We often get asked by individuals if they should put a weapon mounted light on their pistol and if so, which is the best option for them. This conversation usually turns into a long-winded explanation of the “why’s” behind a weapon mounted light, their role, and the utilization of other sources of light like a handheld light. This short article will not be about light techniques but rather covering two pistol mounted lights that have provided success for us in application, along with proving themselves in many environments.
There are many pistol mounted lights out there, why did you just choose two? The answer is easy, dependability. We have been blessed with the ability to train with some of the top-tier instructors in the industry who travel around the country teaching and in doing so, have seen numerous manufacturers, and have documented their triumphs and defeats. This information was passed along to their students. We have tried and tested some of these as well and two have proven to stand out based on our experiences along with information passed to us. These two, duty style pistol mounted weapon lights are the Surefire X300 Ultra and the Streamlight TLR-1 HL.
Streamlight TLR-1 HL 1000 Lumen
The data is taken from the product fact sheet on Streamlights’ website. The TLR-1 HL is a lightweight, compact, high lumen lithium battery powered gun mounted tactical light featuring the latest shock-proof technology. The runtime for this light running off CR123 batteries is 1.5 hours of constant on. The case material is made from 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum and black anodized.
Light Output is 1,000 lumens and 20,000 candela peak beam intensity producing a 283-meter beam distance. The switch can be toggled to constant on or momentary activation. The light mounts to the picatinny rail on the firearm using a clamp style attachment that is tightened with a knurled head cross bolt that also has a slot for a standard screwdriver or can be tightened in the field with a coin.
Surefire X300 Ultra 1000 Lumen
Again, this information was pulled from Surefire’s website. Popular with law enforcement and military operators around the world, the Rail-Lock® version, our best-selling Weapon Light now delivers a stunning 1,000 lumens of LED-generated output. Focused by a precision TIR lens, it creates a far-reaching high-intensity beam with a larger center spot that is extremely effective combination for close- to medium-range engagements. You can count on the X300U-A to help you positively identify threats at significant distances while temporarily impairing your adversary’s vision. It also provides extensive peripheral illumination for maintaining situational awareness.
Ambidextrous switching provides one-finger control of momentary-on or constant-on activation. Its rugged, aerospace aluminum body is Mil-Spec hard anodized for scratch and corrosion resistance and sealed to make it weatherproof. It is also IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The X300U-A delivers a standard of excellence you can trust.
Light Output is 1,000 lumens and 11, 300 candela peak beam intensity producing a beam to 213 meters. The Surefire A model X300 Ultra has the Rail Lock system with two paddles that lock a cross bar into the picatinny rail of the pistol for easy on/off capabilities.
The Surefire X300 Ultra also comes in a B Model uses the T-slot thumb screw (similar to the Streamlight) to attach the light to the pistol’s picatinny rail and has all the same features of the A model listed above.
Considerations
Are pistol mounted lights used for everything? Absolutely not. They are not the end all, be all piece of equipment. Your environment, task at hand, job, etcetera determine when the weapon mounted light would be best utilized. Both companies also offer smaller lights for subcompact and compact pistols but the two above are the most common. Once a light is chosen, a holster will be of concern whether for duty or plain clothes assignments in law enforcement or for the concealed carrier. These two light choices have a large holster availability from most manufacturers. Switchology of the lights are slightly different and unique to each light. The Streamlight has a paddle design that you can push one direction for constant on and the other direction for momentary. The Surefire design is up or down for constant on, and you push in on the paddle for momentary. This can be an issue for some users depending on design and hand size, but Steve Fisher of Sentinel Concepts worked with Phlster, a holster company, to design replacement paddles for both lights. This design provides adaptability for the user to make the activation of the light easier and more efficient. We recommend the Phlster Arc Switches as an upgrade to these lights.
Technology has advanced considerably since the first WML we used, the Insight M3. With the technology advancement, Modlite Systems has developed a pistol mounted light to accompany their Rifle lights. The Modlite PL350 will hit the market here soon and what we have seen so far, this pistol mounted light could be a game changer.
We have used both the Surefire X300 Ultra and Streamlight TLR-1 HL for years. These lights have proven to be dependable and met our needs in any environment. One Surefire X300 has well over 10,000 rounds on it and still going strong and one of our original Streamlight TLR-1 (300 lumen) is still working like the day it was purchased.
For more information or to purchase the Surefire X300U – A Click Here
For more information or to purchase the Surefire X300U – B Click Here
For more information or to purchase the Streamlight TLR-1 HL Click Here
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@valiant-ts.com
