Are you looking for the best pistol light to equip your firearm? Investing in a high-quality weapon light is necessary, whether you’re shooting in the dark, performing tactical maneuvers, or just wanting to increase your nighttime visibility.

To help you find the perfect one for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of nine of the best pistol lights on the market today.

Summary Of The Best Pistol Lights of 2024

How We Choose The Best Pistol Lights?

When choosing the best pistol lights, we considered various factors affecting performance and durability.

These include brightness, beam pattern, battery life, switch type, size/weight, construction material/quality, and rail system compatibility.

We also look at customer reviews to understand how well each light performs in real-world conditions.

1.SureFire X300 ULTRA Ultra-High Output LED Weaponlight

Why We Love It

The SureFire X300 Ultra is one of the brightest pistol lights on the market, providing an impressive 1,000 lumens output. This bright beam comes from its precision TIR lens.

It provides a tight, far-reaching beam that can temporarily impair an adversary’s vision and help you to identify threats at a significant distance.

Additionally, it features an integral ergonomic one-finger ambidextrous momentary – and constant-switching for easy operation.

Furthermore, its Rail-Lock mounting system offers rapid attachment to Universal or Picatinny accessory rails and many popular rail-less handguns via SureFire’s MR adapter mounts.

And its high-strength aerospace aluminum construction with a Mil-Spec hard anodized finish ensures maximum durability and weatherproofing up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Things You Want to Know

• Color: Black

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Light Source Type: LED

• Included Components: Sticker, Light, Manual, Batteries

• Product Dimensions: 3.6″D x 1.12″W x 1.12″H

• Runtime: White – 1.25 hrs; Infrared – 0.75 hrs

• Construction Material/Finish: High-strength aerospace aluminum with Mil-Spec hard anodized

• Switch Options: Optional pressure-activated switches for precision control (sold separately)

• Mounting System: Rail-Lock mounting system for Universal or Picatinny rails or MR adapter mounts

• Light Output Brightness: 1,000 lumens

• Waterproof Rating: IPX7 waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

2. Streamlight Lumen Low-Profile Rail-Mounted Tactical Light

Why We Love It

The Streamlight 69424 TLR-7A is an ultra-lightweight, compact pistol light that produces a bright, focused beam with excellent peripheral illumination. This weapon light has a durable, machined aluminum construction that makes it waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes and shockproof. The rail clamp system securely attaches/detaches quickly and safely without putting your hands in front of the muzzle. It also includes two rear switch configurations allowing you to customize your shooting style. The low-profile design prevents snagging, making this an ideal choice for concealed carry or tactical use.

Things You Want to Know

• Color: Black
• Power Source: Battery Powered
• Light Source Type: LED
• Material: Aluminum
• Lumens Output: 500 Lumens
• Beam Intensity: 5000 Candela Peak Beam Intensity
• Beam Distance: 140 Meters
• Run Time: 1.5 Hours
• Waterproof Rating: IPX7 (waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
• Dimensions: 1.18″ Width; 1.27″ Height; 2.58″ Length
• Weight With Battery: 2.4 oz / 68 g
• Includes High Switch (mounted), Low Switch, 1 CR123A Lithium Battery, and Key Kit.
• Durable, anodized machined aluminum construction.
• The Safe Off feature prevents accidental activation; saves batteries.
• Ultra lightweight & compact design.
• Serialized for identification.
• C4 LED Technology: Extremely bright white LED with a strobe function and custom TIR optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination.
• The rail grip clamp system securely attaches/detaches quickly and safely with no tools.

3.Olight TLR-8 Tactical Light & Laser

Why We Love It

The Olight TLR-8 combines lightweight portability, powerful lumens, durability, and water resistance. This quality pistol light features C4 LED technology, producing an intense 500-lumen output capable of reaching 131 meters in beam distance. The Custom TIR Optic ensures concentrated illumination with optimum peripheral lighting. The integrated aiming laser provides accurate long-range targeting to assist users while shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, this weapon mount includes a rail grip clamp system which helps ensure quick attachment and detachment without any tools required.

