Streamlight M-3 on an AR-15?

[Beren]

Does anyone here have experience with using a Streamlight M-3 mounted on an AR-15? I'd like to get a decent general purpose weapons light, but Surefire's pricing is such that I need to seriously consider alternatives. With my C&R I have access to excellent pricing on Streamlight products, so I'm looking over what they have to offer.

The M-3 with an adapter and new backplate will mount right on my AR-15 with standard hanguards, which is all I'm looking for right now. However, I don't have any experience with Streamlight's products as far as beam clarity and general reliability.

One plus with the M-3 is that if I want, I can always convert it back to its original configuration and mount it on my Glock.

 

[ravencon]

I was going to mount an M-3 on an AR-15 but changed my mind. I have an M-3 mounted on a Glock and I find that it is extremely difficult to remove it from the mount. This problem was noted in the Gun Test report but it didn't seem to bother the reviewer. But, it really annoys me.

The M-3 otherwise is a good light on a Glock. It may be underpowered for your intended purpose on an AR-15. There are certainly many other tactical illuminator choices for a long gun but as the power increases the price increases very dramatically.

 

[NMshooter]

Yes.

If this is for indoor use it will work fine.

Outdoors you may want a bit more, though.

Eventually I ended up with a rail system which gives me more options, you might look at a few.

My favorite setup is a vertical front grip with a light on the right side of the foreend where I can activate it with my left thumb.

Whatever you do practice with your new setup, including live fire at the range at night if possible. Shooting at night is a bit different.