11 Best Pistol Lights (Ranked & Reviewed)
There are many choices when getting a pistol light, and this post will cover the best pistol light on the market.
With various price points, this article will help you decide which is right and will help you choose the perfect one for your intended use.
So, if you want to illuminate the darkness, keep reading.
This post will rank and review the best pistol lights.
Best Pistol Light List
Best Pistol Light List
- 500 Lumens
- 1.5 Hour Battery Life
- Bright & Compact
- Best For Slim Line Pistols
- Full Report
- Editor’s Choice
MSRP $150
- 450 Lumens
- 1.5 Hour Battery Life
- Budget Friendly
- Full Report
- Editor’s Choice
MSRP $359
- 500 Lumens
- 1.5 Hour Battery Life
- Budget Friendly
- Full Report
- Editor’s Choice
MSRP $250
- 350 Lumens
- 12,750 Candela
- 1.8 / 8 Hour Battery Life
- 120 mW of IR
MSRP $459
1. Sig Sauer Foxtrot1x
First on the list of weapon lights is the Sig Sauer Foxtrot1x, the best budget-friendly weapon light.
This rail-mounted gun light has a 450-lumen rating and offers 1.5 hours of runtime using a single CR123 battery.
Sig Sauer Foxtrot 1x Specs
| Length | 2.4″ |
| Width | 1.2″ |
| Height | 1.3″ |
| Weight | 2.47 oz |
Each Sig Sauer Foxtrot 1X includes M1913 and Glock sliding rail interface plates for optimal adjustment range on your firearm’s rail.
Ambidextrous push-button side switches allow left- and right-handed shooters to quickly activate the weapon light, and there are momentary and latching modes to suit your application.
Easy to install and adjustable to snug up to the trigger guard and sit flush with the slide at the end of the barrel.
Some good things about the Foxtrot 1x are it is slim and sleek and has two modes (tap on, hold for momentary).
Some problems I had with this light are the buttons are stiff, and activation takes more effort than it should.
My experience with this light has been decent. It’s a good entry-level light that is inexpensive.
I’m not a fan of the Sig proprietary rail. I’m glad it fits on standard Picatinny rails, too.
If you want to get started with a pistol light and don’t have much money, this is a good choice.
MSRP $140
| Best For | Range use |
| Brightness | 450 Lumens |
| Range | 283 Meters |
| Battery Life | Up To 90 Minutes |
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Grab A Gun, Amazon
2. Nightstick Tactical
The Nightstick Tactical is another one of the top-performing weapon lights.
This one works great and has excellent battery life combined with a high lumen output and serious candela.
Nightstick Tactical Specs
| Length | 3.75″ |
| Width | 1.5″ |
| Height | 1.5″ |
| Weight | 5.4 oz |
This light has many great features, like the TIR lens and rock-solid housing. It comes with a slight downside because of this, though.
It’s on the bulky side when it comes to pistol lights, also heavy.
It will run on three different light modes at 850 lumens, pushing 15,000 lumens with a decent-sized hotspot.
“Constant on” / “Momentary ON” & Strobe.
Everything about the build and reliability is excellent; the toggle switches lock up tight, and it is sealed for an IPX7 waterproof rating.
The Nightstick light also comes standard with (2) CR123A batteries that will last up to 1.75 hours, which is pretty impressive.
If you want a well-rounded pistol light and are just starting with weapon lights, It’s a great option and has come down in price.
MSRP $150
| Best For | Home-Defense |
| Brightness | 850 Lumens |
| Range | 245 Meters |
| Battery Life | 1.75 Hours |
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Amazon
3. Olight Valkyrie Turbo
One of my new favorite and highly recommended lights is the Olight Valkyrie PL Turbo.
This is the best bang for your buck, and the price-to-performance ratio is excellent.
Olight Valkyrie PL Turbo Specs
| Length | 3.35″ |
| Width | 1.44″ |
| Height | 1.3″ |
| Weight | 4.48 oz |
This remarkable and impressive weapon-mounted light is very bright, rugged, and easy to mount on your pistol.