The best part about the Olight TLR-8 Tactical Light & Laser is its “safe off” feature that prevents accidental activation, saving battery life. The low-profile design also helps prevent snagging and allows for easy concealment. With its powerful visible laser, this small yet mighty pistol light offers 1.5 hours of continuous runtime when in dual mode. Plus, it’s assembled in the USA and includes a CR123A lithium battery.

Things You Want to Know

• Color: Black anodized finish
• Weight: 2.64 oz (75 g) with battery
• Length: 2.15 inches
• Width: 1.18 inches
• Height: 1.50 inches
• Features C4 LED technology and a custom TIR Optic for concentrated illumination
• Includes an integrated aiming laser with long-range targeting capability
• Durable machined aircraft aluminum construction
• Borofloat high-temperature glass
• Impact and chemical-resistant engineered polymer with elastomeric overmold switch housing

4.OLight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie: The Best Pistol Light For Your Subcompact

Why We Love It

When selecting the right weapon light for your firearm, many factors must be considered to ensure optimal performance and reliability. The OLight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie has been designed with all these factors in mind to meet the needs of gun enthusiasts looking for a high-quality tactical light to enhance their shooting experience.

With a maximum output of 600 lumens, the OLight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie provides exceptional brightness to help you quickly identify potential threats and make accurate shots. This high-lumen output also ensures a far-reaching beam distance of 100 meters, making it an ideal accessory for various tactical situations.

One feature that sets the OLight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie apart from other weapon lights is its adjustable rail. Its rail system has been specifically designed to accommodate most compact pistols, including subcompacts, providing a versatile lighting solution suitable for a wide range of firearms.

Another standout feature is the ultra-convenient magnetic charging port on the OLight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie. The charging system is designed to make recharging the battery fast and easy, ensuring you’re always prepared for the next engagement. The light is also built with an intelligent battery indicator to let you know the battery status quickly.

Things You Want To Know

• Color: Black

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Light Source Type: LED

• Material: Aluminum

• Adjustable Rail (Authorized Patent)

• Huge Performance (600 Lumens, 100 Meters Throw)

• Convenient Magnetic Charging

• GL and 1913 Rails Included

• Installs in One Second

• Ultra-Compact and Lightweight Design.

5. Nightstick Compact Weapon-Mounted Light

Why We Love It

Why We Love It

Firearms enthusiasts often require a reliable weapon-mounted light to deliver optimum performance, usability, and value. This is where the Nightstick TCM-550XL comes into play. With its exceptional features and capabilities, it is undoubtedly a top contender for the best weapon-mounted light in the market.

Regarding lighting, the Nightstick TCM-550XL, with its powerful 550-lumen output, is a force to be reckoned with. It offers a clear and vivid illumination that makes identifying and targeting threats easier. This outstanding performance is further complimented by its impressive 136-meter beam distance, which provides a wide coverage area that guarantees exceptional accuracy.

In addition to its impressive performance, the Nightstick TCM-550XL is built to withstand the harsh conditions that come with self-defense use. The light is made from high-quality aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum construction, known for its durability, strength, and ability to withstand tough impacts. This means that the TCM-550XL can operate in even the most challenging environments without any issues.

Another unique feature of this compact weapon-mounted light is its intuitive ambidextrous design. This design allows the user to operate the light using either hand, which makes it easier to operate in critical situations that require quick and spontaneous reactions. The user must only press either of its easy-to-reach switches to activate or deactivate the light.

Durability and versatility are other vital features of the Nightstick TCM-550XL. It boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, which makes it an ideal self-defense light in adverse weather and environmental conditions. Its waterproof rating also ensures that it will continue to function optimally even when submerged in water for up to 30 minutes.

