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I’ve served as a regulation enforcement officer for 14 years, and I can inform you that pistol lights will be the distinction in life-or-death-situations. After darkish, it’s way more tough to determine pal from foe. And for those who’re relying on a lightweight in your self-defense handgun, you need one which’s reliable and intuitive to make use of. It doesn’t matter how vibrant your gentle is that if turning it on isn’t second nature or if it fails. That can assist you discover one that you could depend upon ought to the necessity come up, I’ve compiled a listing of a number of the greatest pistol lights out there as we speak. —— Matt Vandiver
How We Selected the Greatest Pistol Lights
The suggestions listed above had been decided based mostly on our private expertise with every gentle, in addition to Vandiver’s function as a coach at Fieldcraft Survival and former LEO. We’ve personally discipline examined all of those lights and have carried most of them on responsibility or in coaching.
Greatest Pistol Lights: Evaluations and Suggestions
Greatest General: Surefire X300U-A
Execs
- Extraordinarily rugged
- Fast attachment with Rail-Lock system
- Activation doesn’t require altering your grip
- Hybrid beam sample
Cons
- Costly
- Too massive for EDC
Key Options
-
1,000 lumens -
1.5-hour runtime -
Two CR123A batteries -
Ambidextrous push/toggle -
IPX7 waterproof ranking
Why It Made the Minimize
The X300U-A generates 1,000 lumens with a hybrid beam that gives good spill for up shut engagements but additionally pushes out for intermediate distances.
Product Description
For the previous eight years I’ve been working Surefire X300s on my responsibility handguns and have upgraded every time they roll out a brand new one. The X300U-A is my favourite mannequin due to the rail-lock that enables for speedy attachment and elimination of the sunshine. Intuitive switches, sturdiness, and the holster compatibility of the X300U-A made it my most well-liked pistol gentle for responsibility use.
That includes a precision TIR lens, the X300U-A has a beam that reaches out for mid-range engagements, however it additionally offers surrounding gentle on the peripherals for shut proximity. This mixture offers wonderful all-around efficiency in terms of throw and spill.
Ambidextrous switches on the X300U-A enable for one-finger management with both your thumb or index finger, and momentary-on will be achieved by merely driving your help hand thumb ahead onto the swap whereas taking pictures. You may activate constant-on by toggling the swap up or down, which permits the person to maintain the sunshine activated with one-handed taking pictures.
With an aluminum physique that’s corrosion resistant and an IPX7 waterproof ranking, the X300U-A is a rugged and strong pistol gentle and was a no brainer for the highest spot. —— Matt Vandiver
Greatest for EDC: Streamlight TLR-7 Sub
Execs
- Small footprint
- Peripheral illumination for shut proximity taking pictures
- Light-weight
Cons
- Lights are mannequin particular and never appropriate throughout producers
Key Options
-
500 lumens -
1.5-hour runtime -
One CR123A battery -
Ambidextrous rear swap -
IPX7 waterproof ranking
Why It Made the Minimize
The Streamlight TLR-7 Sub’s small footprint makes it an excellent possibility for IWB or EDC.
Product Description
With the identical 500 lumens and intuitive switches as the favored TLR-7 A, and Sub Extremely Compact gentle performs like a full-size gentle, but it’s sufficiently small to hold IWB. The Sub securely attaches to many of the well-liked slim body weapons available on the market.
Ambidextrous rear switches present constant-on with a easy click on on both facet of the rear switches, or you may run them as momentary-on by holding down the swap for greater than half a second earlier than being launched. The safe-off function additionally means that you can lock the sunshine to stop unintended activation throughout storage.
The sub attaches through a rail clamp which will be achieved with out instruments, and the sunshine, anodized physique is scratch resistant. On condition that the sunshine is meant to suit slim-frame pistols primarily used for EDC and concealment, the TLR7 Sub has a beneficiant spill that illuminates the within of residential constructions extraordinarily effectively for such a small pistol gentle. —— Matt Vandiver
Greatest Premium: Modlite PLHv2-PL350
Execs
- Excessive candela
- Out-the-front battery change
- Two-cell battery charger included
- A number of switches to customise for person
Cons
- Attachment rails and switches had high quality points however are remedied in present mannequin
- Costly
Key Options
-
5700 Kelvin coloration temperature -
1350 Lumens -
54,000 Candela -
PHLSTER ARC swap paddles -
18350 rechargeable battery
Why It Made the Minimize
The handy out-the-front battery change, intuitive controls, and beneficiant lumens and candela make the modlite an exceptionally succesful pistol gentle, however all of the options include hefty price ticket.