It has a total light output of 800 Lumens at peak brightness powered with 66,000 candelas, pushing it to a 515-meter throw with an intense focused hotspot in the center of the beam.
This is overall a great light that is affordable.
The brightness is outstanding on this light, and the size and construction are good.
It has excellent battery life, the ergonomics are simple, and everything about this light is easy to use.
There are no problems mounting the weapon light to your pistol or rifle, and the light mode is easy to cycle through.
- One press – Constant on
- Press and hold – Momentary on
- Press both at the same time – Strobe mode
Don’t forget what you need a pistol light for, seeing a potential threat at night. You do not have to spend extra on anything more.
This light works great, and I highly recommend it to anyone needing a pistol light.
To learn more about this particular light, check out the full Olight Valykrie PL Turbo Review.
4. Inforce Wild1
If you are looking for a compact weapon light setup for CCW, the InForce Wild1 is purpose-built for that reason.
The best compact pistol light for CCW is the InForce Wild1.
Inforce Wild1 Specs
| Length | 2.53″ |
| Width | 1″ |
| Height | 1.5″ |
| Weight | 2.9 oz |
It can’t get much smaller or lighter when it comes to a high-performing premium pistol-mounted light.
The 500 lumens give a bright, well-balanced beam of light designed for quick and close-range situations.
There is no extra weight with this light, and it is comfortable for concealed carry.
The versatile design is easy to use, and this is a streamlined body with no snag points. It is a very reliable light and is built tough.
Finger placement lines up nicely, which will work best on full-size- to compact pistols.
It has impressive battery life at 2 hours. Remember that the longer it runs, the more the lumens and power will dim.
I have no complaints or issues with this light, and it performed flawlessly in my testing. The biggest deciding factor might be brand loyalty or how the light looks on your pistol.
If you want a lightweight concealed carry pistol setup, the Inforce Wild1 is a great option and will serve you well.
MSRP $199
| Best For | Concealed Carry |
| Brightness | 500 Lumens |
| Range | 316 Meters |
| Battery Life | 2 Hours |
5. Streamlight TLR-7 Sub
It is powerful and bright while lightweight, compact, and easy to use.
The Streamlight TLR-7 Sub is a reliable pistol weapon light designed for sub-compact pistols.
Streamlight TLR-7 Sub Specs
| Length | 2.58″ |
| Width | 1.16″ |
| Height | 1.24″ |
| Weight | 2.4 oz |
The switches are robust with a tactile positive feel with great feedback. It fits great on small concealable handguns and stays manageable while carrying.
This light is for you if you want a pistol setup that can do it all, like a self-defense pistol and a concealed carry pistol.
It is a powerful little light with little to no downsides. It’s smaller and lighter without giving up brightness to some of the full-size weapon lights.
It is more than bright enough and more than capable of being used as an EDC setup.
Especially if you want the ultimate slim-line pistol setup, it’s hard to beat the performance and price of the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub.
I highly recommend this light to anyone carrying a Glock 43x, Sig P365, or a Springfield Hellcat.
This light checks all the boxes for me.
To learn more about this pistol light, see the full Streamlight TLR-7 Sub Review.
MSRP $150
| Best For | Concealed Carry |
| Brightness | 500 Lumen, 5,000 Candela |
| Range | 316 Meters |
| Battery Life | 1.5 Hours |
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Brownells, Sportsman’s Guide, GunMag Warehouse, Grab A Gun, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Amazon
6. Streamlight TLR-1 HL
With an intense 1000-lumen beam reaching up to 283m, the TLR 1 HL is one of the brightest weapon lights on this list.
These securely attach and detach to your pistol or Picatinny-style rails with a clamp system.
Streamlight TLR-1 HL Specs
| Length | 3.39″ |
| Width | 1.47″ |
| Height | 1.44″ |
| Weight | 4.32 oz |
It does this without needing any tools and is quick and efficient to attach to any light-bearing gun or even a shotgun or rifle.
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL has an ambidextrous momentary/steady on/off switch, and the user-programmable strobe can be enabled and disabled based on your lighting needs.