Things You Want to Know

• Color: Black

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Light Type: Weapon Lights

• Material: Aluminum

• White Brightness: 550 Lumens

• Included Components: Light, four modular rail inserts, two spare Allen screws, Allen wrench, (1) CR123 battery

• Light Path Distance: 136 Meters

• Battery Cell Composition: Lithium

• Item Weight: 0.16 Pounds

• Number of Batteries: 1 CR123A batteries required. (included)

6. Nightstick TWM-850XLS Rail-Mounted Light

Why We Love It

The Nightstick TWM-850XLS offers the perfect combination of performance, usability, and value. This compact weapon-mounted light has a bright 850-lumen output, 136-meter beam distance, aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum construction, an intuitive ambidextrous design, and IPX7 waterproof rating. It is easy to use with its dual dependent switches that toggle strobe light and constant-on or momentary lighting modes.

Things You Want to Know

• Color: Black

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Light Source Type: LED

• Material: Aluminum

• White Brightness: 850 Lumens

• Included Components: Light, four modular rail inserts, two spare Allen screws, Allen wrench, (1) CR123 battery

• Light Path Distance: 136 Meters

• Battery Cell Composition: Lithium

• Item Weight: 155 Grams

• Number of Batteries: 1 CR123A batteries required. (included)

7. Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL

Why We Love It

This lightweight, compact, and powerful tactical light is the perfect accessory for your gun. The latest shockproof high-power LED technology features an impressive 1,000 lumens and a 283m beam distance that will illuminate any corner you need.

With its optimized electronics providing regulated intensity during operation and an ambidextrous momentary/steady on-off switch, this Streamlight TLR-1 HL is an incredibly efficient light source that you can count on.

Things You Want to Know

• Color: Black

• Material: Anodized Machined Aluminum

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Light Source Type: LED

• Voltage: 3 Volts

• Light Path Distance: 283 Meters

• Included Components: Tactical Weapon Mount Light with Rail Locating Keys & Lithium Batteries, 2-3V Cr123A Lithium Batteries

• Product Dimensions: 3.39″D x 1.47″W x 1.44″H

• Item Weight: 0.26 Pounds

• Number of Batteries : 2 CR123A batteries required (included)

8. OLIGHT Baldr Pro 1350 Lumens Tactical Weaponlight

Why We Love It

The OLIGHT Baldr Pro is the perfect weapon light for any situation, offering an impressive 1,350 lumens of bright light and a 260-meter beam distance.

This compact light is designed with durability, featuring aircraft-grade aluminum construction and IPX7 waterproof rating.

Its intuitive dual rear switches provide easy momentary-on or constant-on activation by either hand using your trigger finger. Additionally, its adjustable green laser adds precision to your shots day and night.

Things You Want to Know

• Color: Desert Tan

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Light Source Type: LED

• Material: Aluminum

• White Brightness: 1350 Lumens

• Light Path Distance: 260 Meters

• Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion

• Item Weight: 0.28 Pounds

• Number of Batteries: 2 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)

9. Surefire Ultra LED WeaponLight

Why We Love It

The Surefire X400 Ultra WeaponLight is a potent and versatile tool that brings brighter light to all your handgun or long gun shooting skills.

With its ultra-high-output LED providing 600 lumens of bright white light for up to 1.75 hours, it produces a tactical-level beam that gives you the illumination you need for close- to medium-range engagements in law enforcement, military, and self-defense applications.

Plus, it is a handheld light with a 5mW (505nm) Class III red laser sight, adding precision and accuracy day and night.

This compact and durable weapon light is a must-have for any serious shooter wanting the brightest light and accuracy.

Things You Want to Know

• Color: Desert Tan

• Power Source: Battery Powered

• Light Source Type: LED

• Material: Aluminum

• White Brightness: 600 Lumens

• Light Path Distance: 5mW (505nm) Class IIIa Red Laser Sight

• Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion

• Item Weight: 0.5 Pounds

• Number of Batteries: 2 CR123A batteries required. (included)

Essential Things to Consider When Buying a Pistol Light

In the world of firearms, there are numerous accessories designed to enhance your shooting experience. One such accessory is a pistol light. A pistol light can be a game-changer in situations where lighting conditions are less than ideal. However, with the myriad of options available in the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. This article will delve into essential things to consider when buying a pistol light.

