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Weapon lights are an vital addition to any self-defense firearm.
If you’re going to use a pistol to defend your self then it wants a pistol mild.
These equipment are vital for following one of many primary guidelines of gun security–know your goal and what’s behind it–in addition to aiding in nighttime navigation and even providing the power to stun an attacker.
You should utilize a pistol mild in most of the identical methods you’d use a tactical flashlight.
Plus, because it’s connected to your handgun, you’ll by no means go away the sunshine behind!
There are benefits and downsides of each pistol mild mannequin so we’ll have a look at how they connect, what number of lumens they output, the battery life you may anticipate, and extra.
And, in fact, a superb weapon mild must be dependable. No junk flashlights right here!
Let’s start.
The Greatest Pistol Lights
Greatest General – Streamlight TLR-1 HL
Choose up a pistol with a lightweight already put in and likelihood is excessive it’s a Streamlight.
That’s as a result of Streamlight hits the candy spot for energy, performance, reliability, and value.
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL places out 1,000 lumens of seen mild if you flip it on, an immense quantity of energy for such a small mild.
It lasts a very long time for that quantity of depth, too, with a battery lifetime of 1.5 hours. Should you double-tap the ambidextrous activation pedals then it activates a strobe mode.
The TLR-1 HL matches on Picatinny rails, Glock rails, and contains mounting keys for different pistols such because the Sig P320 and Smith & Wesson SW99.
It’s additionally shock-resistant and IPX7 waterproof so it’ll survive your adventures.
Specs
- Lumens: 1000
- Battery Life: 1.5 Hours
- Energy Supply: 2x CR1234 Lithium Battery
- Activation: Momentary, Regular, Strobe
Execs
- Simple battery set up with no probability of shedding the battery door because of a tether
- Features a very highly effective C4 LED with out elevating the sunshine’s value
Cons
- On the longer aspect so shorter barrels might throw carbon onto the sunshine, requiring additional cleansing
Who’s It For?
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL is a good mild for full-sized pistols and a superb mild for compacts however not subcompacts. It’s a good selection for anyone who needs a robust, dependable, non-specialized pistol mild.
Greatest Finances Pistol Mild – Klarus GL1
There should not many finances weapon lights which might be well worth the cash. Making a flashlight that may survive constant pistol recoil requires some expense.
The Klarus GL1 Pistol Light is the one finances handgun flashlight I’d think about using on a severe gun.
I’ve had nice experiences with Klarus flashlights up to now. The GL1 retains up this budget-yet-reliable streak.
It makes use of a USB-rechargeable battery to energy the 600-lumen CREE XP-L2 HD LED. That is a formidable quantity of energy.
Nevertheless, the 260 mAh battery can solely energy the sunshine at full energy for a short while. 600 lumens lasts for 10 minutes, usable mild lasts for about an hour, and the final half an hour is just about 70 lumens.
That is adequate for a self-defense state of affairs because you gained’t wish to preserve your mild on full blast on a regular basis anyway.
Maintain the battery topped up, although!
Specs
- Lumens: 600
- Battery Life: 1 Hour
- Energy Supply: USB Rechargeable Battery
- Activation: Momentary, Regular, Strobe
Execs
Simply recharged battery
Good energy and reliability contemplating the low value
Who’s It For?
The Klarus GL1 is an effective selection for anyone who’s constrained by their finances. Coaching is extra vital than having the spiffiest gadget and the Klarus will provide help to sustain your ammo finances.
Improve Choose – SureFire X300 Extremely
SureFire flashlights are the very best within the enterprise. Nevertheless, they’re priced that method.
The SureFire X300U is the Extremely model of the well-regarded X300. The TIR lens focuses the 1,000 lumens for a long-reaching central beam and a shorter-ranged vast element for good peripheral imaginative and prescient.
The rear toggles can be utilized for momentary or constant-on use and you may add a pressure-activated distant swap for automated mild management.
The X300U securely mounts to a big number of pistols and is thought to outlive bodily altercations that might kill even Streamlights.
The Surefire X300U is available in two fashions. The A model makes use of the Rail-Lock system to mount to polymer frames and the B model makes use of the T-Slot system to mount to metallic frames and rails.
