Updated August 2024: Removed the Streamlight TLR-2 and TLR-8 models.
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.
We’ve tested alot of pistol lights and know what works from a reliability standpoint. Plus, we’ll show the light patterns indoors and out.
By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what might be the perfect light for your budget and purpose.
THE QUICK LIST
-
Editor’s Pick
-
Best Overall Light
-
Best for Compacts
-
Best Budget Pick
-
Best for Subcompacts
Table of Contents
Loading…
How We Chose The Best Pistol Lights
Between the Pew Pew Tactical staff and our writers, we have been shooting with a bunch of different lights for a really long time, with the oldest light on the list pushing 10 years old and well over 5000 rounds through it.
The items on this list were chosen based on their brightness, throw, battery life, durability, and overall value.
Best Pistol Lights
1. Streamlight TLR-1/TLR-1 HL – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Specifications:
- Lumens: 300
- Runtime: 2.5 hours
- Batteries: 2 CR123A
- Weight: 4 oz
The Streamlight TLR-1 is my personal favorite and what I recommend to friends. And it is what sits on my home-defense Glock 17.
It is a good size for compact and full-size handguns. The controls are intuitive, and it has ambidextrous toggle levers for both momentary on and stay-on.
Sitting in the perfect zone of lumens with 300, it 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:
Outdoors it has a good center focus with decent side lighting.
This light has seen thousands of rounds and is nearly 10 years old, and it hasn’t failed me once. Installation is also very easy with the provided rail inserts for different handguns.
High lumen count is all the rage right now, so if that is what you are into, Streamlight also offers the ultra-popular TLR-1 HL. This version has the same footprint but with a face-melting 1000 lumens.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
I’ve been running the TLR-1 HL more often now, and the higher lumen count is growing on me. Below is a video of me using the TLR-1 HL at a night competition.
2. SureFire X300 Ultra – Best Overall Light
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Specifications:
- Lumens: 1000
- Runtime: 1.25 hours
- Batteries: 2 CR123A
- Weight: 4 oz
If you’re looking for the gold standard of pistol lights, it is undoubtedly the SureFire X300U. All of my friends who depend on light-bearing duty handguns daily swear by them.
It’s much longer than the others, but that puts it out past the muzzle blast on many pistols, which can help avoid getting the lens dirty every range trip. And since it’s so popular, you won’t have trouble finding a holster.
It’s been proven worldwide and uses a similar toggle system as the regular-sized Streamlights.
The light is super bright and very focused.
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, the X-300U-A and the X-300U-B
The 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 handheld flashlight. Then when needed, he would quickly reattach it to his CCW.
The “X300U-B” is a T-Slot Mount that is better for metal Picatinny rail platforms. 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.
However, if you’re looking for a bombproof, bright, focused light…almost everyone will tell you to get the X300U — if you have the dough.
Here’s me running the Surefire in a competition.
What’s your take on the SureFire? Rate it below.
3. Streamlight TLR-7A – Best for Compacts
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Specifications:
- Lumens: 500
- Runtime: 1.5 hours, Laser Only: 18 hours
- Batteries: 1 CR123A
- Weight: 2.4 oz
I really like Streamlight’s product line as as whole, and have never had one of their lights fail me.
So naturally, when I was looking for a smaller light, I once again tried out Streamlight. Their TLR-7 is one of their shorter lights, making it a perfect fit on compact guns like the Glock 19.
Streamlight redesigned the original TLR-7 and now calls it the TLR-7A. This model has newer rear switch options to make actuating the light easier. Pushing and holding activates the light, and it deactivates when you let go. 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 has enough of a hot spot in the middle for target acquisition.
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.
This light is perfect if you are looking for something from a reputable company that is light, compact, and has a wide spill. And if you have an even smaller gun like the P365, Hellcat, or G43X, Streamlight makes specific versions for those in the form of the TLR-7 Sub.
4. Olight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie – Best Budget Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Specifications:
- Lumens: 600
- Runtime: 1 hr
- Batteries: Internal, USB charged
- Weight: 2.6 oz
The people have spoken, and we’ve updated our list after trying out some Olight weapon lights.
Olight’s main draw is that they offer a bright light at a lower price, but should you make the switch?
First up is their very popular PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie, a main contender of the Streamlight TLR-7.
The main unit has a nice heft and build quality to it. It features a quick detach option that 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 like the activation buttons where you press down instead of the awkward “push away” that some lights have.
With the MINI 2, you can adjust the rail placement from all the way in or out, so it will fit virtually any handgun.
The light is definitely bluer on the spectrum and has a very wide throw. (This light was added later, so the camera and outside lighting have changed slightly from previous photos)
And inside, you can see that wide-angle throw again.
