Tactically advanced combat mount (TACM III TM ) illuminating devices and illuminating mounting systems for firearms and other applications

A lightweight illumination source and illumination mount system consisting of an illumination device that may be a small flashlight or laser, and a mount that can be detachably secured to a family of firearms, namely pistols, revolvers, and long guns. The illuminating system, consisting of flashlight and mount, may be attached to the base of a pistol grip by removing the floor plate from the pistol's magazine and installing the mount in place of the original magazine floor plate. The magazine's spring seat(insert) locks the mount in place. Another variation of the invention may be mounted to the butt of a revolver. The resulting Integrated Weapon/Illuminating System provides the user the capability to simultaneously activate the illuminating device while using a standard two handed grip on the firearm, and if the need arises, the capability to operate both light and gun with one hand, while performing other tasks such as finding a light switch, making a phone call, etc. With the mount attached to the grip or butt of the weapon, the firearm can be stored in any standard holster when not in use. Changing magazines restores a pistol to its factory-original condition without leaving a trace that an illuminating system was ever mounted to the gun. The mount may also be configured to support any laser having a +E,fra 1/2+EE inch diameter. Another variation of the mount may be secured to the barrel of any long gun, such as a 12 gauge shotgun, or any other device, such as, but not limited to, binoculars, scopes, etc. that may have a +E,fra 3/4+EE inch to 1+E,fra 1/4+EE inch diameter. The flashlight may have either a remote pressure switch, which is secured to the firearm by hook and loop (Velcro) fasteners, or a turn/push switch configuration. The flashlight may also be used independently from the firearms mounting systems. The mount may also accept any flashlight the user may have that is 1 inch in diameter.