Want to be sure of your target? Even in the dark?
Yup…that’s probably why you’re looking for the best pistol/handgun light.
Well…we’ve been shooting with a bunch of different lights for a really long time. The oldest one up there is 8 years old with 5k+ rounds through it.
So we know what works from a reliability standpoint. Plus, we’ll show the light patterns indoors and out.
By the end, you’ll know the perfect light for your budget and purpose.
Summary of Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
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Why a Pistol Light?
You always want to make sure of your target (remember the 4 Firearm Safety Rules), and unless you have some sweet night-vision goggles…you’ll want a flashlight when it’s dark.
Sure, you can go with a handheld light (check our Best Tactical Flashlights), but a mounted pistol light is already attached and gives you two hands-free with a strong grip.
Plus, it gives the front of your handgun a little more heft, which reduces muzzle flip.
What to Look For
First off…is reliability. You really tend to get what you pay for in flashlights, and you want something that has an impeccable reputation. Unfortunately, that means you’re probably going to start from the $100 mark.
The second is lumens. It’s a measure of how bright the light is, and recently there’s been a push toward the maximum possible.
Sounds great…and many instructors say that a flashlight will incapacitate a bad guy or make them run away. Our take is that it might blind them momentarily…but a determined attacker will still be able to get you.
Another thing about going too high on lumens. If it really blinds the attacker…chances are that it will blind you too, especially if you’re mostly going to be indoors with light-colored walls.
That’s my personal use case, so I prefer 200-400 lumens. But I’ve had police instructors who advocate 800-lumen lights that are great for outdoor work.
Lastly are spread pattern, size, and activation methods. I’ll cover these as we go over individual lights.
Now let’s get on with it!
Best Pistol Lights
1. Streamlight TLR-1
The TLR-1 is my personal favorite and what I recommend to friends. And it is what sits on my home-defense Glock 17.
Good size for compact and full-size handguns. Intuitive and ambidextrous toggle levers for both momentary on and stay-on.
Sits in the perfect zone of lumens with 300, which is enough to light up everything I need, but not so much that I blind myself. You get cool colored light with a center focus. Here are some examples:
And outdoors…it has a good center focus with decent side lighting.
Hasn’t failed in 2000 rounds, and my other Streamlight TLR-2s (up next) has held up for 8+ years. Eventually, I switched from the 2s to the 1 since I wanted something with a smaller profile, and I moved the 2s with the laser onto my night shoot rifle.
Installation is very easy with some rail inserts for different handguns.
Specifications:
- Lumens: 300
- Runtime: 2.5 hours
- Batteries: 2 CR123A
- Weight: 4 oz
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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And, of course, I won’t forget the high-lumen folks.
The TLR-1 HL (actually more popular) has a face-melting 1000 lumens if that’s what you prefer.
I’ve been running with this one more often now, and the 1000 lumens is growing on me. Here’s me using it in a recent night competition.
Highly recommend it as well if you want a brighter light.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Streamlight TLR-2
The kinda big bro to the Streamlight TLR-1…my TLR-2s has a laser; the “s” designates strobe function. Since I got it so long ago, the new naming convention takes away the “s” but still retains the function.
Like the TLR-1… a good length for compact and full-sized guns. A little taller because of the laser. Same intuitive toggle system.
After 7 years of faithful service on my Glock 17…it now lives on my Stag Arms 9mm AR-15, specifically for night matches.
Beam spread should be close to the TLR-1 for new versions. My old one has a pretty dirty lens.
And outside, you can see the laser, which is pretty visible even on glass.
I found the laser to stay within 2 MOA of where you zeroed it. Perfect for self-defense against man-sized targets, but if you’re shooting clays for competition at 50 yards, I would count on regular sights (Best AR-15 Optics & Scopes).
Specifications:
- Lumens: 300
- Runtime: 2.5 hours, Laser Only: 48 hours
- Batteries: 2 CR123A
- Weight: 6.4 oz
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want a higher-lumen version? They’ve got the TLR-2 HL. And also a “G” model for a green laser. More visible, but you’ll have to shell out a little more.
