M3X Tactical Illuminator

Operator’s
Manual

MADE IN THE USA

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

Table of Contents i
Warnings/Cautions ii

General Information 1
Major Components 2
Repair / End Items 3
Major Components Description 4
Mounting Procedures 6
Dismounting Procedures 7
Operating Procedures 8

Maintenance 18
Limited Warranty 19
Service 19

i
 WARNINGS

Before handling any firearm with the M3X Tactical Illuminator attached, read and understand the entire
contents of your firearm manual (especially the safety precautions and procedures for safe firearm handling)
and the M3X manual. Failure to follow safety precautions when handling a firearm with the M3X attached can
result in serious injury, damage to property, or death. Once the M3X is attached to a firearm, the firearm will
be pointed at anything that the M3X is directed at. Do not point the M3X at anything or anyone that you do not
intend to shoot.

The M3X is designed to produce a sufficient amount of light to allow someone in a low light environment to
be safely illuminated and identified without the need to point the M3X light - and the attached firearm - directly
at that individual. The light from the M3X can be pointed in a safe direction at a wall, floor, or ceiling and
“bounced” onto the darkened silhouette for identification purposes, avoiding the need to point the firearm
directly at an individual. The M3X can be defocused for wide-angle illumination.

The ON/OFF switch on the M3X allows you to operate it without placing your finger inside the trigger guard.
Always keep your fingers off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire the weapon.
Always verify the chamber of the weapon is cleared and safe per your firearm manual before attempting to
mount or dismount the M3X. Always dismount the M3X from the firearm when performing maintenance,
cleaning the M3X, and when replacing bulbs or batteries.

Do not operate the M3X around cleaning solvents or flammable/combustible materials. Avoid use of the
M3X in environments involving gasses or a flammable atmosphere, such as evaporated gasoline. Do Not
use the M3X in areas where gasoline, paints, solvents, or other flammable liquids are stored.

ii
The M3X should be tested periodically during periods of non-use to be sure that it is functioning properly.
When anticipating use of and reliance upon the M3X, check the unit beforehand to be sure that it is in proper
working order.

Proper functioning of the M3X is dependent upon fully charged batteries. Use care when handling batteries:
they have the potential to leak harmful chemicals that can damage eyes, skin, clothing, or the inside of the
M3X. To avoid risk of injury, do not let any material that has leaked from a battery come in contact with eyes or
skin. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat. Follow battery manufacturers’ instructions as to proper
handling, storage, and disposal of batteries.

CAUTIONS
Never place the light on its face (bulb down) while on. The bulb generates intense heat and could cause
damage to the M3X or the surface it is on.

Do not store the M3X with the batteries installed.

Never put your hand in front of the muzzle while focusing the bezel.

Use caution when replacing the bulb: it may be HOT.

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 GENERAL INFORMATION
CHARACTERISTICS:
Weight (w/o battery) 3.0 oz (85 grams)
Weight (w/ battery) 4.0 oz (113 grams)
Length 3.8 in (96 mm)
Width 1.6 in (41 mm)
Height 1.6 in (41 mm)
Waterproof 66 feet
Brightness 125 Lumens Peak
Facial Recognition 25 meters
Continuous Operation 60 minutes

M3X Mounted on a Handgun with

Bikini-Style Filter

The M3X is a compact, lightweight, visible illuminator that emits a highly concentrated
beam of visible light for acquisition and identification of targets. The M3X can be hand
held, or mounted to hand gun and long gun weapon systems. The M3X is powered by
two 3 volt Lithium batteries. Using an Infrared Filter, the M3X can be used with Night
Vision Devices to accurately direct fire as well as illuminate and designate targets.

1
 MAJOR COMPONENTS
6 2

5
3
4

1 M3X Tactical Illuminator

2 Sleeve
3 Operator’s Manual
4 Latchbar
5 Shipping Foam
6 Shipping/Storage Case

Please contact Insight for additional kit components and accessories.