Specs
- Lumens: 1000
- Battery Life: 1.25 Hours
- Energy Supply: 2x CR123A Lithium Batteries
- Activation: Momentary, Regular
Execs
- Extraordinarily sturdy design
- Highly effective bulb that’s improved by the TIR lens
Cons
- Longer than different pistol lights
- Twice as costly because the competitors
Who’s It For?
The SureFire X300U-A or X300U-B is for professionals and anyone wanting a professional-grade flashlight and isn’t involved concerning the expense.
Greatest Small Pistol Mild – OLIGHT BALDR Mini
Compact weapons mild can save weight, cut back snagging, and enhance weapon stability.
The OLIGHT BALDR Mini is a superb compact pistol flashlight that’s no much less efficient for the scale.
You get a full-power 600 lumen LED bulb, although the small kind issue mandates a small battery. This implies you’ll solely get 40 minutes of sunshine.
The BALDR mini weighs a scant 3.07 grams.
A nifty function is that the rail mount adapter is on a slide so you may push the flashlight ahead or backward to suit virtually any handgun.
The OLIGHT BALDR Mini additionally has a inexperienced laser, nevertheless it’s virtually an afterthought.
Specs
- Lumens: 600
- Battery Life: 40 Minutes
- Energy Supply: Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery
- Activation: Momentary, Regular
Execs
- Doesn’t quit any energy for being such a small pistol mild
- Small and light-weight sufficient to not mess up your pistol’s stability
Cons
- The inexperienced laser isn’t as high-quality as the remainder of the unit
- Quick battery life
Who’s It For?
The OLIGHT BALDR Mini is an effective mild for pistols of just about any dimension if you’re extra involved by dimension and weight than by battery life.
Greatest Mild for Glock 19 – Streamlight TLR-7A
The Streamlight TLR-7 is without doubt one of the most well-known pistol lights. The TLR-7A is an upgraded model with higher activation levers.
The TLR-7A matches Glock 19s of all generations (besides the rail-less Gen 2). The entrance of the sunshine’s housing is nearly flush with the entrance of the gun, making it a wonderful companion.
What I want concerning the TLR-7A over the older model is the rear swap. It comes with two. One is for a excessive grip and the opposite for a low grip.
I’ve dealt with pistols with flashlights that match different folks however not me. The TLR-7A removes this weak spot.
The closest factor this mild has to a weak spot is that it’s solely a 500-lumen mild, however that’s nonetheless sufficient for a pistol mild.
Specs
- Lumens: 500
- Battery Life: 1.5 Hours
- Energy Supply: 1x CR123A Lithium Battery
- Activation: Momentary, Fixed
Execs
- Customizable activation levers
- Small and light-weight but nonetheless sturdy
Cons
- Decrease brightness than most different trendy pistol flashlights
Who’s It For?
The Streamlight TLR-7A is an ideal flashlight for the Glock 19 and it’s additionally an awesome selection for different similarly-sized pistols.
Greatest Mild for Sig Sauer P365 – Crimson Hint Lightguard
The Sig P365 is a superb pistol, especially for women.
Nevertheless, these engineers at Sig Sauer made the rail thinner than the Picatinny commonplace, which reduces flashlight compatibility.
There are a number of fashions designed particularly to suit the P365. Of those, I’ve discovered the Crimson Trace Lightguard to be the very best.
It matches completely onto the entrance of the P365’s set off guard, flowing across the entrance and first half of the underside.
Activation is by way of a button on both aspect of the unit, decrease than the set off. It is a great spot for many individuals however may be awkward for some.
The Crimson Hint Lightguard outputs 110 lumens, which isn’t a lot in contrast with the competitors. It’s sufficient for lumination however not disorientation, besides in a pitch-black state of affairs.
What about Sig’s FOXTROT365?
That mild can be designed for the P365 nevertheless it’s weaker, tougher to alter the batteries, solely has a stress swap (no momentary activation!), and is thrice the worth. No thanks!
Specs
- Lumens: 110
- Battery Life: 1 Hour
- Energy Supply: 2x 1/3N Batteries
- Activation: Momentary, Regular, Strobe
Execs
Matches the Sig P365 completely
Surprisingly cheap
Cons
The activation buttons will not be in a superb location for each person
Low lumen output, lowering daytime disorientation potential
Who’s It For?
The Crimson Trace Lightguard matches the Sig Sauer P365 completely and is a significantly better worth than the FOXTROT365.
