M3 upgrade info

[signal 13]

Looking to buy an M3 for on-duty carry. Want to get a LF HO-M3 bulb and rechargeables.

What the heck kind of rechargeables to I need to get? 17500? 18650? And where's the best place to get good rechargeables? I was looking at pts-flashlights.com where they have LRB150A/B, LRB168A/B...which is the best/longest running for this application?

Thanks all...

 

[mdocod]

Hi Signal 13!!!

Welcome to CPF!

There's a lot to be said on the subject of using li-ion cells in tactical incandescent flashlights designed for use with CR123s. A lot more than can ordinarily be said in a quick reply. With that thought in mind, I wrote a guide on the subject that covers every question you have, and every question you haven't thought of yet, but that is sure to come to mind in time anyways...

Here's the link:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=161536

----------------

You're in an excellent position to be asking the question, what I mean by that, is you haven't yet purchased the M3, if you are already considering using rechargeable cells, you will be better served in the long run by putting together or buying a setup that will accept 18mm diameter cells.

My recommendation is a 2x18650 leefbody (equivalent to 4xCR123 length), Z46 bezel (M3 bezel), SureFire "C" series compatible tail-switch, HO-M3, EO-M3, and MN11 bulbs to play with, Pila IBC li-ion charger, and 2-4 AW brand protected 18650 size cells.

The total cost of the above configuration can be put together for ~$300.

The cost of buying an M3, then buying 2-4 17500 cells and a HO-M3 and a Pila IBC charger is right around $300 also, but the 2x18650 version will have double the runtime while only being about 3cm longer. [edit in: forgot to mention, this configuration can safely drive the MN11 to spectacular output at the tradeoff of some bulb life, the 17500s that fit a stock M3 can not be used with the MN11]

Here's some links to light the way to such a creation!:
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2610
http://www.opticsplanet.net/surefire-miscellaneous-z46.html
http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/carfnbr/289/prrfnbr/813/Click-On-Lock-out-Tailcap
http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?p=pila_bc01-ac01&product=171829
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1305

Eric

 

[Monocrom]

This 2x18650 Leef body is in stock at Lighthound.

Bought one myself.

Link ~ http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3576

 

[signal 13]

So now I'm all worked up about buying a LeefBody C Tail M Head 2x18650 in HA III Gray to match a M3T head but it's not in stock


Do they usually keep these in stock? They have the black but I would like it to match.

 

[Monocrom]

Lighthound stocks them as they get them in. But Leef bodies are custom bodies. It's not as though there's a huge production company that cranks them out. A lot of the time, the Hound is out of stock. I check the site on a regular basis, and consider myself lucky to have snagged one.

 

[signal 13]

In the process of acquiring a M3 body and bezel. Going to end up running 2x17500s and LF HO-M3 lamp...I know the runtime won't be as good as with 18650s and a LeefBody, but want to keep the stock M3 body for easier use on my duty belt.

Could I add some kind of extender to the M3 and run 17670s? What would this do for runtime?

 

[Monocrom]

Could I add some kind of extender to the M3 and run 17670s? What would this do for runtime?

Don't have an M3, but I can answer one of your questions.

Get a Surefire A19 extender over at OpticsHQ.
Link ~ http://www.opticshq.com/page/Optics/PROD/Surefire-Accessories/Surefire-A19

 

[signal 13]

Just got my answer, and pretty much all my others answers, from mdocod's guide...

It's awesome...lotsa reading...but it's awesome...