What is a Handgun Light?
A handgun light or pistol light is a tactical flashlight that is mounted to your handgun. We have pointed out in this article some attributes to look for in the best pistol light in 2024 for your needs.
Many pistols these days are coming with rails on them that are specifically used to connect accessories like pistol lights and lasers. A good handgun light needs to be durable and be able to withstand the shock of bullets being fired and then you need it to have all of the features that you want.
From the get go remember that if your light is on the gun it means you can kill whatever the light is on. For this reason many people prefer a handheld light. For handheld light we recommend you check out our overall top flashlights guide where you can find all of our buyers guides. Also if you are looking for the brighest check out our highest lumen flashlight guide.
Short On Time? Here is the Bullet List:
- Tactical: Surefire X300U-A Ultra
- Budget Tactical: Streamlight TLR-1 HL
Optics Planet | Amazon - Compact Tactical: INFORCE APL
- Tactical With HD Camera: Viridian XTL Gen 3 Tactical Light w/ HD Cam
- Laser Light Combo: SureFire X400 Ultra Red
- Budget Laser Light Combo: Streamlight TLR-2 HL
Optics Planet | Amazon - Compact Laser Light Combo: Streamlight TLR-8 Red
Optics Planet | Amazon - Green Laser Light Combo: SureFire X400 Ultra Green
- Budget Green Laser Light Combo: Streamlight TLR-2 HL G
Optics Planet | Amazon - Compact Green Laser Light Combo: Streamlight TLR-8 Green
Optics Planet | Amazon - Sub Compact: INFORCE APLc
- Budget Non-Tactical: Olight PL-MINI 2 Valkyrie
Olight Code:10%OFF | Amazon - For Messing Around Airsoft/Paintball: Aimkon HiLight P10S
**Below are our more detailed reviews. Click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Best Pistol Light Features
Some features that you may want on your pistol light are an offset flashlight mount, a quick release pistol light, tactical pistol light laser combos, or a pistol light with a pressure switch.
Easy Mounting: There are two types of rail systems that are used on pistols: The Picatinny rail and the Weaver rail. The top manufacturers make their rail mounted flashlights to fit on either type of rail, which are called universal rail mounts.
For handguns that do not have a dedicated rail, there are companies that have made add-on rails that connect to the trigger guard so you can fit picatinny rail lights or weaver rail lights.
Offset Pistol Light Mount: An offset pistol light mount is a mount that holds the flashlight off to the side of the handgun rather than directly below the barrel. An offset mount allows you to have your thumb right near the on/off switch and frees up space underneath the barrel.
Quick Release Pistol Light: A quick release pistol light are for those users that will be taking their lights on and off of their handguns frequently.
Tactical Pistol Light Laser Combo: A tactical pistol light laser combo are for people that really feel that they need both on their gun, a weapon light for illumination, and a laser for aiming.
Pistol Light Pressure Switch: A pistol light pressure switch allows you to move the on/off switch on the light wherever you feel is the most comfortable. You replace the tail cap switch with a pressure switch that you can locate anywhere on your gun.
How to use a Pistol Mounted Light
The way that you use a tactical handgun light is very very important. You need to know that wherever you are pointing that flashlight, you are also pointing a deadly weapon.
You should only use a weapon light in a situation that you would already have a pistol out. You should only be using a handgun light when you are identifying threats when you are using your gun or searching a building in a situation that you know is a possible tactical situation.
Many want to use a pistol lights for home defense, but a home defense handgun light should only be used if you are certain that there is an intruder and you are ready to fully defend your home.
Pistol Mounted Light vs. Handheld Flashlight
This is a question that I hear all of the time: Should I have a pistol mounted light or a handheld tactical light? The answer is that you need both. There are pros and cons to both: The biggest pro is that when you identify a threat, you have it at gunpoint. The biggest con is that when you are looking for a threat, everything you point at is at gunpoint.
This is a serious safety problem!
You need to have both of these flashlight available since you would never want to use a handgun light in a situation where you only need a flashlight like writing a ticket – A penlight or small AAA light would be much better.
It is nice to have an extra flashlight on your gun when you are in a combat situation, but you are still better off using a handheld flashlight with an FBI technique hold that puts the light away from your body and head. Switching to the pistol light once you have found your target so you can keep both hands on your pistol is a good technique.