Product Description
The Modlite PL350 contains a complete suite of equipment, resembling a 18350 rechargeable battery, a set of PHLSTER ARC swap paddles, and a 2-cell XTAR USB charger.
With an out-the-front battery, the PL350 additionally resolves the necessity to take away your pistol gentle to switch the battery. Merely take away the sunshine head and exchange the battery. It additionally presents wonderful throw and spill with an ultra-clear BOROFLOAT lens that enable 98- to 99-percent gentle transmission.
This pistol gentle has 1,350 lumens and 54,000 candela, which is powered by the 18350 cell and that’s extra highly effective than two lithium CR123 batteries. All this juice produces wonderful throw or long-range engagements and beneficiant spill of the peripherals. When utilizing the PL350 to determine targets on the vary, I used to be capable of illuminate metal silhouettes at 75 to 100 yards and nonetheless had spill on the sides to find and determine objects surrounding the goal.
Activation was straightforward with switches that supplied a tactile “click on” up or down for constant-on, however it must be famous there isn’t a momentary-on function with the PL350. Whereas this gentle has a number of premium options, they arrive at a premium value. However for those who’re relying on this gentle for a service or self-defense weapon, it’s value each penny. —— Matt Vandiver
Greatest Lengthy Vary: Surefire X300T-A Turbo
Execs
- Suits X300 holsters
- Turbo beam sample
- Ambidextrous push/toggle
- Rugged
- Attaches to Picatinny and common Rails
Cons
- Tightly targeted beam offers much less spill to peripheral areas
Key Options
-
650 lumens -
1.5-hour runtime -
66,000 candela -
Two CR123A batteries -
IPX7 waterproof ranking
Why It Made the Minimize
The X300T-A Turbo combines excessive lumens and tons of candela to light up lengthy distances and supply nice spill on the sides. What’s most spectacular is that Surefire accomplishes this by utilizing the identical housing because the earlier X300 fashions, which prevents any points with holster compatibility for these already working a legacy X300.
Product Description
The X300-A Turbo generates a tightly targeted 66,000-candela beam sample out to 100 yards. The beam sample additionally illuminates with spill that will help you preserve situational consciousness exterior the new spot, giving customers the very best of each worlds in terms of illumination.
Constructed with the identical high quality and sturdiness as their earlier X300 fashions, the Turbo features a rugged exhausting anodized physique with an IPX7 waterproof ranking. Intuitive ambidextrous switches enable for immediate activation with out altering your taking pictures grip and will be activated as momentary-on or constant-on by both pushing the swap ahead or toggling up or down respectively.
Once I evaluated the Turbo mannequin towards the Modlite PLHv2-PL350, it was tough to differentiate a distinction between the 2 beam patterns. Targets had been simply illuminated and recognized out to 100 yards. Surprisingly, the Surefire achieved related efficiency to the PL350 on two CR123 batteries. —— Matt Vandiver
Greatest Funds: Streamlight TLR-1 HL
Execs
- Concentrated beam with peripheral illumination
- Software-less rail clamp system
- Suits most gentle bearing holsters
- Key system attaches to most firearms
Cons
- Beam not optimized for lengthy vary illumination
Key Options
-
1,000 lumens -
1.5-hour runtime -
Two CR123A batteries -
Ambidextrous momentary/regular on/off swap -
Person programmable strobe -
IPX7 waterproof ranking
Why It Made the Minimize
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL is without doubt one of the commonest pistol lights you’ll see on the vary or in your native officer’s responsibility gun and for good motive. This intuitive and brightly succesful pistol gentle presents nice efficiency at an inexpensive value.
Product Description
The TLR-1 HL offers 1,000 lumens of white gentle for clearing residential constructions or looking out exterior venues. Its beam sample is large with good spill to light up massive areas, making it well-liked for regulation enforcement officers working in city environments.
With its rail clamp system, the HL attaches or detaches shortly with no instruments and mounts on to any pistol that has both the Glock type common rail or MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rails. The sunshine physique is manufactured from sturdy anodized aluminum with an IPX7 waterproof ranking and is engineered to supply a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination. Streamlight prioritized preserving the upgraded HL mannequin inside the identical footprint because the earlier TLR-1, which permits customers to maintain their previous holsters.