3. Streamlight TLR-7 and TLR-8
I really like Streamlight. The two I use all the time (I also have a high-powered one for rifles) have never failed.
Streamlight sent me their two newer offerings catered towards compact handguns.
The TLR-7A (regular) and TLR-8A (laser) are the two shortest ones above which make them a perfect fit on compact guns like the Glock 19.
Streamlight redesigned the TLR-7A and TLR-8A to have newer rear switch options to make actuating the light easier. Pushing and holding activates the light, and it deactivates when you let go. While pressing it once with purpose activates stay-on.
Here’s me with the newest TLR-7A model with the newer toggling system.
While outdoors, it’s a much more spread out pattern that’s good for searching but still enough in the middle for target acquisition. The laser on the 8A is also very visible.
Installation is also very easy with a rail clamp system, and you can lock out the light from turning on by rotating the front bezel.
Specifications:
- Lumens: 500
- Runtime: 1.5 hours, Laser Only: 18 hours
- Batteries: 1 CR123A
- Weight: 2.4 oz, 2.6 oz for TLR-8A
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Perfect for something from a reputable company that is light, compact, and has a wide spill.
And if you’re looking for the laser, there’s the TLR-8A in the same package.
Here I am running it in a low-light competition with the above tritium SeeAll sight.
There’s certainly the advantage of having a laser, especially for close-up shots — no need to look through your optics.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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And now there’s also the TLR-7 Sub for even tinier handguns like the Glock 43x.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Inforce WILD2
Replacing their older APL lineup is Inforce’s new WILD series of lights.
The WILD2 is their full-size pistol light, and they have kicked up the lumen count to 1000.
Side paddles allow for constant, momentary, and strobe functions. The paddles are easy to depress and manipulate.
While the hotspot is bright with good spill and the lumen count is high, it should be noted that the WILD2 does use two CR123A batteries to power it, much like the TLR-1 HL.
Specifications:
- Lumens: 1000
- Runtime: 1.5 hours,
- Batteries: 2 CR123A
- Weight: 4.7 oz
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Streamlight TLR-6
The TLR-6 family of lights is made specifically for tiny guns that might not have the regular Picatinny rails for other lights or need a much smaller footprint.
Here we have one for the Sig Sauer P365…one of our favorite concealed carry guns. Check out our full review and YouTube video of the P365.
There are laser and no laser models…you can run it in laser only, light only, or both. And we really dig the push-button access for the light.
It’s not the brightest out there with 100 lumens…but it will light up a decent amount at night.
And indoors, it’s more than adequate.
Again, there are tons of models for all the compact/micro guns out there, such as:
I’m glad Streamlight decided to make so many models of the TLR-6 since it can be a great idea to have a light on a CCW gun. Holsters might be a little more difficult to find, but the target identification may be worth it.
My pick for all those small guns out there…
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We’re continually testing new versions of the TLR-6…and the latest has to be on the Glock 43x. Still going strong!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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6. SureFire X300 Ultra
The gold standard of pistol lights…if you’re looking for the best, get the SureFire X300U. My friends who have to depend daily on a handgun and light all swear by them.
It’s much longer than the others, but that puts it out of the muzzle blast even on a full-size that can really dirty up your lens even after one range trip. Plus, since it’s so popular, you won’t have trouble finding a holster.
It’s been proven worldwide and uses the same toggle system as the regular-sized Streamlights.
The light is super bright and very focused.
And outside, you can see the power of its focused 600 lumens. Newer models are at 1000 lumens!
There are also two models of locking mechanisms.
“X300U-A” is a Rail-Lock Mount that is specifically for polymer-framed handguns.
It makes it super easy to take on and off your handgun. One of my instructors would keep the light unmounted in his pocket to act as a flashlight. Then when needed, quickly reattach it to his CCW if needed.