What To Consider On A Pistol Light
Brightness Level Needed & Floody or Throw Beam
Lumen output is an important consideration in pistol lights. You want something that puts out enough light to allow you to easily identify and locate any potential threats. The problem is sometimes the high lumen output can be too bright for indoors. So what is the ideal brightness level needed for a pistol light?
How many lumens you need on a pistol light is a great debate among many flashlight enthusiasts. Several people voice the opinion that 100 to 150 lumens are perfect for indoor use.
Others have the opinion that 500 lumens are perfectly acceptable for indoor use. At the same time you have people who feel that a pistol light should only be used in moonlight mode indoors.
When choosing the brightness level of your pistol light you really need to consider how it will be used. Maximum brightness levels are often preferred by homeowners as the bright light can disorient and hopefully blind a potential attacker.
However, high lumens are not always the best choice. If you are trying to search with your weapon light you have to worry about loss of night vision. Brightness is not your friend in searching situations. Light colored walls also play a factor in lumen output, higher lumens reflect off the walls potentially blinding you, as well as a potential attacker.
Beam Style
You also need to decide what beam style you are after a flood or throw beam. Each style serves a different purpose, so again it will depend on what you are after in a pistol light.
If you are after a beam that spreads out and lights up a wide area you will want to opt for a flood style beam. One of the perks to having a flood style beam is they produce more natural lighting than a throw beam, plus they light up you’re the area, including peripheral better.
The problem with flood beams is at longer distances they reduce your situational awareness and your ability to identify a potential target.
A throw style beams is capable of focusing its power into a narrow beam and provides an excellent hotspot. The reason for this is the emitter used with this type of beam allows the light to focus into a narrow cone. A throw beam can reach further distance wise, but you lose peripheral vision at closer distances. The loss of peripheral creates less situational awareness in tight spaces.
Size & Weight Depending on Gun
The ideal size of your pistol light is going to vary based on the size of your gun. Generally speaking you do not want your light to be longer than the barrel of your gun. The best light for glock 19 will be different than for a 1911. Using the right size light for your gun is vital for performance.
Lights that are too long will pick up ammo reside after the gun has been fired. The ammo reside settles on the lens which negatively affects the beam of the light.
Weight is also something else you need to think about with pistol lights. Adding a pistol light is going to increase the weight you are holding when firing your gun. You don’t want something that is going to make your gun to heavy.
Smaller lights don’t weight as much, but sometimes reliability with these lights can be an issue. The reliability of the light is going to be more important than the weight and size of the light.
Use Case & Durability
Your use of the pistol lights is going to play a role in selecting the best pistol light. Are you using for concealed carry or for law enforcement? Members of the military, police officers, and other law enforcement officers need an extremely reliable and durable light.
Those who are using the pistol light for hunting or home defense still need something durable and reliable, but those are not the primary concerns when choosing the best pistol light.
When looking at durability you need to pay close attention to the material used in manufacturing the light as it directly affects how durable the light is. The stronger the material used in making the light the more durable it is, it will continue working for years without any problems.
Durable lights usually cost more, but the upfront expense is worth it for the quality of the light.
The Best Handgun Lights on the Market in 2024
Best Tactical Pistol Light:
Surefire X300U-A Ultra
The Surefire X300U-A Ultra is the enhanced version of SureFire’s best selling X300 Ultra. This new version has the ability to offer 1,000 lumens and is powered by two CR123A batteries.
The light features a special high-performance LED (paired with custom TIR lens). This combination provides users with smooth and far reaching light. The beam offers a large center spot with amazing peripheral illumination allowing users to identify threats from a long distance, as well as temporarily affect their vision.
Using the SureFire X300 Ultra A is done through an ambidextrous switch. This switch is located towards the rear of the light’s body and is designed to provide one-finger control. The switch can be flipped up or down for constant on, while pressing the switch from the side enables momentary-on.
The X300U-A Ultra also offers a pressure activated XT07 tape switch for your long guns and a DG grip switch for pistols. These are ideal for activating your light without altering your grip on your weapon. The Rail-Lock system allows for quick and easy attachment and removal from Picatinny rail mounts and Universal rails. Read our full Surefire X300 Ultra Review.
Pros:
- Long guns and hand guns
- Ambidextrous switch
- Remote activation
Cons:
- No strobe function
Specs:
- Weight: 4 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 3.6 inches long and 1.125 inch diameter
- Output: 1000 lumens for 1.25 hours
Best Budget Tactical Pistol Light:
Streamlight TLR-1 HL
Streamlight comes in at a close second to Surefire when it comes to manufacturing the best glock light, between the two there is almost a monopoly in the handgun lights division.