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL 1000 Lumen Handgun Light is a perfect choice for high-power weapon lights in a compact, durable package.
I highly recommend this light for the candela, light output, LED bulbs, waterproof, vertical function paddles, and momentary and constant functions.
The Streamlight TLR 1 HL is super easy to operate, and the activation is invaluable for range and field use. The overall design is simple, and this light is also inexpensive.
It offers a good balance and peripheral illumination while being bright with an extremely long battery life. It is an excellent weapon-mounted light and worth the money.
My experience with this weapon light system has been great; I used it on my primary rifle.
The TLR-1 HL checks all the boxes for me and can be picked up reasonably. It can be an all-in-one light that can fill multiple roles.
You can never go wrong with one of these lights on your pistol. If you want to learn more about this particular light, check out our Streamlight TLR-1 HL Review
MSRP $329
| Best For | Professional Duty Use |
| Brightness | 1000 Lumens |
| Range | 283 Meters |
| Battery Life | Up to 1.5 Hours |
7. Surefire XSC
The smallest and most compact pistol light is the Surefire XSC.
It is one of the toughest and most reliable pistol lights on the market and has been the most well-known brand in this field.
Surefire XSC Specs
| Length | 1.94″ |
| Bezel Diameter | .78″ |
| Runtime | 30 Min |
| Weight | 1.7 oz |
The stand-out feature of this light is that it’s rechargeable. It will have 350 lumens at peak brightness, pushing 2000, lasting up to 30 minutes on a single charge.
It’s not the brightest light, but it’s still usable.
This is specifically designed for concealed carry on slim-line subcompact pistols.
The rechargeable feature is excellent, and I recommend buying a second battery.
If you want the best reliability and dependability, the XSC is the one for you. Also, if you’re a big fan of the brand, then the SureFire won’t disappoint.
They are also made in the USA, which I know is a factor for some people.
If you want the smallest and lightest weapon light on your pistol, this is the one. The durability and reliability are also second to none.
Here is the full Surefire XSC Report if you need to learn more
MSRP $329
| Best For | Concealed Carry |
| Brightness | 350 Lumens |
| Range | 90 Meters |
| Battery Life | Up To 30 Minutes |
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Brownells, Sportsman’s Guide, GunMag Warehouse, Grab A Gun, Cabela’s, Amazon
8. Streamlight TLR-2 HL
To go full tactical, you can pick up this light.
The Streamlight TLR-2 HL has all the features of a weapon light with a built-in laser.
Streamlight TLR-2 HL Specs
| Length | 3.39″ |
| Width | 1.47″ |
| Height | 1.83″ |
| Weight | 4.88 oz |
This light is extremely bright, and so is the laser. It does a great job of integrating the laser and tucking it in under the light housing.
Most combos usually do one thing better than the other, but with the TLR2 HL it does both very well.
This combo is larger, and I suggest it for full-size pistols. It will work great on a home defense setup.
The controls are similar to any other pistol light, but this model has an extra knob that activates the laser.
For a high lumen and very bright light with a laser feature, the TLR2 is the best option compared to competitors.
Adding a laser is a great way to aim in quick reaction moments.
All around, this is a good system if weight or the footprint isn’t an issue.
Again, for a great all-in-one setup laser/light combo, this is the best one I have used and highly recommend.
MSRP $529
| Best For | Tactical Use |
| Brightness | 1000 Lumens |
| Range | 283 Meters |
| Battery Life | Up To 1.5 Hours |
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, Brownells, Sportsman’s Guide, GunMag Warehouse, Grab A Gun, Amazon
9. Surefire X300
One of the pistol lights that hold the title of being the best is the Surefire X300.
It is the most reliable and durable weapon-mounted flashlight.
It is a popular choice for law enforcement and military forces.
Surefire X300 Specs
| Length | 3.76″ |
| Width | 1.3″ |
| Height | 1.4″ |
| Weight | 4 oz |
In my experience, the Surefire X300U has performed very well. The light mounts quickly and easily and has been 100 percent reliable, which is expected.
It is bright enough to use indoors and outdoors with a balanced beam.
