Handgun Lights
If you’re looking for the perfect handgun light to enhance your shooting experience, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be rounding up some of the top handgun lights on the market, helping you make an informed decision. From brightness to battery life and everything in between, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to the best handgun lights available today.
The Top 7 Best Handgun Lights
- Surefire MicroComp Pistol Light for Springfield Hellcat Black — Weatherproof and Waterproof — Illuminate your way with the rugged, weatherproof SureFire MicroComp Pistol Light for Springfield Hellcat Black, featuring quick-detach, rechargeable battery and smooth momentary activation.
- Surefire Tactician Shotgun Flashlight — The Surefire Tactician Flashlight is the ultimate versatile light, excelling as an everyday carry or fighting companion, and adapting its 800 lumen output to your needs with ease.
- Streamlight TLR RM 2-Black — 69450 P365 Flashlight — The Streamlight TLR RM 2 offers a powerful and practical flashlight solution for long guns, featuring 1,000 lumens, independent switches, and a waterproof design, all packed in a convenient kit.
- TLR-10 Flex: High-Performance, Compact Handgun Light — Streamlight 69470 TLR-10 Flex: 1,000 lumens handgun light with ambidextrous switches, a 200m beam, and 60 hours laser runtime, perfect for secure attachment and detachment with no tools.
- Reptilia Torch AR Weapon Light — The Reptilla Torch 18350 M-LOK Black Hardcoat Anodized Right Side is a durable, sleek, and innovative AR weapon light, setting a new standard in tactical gear for shooters and enthusiasts alike.
- CLD Def MCH Multi-Purpose Handheld Flashlight — The Cloud Defensive MCH EDC Handheld Light offers an exceptional 40,000 Candela, 1400 Lumens, 120 minutes runtime, and adjustable head and tail cap, making it the ultimate modular flashlight for everyday use.
- Crimson Trace 900 Lumen LED Weapon Light for M1913 Picatinny Accessory Rails — Amplify the environment around you with the 900-lumen, remote-controlled Crimson Trace 900 Lu White Light M1913 Picatinny CWL-202 — an adaptable and potent handgun illuminator.
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Reviews
Surefire MicroComp Pistol Light for Springfield Hellcat Black — Weatherproof and Waterproof
The Surefire MicroComp Pistol Light Springfield Hellcat Black, also known as the Springfield Hellcat Compensator, is a compact and powerful addition to any micro-compact pistol. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I must say, it’s made a significant difference in my situational awareness and target identification. The constant-on activation feature is a game-changer, and the quick-detach rechargeable battery is a lifesaver when it comes to convenience.
However, I would recommend having a backup battery on hand as the run time on brightness mode isn’t the longest. Overall, this product has exceeded my expectations and is a worthy addition to any Hellcat owner’s arsenal.
Surefire Tactician Shotgun Flashlight
The Surefire Tactician Flashlight has proven to be an incredible everyday carry light and a highly versatile fighting light. The dual-output LED combined with the MaxVision Beam creates a broad useful wall of light that fills the space around you. Tightening the front bezel for all 800 lumens or loosening it for 5 lumens provides a long runtime or a tactical experience.
The momentary-on mode with a press of the tailcap or twist for constant-on mode offers flexibility. This portable powerhouse adapts to your individual tactics, making it a must-have for self-defense or EDC purposes.
Streamlight TLR RM 2-Black — 69450 P365 Flashlight
The Streamlight TLR RM 2 is a versatile and powerful flashlight designed for long guns. It features independently operating push-button and remote pressure switches, ensuring a secure and convenient lighting solution. With a 1,000-lumen, 200-meter beam, it runs for 1.5 hours and 3 hours on strobe mode. Its remote pressure switch is positioned at a 90-degree angle, providing improved wire routing options while preserving rail space.
The Streamlight TLR RM 2 boasts a safe off feature that prevents accidental activation, saving battery life. Its engineered optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination, making it ideal for situational awareness. The flashlight securely attaches to long guns with MIL Standard 1913 rails and is powered by two included CR123A lithium batteries. It is IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes, providing added durability and reliability.
This kit includes a tail cap switch, remote pressure switch, mounting clips, and key kit, providing everything needed to mount the flashlight to your long gun. With its impressive features and excellent performance, the Streamlight TLR RM 2 is a must-have for gun owners seeking a reliable and efficient lighting solution.