“X300U-B” is a T-Slot Mount that is better for metal Picatinny rail platforms like some handguns and rifles such as the AR-15. It doesn’t come off easily but will give you a better fit.
You can still use it on polymer guns, but it could end up rattling or causing damage to the rails over time.
Here’s me running it in a competition…
Specifications:
- Lumens: 1000
- Runtime: 1.25 hours
- Batteries: 2 CR123A
- Weight: 4 oz
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you’re looking for a bombproof, bright, focused light…almost everyone will tell you to get the X300U if you have the dough since it runs about double the Streamlight.
What’s your take on the SureFire? Rate it below.
7. Olight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie
The people have spoken, and we’ve updated our list after trying out some Olight weapon lights.
First up is their very popular PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie…effectively the main contender to the Streamlight TLR-7 from above.
The main thing the Olight has going for it…a bright light at a lower price.
And now we have a custom code for Pew Pew fans (use code PEWPEWTACTICAL for 10% off).
But should you make the switch?
First up…the basic look and feel.
The main unit has a nice heft and build quality to it.
The quick detach option is nice and lets you avoid dealing with a flathead.
The only thing I can complain about is the lever has a “cheap” shine to it but works great with Glock and Picatinny rail adapters.
I also like the activation buttons where you press down and not an awkward push away on the TLR-7, although the new upcoming A models take care of that.
And with the MINI 2, you can adjust the rail placement from all the way in to far out, so it will fit virtually any handgun.
How about the light that has a 100-lumen edge on the TLR-7?
It’s definitely bluer on the spectrum and with a very wide throw. Note this is an update, so the camera and outside lighting have changed slightly from the other previous lights.
And inside, you can see that wide-angle throw again.
As a whole, the MINI 2 Valkryie is a very usable light.
Specifications:
- Lumens: 600
- Runtime: 1 hr
- Batteries: Internal, USB charged
- Weight: 2.6 oz
See that internal USB-charged battery; It’s definitely unique and might be a blessing or a curse.
Now you don’t need to fumble with extra CR123A batteries, but you lose the ability to quickly swap in a fresh set if you run dead.
I’d say if it’s a bump-in-the-night gun you seldom use (but keep charged every few months or so), it can be fine…but if you plan on doing low-light courses, you might want to reconsider.
How about reliability and durability?
So far, there are great comments from users online. We’ve only just begun our test with one range session and a couple of drops on the ground.
But so far, so good.
An excellent value for $89 and now made even better with code PEWPEWTACTICAL that gives you 10% off!
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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And if you need a holster… there are plenty of options (especially for the MINI)! Check out our Best Holsters for Olight Lights.
And now…a full hands-on review of the PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie.
8. Olight PL-PRO Valkyrie
Another new update is the MINI 2’s big bro…the PL-PRO Valkyrie.
This one comes in at an eyeball-blasting 1,500 lumens, which makes it the brightest production pistol light out there that we know of.
Its leading contenders are the TLR-1 HL and Surefire series. Again you get tons of lumens at a nicer price. Remember to use code PEWPEWTACTICAL to get 10% off at Olight’s store.
Fit and feel is like the MINI 2…very nice all-around with only the caveat of a cheap/shiny-looking QD lever.
Buttons are also easily reached without the need for a toggle.
The beam also has a very focused center with a decent amount of spread to see peripheral targets.
And inside, you can see the tight center.
The rail isn’t adjustable, but you’re likely only using this on a full-sized handgun.
Specifications:
- Lumens: 1,500
- Runtime: 1.5 hr
- Batteries: Internal, USB charged
- Weight: 3.25 oz
And with this model, you have the internal USB-charged battery, which takes about 90 minutes to fully charge if it is depleted.
Same pros and cons as the MINI 2 before.
We also had only one range session with it, but it’s survived and thrived. We’ll update as we shoot and torture it a little bit more.
But the PL-PRO is a great weapon light if you love the lumens at an affordable price.
Use code PEWPEWTACTICAL for 10% off!
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Of course…a full hands-on review of the PL-Pro Valkyrie.
