Introduction
Recently there has been a trend in law enforcement and military circles of attaching a powerful flashlight to a tactical firearm to aid in low-light CQB combat. Tactical lights on firearms are becoming more and more popular with SWAT teams and the like because it gives operators the ability to search with a flashlight while retaining two-handed control over the firearm. There are tactical lights available for almost every modern firearm, but here we will concentrate on tactical lights and mounts for submachineguns and carbines.
Basic Options
There are two main categories of tactical light: a dedicated light, which is specifically designed to be mounted on a firearm; and a universal light, which is typically a handheld flashlight which fits into a specially-designed firearms mount. Most tactical lights utilize a pressure switch for activation, which allows the user to have on-demand momentary light use. Some systems (less commonly) have conventional on/off switches, which are more cumbersome since they require more time to operate and they offer less momentary control. The one potential advantage of a conventional switch is that one can turn the light on and leave it on without worrying about holding the switch all the time.
Common Models
One of the most common tactical lights setups in the Airsoft (heck, even in the real) world is the flashlight forearm for the MP5 series. None of us have had any first-hand experience with this type of arrangement, but it seems like a good system other than the fact that it might make one's grip on the forearm a little awkward since the flashlight unit takes up the first half of the grip. This type of setup, designed by Sure-Fire, is available for a wide variety of firearms including shotguns. Another setup that is available for submachineguns (namely the MP5SD series) is a set of rings that fits over the barrel or suppressor assembly and extends below the barrel to hold the flashlight. We have also never had any firsthand experience with this type. The two models of tactical carbine lights we do have are a Tokyo Marui MP5 front sight mount, and a GG&G SLiC mount for the M4/XM-177/M16 series. For handguns, we have a Streamlight M3.
Streamlight M3 tactical handgun light
Streamlight makes a variety of duty and tactical flashlights, including the M3, which is designed to fit on the accessory rails of railframe Glocks. It may fit other guns (such as the H&K USP, or maybe even weapons with an RIS-type interface), but as of this writing we only know that it fits Glocks. The M3 is the nicest tactical handgun light I've tried so far - it mounts and dismounts easily, and it has a really easy-to-use ambidextrous power switch that can be used for momentary or full-time illumination. A lobe of the switch protrudes to either side of the front of the Glock's trigger guard, allowing easy use by right- or left-handed shooters, and even allowing operation by the supporting hand if desired. The M3 is made mostly of tough but lightweight polymer, and it does not negatively affect the Glock's balance or feel when installed. The point of aim is nearly true between the center of the light beam and the handgun's sights. At $140 (or so), the M3 may not be your first choice for airsoft combat (considering a decent gas railframe Glock probably won't cost any more than that), but if you've got the budget, I highly recommend it. And if you're doing cross-over training between real steel and airsoft, being able to use the same tactical light on both real and replica can be very convenient.
Tokyo Marui MP5 front sight mount
This mount was a bit difficult to track down since most of the dealers we went through were back-ordered for quite some time. Finally we got one in and it seems to be the handiest thing around. This mount fits over the front sight of just about any H&K rifle or subgun and the flashlight clamps into it on the right side of the gun's front sight. The mount fits a standard flashlight or laser (we chose to install a Mini-Maglite). The mount puts the back of the light over the right side of the foregrip, which means you can easily install a pressure switch with velcro on either side to suit your needs, even if your pressure switch cord is short. I elected to install the tactical light on my Marui MP5SD6, with the pressure switch on the right side. The point where the flashlight shines at seven yards is exactly where the BB's hit - this tactical light setup can be used for quick, instinctive aiming at CQB distances effectively since the light is exactly aligned with the axis of the barrel. The front sight mount costs around $25 which is pretty reasonable for such a piece of equipment, especially since it fits so many different models of gun and light.
GG&G M4/M16 SLiC Mount
This mount is made by GG&G of Arizona, a company specializing in the design and manufacture of high-quality custom tactical light mounts. SLiC stands for Sling and Light Combo - it's a unit that fits inside the front sight of an M16, M4, XM177, or any similar gun and has a mounting rail on the right side and a sling mount on the left side. The sling mount itself is handy; it offers a more secure alternative to the "Ranger-sling" setup where one simply loops the front end of the rifle's sling through the front sight. The mount on the right side is a section of weaver-style rail which will accept any number of accessories, but in this case I opted for a scope ring with a Mini-Maglite adapter ring inside, and of course a Mini-Maglite with a pressure switch. As with everything GG&G makes, this mount is at the high end of the price range at $90 ($75 for law enforcement or military personnel). However, the quality of the piece warrants the high price; also consider the fact that these accessories are custom-designed and rigorously used by many demanding law enforcement and military units. If one attaches a sling to the SLiC and ignores the instructions about applying Loc-tite to the screws, the mount will go askew a little when weight is placed on the mount, causing the light to point downward slightly. However, if the mount is attached to the rifle's front sight without a sling, and Loc-tite is applied to the screws and allowed to set, one can attach a sling and use it normally without the mount shifting.
Overall Impressions
Having a tactical light helps greatly when engaging in CQB indoors, particularly in low-light situations. It boosts your ability to search while maintaining control over your weapon, and offers you a measure of intimidation value over a potential target due to the brightness of the light. One thing to remember though when using a tactical light is that it can make you a target. Use it sparingly, and it will be your best friend. Use it recklessly, and it will only serve as a beacon to guide your enemies' fire.