M# or M4

LEDBE
angelofwar

angelofwar

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 17, 2007
Messages
3,336
Location
South Carolina
Help!!! I'm torn between getting an M3 and an M4...So, i just want personal preferences from those that may own both. The "Searchlight" capability of the M4 is what thrills me about that...I have a KT1 w/ an N1 and it just doesn't cut it...I have an M3 "stubby" from my 918FA (9 volt shotgun light), put an A21 on it, and have used it as a hand held (an M3 w/o the combat grip)...so, if I get the M3 body, I have the head already, but the turbo head on the M4 is really enticing me, which I could then slap on my "Urban M3"...or I could get an MN15 and put it on my G3...which of the two would you recommend? Thanks!
 
Sounds like you're already leaning towards the M4. The Millennium TurboHead is definitely something worth trying.

Regards,
Tempest
 
I'd vote M4, as the MN60 is noticeably brighter on 4 primary cells than even an MN11 in the M3, and using 2 17670 Li Ions, you can run any of the M3T bulbs in it as well. The M3 head will also fit on the M4 body as another option. There are no lamps that will work with 4 primaries, but again 2x17670 will run any of the M3 bulbs. You can get a single cell spacer if you wanted to run 3 primaries in a pinch. Here are a couple of Leef bodies with various heads - 3x18650, two 2x18650 and a 2x18500:

Leefgroup.jpg
 
Thanks guys!

Tempest: Yeah...while the M3 looks nice, it just a bigger version of my C3...the 3 cell lights don't work to well when used with combat grips cause they're a bit front-end heavy

BSBG: Just the info I wanted...so, the 4-cell turbo head is noticeably different than the 3 cell MN15? I'll have to lookfor some side-by-side beam shot's. I don't want the H.O. heads...20 minutes on any number of cells is rediculous, unless used ONLY for self defense...

mdocod: I'm happy with the standard "60 min" runtimes on most SF incans. If I need longer runtime I'll break out my C2L or L1. I'm not (yet) into all the "fancy" rechargeables (18650's, etc.), and still ahve to acquire some SF goodies before I can convince myself to go with other battery options. I usaully get Lowes gift cards from my father in law, so I keep all my SF stocked with SF batterys.

The M4 seems to be the "ultimate pocketable" searchlight and is probably what i will go for... The M3 looks so Bad-A$$, but I think the ergonomics of it will get on my nerves after awhile. I gonna try to piece an M4 together from the marketplace, since complete one's are harder to find. I reckon I could scoop one up for around $160-$170??? And I defitely want to keep it stock, and maybe throw an SW tail cap on it.

What's the throw in laymens terms for the MN60? 2 football fields? Also, i would assume it has SOME spill out at that range?

Thanks again for all the real responses!
 
I own an M3, 2 M4s and 2 M6es. The M4 puts out 350 lumens for 20 minutes, with the high output bulb. The new M3 LED head (who knows when it will come out) is supposed to be 350 lumens for 1.5 hours. That should be regulated, not dropping from the time you turn it on. It should throw well. SureFire seems to be figuring out how to make LEDs throw.

I would either bite the bullet and get an M6 or get an M3 now and wait for the LED head. Either way it is a gamble. I just bought a spare M3 body because I will replace my M4s with M3 LEDs when they come out. You can get an M6 for about $320 off of Ebay.

As Al/Size 15s will tell you, the M4 is an intermediate step to the M6. Just skip the M4 and go directly to the M6. Most people on this board who buy an M4 eventually end up with an M6. I can drop the M6 in my back pocket. I can't do that with the M4.
 
If you don't mind a 2D sized light, I would recommend the M6 as well. Everything the M4 can do, the M6 can be configured to do as well (with battery holders and such) and there are some cool things coming down the road from CPFers for the M6 (such as variable regulated battery packs!).
 
Skip the wimpy lights and get yourself an M6. Seriously, unless you intend to carry this particular light in your pocket (in which case the M3 would be max size), the M4 doesn't *really* offer whole lot more than an M6.

With those excellent 18650 holders that mdocod makes and some WA1111, you're in the "guilt free + WOWICAN'TBELIEVEIT'SSOBRIGHT" department.

