When using a pistol at night, you will need a good-quality and bright pistol light to help you ID the target. A pistol flashlight also comes in handy to blind the target. There is a wide range of pistol lights available at different price ranges and specifications, and this article reviews some of the best pistol lights. We also included a buyer’s guide to help you pick the right pistol light.
6 Best Pistol Lights
Overall Best Pistol Lights: Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL 1000-Lumen Tactical Weapon Mount Light
- Lumens – 1000
- Candela – 20,000
- Battery run time – 1.5 hours
- Material – Anodized aluminum
- Weight – 4.18 ounces with batteries
- Size – 3.39-Inch Length, 1.47-Inch Width, 1.44-Inch Height
The Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL is a premium quality, high-performance tactical light. It has a sturdy, compact, and lightweight construction compatible with most handguns.
It is 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish that provides high temperature and shock resistance and ensures that the light is super light. The Boro float glass lens is also impact and shock-resistant.
This tactical weapon light is extensively fire tested. It has an IPX7 – a waterproof rating of one meter for 30 minutes.
The TIR optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination. It has a brightness capacity of 1000 lumens, a peak beam intensity of 20,000 candelas, and a beam distance of 283m. It is wide and can illuminate large areas.
The spotlight is powered by two 3V Cr123A Lithium Batteries, which provide a run time of 1.5 hours. Its electric system regulates current for consistent illumination levels. The battery door has a latched mechanism that prevents the door from getting lost.
One of the most outstanding features of this light is that you can operate it with a single hand. It has a snap-on/tighten interface that keeps your hands away from the muzzle when detaching or attaching it to your pistol and a steady on-off switch.
The light is compatible with most Glock-style handguns. It readily mounts on the gun rails, but it is best to confirm your gun’s compatibility with the Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL before buying it.
Pros
- Bright and long beam range
- Super lightweight
- Single-hand, ambidextrous handling
- Compact
- Durable and shock-resistant
Cons
- Relatively short battery life
Best Budget: Tacticon Battle Torch V1 Gun Light
- Lumens – 400
- Candela – Not indicated
- Battery run time – 1.5-2 hours
- Material – Polymer
- Weight – 4.5 ounces with batteries
- Size – 4.49-Inch Length, 3.5-Inch Width, 1.46-Inch Height
If you are tight on budget but still need a good-quality tactical light for your pistol, the Tacticon Battle Torch V1 is a great option. It is made of high-quality polymer and has the essential features and many more packed in a compact and highly functional design.
Notably, it is made by a combat veteran-owned company in the USA that understands tactical lighting needs. They back up the lights with a no-risk lifetime warranty.
It has a low-profile yet sleek design compatible with most holsters and any handguns with a Weaver or Picatinny rail such as Winchester, Remington, Colt, Glock, Sig Sauer, S&W, etc. It requires a minimum of 28mm rail size.
It produces a 400 lumens bright beam that can illuminate up to 100 meters and has a strobe function. The most unique feature of the flashlight is the built-in magnetically rechargeable battery. It allows you to keep the mounted flashlight on the gun when charging.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordably-priced
- Two modes – flashlight or strobe
- Compatible with most handguns and holsters
- Fitted with a magnetic charger
Cons
- Battery does not last too long
Best Premium: SureFire X300 UB-TN
- Lumens – 1000
- Candela – 11,300
- Battery run time – 1.25hours
- Material – Aerospace-grade anodized aluminum
- Weight – 4.1 ounces with batteries
- Size – 8.62-Inch Length, 1.72-Inch Width, 1.65-Inch Height
Compared to other units reviewed in this article, the SureFire X300 UB-TN is longer and best suited for full-size guns. This tactical light delivers premium quality and performance that warrants its high price.
It is aerospace-grade aluminum, anodized to ensure that the flashlight is corrosion resistant. It is water sealed with an IPX waterproof rating – one meter for 30 minutes.
The light’s design incorporates several features that make it highly functional. It has a T-slot thumbscrew clamp that attaches securely to universal and Picatinny rails on most handguns. Also, it has accessory switches for pistols and an alternative tape switch if used on long guns.
A TIR lens focuses a 1000 lumen beam to deliver bright, high-intensity light with a large central spot. The beam is suitable for both close and medium-range engagements and lights up to 213 meters. It also offers adequate peripheral illumination for enhanced situational awareness.
SureFire X300 has an ambidextrous switching design with a one-finger control for constant on or momentary-on activation. You can also fit it with pressure-activated DG and XT remote switches for precision control and enhanced grip on the gun.