A perfect example of their top quality pistol light is the Streamlight TLR-1 HL that is made from machined aluminum with a black anodized finish. It is also sealed, which allows it to obtain an IPX7, so it can be used in all types of weather. The light comes in flat dark earth brown, flat dark earth, and black and is constructed to fit in all light bearing holsters.
The TLR-1 HL is designed to mount directly to any handgun that comes equipped with Glock-style rails. The light can also be mounted to Picatinny rails. The pistol light attaches easily and securely to the rails with no need for tools or putting your hand in front of the muzzle.
If you wish to mount the TLR-1 HL to a long gun Streamlight does make a mounting kit, but it must be purchased separately. The kit includes a thumb screw, mounting clips, remote pressure switch, and a “safe off” door switch in addition to two CR123A batteries.
The TLR-1 HL uses two CR123A batteries to power the C4 LED for up to 1.75 hours. The C4 Led can emit up to 800 lumens that has a peak beam intensity of 15,000 candelas. The beam can reach up to 800 feet, plus with the use of a TIR lens the concentrated beam also provides perfect peripheral illumination.
The TLR-1 HL features an ambidextrous switch that is used to provide power to the light, as well as enable and disable the programmable strobe.
- Pros:
- Built to last
- Ambidextrous switch
- Use on handguns and long guns
Cons:
- Hot too touch
- Cannot switch direction of switch
Specs:
- Weight: 4.18 oz w ithout batteries
- Dimensions: 3.39 inches long and 1.47 inch diameter
- Output: 800 lumens for 1.75 hours
Best Compact Tactical Pistol Light
INFORCE APL
If you look at our table of the best pistol flashlights, you can’t help but notice that majority of the lights are SureFire or Streamlight. The reason for this is that these two companies manufacture the highest quality pistol flashlights in the market.
When your life is on the line, you don’t want an inferior product that might fail. The only exception that we have found in our search for the best pistol lights is the Inforce APL, which we have to say is considered to be of very high quality.
This INFORCE APL light is the third generation light of the APL series of lights by INFORCE. The light offers a high-intensity tight beam has the ability to emit a bright 400 lumens. The body of the light is constructed from a glass reinforced polymer body and features textured paddles to ensure a non-slip grip. Non-slip controls make this light ideal for close to mid-range use.
Controlled via an ambidextrous switch the INFORCE APL offers fast target identification as the light has the ability to provide constant or momentary light.
The pistol light is capable of being mounted to any universal or MIL-STD 1913 rail. Turning the head of the light a quarter of a turn allows users to engage the lock out mode to prevent accidental activation.
Pros:
- Momentary functions
- Ambidextrous switch
- Versatile light
Cons:
- Hotspot could be improved
Specs:
- Weight: 2.8 oz with batteries
- Dimensions: 3 inches long and 1.2 inch diameter
- Output: 400 lumens for 1.5 hours
Best Tactical With HD Camera
Viridian XTL Gen 3 Tactical Light with HD Camera
Viridian is known for high-end weapon lights and specifically ones with green lasers. But this is something different from most other weapon light manufacturers. A weapon light with an HD camera on it. It will automatically record when the light is turned on so you never have to worry about knowing what happened in a self-defense situation.
The Viridian XTL Gen 3 comes with a 500 lumen light and a 1080p or 720p camera with a microphone. The real value of this light comes in for both law enforcment personel and in self defense situations.
If you are in a proper shooting stance it is likely that even a body camera will be blocked by your hands. But, with a camera mounted on your weapon, it is out in front. Also, the addition of a microphone makes it so it can even capture what is being said in the case of a threat but there not actually being a weapon if the bad guy reaches for something.
Also with the ease to get something on youtube or Instagram these days you might just want to show off your trip to the shooting range from a new angle.
Pros:
- Momentary functions
- Ambidextrous switch
- Versatile light
Cons:
- Mounting could be a quick disconnect and less permanent so it is easier to change weapons
Specs:
- Weight: 3 oz with batteries
- Dimensions: 2.75 inches long and 1.5inch diameter
- Output: 500 lumens
- Recording Time: 6 hours 1080p, 8 hours 720p
Best Pistol Light Laser Light Combo:
SureFire X400 Ultra Red
If you are looking for the best pistol flashlight that provides white light for illumination as well as a red laser light for aiming purposes, the SureFire X400 Ultra Red is the perfect light for you.