Powered by two CR123 lithium batteries, the TLR-1 HL has a 1.5-hour runtime earlier than needing a battery swap. The intuitive ambidextrous swap is simple to function for these first-time pistol gentle customers, and it carries a sub $200 price ticket. —— Matt Vandiver
Greatest Micro-Compact Pistol Mild: Surefire XSC
Execs
- Small and light-weight
- Suits Extremely-compact pistols
- Rechargeable battery
- Battery detachable for charging with energy indicator lights
Cons
- Makes use of proprietary charger
- Sub-models are firearm particular
Key Options
-
350 lumens -
30-minute run time -
1.7 ounces -
Ambidextrous momentary-on/constant-on swap -
Proprietary quick-detach, rechargeable lithium polymer battery
Why It Made the Minimize
The Surefire XSC is the world’s first duty-grade pistol gentle household designed particularly for ultra-compact carry weapons just like the ultra-popular SIG Sauer P365, the Springfield Armory Hellcat, the Glock 43X and 48, and others.
Product Description
This diminutive pistol gentle throws a powerful 2,000-candela beam of white gentle 90 meters with a vibrant central beam and loads of spill gentle to assist determine targets along with your peripheral imaginative and prescient. It takes full benefit of the quick rail house provided on pistols just like the Hellcat with out extending past the muzzle or crowding the set off guard.
The tiny gentle presents a run-time of half-hour. You can even take away the battery from the sunshine unit (with no instruments) with out taking the XSC off the gun. A proprietary double-slot charger is included to facilitate ultra-fast battery-swaps for prolonged low-light coaching periods.
The XSC has ambidextrous rear controls which are simply accessible by the set off finger or support-hand thumb that may be repeatedly pressed for momentary-on, or pressed and launched for fixed on. Having the activation buttons in the suitable place is all the time a priority with a gun and pistol gentle which are so compact, however I discovered the butterfly swap, whereas a bit mushy, was extraordinarily straightforward to make use of with a really optimistic activation, regardless of the dearth of a tangible “click on” of any sort.
The tiny footprint of this gentle vastly will increase the utility of a compact EDC gun — it means that you can use the firearm in a low-light defensive scenario with optimistic goal identification with out hindering a micro-compact’s means to be deeply hid. —— Dave Maccar
Greatest Combo Mild: Viridian X5L Gen 3
Execs
- No biking by modes
- Suits number of pistols and holsters made for the Streamlight TLR1
- Removeable, rechargeable battery
- Inexperienced daylight-visible laser
Key Options
-
500 lumen CREE LED gentle -
5mw inexperienced daylight-visible laser adjustable for windage and elevation -
6 hour (fixed on), 10 hours (strobe), and 40 minute (gentle and laser fixed on) run occasions -
Battery indicator lights -
Prompt-On tech for Prompt-On holsters -
6 operational gentle/laser modes -
Vary: As much as 100 yards daylight / 2 miles night time
Why It Made the Minimize
The Viridian X5L Gen 3 is the most recent of a confirmed product line that gives all the benefits of a full-size gentle and laser combo with out making sacrifices.
Product Description
Veridian launched its X line of merchandise again in 2008, and that is the most recent model of the full-size X5L mixture pistol gentle and laser sight. This feature-rich pistol gentle has been redesigned to be roughly the identical measurement and form as a Streamlight TLR1, which implies it should slot in holsters designed for that well-liked mannequin. It’s powered by a chargeable battery that’s detachable for swapping out (extra batteries can be found from Viridian) or charging with out having to take away the X5L and re-zeroing the laser sight.
The battery additionally powers a inexperienced 5mw laser that’s extraordinarily seen in vibrant and low-light taking pictures situations, and it may be used together with or individually from the 500-lumen pistol gentle. This mannequin additionally options Prompt-On Know-how; when paired with an Prompt-On holster, the X5L will activate within the chosen mode the second it’s drawn. It additionally turns off mechanically when the pistol is re-holstered. (There are Prompt-On improve kits out there for a lot of well-liked holsters).
The X5L options six operational modes: strong laser, strong laser/strong gentle, strong laser/strobe gentle, pulsing laser, pulsing laser/strong gentle, and strong gentle solely. You choose the mode by urgent each the left and proper activation switches. The unit will then activate in that mode till the choice is modified.