The SureFire X300UB-TN uses two 123A batteries that provide a run time of about 1.25 hours.
Pros
- Premium-quality build
- Lightweight
- Compatible with most guns with Picatinny rails
- Easy mounting on the gun
- Ambidextrous handling
- Bright, high-intensity light
Cons
- Low battery run time
- Longer than most pistol mounted flashlight models
Best Value for Money: Streamlight 69424 TLR-7A Flex 500-Lumen
- Lumens – 500
- Candela – 5000
- Battery run time – 1.5hours
- Material – Anodized aluminum
- Weight – 2.40 ounces with batteries
- Size – 1.18-Inch Length, 1.27-Inch Width, 2.58-Inch Height
The Streamlight 69424 TLR-7A Flex 500-Lumen is anodized aluminum with an IPX7 waterproof rating of one meter for 30 minutes. The switch housing is made of chemical and impact-resistant polymer, while the lens is shock-resistant Borofloat glass.
The optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination. It can light up to 140meters, is powered by a CR123A lithium battery, and can run for up to 1.5 hours. It has a safe-off feature that prevents accidental switching on to save batteries.
Additional features include a high switch mount, low switch mount, and key kit. It also has a strobe function. The two rear switches at the right and left of the trigger guard enable an ambidextrous operation. You can also switch between constant and momentary operation by quick press or holding the switch respectively. To activate the strobe function, just double-tap either of the switches in under 0.25 seconds.
It is easy to mount and dismount through a rail grip clamp system without any tools. The setup is designed so you do not have to put your hands in front of the muzzle.
It is compatible with a wide range of compact and full-sized guns. The manufacturer provides an exclusive list of the type of guns compatible with the tactical light, including most Glock models up to Gen 4, Glock 17, and Glock 19 Gen 5; Sig Sauer p320 Compact, 1911 GSR, 320 carry, and full size and P200 series; S&W 99, M&P, and TSW; Kimber 1911 Custom; Ruger SR-9; HK VP9 and P30, FN FIVE-SEVEN, FNS-40, 509, and FNX: Springfield Armory XD, and various Beretta models among others.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight and compact
- Strobe function
- Built to last
- Ambidextrous operation
- Two rear switches
- Easy to mount
Cons
- Relatively low battery run time
Best Light/Laser Combo: Streamlight TLR-8 Laser Gun Light
- Lumens – 500
- Candela – 4300
- Battery run time – 1.5hours
- Material – Anodized aluminum
- Weight – 2.14 ounces with batteries
- Size – 2.15-Inch Length, 1.2-Inch Width, 1.5-Inch Height
The Streamlight TLR-8 laser gun light is a powerful weapon light built to last. It has a low-profile, compact, and lightweight design and is integrated with an aiming laser.
It is durable 6000 series machined aluminum with a black anodized finish. The lens is made of high temperature and impact resistant Borofloat glass, while the switch housing is a high-quality polymer with an elastomeric overmold. The tactical light/laser is IPX4 waterproof rated.
The unit features C4 LED technology that provides a bright 500 lumens light with a 130m beam distance. The customized TIR optics deliver a concentrated beam with optimal peripheral illumination, and the electronics are optimized to regulate intensity.
You can operate the laser in three modes – laser only, laser and LED, LED only. To switch between the modes, press both switches simultaneously. It also has a strobe function that can be activated by double-tapping either of the switches in 0.25 seconds.
It is designed with a rail clamp system to easily mount and dismount the light/laser from your gun. It fits securely on a wide range of compact and full-size pistols and has a safe-off feature that prevents accidental switching on, saving the battery.
Pros
- Ultralight and compact
- Bright
- 3 laser modes
- Strobe function
- Built to last
- Ambidextrous operation
- Easy to mount
- Compatibility with a wide range of pistols
Cons
Best for Compact Guns: Aimkon HiLight P5S
- Lumens – 500
- Candela – Not Indicated
- Battery run time – 0.45hours
- Material – Aluminum alloy
- Weight – 2.8 ounces with batteries
- Size – 2.5-Inch Length, 1-Inch Width, 2.5-Inch Height
The Aimkon HiLight P5S is not only the best tactical light for subcompact pistols, but it’s also one of the cheapest. Despite its low price, it delivers high performance and several conveniences and functionality features.
It has rugged, durable, and lightweight construction made of aluminum alloy. The flashlight produces as much light as most of the other 500 lumen flashlights and is powered by a CR2 lithium battery with a run time of 0.45 hours. It has two operational modes – regular high and strobe mode.