But the biggest difference with Olight over their competitors is that they use an internal USB-charged battery; It’s definitely unique and may be a blessing or a curse depending on what you want.
This means you no longer need to fumble with extra CR123A batteries, but the downside is you lose the ability to quickly swap in a fresh set if you run out of charge.
I’d say if it’s a bump-in-the-night gun you seldom use, it can be fine, but if you plan on doing low-light courses, you will want something that you can throw new batteries in on the spot.
Since Olight is newer to the game, we do have considerably less time behind their lights, but the durability has been solid for us so far.
If you buy directly from Olight, you can use the code PEWPEWTACTICAL for an extra 10% off!
Want to know more? Check out our full hands-on review of the PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie.
5. Streamlight TLR-6 – Best for Subcompacts
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Specifications:
- Lumens: 100
- Runtime: 1 hour,
- Batteries: CR-1/3N Lithium
- Weight: 1.12 oz
The Streamlight 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.
They offer models with or without integrated lasers, and if you opt for a laser mode, you can run it in laser only, light only, or both.
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:
- Glock 42/43
- M&P Shield
- Sig P365
- Glock 26/27/33
- Sig P238/P938
- Springfield Hellcat
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, and we really dig the push-button access for the light.
We have been running multiple versions of the TLR-6 on different platforms, and they have all held up. Additionally, Streamlight recently introduced a 300-lumen model with a higher output — the TLR-6 HL.
Honorable Mentions
7. Inforce WILD2
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Specifications:
- Lumens: 1000
- Runtime: 1.5 hours,
- Batteries: 2 CR123A
- Weight: 4.7 oz
Inforce’s WILD series of lights replaced their older APL lineup and are solid options for those looking for a weapon light.
The WILD2 is a full-size pistol light with a great 1000 Lumen output.
It features side paddles that allow for constant, momentary, and strobe functions. The larger size of the paddles on the Inforce makes the light very actuate.
Inforce is good at making large, easy-to-use buttons, and this is honestly one of the main draws to their products.
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.
7. Olight PL-PRO Valkyrie
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Specifications:
- Lumens: 1,500
- Runtime: 1.5 hr
- Batteries: Internal, USB charged
- Weight: 3.25 oz
Next up is the Olight MINI 2’s big brother, the PL-PRO Valkyrie.
This one comes in at an eyeball-blasting 1,500 lumens, which makes it the brightest production pistol lights on the market.
Its leading contenders are the TLR-1 HL and Surefire series. But with the Olight get tons of lumens at a more appealing price.
Fit and feel is like the MINI 2. It is very nice all-around with only the caveat of a cheap/shiny-looking QD lever. The 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 like the MINI, but you’re likely only using this on a full-sized handgun.
Like all other Olights, you have the internal USB-charged battery, which takes about 90 minutes to fully charge if it is depleted.
But the PL-PRO is a great weapon light if you love the lumens at an affordable price (use code PEWPEWTACTICAL for 10% off).
We also have a complete hands-on review of the PL-Pro Valkyrie!
8. Nightstick TWM-30
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Specifications:
- Lumens: 1,200
- Runtime: 1.75 hr
- Batteries: 2 CR123
- Weight: 4.5 oz
Nightstick is a brand you may not be familiar with, but their products are solid.
I learned about this company when I heard many police agencies were buying their weapon lights in combo gun packages.
Their TWM-30 is bright, sending out 1,200 lumens from its LED bulb.
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.
There is some holster compability, but it is far less than Streamlight, Surefire, and Olight. But if you want a rugged, high-output light at a reasonable price, the Nightstick is a solid option.
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.
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.
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.
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.
91 Leave a Reply
What about the pistol light laser combos like the light & green laser rechargeable pistol lights from Viridian?
Time to add the TLR-7 HL-X! The higher performance upgrade gives you TLR-1 HL levels of performance with the smaller TLR-7 body (slightly longer head) and the option of the rechargeable SL-B9 and CR123 batteries (with different performance levels). Only downside is you will need a new holster (or modify your old one) if upgrading from the older TLR-7 versions. Add the TLR-7 sub for the sub-compact uses.
Also worth mentioning the X300 Turbo and Modlite PL350 in the X300 section.
Love you guys!! Keep up the good work!
Oh I forgot to mention the fellas over at Four Brothers Holsters have a good line up of holsters for handguns with lights. They were the only ones to have an IWB holster for my Sig P365 with a TLR-8 G Sub.
I have a Streamlight TLR-8G Sub for my Sig P365 and love it. 500 lumens is good for me, the laser doesn’t hold zero after a mag or two but I always zero back in after a day at the range. Mostly used for home Defence, at least that’s the intention.