TLR-10 Flex: High-Performance, Compact Handgun Light
The Streamlight TLR-10 Flex handgun light brings versatility and reliability to your firearm. This highly sought-after product boasts a 1,000 lumen output, providing brilliant illumination in even the darkest environments. The TLR-10 Flex also features a customized, ambidextrous on/off switch, allowing for optimal use as per your shooting style.
Equipped with a rail clamp, this light quickly and securely attaches and detaches from full-frame weapons. Additionally, it comes with a safe off feature that prevents accidental activation, thereby extending battery life. The light uses two CR123A lithium batteries, providing a runtime of up to 1.5 hours in LED/Laser mode or up to 60 hours in Laser-only mode.
This sturdy, anodized machined aluminum light from Streamlight comes with a variety of mounting options, making it ideal for different handguns. With a lightweight construction of just 0.5 oz, it serves as an unobtrusive yet powerful accessory for your firearm. Overall, the TLR-10 Flex proves to be a high-quality, user-friendly, and efficient handgun light, earning an impressive 4.7-star rating from satisfied customers.
Reptilia Torch AR Weapon Light
I’ve been using the Reptilia Torch 18350 MLOK Blk for a while now, and it’s truly a game-changer in my tactical setup. The fit is perfect with ModLite Systems bezels and tail caps, and Surefire KE2-DF bezel and tail caps. Made in the USA, this torch light body boasts high-quality craftsmanship and durability, and it’s built to withstand tough conditions.
The robust M-LOK Mounting Solution keeps your aiming laser devices secure, while the aircraft grade billet aluminum body adds enhanced durability with its hardcoat anodized finish. I love how sleek and stylish this torch looks, thanks to the black color, which also provides resistance against wear and tear.
The low-profile uni-body M-LOK interface makes it a reliable option and seamlessly integrates with top-mounted aiming laser devices like ATPIAL/PEQ 15 and NGAL. The Reptilia Torch 18350 MLOK Black Hardcoat Anodized Right Side is a true masterpiece, and I’d highly recommend it to any serious shooter or tactical enthusiast. Elevate your gear with this outstanding product — it’s worth every penny!
CLD Def MCH Multi-Purpose Handheld Flashlight
The CLD Def MCH EDC Handheld Light FDE is a versatile and highly adjustable device, crafted by the makers at Cloud Defensive. With a powerful 1400-lumen output and a reach of 40,000 candela, this handheld light can provide ample illumination in a variety of situations. One of its standout features is its modular design, allowing users to customize the light as needed.
Despite its compact 1.20-inch head diameter, it offers a runtime of up to 120 minutes, making it a practical and convenient choice. The M CH EDC is also compatible with both 18650 and CR123A batteries, providing flexibility in operating modes. This feature-packed light is backed by a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty, ensuring peace of mind during its use.
While we could not find any user reviews, Cloud Defensive’s expertise and dedication to producing high-quality tools make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and powerful handheld light.
Crimson Trace 900 Lumen LED Weapon Light for M1913 Picatinny Accessory Rails
Crimson Trace 900 Lu White Light M1913 Picatinny CWL-202 makes a powerful addition to your firearm with its impressive 900-lumen LED white light. It’s anodized aluminum material that provides waterproof and impact-resistant features for added durability. The light comes with mounting straps and hook & loop tape, making it easy to attach to your rifle’s accessory rails. Its 85-minute battery life ensures a longer usage time, perfect for home defense situations.
One of the best things about this weapon light is its versatility, as it can serve as a hand-held flashlight when needed. It also features a remote on/off pad with both cord and pressure switch. The light is bright enough to be visible up to 100 yards away.
However, there are a couple of downsides to this weapon light. Users have mentioned that the remote switch can sometimes fail due to tight bends on the wire. Additionally, the set-up for the mount can make it challenging to remove the light for hand-held use, as the tool is required for both attachment and removal.
Buyer’s Guide
Welcome to our comprehensive buyer’s guide on handgun lights. This guide will provide you with important features, considerations, and general advice for the product category, ensuring you make an informed purchase. As this guide is meant to be embedded within a larger article, we will integrate it seamlessly into the text.
Important Features
When considering a handgun light, there are several features to take into account. These include brightness, runtime, waterproofing, and weight. Brightness is a crucial factor, as you want the light to be powerful enough to illuminate your target in low-light situations. The runtime should also be considered, as a longer-lasting light can be beneficial in extended shooting sessions. It’s also essential to ensure the light is waterproof, as accidents can happen, and you don’t want to be left in the dark. Lastly, the weight of the light should be taken into consideration, as a lightweight option may be more comfortable to carry during extended use.