The combination of white light and laser aiming capabilities makes this light the perfect choice for close to medium range activities, plus being made by SureFire you know you can depend on the light to work when you need it the most.
Like many other SureFire models, the X400 Ultra is made from high strength aerospace aluminum with a Mil-Spec hard anodized coating and is O-ring and gasket sealed to keep out moisture and dust.
The five milliwatt laser sight is located just below the primary light on the X400 Ultra. In this model the laser emits a high-visibility red laser beam. The beam can be adjusted and features Nylock screws that are made to withstand various strengths of recoil. What this means for you is you won’t have to re-zero the laser every time you fire a round.
The LED emits up to 600 lumens of white light using a TIR lens to provide a tight beam with enough surrounding light for your peripheral vision. The 500 lumens are plenty bright enough to blind a potential attacker and will last for 1.75 hours using two CR123A batteries.
The X400 Ultra is activated via an ambidextrous switch that is located towards the rear of the light. The switch is operated using a single finger. Simply press the switch to turn on momentary activation or flip the switch for constant on. The light features a separate switch at the back of the light that allows you to choose between white light only, laser light only, combination of lights, or to deactivate the light entirely.
The X400 Ultra can be attached to either a handgun or long gun with Universal or Picatinny rails quickly and securely thanks to its T-Lock mounting system. Adapter mounts can also be purchased separately for handguns that are non-railed.
Pros:
- Momentary on function
- Ambidextrous switch
- Two lights in one
Cons:
- Not waterproof
Specs:
- Weight: 4.9 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 3.6 inches long and 1.125 inch diameter
- Output: 600 lumens for 1.75 hours
Best Budget Pistol Laser Light Combo:
Streamlight TLR-2 HL
Before we get too far into our review of the Streamlight TLR-2 HL, I want to take a minute to mention something about the pricing. We have included the TLR-2 HL as a budget option but that doesn’t mean that it is a cheap pistol light. The Streamlight TLR-2 HL is cheaper than the SureFire models, but it is still a bit pricey.
The thing is when it comes to a life or death situation, you do not want to purchase a light that is offered at a super budgeted price because you don’t want to risk it failing when you need it most.
The TLR-2 HL emits up to 800 lumens of bright white light using a C4 LED for a period of 1.75 hours with two CR123A batteries. The 800 lumens provides plenty of light for temporarily blinding attackers or searching through dark rooms, plus its wide beam pattern lights up wide areas for a more efficient search. The red laser is used for aiming purposes and can be used with the LED or on its own. Run time for just the red laser function is 45 hours off of two CR123A batteries.
The light will mount to any handgun that is equipped with Glock-style or Picatinny rail mounts with a rail grip clamp system. The system can be securely attached and detached with no tools, plus the want the light mounts to the gun your hand will never go in front of the muzzle.
The ambidextrous switch is a toggle switch that allows for one finger operation for constant and momentary on. The strobe feature is also controlled via a double tap to the left side switch.
Pros:
- Momentary on function
- Ambidextrous switch
- Red laser light
Cons:
- Laser doesn’t always hold zero
Specs:
- Weight: 4.78 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 3.39 inches long and 1.47 inch diameter
- Output: 800 lumens for 1.75 hours
Best Compact Pistol Light Laser Combo:
Streamlight TLR-8 Red
The Streamlight TLR-8 Red offers a durable, anodized machined aluminum body and features an IPX4 water-resistant rating. Powered by a single CR123A lithium battery the TLR-8 Red offers a white LED and a 640-660nm red laser. The white LED can emit 500 lumens of bright light with a peak beam intensity of 4,300 candelas. Along with the red laser sight, the TLR-8 Red offers a user enabled strobe function.
The light offers a custom optic lens that provides a concentrated beam with plenty of peripheral illumination. The ambidextrous switch features a low profile switch that is designed to prevent snagging and accidental activations. The safe off feature also helps save battery life.
Designed to fit a wide range of compact and full-sized handguns the Streamlight TLR-8 Red uses a rail clamp system to securely attach and detach from any weapon without tools or your hand passing in front of the muzzle.
Pros:
- Momentary on function
- Ambidextrous switch
- Two lights in one
Cons:
- Up/Down adjustment hard to find
Specs:
- Weight: 2.64 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 2.15 inches long and 1.125 inch diameter
- Output: 500 lumens for 1.5 hours
Best Pistol Green Laser Light Combo:
SureFire X400 Ultra Green
With the SureFire X400 Ultra Green pistol light, I am not going to go into a lot of detail about the lights features because it offers the same thing as the SureFire X400 Ultra Red. The only difference between the two lights is the five milliwatt laser sight. With this light, the laser is a 505 nM high visibility green laser beam rather than the red. Both lights offer the Nylock screws to help with adjustments, both offer 600 lumens of white light illumination, and both lights offer the ambidextrous switch that requires one finger operation.