I have a gen 2 Glock model 23 (no rail). Is there an option out there for my older Glock? I don’t want to modify the pistol.
Hi Norm,
I recommend Recover Tactical. I have had a rail adapter for about 10 years now on my Gen 1 G17 and it works great.
How about an article on light bearing holsters to fit these options. I always have a hard time finding holsters. I have a 229 elite I love with an olightPLPro I can’t find a holster for.
Great article.
Some of the lights specs are not correct. Mainly the advertising fluff from olight. You forgot to mention those "eye burning" lumens stated are only for seconds before the light drops to subpar lumens. Very misleading when you state a light has 1500 lumens and highest of all pistol lights test when in fact it 1500 lumens for 45 seconds then drops to 450 lumens which is far below other lights in this category.
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
Not to mention that their run times are a complete lie. I tested mine, in less than 10 minutes it is so dim that it is basically worthless. Definitely a bump in the night light.
So are our phones but my phone works fine and I have had 2 pl valkyries fail. They replaced them under warranty. I sold them both. I only use surefire and stream light now. Not a fan of o-light.
So are Streamlights buddy
Glad you guys hopped onboard the Olight train. I have 3 of them on my weapons and several around the house for everyday use. I also have 2 of the Crimson Trace lights on pistols. I like them almost as well. The only downside to the Crimson Trace lights is that they don't quick detach like my Olights.
The APLc is discontinued. You need to update this list.
Everyone is dumping the TLR-7 for the TLR-7A with much better switching. You need to update this list.
You're not going to melt your face off with a 1000 lumen light. Get some training. We haven't gotten to "too many lumens."
My 1350 lumen, 54,000 candela PLHv2 Modlite is great indoors, and it's more powerful than any current production pistol light.
“The paddle activation system is also my favorite out of all the pistol lights. Easy to reach for both hands and perfectly textured.” Exactly why I started using Inforce APLc.
Any thoughts on the Olight baldr pro with green laser?
I bought it during Black Friday for 100 dollars. Honestly I’d skip the idea of a laser altogether. No matter who is making it. I thought it would make a big difference in aiming but I’m still way better with the sights. And I’m not that great anyway. Just get a rechargeable Valkyrie Pro. I have that and a mini Valkyrie and I love them.
One other thing. I’m a lefty and it has been harder to find holsters for Olights. They are out there and the market is starting to respond to demand but not everyone makes them yet.. So if you have anything less than a Glock or M&P it might be harder to find a holster. That being said I did find the two holsters I needed.
O light mini-2 Valkyrie on a Glock 17....Love it!!! Glad you finally added to your listings.
So some advise for practicing with your light on your weapon. Instead of using tape to cover the light just put a drop of oil on the lens and spread it out. When you are done shooting just wipe it off.
You recommend the APLc and you mention that a year ago Insight said they had fixed the problems with the APL (and that you would follow up with an update after trying the replacement they were sending you -- although I don't see any update).
My own experience is only with the APLc.... which has been an unmitigated disaster.
Feb 2, 2020, I bought my INFORCE APLc compact weapons light from a usually reliable vendor (NOT Amazon which seems to be flooded with fakes of this light). It arrived quickly, properly packaged, and in absolutely perfect condition except for one small problem, IT DOESN'T WORK. This light is definitely a real INFORCE light, with all proper markings and genuine INFORCE packaging and documentation. It is also very bright -- when it works, but that's where the problems come....
Constant mode does not work at all. To turn the light on in constant mode you are supposed to tap and release either paddle. When I tap and release either paddle this light does NOTHING.
Momentary mode works occasionally. To turn the light on in momentary mode you are supposed to press and hold either paddle for more than 1/2 second. The light should stay on as long as you press the paddle and go off when you release the paddle. My brand new APLc light does that - sometimes! Maybe half the time, momentary mode works as it should. The rest of the time it doesn't. Either the light flashes once for a very short time or it does nothing at all.
I called the vendor immediately. The gentleman who answered the phone listened to my description of the problem and agreed that it obviously wasn't supposed to do that. He asked if I wanted a refund or exchange, and I told him that I would try an exchange. He directed me to their website to submit a return request. I submitted the return request before going out to do some errands. By the time I got home, my return shipping label was waiting in my email. I will be mailing this light back tomorrow, and hopefully the replacement will work better. If this light had worked the way it is supposed to, it would definitely be a 5-star light, but for a weapon light it's pretty much all or nothing.
---
Here's the update after I returned the light reviewed above and received another one from the same seller (Primary Arms).
Again the light arrived quickly and well packaged. Again the light was in perfect condition with no hint of any sort of damage. Again, the light and all the packaging appear to be 100% genuine. AND AGAIN THE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK!