I have used this light for many years, and it has held up just fine. I haven’t babied it, and it has been banged off tables and counters and has some minor wear marks from holster draws.
I feel confident that this light can take extreme abuse and will always turn on no matter what.
This is a premium light, and if you want the most reliable and durable pistol-mounted flashlight, the Surefire X300 is it.
This has been my go-to light for many years on my Glock 19, and still, to this day, it works like new.
The 1000-lumen and 11,300-candela beam is well-balanced and not too bright.
This weapon light is a great home defense or duty pistol setup package. It has a long track record and history of being the strongest and most durable light on the market.
It is a good balance of spill with a medium-tight hotspot in the center. If you want extreme reliability, it’s worth the money.
It might be overpriced, but it is the most battle-proven pistol light.
Check out the Surefire X300 Review to learn more.
MRSP $359
| Best For | Professional Duty Use |
| Brightness | 1000 Lumens |
| Range | 213 Meters |
| Battery Life | Up To 75 Minutes |
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, GunMag Warehouse, Grab A Gun, Sportsman’s Guide, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Amazon
10. Streamlight TLR-7A
This is a robust little light that is powerful and compact.
A great feature of the TLR-7A is the brightness and battery life.
This makes it a great concealed carry pistol light for EDC.
Streamlight TLR-7A Specs
| Length | 2.58″ |
| Width | 1.18″ |
| Height | 1.27″ |
| Weight | 2.4 oz |
It puts out 500 lumens at peak brightness and will run for 90 minutes on a single CR123A battery.
Another great thing about this weapon light is that it isn’t overpriced and can be purchased at a reasonable price.
The TLR-7A is extremely small and lightweight, making it a perfect choice for concealed carry and self-defense.
This light is easy to install and remove while maintaining great brightness and lumen output.
One of the best choices for concealed carry is a small compact pistol.
This fine little light is acceptably bright and easy to install and remove. It’s loaded with technology designed to blast 500 lumens with a 5000 candela throw.
It’s intended as a smaller version of the pistol light to fit on sub-compact handguns.
It works great and is a high-quality weapon-mounted light. Learn more about this specific light Here.
MSRP $250
| Best For | Everyday Carry |
| Brightness | 500 Lumens |
| Range | 140 Meters |
| Battery Life | Up To 1.5 Hours |
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, GunMag Warehouse, Grab A Gun, Sportsman’s Guide, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Amazon
11. Surefire X300V
Overall, this is a reliable and effective weapon-mounted light with infrared capabilities.
Switch easily from white light to IR to maximize the night vision capabilities.
Surefire X300V Specs
| Length | 4″ |
| Width | 1.3″ |
| Height | 1.4″ |
| Weight | 3.9 oz |
This is a very durable flashlight that is a great standalone white light, but it also has an infrared light that is only vision under night vision goggles.
The 120-milliwatt IR beam is invisible to the naked eye and only seen with night vision devices, with no filter required. Switching between the two modes is easy with the selector switch.
The head of the light is rotatable to toggle between WL, OFF, and IR modes.
In white light mode, the light outputs 350 lumens or 120 mW of IR output in IR mode.
The X300V fits standard X300U holsters, but you must tighten the retention on the holster a little extra due to the smaller bezel.
This is a very specific light that most people will not need and don’t need IR.
If you currently have night vision or plan on running it in the future, the Surefire X300V is an excellent investment to future-proof your setup.
MSRP $459
| Best For | Night Operations |
| Brightness | 350 Lumens |
| Range | 225 Meters |
| Battery Life | 1.8 Hr White Light / 8 Hr IR |
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Primary Arms, GunMag Warehouse, Grab A Gun, Amazon
Why Use A Pistol Light?
The answer is simple, to see in the dark. You will never know the importance of a flashlight until you desperately need one and don’t have one.
You can’t shoot what you can’t see, and correctly identifying your target is crucial.
Most self-defense shootings occur at night when it is dark. Whether it’s on a concealed carry pistol or a home defense pistol, light is a must-have.
Some people are okay with having a handheld flashlight, not one directly mounted to their pistol.
That is good, and some people are proficient with that. and you definitely should always have a handheld flashlight.
