The ability to construct weapons and harness the power of light are what keep humans at the top of the food chain. It was when we learned to combine the two that put some even higher up the chain. In the case of home and personal defense, pistol lights give a clear advantage to the homeowner. For this reason, we decided to take a look at a few game-changers on the market today.
5 Top Pistol Lights for 2022
When it comes to tactical flashlights, lumens count. Although they are in a much smaller frame, some weapon-mounted lights come surprisingly close in brightness. As a result, you benefit from blinding an intruder with your gun light and disorienting his plans.
However, when it comes to using a weapon light in a home defense scenario there are some considerations for use.
First, it is your home, and you are familiar with it. Use that to your advantage for as long as possible. If you turn on your light immediately, the intruder knows where you are and that you are coming. As a result, you lose the element of surprise. So, keep your light off until you are ready to suddenly shine it in the intruder’s eyes. And, if yours has a strobe feature, use it to further disorient and confuse him.
Second, after you do turn it on, don’t leave it on. Again, use your knowledge of your home to your advantage. Blind him, and then shut it off and use the cover of darkness while he is disoriented. Keep in mind that there may be more intruders, don’t continue to give away your position.
Third, because of their size, pistol lights cannot fit a lot of battery power in them. So, they tend to have shorter runtimes than a typical tactical light. For this reason, light discipline will ensure that your battery life goes a lot longer. Additionally, it is a good idea to monitor your battery life and change/recharge it/them when necessary.
SureFire X300U-A
Part of the Surefire X300 Ultra line, the X300U-A boasts a powerful 1,000-lumen high output. Likewise, the TIR lens creates a far-reaching, 213-meter, high-intensity beam pattern which is effective for both close- and medium-range engagements.
The rugged aerospace aluminum body is Mil-Spec hard anodized for scratch and corrosion resistance. Likewise, the IPX7 waterproof rating keeps it safe at 1 meter for 30 minutes, so the weather is not an issue.
Operating on two CR123A batteries, the X300U-A is activated via a rear ambidextrous thumb push-toggle switch. Unfortunately, it does not have a strobe feature, only momentary and constant on options. The X300U-A provides 1.25-hours of high runtime between battery replacement.
Specs
High Output: 1,000 lumens
High Runtime: 1.25 hours
Peak Beam Intensity: 11,300 candela
Batteries: two 123a lithium (incl.)
Switching: ambidextrous push/toggle
Length: 3.6 inches (9.1 cm)
Distance: 213 meters
Construction: aluminum
Finish: mil-spec hard anodized
Weight With Batteries: 4.0 ounces (113 g)
Bezel Diameter: 1.125 inches (2.9 cm)
Liquid Ingress protection: ipx7
MSRP: $329.00
For more information, please visit Surefire.com.
Surefire XSC-A Micro-Compact
It may not be pretty, but it sure is effective and durable. The Surefire XSC-A Micro-Compact features a 350-lumen output for the smaller of the compact weapons. Featuring an intense white light, shaped by a parabolic reflector, it provides positive identification at 90 meters. The aerospace aluminum Mil-Spec hard-anodized body provides corrosion and scratch resistance for hard use scenarios.
The XSC-A features an ambidextrous rear thumb switch that provides either momentary or constant-on options. In addition, a proprietary rechargeable lithium polymer 3.7V battery provides 30 minutes of runtime.
However, the battery is swappable on the fly, so you can purchase extras and keep them on hand. Likewise, a battery-mounted fuel gauge offers instant monitoring of battery charge status.
Specs
Output: 350 lumens
Weight: 1.7 oz (48.2 g)
Length: 1.94 inches (4.9 cm)
Runtime: 30 minutes
Peak Beam Intensity: 2,000 candela
Distance: 90 meters
Construction: aluminum
Finish: mil-spec hard anodized
Bezel Diameter: .78 inches (1.9 cm)
Batteries: one proprietary rechargeable lithium polymer 3.7v battery
Switching: ambidextrous momentary-on/constant-on
MSRP: $329.00
For more information, please visit Surefire.com.
