Surefire M3 or other

[giggles]

Does anyone have any comparison shots between the size of the M3 and a 6P and possibly a H&K USP9? I am interested in how long the light is compared to those two items and how bulky. If it looks OK, then I will buy it. But I want it for pocket carrying, so a bezel-and-muzzle shot will be appreciated, since the only size that is prohibiting is the width of the bezel, so I need to see that.

Alternatively I wanna get a 6PN with a 3rd battery extension, double-O-ring every connection on it and get a 9v turbohead capable of using the P91 bulb and also a shock isolated head for it capable of using the P91 or P90 bulb. But where can I get all this from one supplier? (can not buy directly from SureFire.)

Thanks! :thumbsup:

 

[Carpenter]

You must have very big pockets.

The M3 is over 7" long and the bezel is 1.25-1.5" wide.

I'm not sure you can get a P9X bulb assembly with a shock isolated head without some custom modifications..

 

[SureAddicted]

Have you considered one of these?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/af/HK_USP_45.jpg

IMHO you don't want nothing to bulky when using with a sidearm. I would go for an M2, M3 is 7.30 inches, 6P is 5.20" and the M2 is 5.60" while the USP is 7.64".

I used to use a Z2 with a Glock 23 for work. I found that 3 cell is overkill. It comes down to personal preference. You mite find the M3 easier to manipulate in a stressful situation. There are ppl around here that have more experience in this field.

Steve

 

[giggles]

Thanks :wave:

I have pretty big pockets yeah. The USP fits perfectly in my inner chest jacket pocket, upright. The 6P falls over in the other pocket and jams sideways so I can't get it out when I need it. Plus when I hold the 6P I have to hold the bezel fully inside my hand or else I can't press the button with my thumb because the 6P is so short.

Yeah, I considered the .45 but the cops said I had too many guns of that kind, so all I got was Glock 19 (can't wait for it to arrive) and a sniper + an assault rifle. Of course in like 6 months I will be able to buy another fullsize pistol too. Although I really have started to reconsider my need for a .45 since I get my 9mm. ammo in CIP 357 SIG power, but a .40 or 9mm compact USP or a HK P3000 would be nice.

Oh, you were talking about the light?

I have the Insight M2 UTL, but as mentioned by someone on the thread I want a bigger light which is handheld and is easier to operate than the small 6P size lights, to use in addition to the UTL, plus I need it to have longer throw than the UTL or 6P plus I like the one hour runtime when using only 125 lumen incand bulb as an alternative to the 225 lumen I will be running on it regularly.

I decided I wanted a healthy step up from the 6P and its 120 lumens and the 90 lumen UTL. Plus something that can take a Q4 or Q5 LED and give off the promised 225-275 lumens in a really deep bezel with a lot of throw, and of course the upgrade possibility for the M3 Turbo head.

The 6PN with all the accessories is just in case the bezel of the standard M3 turns out to be juuust too bulky.

 

[Tempest UK]

Alternatively I wanna get a 6PN with a 3rd battery extension, double-O-ring every connection on it and get a 9v turbohead capable of using the P91 bulb

Keep in mind that adding an A19 extender (or any other brand of cell extender) will lose SureFire's waterproof rating of the 6PN, as will removing the head or tailcap for any purpose.

Also, SureFire's TurboHeads do not use the P91. The KT2 (SureFire's TurboHead for the 9P and other similar 9 volt lights) comes with the N2 lamp assembly, and is not compatible with the P90/P91.

Regards,
Tempest

 

[giggles]

Hmmm, then the 6P thing is out of the question... I need some POWER...

Would be nice if SF made a powerful digitally regulated incand though.

 

[Carpenter]

Keep in mind that adding an A19 extender (or any other brand of cell extender) will lose SureFire's waterproof rating of the 6PN, as will removing the head or tailcap for any purpose.

I always love how removing the tailcap (which you eventually have to do when the batteries are low) will void the waterproof rating. I see why it does, but it doesn't make sense either.. :thinking:

 

[Size15's]

Also, SureFire's TurboHeads do not use the P91. The KT2 (SureFire's TurboHead for the 9P and other similar 9 volt lights) comes with the N2 lamp assembly, and is not compatible with the P90/P91.

Regards,
Tempest

The KT2 has been supplied with the MN15 for sometime. The N2 is no longer in production.

 

[Tempest UK]

Doh! Shows how long it has been since I bought one

Regards,
Tempest

 

[SureAddicted]

Another option is the 9P/C3. They would be more balanced compared to the M3 which would be bezel heavy. You do lose out of about 20 lumens but you probably wouldn't notice it, also its about roughly and inch shorter than the M3.

Or, you could get the A19 extender for your 6P and use the P series bulbs. With any of the mentioned, you would have plenty of throw. And if the throw isn't enough, then you shouldn't be engaging someone that far with a handgun.

If you have your heart set on the M3, then go for it, and don't look back. It's one heck of a flashlight.

Steve

 

[Size15's]

If you have your heart set on the M3, then go for it, and don't look back. It's one heck of a flashlight.

Steve

I agree completely

 

[Tempest UK]

Giggles - this is just my personal experience, but I would say that the M3 is also reasonably easy to carry in a pocket. Obviously it is not the smallest of lights, but it's still far from uncomfortable. Of course, what constitutes a "reasonable" size for a pocket-carry light is a matter of personal opinion, so you might disagree.

Regards,
Tempest

 

[Lightguy27]

I actually recently handled the M3 with the HO LA at night and it was really nice and bright. I agree, If you want the M3 than go for it, you won't regret it.

-Evan

 

[FAAbUlights]

I've had my M3 for 2 yrs now and I have concluded that it will be with me forever. It is the last light of my collection that would ever give up...Even over my M6.

 

[tsl]

Another option is the 9P/C3. They would be more balanced compared to the M3 which would be bezel heavy. You do lose out of about 20 lumens but you probably wouldn't notice it, also its about roughly and inch shorter than the M3.

I was considering either the M3, M6, or another SF as my "bump in the night" light. After handling all the various lights on a couple different occasions, it was between the M3 and the C3, and I ended up going with the C3-HA. Why? It was more pocketable (shorter in length and same bezel size as the 6P, 9P, etc.) and even with a P91 bulb, it was roughly 1/3 less in price than the M3. I bought a drop-in Malkoff M60 LED module, so I now have a couple incan bulb options and a LED one for this light.

Of course, the C3 is not shock isolated. I also remember that the C3 had a bit more floodier beam compared to the M3, so it's not for everyone. But I like it.

 

[giggles]

Yeah, I'm a throwy kind of guy. hehehehe

All I need is throw.

 

[Optik49]

How about a G3 with a P91? I have been carrying one for awhile, now no problems and it holds its own with any light other there.

 

[Patriot]

Giggles - this is just my personal experience, but I would say that the M3 is also reasonably easy to carry in a pocket. Obviously it is not the smallest of lights, but it's still far from uncomfortable. Of course, what constitutes a "reasonable" size for a pocket-carry light is a matter of personal opinion, so you might disagree.

Regards,
Tempest

I'm also a 2x M3 owner and love the light but even in it's smallest form it's not something that I can EDC for any duration more than a couple of hours. It may be fine in a jacket pocket but not in the front pants pockets...at least not for me.