AIRSOFT PRODUCT REVIEWS:

G&P M3 Flashlight

Intro- I preparation for a recent urban game, I went in search of a tac light that would fit on most of my weapons without major modifications or resorting to 100 mile an hour tape. I had always wanted an M3 style flashlight, but until now these had been very much outside of my budget for a mere tac light. G&P has come to the rescue with a very accurate, powerful, and functional replica.

Function- Out of the box, I could tell very little difference between this M3 and that of the leading brand. The only thing notable was the lack of "retail" brand markings. At the rear of the light is a flip down door which allows you to insert the two 3volt lithium batteries. To make this package a better deal, the batteries are included with the light. 3volt lithiums run roughly $6 a piece at large discount stores. It was a nice gesture by G&P to include them. They make it an ever better deal. Once you have the batteries in, you slide this onto the rail of your favorite pistol or AEG. I attached mine to the lower RIS rail of my MP5. To activate the light, you push down on one side of the paddle like power switch. It is designed so that there is a divot in the center. I quickly determined that this is to allow it to be placed up against a RIS handle or the trigger-guard of a pistol. How does it perform you might ask? Hands down…it rocks. I own less compact tac lights and this one is just as bright. The power button responds easily to light contact, making it very responsive. You can also push down on the power switch until it clicks. This causes the light to stay on. I used it in the basement of a large building and it cut through the dark like a hot knife through butter. The ease of access to the power switch allowed me to put on a disorienting light show for my opponents. By flashing it rapidly like a strobe, you can destroy people's night vision. I was in a twisted mood and added my own base line to this…throwing a mini-rave in my enemy's honor. Needless to say they were NOT amused. One thing of note is how the light attached to weaver rails. There is a post that inserts into a hole on one side of the light. This passes through a gap in a standard weaver rail and out of a hole on the other side of the light. While this makes for a VERY solid mount, it is really hard to remove the light afterwards. The solution is to file the post around the center a bit before you place it on your gun. If you do not plan on removing it you can just put it on as is…as you can remove it with enough effort. G&P also seemed to have planned ahead and included another post in the box in case you damage yours. Oh, did I mention the thing is ambidextrous too?

Perks- Hands down, this is the route to go for a tac light. It retails for roughly $40 less than the standard m3. It does the same job. It withstood being dropped onto a concrete floor from roughly 3 feet. What you have here is essentially the same flashlight, minus the cost of the brand name you would otherwise pay for. Get one for your next night game, CQB event, or impromptu gunfight-turned-rave.