Combo gentle and laser items had all the time had a bent to be cumbersome, janky, or simply awkward with both a lightweight or laser that had been underpowered — however the tech has gone past these limitations, and the X5L is proof. The sunshine and laser on this unit are equally highly effective and dependable, and after a number of tough and tumble use and a number of other hundred rounds, I discovered the X5L to be a sturdy pistol gentle with a wonderful laser sight. — Dave Maccar
Issues to Think about Earlier than Shopping for a Pistol Mild
It’s straightforward to be overwhelmed by the numerous choices, however customers ought to give attention to how they intend to hold and use their gentle.
Carry Type
In case you plan to hold a subcompact or slim-frame handgun in your EDC (on a regular basis carry), particularly in a kydex holster, then choices are lowered significantly as a result of measurement. If you would like a lightweight in your home-defense or service weapon, the chances abound, and also you’ll doubtless slender your search by private choice and finances.
Brightness
In case you’re working as a LEO in an city surroundings round buildings and constructions, then you definitely’ll want excessive lumens and good spill, versus the agricultural LEO needing excessive candela for lengthy distance illumination.
Batteries
This comes down to non-public choice, however you’ll have to determine if disposable or rechargeable batteries greatest fit your wants. You may pay extra upfront for a chargeable gentle, however remember that these replaceable batteries will add up, too.
FAQs
Your pistol gentle ought to have sufficient lumens to light up your environment, which is dependent upon whether or not you’re utilizing it primarily indoors or outside. I might suggest having a lightweight that produces at the very least 500 lumens, which can present adequate gentle for many eventualities. Simply keep in mind that lumens is only a measurement of how a lot gentle the LED can produce, however design traits within the weapon gentle like the scale and form of reflector and glass readability will decide how vibrant the weapon gentle really is. High quality pistol lights with 500 lumens and high-quality reflectors and glass usually outperform greater lumen rivals, so focus extra on how the sunshine performs versus the product specification sheets.
Lumens and candela are the most typical phrases you will note a producer use when advertising and marketing their pistol lights. Lumens refers back to the uncooked measurement that describes how a lot gentle the LED can theoretically produce. Candela, then again, describes the entire quantity of sunshine inside a sure beam angle and route and helps measure the power, quantity, and depth of sunshine. Candela is a significantly better predictor of how the sunshine goes to carry out, particularly for merchandise just like the Surefire X300 Turbo and Modlite PL350, that are each designed to supply a beam that reaches out to longer ranges.
Throw and flood are phrases used to explain the weapon gentle’s beam sample. Throw refers back to the gentle’s means to undertaking gentle over distance, the place flood describes the power to light up a big space. Primarily based in your particular person wants, throw or flood will likely be a precedence. For instance, my on a regular basis carry pistol will most definitely be used indoors or in shut proximity, so prioritizing a lightweight with a beneficiant flood that may illuminate a broad space is helpful.
If I used to be nonetheless patrolling each city and rural environments, pistol lights with higher throw that may attain throughout a number of yards or right into a wooded space could be extra useful. Pistol lights often prioritize considered one of these attributes greater than the opposite, however there are merchandise just like the Modlite PL350 that present each throw and flood in the identical gentle.
We regularly spend a lot of our time obsessing over the sunshine’s brightness, with out contemplating different vital options, just like the pistol gentle’s interface with the shooter. Activating the sunshine in an emergency must be intuitive. Toggles, paddles, and switches differ amongst producers, and particular person person choice performs a task. Switches just like the one on the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub and Surefire X300 Turbo present the power to drive your thumb into the swap for momentary-on however can be toggled up or down for constant-on. These fashions are my most well-liked type of switches. The power to run momentary-on in order that the sunshine deactivates throughout reloads, malfunction clearances, or motion is a should, because you don’t wish to illuminate your self throughout these duties. Fixed-on whereas taking pictures one handed can be invaluable and applies to the regulation enforcement officer and on a regular basis carry citizen alike.
Remaining Ideas on the Greatest Pistol Lights
The perfect pistol lights are a should for any defensive or responsibility pistol. Your means to light up threats to supply correct identification is necessary for those who’re an LEO and important for those who’re relying on it for self-defense. Pistol lights ought to by no means be an afterthought in your preparedness and will be simply as important because the pistol it’s hooked up to.