A pistol-mounted flashlight is more convenient and frees up your non-dominant hand.
Best Pistol Light Criteria
Below are the variables I think about when choosing the best pistol light that you should also consider.
Intended Use
Is this going to be carried on your person every day, all summer, and through the winter?
Is this going to be in a bug-out bag or used for camping? Will this be stored in your daily driver?
Or will this sit on your nightstand, under your bed, or in a gun safe?
Determining how it will be used primarily will help influence which pistol light you should purchase.
If you put this on your concealed carry, you may want a smaller, more compact light with less weight.
A larger and brighter light might be better for a dedicated home defense gun. Or maybe you want something in the middle that does everything and is well-balanced.
Brightness
Brightness is the first and foremost thing to consider when choosing a light. The higher the lumens, the better, but there does reach a point of diminishing returns.
One 200 to 300 lumens or close to that often tends to be the sweet spot with a good mix of brightness, battery life, and affordability.
The high-powered and high-lumen lights will not last very long before dimming, and they are too big and cumbersome to carry as an everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.
The powerful lumen and large lights are suitable for keeping at home or in a vehicle for emergencies or camping. A bright light isn’t the only thing to consider, though.
Durability
Most people have butter fingers and drop stuff. If you haven’t dropped anything expensive yet, you will.
Having a durable flashlight that is rugged and can withstand the elements is essential. Also, holding up to the cold and below-zero temperatures is important.
Cold weather seriously affects flashlight batteries, so this is something to keep in mind.
If you keep your pistol light in your vehicle and live where you have harsh winters, this will affect battery performance.
Size
Finding the perfect medium is hard to do sometimes. The best piece of gear is the one you have on you, and if you never carry your pistol and light, chances are you won’t have it when you need it most.
Make sure you find a comfortable holster to carry your pistol with you all day. This may mean you have to choose a smaller or more expensive one that is more ergonomically designed.
Batteries VS Rechargeable
Next up is deciding to go for regular single-use batteries or rechargeable ones. The rechargeable batteries are convenient, but my favorite flashlights are designed to operate on both types. Good battery life is important and having the flexibility to use multiple types of batteries is nice.
High-powered flashlights usually run on expensive lithium batteries; depending on the battery life and brightness, they may only last an hour.
A USB-style rechargeable battery can save you a lot of money long-term, another critical variable to consider.
But how often are you going to be using your pistol light? Short run time with high lumen output will work.
Price
The final factor when determining the best pistol light is the cost. The high-lumen version with a very bright light will generally cost more.
I firmly believe in “you get what you pay for,” which is almost always true regarding tactical gear with electronics.
That doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune but don’t go cheap. There are more affordable options and expensive high-end options that I recommend.
Final Considerations
The best pistol lights are always the ones you have on you. So make sure you pick one up. A small pistol light could save your life someday.
Compact lights are better for concealed carry and still provide enough visible light to be helpful.
A strobe feature is a personal preference, and the brightest light might not always be the best.
A handheld light is also better than nothing, but I suggest getting one of these best pistol lights with a rail clamp system.
Also, some subcompact pistols do not have enough rail space to add a standard light and might have to get one of the smaller lights that clamp to the trigger guard.
Best Pistol Light FAQ
What pistol light does the military use?
The Surefire x300 is the weapon light of choice for most police, military forces, and special forces.
How many lumens should a pistol light have?
300 to 1000 lumens will be bright enough for most self-defense situations. Most modern pistol lights will fall within this lumen range.
Is a flashlight on your pistol worth it?
Equipping your primary self-defense pistol with a good-quality flashlight would be best. Being able to see in the dark and identify your target is crucial. Also, most holsters nowadays can be ordered to accommodate a pistol light.
Is Streamlight or Surefire better?
Both are high-quality and bright options when it comes to flashlights. Price is similar, and Surefire has a more extended reputation as the best in the firearms community. New companies are now making comparable options.
Who makes the best quality pistol light?
You can never go wrong with a reputable brand name made in America. You will have to spend more money, but if you want the best light, it will cost more than the budget options.
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