This tactical light has a quick release and attaches a mounting mechanism for an easy attachment or detachment from the gun. It is compatible with most subcompact guns such as Ruger SR40, Ruger SR9C, Smith & Wesson SD9, S&W M&P 45, Smith & Wesson SD40, Sig Sauer Mosquito 22, Tanfoglio 9mm, Beretta PX4, and Baby Desert Eagle 45.
Although it is mainly for subcompact pistols, you can also use it with compact and full-size handguns or alongside a low-profile handgun laser light with a built-in rail.
The manufacturer backs up the tactical light with a 30-day return policy and a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Affordable
- Super compact
- Quick-release/mount mechanism
- Durable and lightweight
- Suitable for easy carry-on
Cons
- Super low battery run time
Best Pistol Lights Buyer’s Guide: Factors to Consider When Buying The Best Pistol Lights
Intended Use of Pistol
Consider the main reason you use your gun, e.g., self-defense at home or law enforcement and security. For self-defense, the best pistol light has a medium number of lumens. High lumens are not recommended for home use as the light-colored walls will reflect the beam back on you. The goal is to blind a target without blinding yourself. Therefore, a range of 300-600 lumens is the best option for self-defense.
On the other hand, law enforcement, security, and military personnel often use their pistols outdoors. In this case, a pistol light with more brightness and a longer range is preferable. A pistol with 800 -1000 lumens would be ideal.
Best Pistol Lights: Brightness
The brightness of a pistol light is determined by its lumen and candela rating. The higher the lumen, the brighter the light, and the higher the candela, the longer the range of illumination.
Therefore, a pistol light with high lumens and candela gives bright light with a long range. These types of lights are better suited for full-size guns such as those used by law enforcement personnel.
Some flashlights combine low candela and high lumen to deliver a bright, short-range beam suitable for close engagements. Such lights are usually small and work well with smaller concealed carry types of guns.
Size of the Flashlight
Pistol lights come in different sizes. While some are super compact, others are bigger. The right pistol light should fit around your trigger guard or should be compatible with your pistol mounts and rails.
A compact pistol light is lightweight and compatible with most pistols. However, it has limited features. On the other hand, bigger lights may offer longer runtime and additional features such as strobe light function, brightness regulation, and laser combo. But, they are heavier and may not be compatible with compact pistols.
Also, your body weight will influence the right size of your pistol light. If you are petite, a heavier pistol light may diminish your shooting efficiency. If not, the impact of the pistol’s lightweight will be negligible.
Best Pistol Lights: Battery Run Time
Ideally, you want a pistol light with a rechargeable battery. The battery should provide a long battery life per fully charged cycle. Most come with one or two lithium batteries that provide 1.5-2 hours run time. Although this is relatively short for prolonged usage, most gun owners find it sufficient. Some have a much shorter run time of about 1 hour or less. Note that flashlights with laser combo tend to drain the battery faster.
Pistols Holster Options
If you intend to be carrying your pistol with the flashlight mounted, you need a holster that can accommodate both the handgun and flashlight. These holsters are much harder to find and cost more than the regular ones.
Pistol Light Beam Spread
The beam spread refers to the diameter of the flashlight. The more focused the beam, the better it can disorient a target. On the other hand, if you are shooting at a long distance, go for a wide beam spread.
Pistol Light Durability
Consider the materials used to make the pistol light and the overall construction design. You want a well-made and dependable light. Pay close attention to its IP rating to determine its toughness and waterproofness. If using it outdoors, it should be usable in wet conditions. Ultimately, it should be able to withstand some knocks and hits without getting damaged.
Most pistol lights are made of polymer or aluminum. While both materials make the flashlight light, polymer is more prone to breakage and damage. Aluminum is more sturdy and durable.
Pistol Laser/Light Combo?
A laser is a useful tool when using a pistol as it can help you improve your shooting skills. However, since most handguns are small and single-handed, there is not much space left for mounting a laser and other attachments. A laser/light combo will come in handy in offering the benefits of a pistol light and a laser. While the combo is much more expensive than a pistol only, it is a worthwhile investment.
Best Pistol Lights: Conclusion
A pistol light ensures that your gun is always ready to use even in low lighting conditions, whether indoors or outdoors. The right one will depend on whether you use it for self-defense or duty.
Consider the appropriate brightness and beam range and whether you want a flashlight only or a light/laser combo. Ultimately, the particular light should be compatible with your type of gun. Its mount mechanism should fit the rail system in your gun. Prices range from less than $50 up to about $350. Choose one that fits your budget and delivers value.