2
 REPAIR ITEMS / END ITEMS
5
1

2
1 Bikini-Style IR Filter, also in Red or Solid
2 Lens Cap IR Filter, also in Red or Solid
3 Remote Cable Switch 4
4 Spare Bulb
8 3
5 Remote Jack Plug
6 Rocker Backplate
7 Long Gun Backplate
8 Bezel 6
9 Bezel O-ring 9
10 Latch Spring
11 Latchbar, 1913 Style (Glock Style not shown)
11
10 7

3
 MAJOR COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION
M3X Tactical Illuminator
The M3X Tactical Illuminator is a compact, lightweight, visible illuminator that emits a
highly concentrated beam of visible light for acquisition and identification of targets.
The M3X can be used either hand held or mounted to a firearm.
Lens Cap/IR Filter
A flip-open lens cap is included in one of the three styles below. An optional bikini-
style is also available in each of the following three configurations:
-Lens Cap with Integrated IR Filter: A flip-open lens cap with an integrated
infrared filter used to provide maximum visibility with Night Vision Devices.
-Lens Cap with Integrated Red Filter: A flip-open lens cap with an integrated red
filter; used for casting a red beam in order to maintain night-adapted eyesight
for the unaided eye, and to reduce reflections off airborne particles.
-Lens Cap, Solid: A flip-open solid black cover used to block all visible light. It
should be used to reduce chance of detection from inadvertent activation during
covert movement when immediate activation is not required.

Remote Cable Switch

The remote cable provides fingertip control of the M3X using a rubber membrane-style
switch. Hook and Loop tape (Velcro®) is supplied with each Remote Cable Switch to
secure the cable to the weapon.

4
Remote Jack Plug
The remote jack plug, when installed, protects the remote jack from dirt, sand, and
dust deposits. It is recommended that the jack plug be stored in the remote cable jack
at all times (except when using the remote cable).

Spare Bulb
The Bulb assembly is a 6-volt Tungsten Xenon light source providing over 120 lumens
of white light illumination.

Rocker Backplate
Provides fingertip action by moving the switch clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Long Gun Backplate

Provides Remote Cable Switch action for use on weapons other than handguns.

Operator Manual
The manual details mounting procedures, operation, maintenance and general
information about the M3X.

Case
The M3X ships in a plastic case that securely holds the unit and its components.
5
 MOUNTING PROCEDURES
To Mount the M3X:
With your “cleared and safe” firearm in one hand, hold the M3X in the other hand with
the light bulb facing in the direction of the muzzle of the firearm, away from your
body and in a safe direction.
Bring the M3X up and toward the firearm, aligning the grooves of the M3X and the rail
grooves on the firearm; slide the M3X straight back until the latch engages into the
locking slot located between the grooves of the firearm. There will be an audible
“click” when the M3X is secured. To check for positive engagement of the M3X to the
firearm, attempt to slide the M3X forward. You should not be able to move the M3X
forward without disengaging the latchbar. The M3X is now mounted.

Handgun Mount Long Gun Mount

6
 DISMOUNTING PROCEDURES
To Dismount the M3X:
Be sure the M3X light bulb faces in the same direction of the muzzle of the firearm,
away from your body and in a safe direction.

With your “cleared and safe” firearm in one hand, place your free hand under the
M3X with your index finger and thumb on each end of the latchbar. Pull down on the
latchbar with the index finger and thumb to disengage the latchbar from the weapon.

With the latchbar disengaged, pull downward and forward until the M3X slides clear of
the grooves on the firearm. Do Not put your hand in front of the muzzle.

Handgun Dismount Long Gun Dismount

7
 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Battery Installation:
With the M3X dismounted from the firearm, hold the M3X in one hand and press the
backplate towards the unit. With the other hand, pull up on the tab located at the top
center of the backplate. Pivot the backplate away from the body of the M3X and
remove the batteries from the body of the M3X by tipping the body and allowing the
two batteries to slide out.