Greatest Mild for Sig P320 XCompact – Olight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie
Very similar to the P365, the Sig P320 XCompact shouldn’t be appropriate with all weapon lights.
You don’t must get a P320-only mild, although. The OLIGHT PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie works completely wonderful.
The PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie may be considered a distinct model of the BALDR Mini besides, as an alternative of a inexperienced laser, it features a magnetic charging port.
I’m an enormous fan of magnetic chargers. They make it straightforward to maintain your flashlight topped off.
The PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie places out simply as many lumens because the BALDR Mini however with much less depth. Nevertheless, it’s a extra sturdy unit, with IPX6 waterproofing as an alternative of IPX4.
Specs
- Lumens: 600
- Battery Life: 1 Hour
- Energy Supply: Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery
- Activation: Momentary, Regular
Execs
- Matches the awkwardly-sized Sig P320 XCompact in addition to different subcompact fashions such because the Ruger SR9C and the Springfield XDS
Cons
- Much less mild depth than different 600-lumen pistol lights
Who’s It For?
The OLIGHT PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie is for anyone who needs a superb mild for his or her subcompact pistol or needs the simplicity of a magnetic charger.
Greatest Mild for Glock 17 – Nightstick TCM-550XL
The Nightstick TCM-550XL is a competitor to the Streamlight TLR-7A however could also be a better option for the full-sized Glock 17.
As you may inform from the mannequin identify, the TCM-550XL places out 550 lumens. It’s extra intense than some 600-lumen lights, although, with over 4,600 candelas of depth.
The TIR lens retains your goal well-lit and permits you to observe what’s round it, too.
The Nightstick is an environment friendly flashlight as a result of it has a battery lifetime of as much as 2.5 hours! That’s an hour longer than the competitors’s finest.
The physique is hard aluminum and IPX7 waterproof.
The activation lever, nevertheless, could make or break this mannequin for you. It’s extra delicate than the Streamlight TLR-7A.
Not everybody likes the sensitivity.
Specs
- Lumens: 550
- Battery Life: 2.5 Hours
- Energy Supply: 1x CR123 Lithium Battery
- Activation: Momentary, Regular
Execs
- Simple to activate levers
- Lengthy battery life for a pistol-mounted flashlight
Cons
- Activation levers could also be too delicate for some folks
- Doesn’t match many handgun fashions
Who’s It For?
The Nightstick TCM-550XL was designed as a lightweight for legislation enforcement officers utilizing the Glock 17 and shines on that gun, offered you want delicate activation switches.
Honorable Point out – SureFire 2211 Wristlight
What if you’d like a pistol mild that’s not connected to the handgun?
SureFire has you lined with the 2211 Wristlight Collection.
The Wristlight is a flashlight worn in your assist hand, identical as a watch. The lens is angled to mild up together with your gun’s barrel if you grip the pistol with each arms.
In contrast to different weapon lights, you may fluctuate the Wristlight’s depth from 300 to fifteen lumens. This extends the battery life from 1 to 13 hours, so the Wristlight can be a superb backup or emergency flashlight.
You’ll be able to enhance the flexibility of the Weaponlight by shopping for a model that’s additionally a wristwatch!
This turns the Weaponlight into an excellent survival watch.
Specs
- Lumens: 300, 60, or 15
- Battery Life: 1, 4, or 13 Hours
- Energy Supply: USB Rechargeable Lithium Battery
- Activation: Regular
Execs
- Permits you to use your weapon mild at low energy and with out aiming your pistol at non-targets
- Works with any mannequin handgun
Cons
- Needs to be manually activated individually
- The watch variations should not ambidextrous
Who’s It For?
The SureFire 2211 Wristlight is nice for individuals who use a wide range of handguns or for anyone who needs to put on a flashlight individually from their pistol.
What to Look For When Selecting a Pistol Mild
With so many alternative handgun lights on the market, how will you select?
The first factor you want to remember is compatibility. Irrespective of how good a lightweight is, if it doesn’t suit your pistol, it’s nugatory!
Previous that, there are particular options you need to be mindful. Let’s begin with an important one.
Reliability
A flashlight that doesn’t activate if you want it to is greater than an annoyance. It could possibly put you in danger!
Because of this pistol lights are so costly.
Handguns might not recoil laborious however they do recoil backwards and forwards, which might shake aside poorly-designed lights.