Streamlight TLR-7 Sub Ultra-Compact
Constructed of aircraft aluminum with a black anodized finish, the TLR-7 Sub Ultra-Compact is ready for hard use. Likewise, inclement weather is not an issue with the IPX7 waterproof rating of the housing. The high temperature, shock-mounted, impact-resistant Borofloat glass helps deliver and focus the 500-lumen light for 141 meters.
Running on a single CR123A lithium battery, the TLR-7 Sub provides 1.5 hours of continuous run time. Additionally, it features a “Safe Off” feature on the bezel that helps to preserve battery life by preventing accidental activation. The rear ambidextrous thumb switch provides momentary, constant, or strobe functions.
Specs
High Lumens: 500
Run Time: 1.50 hours
Beam Distance: 141 meters
Max Candela: 5,000
Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Battery Quantity: 1
Length: 2.51 inches (6.38 centimeters)
Weight: 2.39 ounces (67.76 grams)
Colors: Black
MSRP: $225.75
For more information, please visit Streamlight.com.
Streamlight TLR-10 G With Green Laser
Featuring a 6000 series aircraft aluminum housing with a black anodized finish and IPX4 waterproof rating, the Streamlight TLR-10 G is up for anything. The TLR-10 G also includes the high temperature, shock-mounted, impact-resistant Borofloat glass for 200-meter, 1,000-lumen operation.
Powered by 2 CR123A lithium batteries, the TLR-10 G boasts a 1.5-hour runtime at the full 1,000 lumens. A “Safe Off” feature on the bezel allows you to preserve battery life by preventing accidental activation. The rear ambidextrous thumb switch comes in either low or high configuration and provides momentary, constant, or strobe functions.
A green laser adds another aimpoint to increase your effectiveness. The laser has an 11-hour runtime.
Specs
High Lumens: 1,000
Run Time on High: 1.50 hours
Run Time on Low: 11.00 hours
Beam Distance: 200 meters
Max Candela: 10,000
Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Battery Quantity: 2
Length: 3.87 inches (9.83 centimeters)
Weight: 4.62 ounces (130.97 grams)
Colors: Black
MSRP: $503.50
For more information, please visit Streamlight.com.
Olight Baldr Mini
Constructed of aluminum alloy and a waterproof rating of IPX4, the Olight Baldr Mini is robust and durable, drop tested at 1 meter. It features a powerful 600-lumen output with a max throw of 130 meters for positive identification and target acquisition.
Adaptable to both Glock and standard Picatinny rails, the Baldr Mini has a unique slide adjustment feature. As a result, you can dial in the fit to your grip style and thumb length once it is installed on the rail.
The Baldr Mini runs on a built-in 3.7V 230 mAh rechargeable lithium-polymer battery for a 1-hour 39-minute runtime. The battery is not replaceable but includes a low power notification, announcing that it is time to charge it via the magnetic USB charging cable.
The included green laser provides an additional aimpoint when installed.
Specs
Beam Distance: 426 ft (130 m)
Max Performance: 600 lumens
Charging Type: Magnetic USB Charging Cable
Compatible Batteries: 3.7V 230mAh Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery (Built-in)
Max Light Intensity: 4,225 candela
Light Source: High Performance Cool White LED
Lens / Reflector Type: Green Beam Emitter
Mode Operation: Side Switch
Green Beam OFF: 600~100 lumens
Run time Green Beam OFF: 1 minutes + 39 minutes
Green Beam ON: 600~100 lumens
Run time Green Beam ON: 1 minutes + 29 minutes
Waterproof: IPX4
Weight: 3.07 ounces (87 g)
Length: 2.24 inches (57 mm)
Width: 1.29 inches (32.8 mm)
Height: 1.41 inches (35.8 mm)
MSRP: $129.95
For more information, please visit OlightStore.com.