Actually, two nights ago we lost power, so I turned on my M6 (with above setup), pointed it at the ceiling... it was almost as bright as if the living room lights had been on. :D :D :D :D
 
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If I was made of money, I probably would get the M6...but being on the funds I am now, 250 lumens on 12 cells for an hour, or 225 lumens on 4 cells, the M6 is out of my price range right now. My wife would flip if I went over $200...if I could piece meal an M6 I'd consider it a bit more, but with no real RCR's, it would be $30 an hour to run that thing, as opposed to $10 for the M4. If I lose my taste for the M4, I'll grab a C3 and an MN15 for my KT1, or just get a turbo-head for my "Urban" M3. Thanks for all the inputs!
(Anbody want to sell an M6 for $190???)
 
M4's are great for 1 thing.. killing batteries. (IMO)

I'd use your KT1, put in an MN15 and slap it on your G3. You'll be suprised at how nice it works.

The KT1/2 is almost the same thing as the KT4, just not shock isolated. All the lamps are swappable so if you wanted to see how a M4 would act you can get a MN60 and MN61 lamp, a 1 cell extender for your G3 and try it out.
 
greenLED said:
Skip the wimpy lights and get yourself an M6. Seriously, unless you intend to carry this particular light in your pocket (in which case the M3 would be max size), the M4 doesn't *really* offer whole lot more than an M6.
Click to expand...

Wimpy!?:confused:

I'm somewhat more tolerant of size so I can EDC the M6 fine, but I can't speak for anyone else.
theres been alot of ppl selling their M4s in parts in BST recently...you could try a couple different things, like buying an M3 then try out the turbohead, or the M4, but its really up to you:rolleyes:


+++++++++++=
heres what I know aside from the custom modification/lamp holders that exist on the forum.
If your looking an a M2, then you've just opened yourself to the wide possibility of P60 type drop ins, which isn't really where the magic of the M series lies.

If your thinking about an M3[T]
without turbohead [M3]
3xCR123A + MN10 [125 lumens for ~60 minutes]
3xCR123A + MN11 [225 lumens for ~20 minutes]
3xCR123A + LF-EO-M3 [380 lumens for ~40 minutes][can be used with 2x3.7V]
3xCR123A + LF-HO-M3 [320 lumens for ~50 minutes][can be used with 2x3.7V]
2xIMRRCR123A + LF-IMR-M3T [500 lumens for ~10 minutes][requires an AW cr123A battery spacer
*All runtime and lumen ratings are advertised*

with turbohead [M3T]
3xCR123A + MN16 [225 lumens for ~20 minutes][can be used with 2x3.7V]
3xCR123A + MN15 [125 lumens for ~60 minutes]
3xCR123A + LF-HO-M3T [380 lumens for ~40 minutes][can be used with 2x3.7V]
3xCR123A + LF-EO-M3T [450 lumens for ~32 minutes][can be used with 2x3.7V]
2xIMRRCR123A + LF-IMR-M3T [700 lumens for ~8 minutes][requires an AW cr123A battery spacer
*All runtime and lumen ratings are advertised*

If your going for the M4, you might want to have it converted to rechargeable, for one thing you have alot of money
If you want to stick with CR123As, here are your options
4xcr123a + MN60 [~60 minutes at 225 lumens]
4xcr123A + MN61 [~20 minute runtime at 350 lumens]
4xcr123A + LF-HO-M4A [~35 minute at 550 lumens]
*All runtime and lumen ratings are advertised*

As for going into rechargeables for your M4
2x17670 + MN16 [I was told this is a very good combination]
Math done by Paul5M [2x 17670 + MN16: 07.4V, 2.54A => 18.80W][2x 17670 + MN16: 1.6Ah, 2.54A => 37.80 minutes]
2x17670 + LF-HO-M3T [~35 minutes per charge at 380 lumens]
2x17670 + LF-EO-M3T [~30 minutes per charge at 450 lumens]
*All runtime and lumen ratings are advertised*

If your thinking of the M6, read DM51's shootout thread
link here: SureFire M6 rechargeable options – SHOOTOUT

**All LF [lumens factory] lamps are available from lighthound
**17670s canbe found in lighthound, be sure to specify AW protected cells: http://www.lighthound.com/AW-17670-Protected-Rechargeable-Lithium-Battery_p_101.html
Since 17670s takes up roughly 2xcr123As, the M4 becomes in ideal host for rechargeables

NOTE: RCR123A IS NOT EQUIVALENT TO IMR-RCR123A, IMR cells are a newer breed of lithium rechargeables that has a higher rate of discharge, both RCR and IMR cells are also available from lighthound.
 