Heck, this is applicable to optics as effectively, and is why Trijicon needed to improve the RMR1! The primary technology might flicker and switch off from even a 9mm handgun. The contacts would flatten from the slide’s swift back-and-forth movement.
Due to this, you don’t wish to even contemplate low cost pistol lights. One thing that might survive being mounted on an AR-15 would break on a Glock.
When you hit the $50 value level, although, there’s solely a small quantity of added reliability if you improve the worth.
Nevertheless, if you’re lively whereas carrying your handgun, it would be best to prioritize costlier fashions for his or her additional reliability.
Brightness
Pistol lights are measured in lumens2. Typically, the extra lumens the sunshine places out, the brighter it’s.
There are some outliers, although.
For instance, the Nightstick TCM-550XL places out its 550 lumens at about 4,600 candelas of depth and the OLIGHT BALDR Mini is just about 4,200 candelas at 600 lumens.
Typically, although, the brighter the higher.
That’s as a result of it will increase your possibilities of disorienting an opponent, which might enhance your risk of surviving.
There are a number of opinions on what number of lumens it’s worthwhile to disorient somebody and never a number of laborious knowledge.
The commonly accepted rule is that you just want round 100-150 lumens to disorient somebody at the hours of darkness and 200-300 lumens to disorient somebody through the day.
The space between your mild and your opponent’s eyes will add to this requirement, in fact.
So, it’s higher to err on the aspect of warning and go for the brightest mild you may. Even when it cuts down on battery life.
Battery life doesn’t matter all that a lot. Most self-defense conditions are over in moments, not hours.
Simply make sure that to maintain your batteries topped off!
Ease of Use
Probably the most subjective side of shopping for a weapon mild is how straightforward the sunshine is to make use of.
Most pistol lights have two rear levers that flank the entrance of your set off guard.
Faucet them to show the sunshine on or off, or maintain them down for a momentary brightness till you launch the lever.
Different lights have aspect buttons in entrance of and beneath the set off guard you faucet.
Which activation methodology you like is dependent upon your grip and finger size, so that you’ll need to experiment.
You’ll be able to apply with no mild put in in your gun to see which finger motion feels extra snug or borrow a gun with a lightweight from a buddy.
Energy Supply
I favor rechargeable batteries over replaceable batteries.
Replaceable batteries are likely to last more than rechargeables, which looks like a robust benefit.
Additionally, you may change them within the discipline.
Nevertheless, you can’t high off replaceable batteries!
You’ll be able to plug in a chargeable pistol mild each evening so it’s recent for the combat each time.
I’m not involved about getting right into a three-hour-long firefight in the midst of the evening. If that occurs I’ll have time to seize and use a separate tactical flashlight.
So, I’d advocate utilizing a lightweight you may preserve topped off.
Ultimate Verdict
Although the entire flashlights on this checklist make good pistol lights, there are three that stand out to me.
First is the budget-oriented Klarys GL1. That’s as a result of it’s low cost sufficient to outfit virtually anyone with a weapon mild but remains to be dependable.
The second standout is the Streamlight TLR sequence. Should you favor energy then get the TLR-1 HL. The TLR-7A is in any other case a wonderful, ergonomic selection.
Lastly, the SureFire X300U-A is an especially rugged pistol mild that’s sturdy sufficient for army use. Go along with the X300 if you happen to want the reliability.
Take into account that the sunshine you select has to suit your gun!
Which one does your pistol put on?
FAQs
What Pistol Mild Does the Army Use?
The US army makes use of a wide range of pistol lights, sometimes purchased from the market although some are issued.
The SureFire X300-A has a Nationwide Inventory Quantity3 and is in use by the army.
How Many Lumens Is Greatest For a Pistol Mild?
The extra lumens the higher.
There’s no single agreed-upon minimal for a defensive flashlight (I’ve seen figures from 70 to 300 lumens).
I’d advocate a minimum of 300 if you’d like extra than simply illumination, although.
Are Pistol Lights Value It?
Sure!
Pistol lights are a reasonable addition to your firearm that may show indispensable if it’s worthwhile to use your pistol at the hours of darkness.
Sources
- https://www.surefire.com/product-education/nsn-list/
- https://www.trijicon.com/frequently-asked-questions/category/rmr-faqs