Replace the two 3 volt Lithium batteries following the raised battery orientation
markings on the outside of the unit. Insert the battery on the left side negative end
first, and insert the battery on the right side positive end first. Place the lip of the
backplate into the small groove in the bottom of the M3X body and pivot upward.
Holding the backplate closed, swing the metal latch on to the body and snap it into
place. An audible “click” can be heard. Make sure the light is functioning by turning
the unit on. If it does not come on, check to make sure that the backplate is secure.
If the light still does not operate, remove the backplate and verify that the batteries
are installed correctly.

Battery Installation -
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 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Rocker Backplate for Handguns:
Pushing the Rocker Switch clockwise to the Steady-ON position will make the light
come on and stay on until the Rocker Switch is pushed back to the OFF (center)
position. Pushing and holding the Rocker Switch counter-clockwise to the Momentary-
ON position will make the light turn on and stay on until the Rocker Switch is released
and it springs back to the neutral (center) OFF position.

Push Down

Rocker Backplate OFF

Rocker Backplate Steady-ON

Push Up
Rocker Backplate Momentary-ON

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 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Long Gun Backplate:
With the M3X (and Long Gun Backplate) securely mounted to the firearm rail, insert
the Remote Cable Switch into the Remote Jack and attach the pad to a comfortable
position on the firearm with Velcro®. Turn the rotary switch on the Long Gun
Backplate to the Momentary-ON position, and press the Remote Cable Switch pad for
the light to turn on and stay on until the pad is released. The light will NOT turn on
until the pad is pressed when the M3X is in the Momentary-ON position with this
backplate. The Remote Cable Switchcan only be used in the Momentary position, it
has no function in the Steady-ON mode.

Remote Jack

Long Gun Backplate Long Gun Backplate Remote Cable Switch in Use
Momentary-ON Steady-ON

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 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Optional Contoured Switch Backplate:
An optional Contoured Switch Backplate is available for use on handguns. The
contour follows the lines of the handgun’s trigger guard to the front area of the grip.
The end of the remote has a pushbutton switch, enabling the momentary use of the
M3X while holding and firing the pistol, all with one hand.

Button Being Pushed

by Middle Finger

Optional Contoured Remote Switch Backplate in Use

11
 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Focusing:
To focus the beam of the M3X, simply turn
the bezel until the desired focus is reached.
Be careful not to unscrew the bezel from
the body.

Replace the Bezel O-ring:

Enlarged to show
To replace the bezel o-ring, slide the o-ring
o-ring seating
away from the body of the M3X, and slide area detail
on a new o-ring that has been lubricated
with fluorinated grease, such as Krytox®.
or as an alternative, petroleum jelly
such as Vaseline®.

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 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Bulb Replacement:
With the M3X dismounted from the firearm and turned OFF, unscrew the bezel counter
clockwise until it can be removed from the main body: there is a slight spring
pressure as the bezel comes free of the retaining threads. Remove the old bulb from
the M3X, and insert the new bulb into the cavity by mating the flat sides, as shown
below. NOTE: the bulb has a blue base color, DO NOT use light bulbs from other
units. Reinstall the bezel by rotating clockwise, and align the recoil spring in the
counter-bore of the reflector. NOTE: Be sure to fully engage bezel on M3X main body
so it does not come loose during firing.
Mate the flat sides
Bulb: blue base color

Bezel

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 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Bikini-Style Filter Installation:
With the bezel removed from the M3X, slip the clip portion of the Bikini-Style IR Filter
harness into a groove on the bezel as shown below. Position the filter over the end of
the bezel as you slip the other strap around and hook it into a groove on the opposite
side of the bezel as shown below. Reinstall the bezel by rotating clockwise, taking
care not to pinch the O-ring. The IR Filter can now be flipped up or down away from
the end of the bezel if full light is needed as shown below.