If anything, this one is even worse than the first one. Both modes at least do appear to work (somewhat) BUT once the light is on for more than about half a second it begins to flicker, sometimes it flickers brightly (almost like a strobe except that the flicker is uneven) other times it flickers very dimly, then it will go out completely, then flash a few times, then flicker some more.
This light will be going back too, but this time it will be for a refund. I'm not going to bother having them send me yet another of these garbage lights.
Bro, the Olight Pl-mini 1 needed to be on this list. The Pl-mini 2 needs to be on the updated list. I still love my Pl-mini. Having a magnetic charging capability adds to the "reliability" part of owning a WML; the battery is always topped off.
So true just got mine last week from big daddy unlimited for62 bucks and just got an email that they back in stock about to order 1 more lol can’t go wrong believe me
Yup, Olights added finally!
Olight. Hard to believe there could be a "BEST" list for 2019 without including them as anything more than a footnote. I have several and they've all been excellent, reliable and durable.
It's hard to include all the worthy competitors when you start your list with the entire Surefire catalog. But he certainly could have made room for Olight (or any other light) by dropping the worthless Insight light(s) from the list.
Olight FTW!
That magnetic recharging method is so convenient!
I'm rocking the PL-Mini Valkyrie 1 on my G19.
The TLR-2 HL is 800 lumens, not 300
I have a hard time understanding how you could review the TLR7/8 and not mention how difficult it is to reach the switch.
I wear size L to XL gloves and can not reach the switch from a natural shooting position on my G19. If you look at the photos and pay attention to where the toggle switches on the TLR 1 and the insight lights are compared to where they are on the TLR7, it becomes obvious.
The TLR7 / 8 are excellent quality lights that have ergonomics that won't work for 90% of shooters.
Definitely another vote for Olight. They really made a name for themselves with the Mini, and blew up. Solid pistol light, and at a great price. Plus good customer service. I'd love to see an article trying them all out.
I'm just going to add my 2¢. You really should try the offerings from olight, because they're all pretty great.
I just bought the Olight mini 2 with a holster that fits for glock 19 and my next purchase will be the rail by recover tactical that fits glock 26 and can take the olight mini 2 as well. So you see where my vote is going...
Another vote for olight mini here. Have it on my m&p 9 2.0 and love it.
Here one more thumbs up for the O-light Mini. It mostly lives on my Glock 30S but occasionally visits my 19. Easy on, easy off, very light, long battery life, easy magnetic recharge, which I had reservations about, but has worked really well. On top of that, it's inexpensive. Now if I could just get my holster company to make their "LightTuck" holster in Glock 30S with O-Light mini, I'd be in 'hog heaven".
Get a heatgun and reshape the "LightTuck" holster yourself. That's what I did.
you ever test out the inforce in the update?
Guys I think you may have missed a great option. O-Light Valkyrie Lite is a super little light that’s no-tool-required attached and detached from any Glock or Picatinny rail. Recharge by USB = no batteries! I have it on my Sig P320 and my wife has it on her Glock 19. Great add on for home defense.
The link for the SureFire X300 Ultra takes you to what appears to be a "knock off" or replica light based on the reviews.
What are the activation/toggle differences between Surefire and Streamlight?
Add another vote for the O-Light Mini Valkyrie, awesome little light
About the only negative I can think of is the quick detach pivot point sticks out a little bit more then it necessarily needs to, but that is a very minor negative!
Thanks Bobo, I'll chalk up another one to Olight.
I'm leaning towards getting the Olight Pl-Mini Valkyrie. Talon Sei just did a review of it on YouTube. It's small, easy detach, bright, and has a built in rechargeable battery.
Thanks, lots of love for Olight...I've added them to the honorable mentions and will be sure to check them out soon.
As far as cleaning the lens, I suggest using steel wool, it will not scratch or damage the lens.. The carbon comes off easily with next to no effort. I then place a drop of gun oil on the lens and rub it in. The next time you shoot you can use your finger to wipe the carbon off.
Thanks, Monica...will try soon!
Check out the Olight Valkyrie PL-2. 1200 lumens for $100. It's only 3 1/2 inches long. Fits my S&W Core and Sig P-320 nicely. Have about 400 rounds, so far no problems
Nice, another vote for Olight...I'll check them out soon.
Viridian CL5 light & green laser combo is still my choice.
Thanks for sharing, Chip!
Viridian on the kimber. Small reliable. Well worth the price.
Have you looked at the Olight brand lights? Such as the Olight PL-MINI, 400 lumens.
I've heard of them but haven't tried any of their pistol lights...will do for the update.