9. Nightstick TWM-30
Nightstick is a brand you may not be familiar with, but its products are solid.
I learned about this company when I heard many police agencies were buying their weapon lights with gun packages.
The TWM-30 is bright, sending out 1,200 lumens from its LED.
Its beam has a strong, hot, white core, as well as a generous halo thrown at a wider angle for better situational awareness.
Second, they are tough. Made from black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, the body holds up well under a lot of recoil and is IP-X7-rated waterproof.
Additionally, the battery door is screwed closed so it will not come open accidentally.
The TWM-30 runs on two CR123 batteries, providing a run time of 1.75 hours.
It offers dual, independent switches that are accessible on either side of the trigger guard and allow constant on as well as momentary modes.
Shooters can also access a strobe mode or battery-safe mode with a sequenced button press.
Specifications:
- Lumens: 1,200
- Runtime: 1.75 hr
- Batteries: 2 CR123
- Weight: 4.5 oz
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Miscellaneous
Cleaning
When you train with your pistol light (and you should), I recommend taping it off with masking/painter’s tape. That way, you keep the muzzle blast and resulting carbon dust from dirtying up your lens and reducing brightness).
And when you do shoot at night or use the light, be sure to also clean your lenses. The middle and right lights above are going to require some TLC.
The secret? Use a pencil eraser.
Holsters
And I alluded to holsters. These are all pretty popular lights, so most holster manufacturers will have OWB (outside the waistband) options to cater to your pistol and light combo. You can check out our favorites in Best Holsters Guide.
Batteries
Almost all these take CR123 batteries, so make sure you get the good stuff. I’ve always had good results from Streamlight ones. For CR2 batteries, check out the choices here.
Final Thoughts
Main takeaways…I like everything Streamlight…especially the TLR-1. But if you have the cash, the gold standard is still SureFire.
The main objective is to make sure you pick a light that works for your use case, whether that is for home defense, concealed carry, or on a true duty gun.
Hopefully, this article helped you get pointed in the right direction when it comes to picking a weapon-mounted light.
What are your thoughts on our picks? Any that we missed that we should check out for next time? Let us know in the comments below! Looking for lights for your long gun? Check out our article on the Best AR-15 Flashlights.
82 Leave a Reply
Just info Surefire does make nice lights formed fitted for certain EDC handguns. I have one for my Springfield Hellcat, 350 lumens rechargeable comes with a 2 battery charging cradle, only 1 battery included but can buy extra. The light barely passes the 3 inch barrel. Two years of charging same battery and still going strong so far worth the 300 bucks, worth looking into if they have one for your EDC.
I'm surprised the Surefire X400 didn't make the list. I think it's the best laser light combo out there. Pricey but excellent.
Can't simp for Streamlight if another combo is included...
Well, I guess I owe you guys a thanks. This article got me to finally buy a light. I always new I needed one. Something always seemed more necessary. I went with the TLR-2 HL G. From your writings it came across as the Mac daddy. I really like it. I’ve owned it for a couple months now. Put hundreds of rounds through the firearm it’s mounted on. I don’t find talking it off to change the battery a big deal. It’s almost too bright for indoor use. I really had to train to get used to it. I keep it on the nightstand and every night I point it down the hallway and activate it. The controls are almost automatic. Thumb on the safety, index finger on the light. Presto! Ready to go. I have the laser set to just below the sight picture. Thanks again.
Olight Buyer Beware RE: "Ordering direct"- Their free shipping on orders means you have to go to your post office to retrieve your full priced purchase. I will not order from this company or purchase their products again. it seems small, but it is a petty cost cutting game from their contracted logistics company. My time is worth easily the difference on higher priced products that have been on the market much longer. Olight please, please ship my order to "a post office". I hope I never have to deal with Olight warranty department with the only 2 products I will ever purchase.
I'm leary of Streamlight. I have a TLR-4 that is two years old with less than 500 rounds through my Sig P227 .45. The plastic on the rail mount broke recently. And of course, it was out of warranty by a few days. Either I attempt to fix it with Gorilla Glue, or spend more of my hard-earned cash on something that I shouldn't have to buy again.
