M4 too front-end heavy to be held in a CombatGrip.
They experimented and the feedback was such that they decided a straight-body was the best way to go.
Noting that the M3T could be used with the CombatGrip, perhaps not for extended periods but still - the M3T was SureFire's answer for a middle-ground between the 12ZM (long body, compact TurboHead), and the 9PT (shorter body, 3" diameter TurboHead).
And between the M3 (shorter body, closer range bezel), and the M4 (long body) / M6 (heavy body).
The Millennium Series were developed to meet the needs of Operators within the technology and capabilities of the time.
Al