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I hate choices like that... so I bought both! (As well as two M6's):thumbsup:

Also, I like the M4 for using 17670's with a LF HO-M3T LA. Wonderful combination, IMHO.
 
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The M3/M4/M6 has its own merits. If I was given the choice but could not buy all three, I would choose the M3 & M6. The M4 has the same head as the M6 and a longer battery tube. Since IMR cells are available, this is not a critical choice. SO get the M3 and M6.
 
Thanks again for all the helpful info...Bigdave, i think I'll try that first...A "poor mans'" M4...that way if i don't like it, I'll have other uses for it. I only really need one turbo head, and my KT1 is more "versatile" to me, seeing as how I have approx. 10 C/P/G series light, and only 1 M series one. I think I'll grab a C3 body first(since i have the HA turbohead) and an MN15, and try that first. If i like that setup, I'll get an A19 and an MN60. Does anyone make an OD/HA 1 cell extender? Thanks again for all the great help and info guys!
 
Illum_the_nation said:
Wimpy!?:confused:

I'm somewhat more tolerant of size so I can EDC the M6 fine, but I can't speak for anyone else.
theres been alot of ppl selling their M4s in parts in BST recently...you could try a couple different things, like buying an M3 then try out the turbohead, or the M4, but its really up to you:rolleyes:


+++++++++++=
heres what I know aside from the custom modification/lamp holders that exist on the forum.
If your looking an a M2, then you've just opened yourself to the wide possibility of P60 type drop ins, which isn't really where the magic of the M series lies.

If your thinking about an M3[T]
without turbohead [M3]
3xCR123A + MN10 [125 lumens for ~60 minutes]
3xCR123A + MN11 [225 lumens for ~20 minutes]
3xCR123A + LF-EO-M3 [380 lumens for ~40 minutes][can be used with 2x3.7V]
3xCR123A + LF-HO-M3 [320 lumens for ~50 minutes][can be used with 2x3.7V]
2xIMRRCR123A + LF-IMR-M3T [500 lumens for ~10 minutes][requires an AW cr123A battery spacer
*All runtime and lumen ratings are advertised*

with turbohead [M3T]
3xCR123A + MN16 [225 lumens for ~20 minutes][can be used with 2x3.7V]
3xCR123A + MN15 [125 lumens for ~60 minutes]
3xCR123A + LF-HO-M3T [380 lumens for ~40 minutes][can be used with 2x3.7V]
3xCR123A + LF-EO-M3T [450 lumens for ~32 minutes][can be used with 2x3.7V]
2xIMRRCR123A + LF-IMR-M3T [700 lumens for ~8 minutes][requires an AW cr123A battery spacer
*All runtime and lumen ratings are advertised*

If your going for the M4, you might want to have it converted to rechargeable, for one thing you have alot of money
If you want to stick with CR123As, here are your options
4xcr123a + MN60 [~30 minutes at 250 lumens]
4xcr123A + MN61 [~20 minute runtime at 350 lumens]
4xcr123A + LF-HO-M4A [~35 minute at 550 lumens]
*All runtime and lumen ratings are advertised*

As for going into rechargeables for your M4
2x17670 + MN16 [I was told this is a very good combination]
Math done by Paul5M [2x 17670 + MN16: 07.4V, 2.54A => 18.80W][2x 17670 + MN16: 1.6Ah, 2.54A => 37.80 minutes]
2x17670 + LF-HO-M3T [~35 minutes per charge at 380 lumens]
2x17670 + LF-EO-M3T [~30 minutes per charge at 450 lumens]
*All runtime and lumen ratings are advertised*

If your thinking of the M6, read DM51's shootout thread
link here: SureFire M6 rechargeable options – SHOOTOUT

**All LF [lumens factory] lamps are available from lighthound
**17670s canbe found in lighthound, be sure to specify AW protected cells: http://www.lighthound.com/AW-17670-Protected-Rechargeable-Lithium-Battery_p_101.html
Since 17670s takes up roughly 2xcr123As, the M4 becomes in ideal host for rechargeables

NOTE: RCR123A IS NOT EQUIVALENT TO IMR-RCR123A, IMR cells are a newer breed of lithium rechargeables that has a higher rate of discharge, both RCR and IMR cells are also available from lighthound.
Click to expand...
Thought the MN60 with primaries gave 225 lumens for 60 min.?
 
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