Understanding the Purpose of a Pistol Light

Before delving into the factors to consider, it’s crucial to understand why you need a pistol light. A pistol light serves two main purposes:

Illumination

The primary function of a pistol light is to provide illumination. It allows you to identify and accurately aim at your target in low-light conditions.

Disorientation

A bright light can disorient an attacker, giving you a few crucial seconds to react. This can be particularly useful in self-defense situations.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Pistol Light

Now that we understand the purpose of a pistol light let’s explore the factors you should consider when purchasing one.

Brightness

The brightness of a pistol light is measured in lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. However, more lumens often mean more battery usage. Therefore, consider your specific needs before deciding on the brightness level.

Beam Distance

Beam distance refers to how far the light can reach. More powerful lights will have longer beam distances. Depending on your use case (home defense, tactical, etc.), the necessary beam distance may vary.

Durability

Your pistol light should be able to withstand the recoil of your firearm. Look for lights made from high-quality, durable materials like aerospace aluminum.

Battery Life

Consider how long the battery will last on a full charge. A good pistol light should have a decent battery life. Remember, more lumens typically mean a shorter battery life.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the light can significantly affect the balance of your firearm. Look for a light that fits well on your weapon without making it too heavy or unwieldy.

Ease of Use

The controls of the light should be easy to operate even under stressful situations. Look for models with intuitive controls that can be operated with one hand.

Additional Features to Consider

Apart from the basic factors, there are additional features that can enhance the functionality of your pistol light:

Strobe Function

A strobe function can disorient an attacker, giving you an advantage in a self-defense situation. However, not all lights come with this feature.

Adjustable Brightness

Some lights come with adjustable brightness levels, allowing you to adapt to different lighting conditions.

Quick Detach Mount

A quick detach mount allows you to easily attach and detach the light from your firearm. This can be useful if you need to use the light separately from your weapon.

Best Pistol Light FAQs

What pistol light does the military use?

The US Military typically uses the Surefire X400 Ultra LED WeaponLight. It is a reliable, durable, and high-performance light that provides 600 lumens of bright white light with an added 5mW (505nm) Class III red laser sight for accuracy day and night.

What are the best lumens for a pistol light?

The excellent lumen rating for a pistol light will depend on the specific application. Generally speaking, most shooters opt for lights with 500 to 800 lumens of bright white light that offer a suitable balance between beam distance and power consumption. However, higher lumen ratings may be necessary if you need longer throws or are engaging in high-pressure situations requiring maximum visibility.

Is it good to have a light on your pistol?

Having a light on your pistol is an essential part of personal defense. It provides illumination in dark situations and helps you quickly and accurately identify threats and potential targets quickly and accurately. Additionally, the presence of a firearm light can deter assailants and increase your safety during nighttime engagements.

How bright should a pistol light be?

The brightness of a pistol light should correspond to the specific application being used. For most everyday situations, a 500-800 lumen light should provide adequate illumination for personal defense and tactical operations. However, if you need higher visibility or longer throw distances, opting for lights with higher lumen ratings is recommended.

What is the best light combo?

The best light combo for most pistol applications combines a powerful white light and an adjustable green laser sight. This gives the shooter maximum visibility in dark environments and increased accuracy when engaging targets. Additionally, some weapon lights come with dual switches that allow the user to toggle between momentary-on and constant-on lighting modes.

Why put a light on a pistol?

A pistol light is an essential tool for personal defense and tactical operations. It provides the shooter illumination in dark environments, improves target acquisition and accuracy, and can be used as a deterrent against assailants. Additionally, a weapon-mounted light eliminates the need to carry an extra flashlight while on patrol or engaging targets.

Final Words!

No matter your needs regarding weapon-mounted lights, these nine best pistol light models will provide the power and performance you need.

From ultra-compact designs with adjustable rails to powerful LED beams reaching up to 283 meters, there will surely be a light for everyone.

Many of these models offer convenient magnetic charging, waterproof ratings, and even laser sights! So check them out today and find the perfect model for you.

And remember all the other accessories you might need, such as holsters and mounts. Once your setup is dialed in, hit the range or take on any dark environment confidently and accurately!