I prefer the Olight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie, over the Streamlight.
Light/laser combos though irritate the heck out of me for use on an AR-15 but its a personal choice thing. All (or at least most of whats worth having) of the light/laser combo's place their lasers in the unit where its farthest away from the rail when the unit is mounted. I like my lasers closer to the rail and thus the bore center line, I like an easy setup parallel zero for a laser. Its why I prefer my small 'mini' lasers like the Crimson Trace CMR-206 or the LaserMax Spartan.
Hey,
Awesome article. Very helpful information for deciding which light to out on my Polymer 80 build (I also used your article on building one to help guide me through the process...thanks again!). However I tried to use you discount code on Amazon for the pl-2 mini and Amazon said it was an invalid code. Maybe it expired? Just checking in to see if you know anything about it.
Thanks!
Hey Andrew, thanks for reading! The code only works at Olight -- not at Amazon.
coat your lens with chapstick before the range. it prevents carbon buildup and wipes off easily.
> complete writeup on pistol lights.
You did not mention the Glock GTL 10 which retails on a major online site for under $90.00. Is it good or bad? I would think Glock's light would be pretty good.
Guess I ain't been buying recently
Could have sworn I wrote something. Oh well. Later guys.
It's honestly difficult taking this comparison seriously when such favoritism is extended towards the Streamlight without mentioning one obvious shortcoming. Such as how difficult (and annoying) it can be to remove the lights from the weapon. You either need a coin or screwdriver permanently at hand or have really long nails to remove/install the screw system and insure a tight fit. The Olights on the other hand are as easy as pie, with the bar (shiny or not). As it relates to the comments I am getting the notion that the recharging system on the Olight is a shortcoming. That might be true for a night class but in any home defense situation you guys are fooling yourselves. I've had an Olight EDC S1R Turbo 2 in my rotation now for nearly a year and it's always had the right amount of juice when needed and has never died on me. One would think that in this smartphone generation we live in now, you would be able to mitigate a simple able charging procedure. On the other hand the Streamlight (and Surefire) have the time tested battery replacements, but keep in mind though that a battery swap is not as easy as a Magazine change. One you have to remove the damn the light, which mentioned above can be a chore in certain situations, and if it fails when in the middle of a class...in the dark...you are in the same situation as you would be with an OLight, only I have a much easier detaching and mounting system to install another full charged light. There is a shortcoming with the Olight (again more research would be beneficial), the battery is internal and not user replaceable, such as it is with my Baton 2. That is a shame, but still not enough for me to leave Team Olight.
Is there any reason to have both a laser and a red dot? Option to shut off laser and use red dot and vice versa?
Sure there is.
A light exists for you to identify a potential target. A laser exists to identify your point of aim.
Completely different, though complimentary, options.
So, if you want to be able to both ID a potential threat and know where your point of aim is (even if, for some reason, your weapon is not at eye level to use the sights), you would want both.
I've been quite impressed with the Tacticon BattleTorch V1. Sturdy, solid lockup, slick and among the lowest profile of lights. I have an Olight PL Mini 2 Valkyrie, and find them to be comparable in function. Especially helpful if you have several pistols to kit out with lights, helps the wallet.
Only complaint is holster compatibility, some holsters for the Olight MIGHT work, but I doubt I would feel comfortable with the probable sloppy retention. I've conversed with a few manufacturers, I'm hopeful options will grow in the coming months/yrs.
Having just come off a low light class with photonic barriers... every pistol light on the market today has huge weaknesses, but PID with a light between you and the target with anything but the 1k TLR1HL or X300U 1k is just not realistic. Candela matters, a lot.
