How To Choose A Pistol Light (Buying Guide)

One of the most important accessories you can add to your self-defense pistol is a weapon light.

With so many choices and combinations available, this guide will help you on your journey to find the best pistol light for your setup.

Pistol Light Selection

There are a few things you need to ask yourself before purchasing a pistol light.

• What is the intended role of the pistol light?
• What pistol light is compatible with my gun?
• Can I use this pistol light with a holster?

1. What Is The Purpose

Seeing in the dark is the purpose of a light but what purpose is it going to fulfill for you? Is this for a small sub-compact concealed carry gun, or is this for a professional duty use scenario?

Or maybe you want the best pistol light out there for when the world ends or to protect your home and family.

Know what the role of the light will be. If you just want a general-purpose pistol light that will work well in all situations, there are still some factors to consider.

2. What Features Are Important To You

Not all lights are made the same, and some excel at certain tasks more than others. Do you want a rechargeable battery or a beam-focused like a spotlight?

Flashlights have progressed in technology rapidly and they are constantly getting better.

3. There Is Always a Trade-off

Sure everyone wants the best and ultimate flashlight that is a million lumens and can project a mile, but size and price are realistic limitations.

The brighter the light, the heavier and larger it will be. Also, the shorter the battery life.

So keep in mind you have to find a balance of what you are happy with the performance to size-wise.

3. Size

How big is the pistol you are putting the light on and can it even fit on it?

Do you have a full-size pistol, compact, sub-compact, slim line single stack, there are so many rail mount options now that you need to make sure it’s compatible with your gun.

The larger lights will also be more versatile and mount to rifle rails and shotgun rails.

The smaller and compact lights will strictly work on certain pistol rails.

4. Brightness

Lumens are one of the most important stats that people look for when buying a pistol light.

The brighter the better right? Well not always.

The average range is around 300 to 1000 lumens and anything within this range is more than usable.

How well the lumens are used is a key factor and the lens design of the flashlight.

5. Candela

Candela is the distance the light is projected. So the higher this number the farther you will be able to see the light.

The normal range is anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000. Again the higher the number the better.

6. Battery Type

Most pistol lights will run on CR123A batteries, sometimes two of them. We are starting to see rechargeable lights hitting the market and that is something you need to think about.

Do you want to have the benefits of rechargeable batteries but there are also downsides? Did you forget to charge the light, is the battery proprietary and expensive for a backup?

I always tend to stay away from rechargeable batteries, personally, I don’t think the technology is there yet.

7. Holster

If this is going to be on a nightstand or stored in a vehicle you might not think you need a holster.

I believe you should have the ability to holster and carry your pistol and light on your person.

Make sure you get a pistol light that is common and popular for easy holster options.

8. Price

Usually more expensive means better but sometimes not. Luckily if you are on a budget, you can get some good and reliable pistol lights.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good and reliable flashlight.

They won’t be the absolute best but they will still work and get the job done. If you can find a deal even better. Save some money for ammo or other gear.

What Pistol Lights Are The Best

If you want to see the list of the Best Pistol Lights that we ranked and reviewed you can check it out Here.

We recommend all of the lights on that list and they range from beginner budget-friendly, to tactical professional duty grade.

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What do you think about using a pistol light and what one do you run? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Every comment you leave on one of our articles is 1 entry to win in our giveaways.