Place Filter in Front of Bezel

Clip Fits Into a Groove

Push Filter Away from Bezel with the Thumb

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 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Flip-Up Lens Cap Installation:
Slide lens cap onto bezel until it is snug. To flip open the lens cap, push the
tabs away from the lens cap.

Slide Flip-Up Lens Cap onto Bezel

Flip Filter Away from Bezel with the Thumb

15
 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Latch Bar Replacement:
To remove the latchbar, press down on the latch spring and slide the latchbar out
either side of the unit. To insert latchbar, place the latch spring in place, curved side
up. Press down on the latch spring with your thumb and slide the latchbar (beveled
side up) into position. NOTE: Glock Latchbars are marked with a G and are
specifically designed for Glock rails. 1913 latchbars are specifically for 1913 rails (no
distinguishing mark).
Beveled side of latchbar faces UP!

Latch
Spring
Latchbar

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 OPERATING PROCEDURES
Remote Cable Switch:
The Remote Cable Switch provides fingertip control of the M3X using a rubber
membrane style switch that is compatible with other Insight products. Velcro® is
supplied to secure the switch to the weapon. A cable switch is required to operate the
M3X when using the long gun backplate in the Momentary-ON position. The cable
switch plugs into the remote jack on the M3X. When the Long Gun Backplate switch is
rotated to the Momentary-ON position, pressing the pad at the end of the Remote
Cable Switch causes the M3X to turn on momentarily. When the Remote is installed in
the M3X long gun backplate, it automatically locks in place. To remove it, pull back on
the plug sleeve and pull the plug out. DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE THE PLUG BY
PULLING ON THE CABLE.

17
 MAINTENANCE
Clean the M3X by rinsing with clean water or using mild soap and water, then wipe dry
with a soft cloth. Standard gun cleaning solvents (i.e., Hoppes®) may be used to
clean stubborn areas. Rinse with clean water to eliminate residue. Cleaning should be
done whenever the M3X becomes dirty or after exposure to salt water.

To clean the illumination window, wipe using a soft cloth with clean water, alcohol, or
general-purpose window cleaner.

NOTE: To avoid a build-up of muzzle blast on the flashlight bezel lens, rub a small
amount of oil or lubricating solvent on the exterior glass ONLY before shooting. This
will make post-shooting clean up easier.

Clean the electrical contacts with Q-Tips® dipped in alcohol. For heavier build-up, use
a standard pencil eraser.

Replacement bulbs can be purchased through the dealer where you purchased your
light, or you can contact Insight directly to locate a stocking distributor. M3X bulbs
have a blue colored base, DO NOT use other bulbs in the M3X.

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 WARRANTY / SERVICE
Insight Technology, Inc (Insight) warrants for 12 months after purchase that its products will be free from
defects in material and workmanship. At its sole discretion, Insight will either repair or replace, at no charge,
any product or part (with the exception of the bulb and battery) which is found to be defective under normal use
and service. Insight’s obligation to either repair or replace shall be the purchaser’s sole and exclusive
remedy under this warranty. The warranty does not cover battery leakage. The battery manufacturer should be
contacted in the event of a leak. This warranty extends only to the original owner. There are no warranties,
expressed or implied, other than as set forth on this page, and Insight disclaims any warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Insight shall not be liable for incidental, consequential or
special damages arising out of or in connection with product use or performance.

Service: For service or repair, please call for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) Number, and send
via “UPS prepaid,” the RMA clearly marked on the package, and a copy of the sales receipt to:

Insight Technology, Inc

3 Technology Drive Londondery NH 03053
Phone: 877.744.4802 or 603.626.4800
Fax: 603.647.7234 www.insightlights.com

The exportation of this product falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Commerce Department Bureau of
Industry and Security and is subject to the Export Administration Regulations.

19
3 Technology Drive Londondery NH 03053
Phone: 877.744.4802 or 603.626.4800
Fax: 603.647.7234
www.insightlights.com

Rev. 07_03