Size and Attachment Methods
The size of a handgun light plays a significant role in its usability and compatibility with your particular handgun model. Lights come in various sizes, so you should choose one that is neither too large nor too small for your handgun. You should also consider the attachment method, whether it’s a rail-mounted light or a holster-mounted light, as this can influence the overall convenience and ease of use.
Battery Type and Compatibility
Battery life and type are essential factors to consider when purchasing a handgun light. Battery life can vary greatly between models, with some lights running on AA batteries and others on more specialized batteries. It’s crucial to ensure that the battery type you choose is compatible with your chosen light. Additionally, having spare batteries on hand can be beneficial to avoid unexpected power loss during critical moments.
User-Friendly Features and Cost
A handgun light is only as good as its user-friendly features. Some essential features to look for include easy-to-use controls, lightweight and durable designs, and reasonable pricing. Keep in mind that costs can vary significantly between models, so it’s crucial to find a balance between quality and price. Investing in a more expensive light may be worthwhile if it provides enhanced features and better overall performance.
FAQ
What is a handgun light?
A handgun light is a tactical flashlight or weapon-mounted light designed specifically to be attached to a handgun. This allows for easy and efficient illumination during low-light situations, especially when accessing weapon safety features in the dark. The purpose is to assist law enforcement officers, military personnel, and responsible gun owners in maintaining safety and security.
Handgun lights come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can be mounted on either the gun’s frame or the muzzle itself. They often feature adjustable settings for brightness or mode selection, ensuring that the user can find the right balance between illumination and battery life depending on their specific needs.
What are the benefits of using a handgun light?
Handgun lights provide several benefits to gun owners. They help ensure that a weapon remains safe during storage or transportation when the lights are off. Handgun lights can also be used for self-defense purposes, particularly in low-light conditions, as they allow for quick identification of targets or hazards.
Additionally, handgun lights can aid in precision shooting by acting as a visual guide for target alignment. Some users also appreciate the added versatility that handgun lights provide, as they can be useful for navigating through dark spaces, such as entryways or staircases, or even for performing basic everyday tasks.
What features should I look for when purchasing a handgun light?
When purchasing a handgun light, consider the following features to ensure that you get the best product for your needs: brightness and beam type (focused, flood, or spot), mounting options, battery type and runtime, weather resistance, and switch configurations. It can be helpful to read customer reviews and compare brands to find the ideal handgun light for your use case.
Don’t forget to consider the specific compatibility of the light with your handgun model, as some lights are tailored to fit certain handguns more easily than others. Finally, consider whether you prefer a light-weight, compact design or if an extended run time and higher price point is more important for your needs.
How do I properly install a handgun light?
Installation of a handgun light can vary depending on the specific model and the handgun you are using. Generally, there are two main mounting options: the frame mount and the muzzle mount. Frame mounts are typically easier to install but require the gun to be disassembled, while muzzle-mounts usually require more precise installation and may require removal or modification of the muzzle brake.
Regardless of the mounting option, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult an experienced user or professional if unsure. Ensure that the handgun light is correctly aligned with the barrel, and that all necessary elements such as the battery and control switch are in working order. A properly installed handgun light should not interfere with the gun’s function or the user’s grip.
What precautions should I take when using a handgun light?
While using a handgun light, it is essential to follow proper safety precautions to minimize the risks of accidents or injuries. Always treat the handgun with the same level of respect and caution as you would when using any other firearm. Make sure that the gun is unloaded when installing the light, and double-check that the gun and light are clear of any obstructions, debris, or foreign materials.
When turning on the light, be sure to use the appropriate switch or button that has been designed for the specific handgun model. Familiarize yourself with the light’s settings, and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for use. Additionally, it is vital to regularly inspect and maintain your handgun light to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Can I use a handgun light for purposes other than self-defense or law enforcement?
Yes, a handgun light can be useful for various purposes beyond self-defense and law enforcement. Some people simply find it convenient and practical for everyday life. Handgun lights can be used for walking or jogging in dark areas, navigating through basement or garage work spaces, or even on hunting trips where the opportunity for low-light activity arises.
Ultimately, the versatility of a handgun light lies in its capacity to serve multiple functions while adding value to the gun owner’s experience. If you find that a handgun light suits your needs or hobbies, whether you are a professional, a homeowner, or just someone who loves the outdoors, you may be able to benefit from one as well.
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