Thank You, someone else who realizes that candela is more important than lumens
I have the Olight mini 1, PL Pro and BALDR Pro and all 3 are great and fit my Glock 19 Gen5 and Sig P220 Legion perfectly!, Yes Olight starts to lose lumens after a few minutes 1500-600 lumens but once you click off and on it resets, which isn’t a problem for 99.9% of situations. Plus both Pro’s have lower 300 lumen setting that will run for 90 minutes by double clicking the switch. They both have a blinding 1500 (PL Pro) 1350 (BALDR Pro) lumen strobe By clicking both levers. Highly recommend lights. Plenty of holsters out now for most Olights.
BALDR mini is next!!
Try the Baldr S
instead of the mini think you will like it better
I have the Olight PL-MINI 2 Valkyrie 600 Lumens running on a FN 509. Also bought a special holster from Hidden Hybrid Holsters. It has fallen off the gun while at target practice 3 times. Once it came off in pieces. Luckily I was able to find all the pieces, after an embarrassing range shut down, so I could put it back together. I'd take this light off your list if I was you. Got any better ideas for my gun and holster.
I completely agree with you... remove this light from your list. Mine fits securely, however it's battery Sucks... they claim 60 minutes... mine is basically unusable in 10 minutes... ok for a bump in the night gun, but why compromise. Get something you can swap batteries quickly if needed instead of waiting for it to recharge.
Great article buttttttt, I would have liked to see either the Olight baldr pro or the Olight baldr RL.All of the lights you chose are top of line for sure. Maybe next time. Anyway, thanks for the continuous good info!!
Great gunlight comparision, you really help me decided what I want to get. Thanks again
Please be more honest and clear about Olights. For example, the PL-MINI 2 Valkyrie does NOT run at 600 lumens for 1 hour. It runs at 600 lumens for ONE minute, then drops to 60 Lumens for 60 minutes. This is under Olight's technical details.
good point.
also, I ran mine in a test and it stayed lit for 1:53:00 minutes until the light went out. Almost 2 hours.
the last 30 minutes was dim but able to be used as a signal.
Recharge took about 45 minutes.
Are those times for the PL2 mini? Mine is so dim after 10 minutes, i wouldn't trust it to quickly identify someone across the room. I still like it because it's rechargable, but it's definitely a bump in the night light. Not something for a duty weapon.
I found a TLR2 at my favorite gun store as a police trade-in. It was brand new in the box. The box had never even been opened. Got it for $150! Check with your local gun stores who do business with the local police.
My TLR2 is mounted on my Springfield lightweight champion in .45 acp and kept by my bedside. I very much like the laser and light combo a feel comfortable that should I ever need it it will serve me well. I have owned it for 4 years and it still works fine.
I found a Streamlight TRL-4 combo that works great on my Sig P227 tactical model. I had an interesting situation the other night where I had to clear my front and back yards and it worked very well. My P227 has tall night sites and I'm having trouble finding a good OWB holster that will accommodate the tall sites and the TRL-4. Any suggestions on where to find a good holster?
Red River Tactical support pretty much every light. Just email their customer service if your particular gun/light combo isn't listed, they'll email you back with instructions. Really great quality and customer service.
Although you wrote this awhile ago I thought I'd mention Slim Fit Holsters.
Wide variety of guns with an impressive,l ability to customize for gun needs including light bearing, special cuts, etc.
Thoughts on the Olight PL-Pro 1500 lumens with pressure switch on an AR?
Was considering the Streamlight pro tac but at 625 lumens outdoors may leave a bit to be desired...
Olights suck... i own 2 and their run times are a complete lie... they are bright, but that does you NO good when you are waiting for it to recharge... buy something that you can swap batteries in if needed...
Klarus GL1 looks like a decent budget option at $69. Like a cheaper version of the Olight
Chris Bony swears by his TLR-1HL coz he's beaten the nuts out of it for about a decade. I'd honestly like to see a really beat up Olight. that will help a lot. thanks
I haven't used an olight for a weapon light until recently,, but I own several of their flashlights and have for years. Abused them and even used one as a pool light for a couple years and they all still work awesome. Hopefully the weapon light milage is similar.
O-lights are made in China