Like the X400 Ultra Red, the Ultra Green can fit on both handguns and long guns, its T-mounting system fits Picatinny and Universal rails, plus adapter kits are sold separately for non-railed guns.
Pros:
- Momentary on function
- Ambidextrous switch
- Two lights in one
Cons:
- Not waterproof
Specs:
- Weight: 4.9 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 3.6 inches long and 1.125 inch diameter
- Output: 600 lumens for 1.75 hours
Best Budget Pistol Light Green Laser Light Combo:
Streamlight TLR-2 HL G
The first thing that I want to mention in regards to the Streamlight TLR-2 HL G is that just like the original TLR-2 HL model it is listed as a budget light, but the price is not going to be as low as you expected.
We include the TLR-2 HL G as a budget model because it is quite a bit cheaper than the SureFire models, but it is still a pricey light when you compare it to other brands.
As we mentioned before we stick with the SureFire and Streamlight brands as the best pistol lights because they are the highest quality pistol lights available in the industry today. Time and time again Streamlight, along with SureFire have proven that their lights can be counted on not to fail in a life or death situation.
The Streamlight TLR-2 HL G is quite similar to the TLR-2 HL. The biggest difference between the two lights is the TLR-2 HL G comes with a 510-530 nM direct drive green laser.
The other difference between the two is the runtime off the two CR123A batteries. The TLR-2 HL G has a shorter runtime because it only lasts for about one and a half hours when used in tactical situations. If you are using the green laser, you will see an average runtime of 17 hours.
One of the great things about the green laser option is it gives you a highly visible green light that is ideal for long range targeting.
The TLR-2 HL 2 G is much like the TLR-2 HL models in the fact that it provides 800 lumens of white light in a wide beam pattern. They both feature ambidextrous switches for one finger operation, both have a user programmable strobe, and the rail clamp system is designed to make it safe and easy to attach or detach the light from your handgun.
Pros:
- Strobe mode
- Ambidextrous switch
- Wide beam
Cons:
- No lockout mode
Specs:
- Weight: 4.78 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 3.39 inches long and 1.47 inch diameter
- Output: 800 lumens for 1.5 hours
Best Compact Pistol Green Laser Light Combo:
Streamlight TLR-8 Green
The Streamlight TLR-8 Green offers many of the exact same features as the Streamlight TLR-8 Red, so I am not going to go into much detail about the features of the light. Along with the bright white LED the TLR-8 Green offers users a green laser that is visible during daylight hours. The 500 lumen white light will run for 1.5 hours off a single CR123A battery that comes with the light. The TLR-8 Green also comes with the ambidextrous switch, strobe function, and low profile design to prevent accidental activation, as well as all of the other features of the TLR-8 Red.
Pros:
- Momentary on function
- Ambidextrous switch
- Two lights in one
Cons:
- Up/Down adjustment hard to find
Specs:
- Weight: 2.64 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 2.15 inches long and 1.125 inch diameter
- Output: 500 lumens for 1.5 hours
Best Sub Compact Pistol Light:
INFORCE APLc
The INFORCE APLc is the newest INFORCE product and offers a compact pistol light that is compatible with the Glock. The light will even sit flush with the muzzle of the Glock 19.
The INFORCE APLc is ultra-light, as it weighs less than 2 ounces, but is extremely durable with a glass reinforced polymer body that is water resistant. Powered by a single CR2 lithium battery the APLc can emit 200 lumens of light for up to 1.5 hours.
The INFORCE APLc offers textured paddles for a non-slip grip. The ambidextrous switch is also non-slip and provides access to both constant and momentary on functions of the light using either hand.
The INFORCE APLc uses integrated clamp interfaces to securely attach to all Glock rails. The high efficiency LED provides a tight beam that is ideal for close to mid-range target identification. Being so compact this is one of the best glock lights.
Pros:
- Momentary on function
- Ambidextrous switch
- Non-slip grip
Cons:
- Hotspot could be better
Specs:
- Weight: 1.87 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 2.43 inches long and 0.88 inch diameter
- Output: 200 lumens for 1.5 hours
Best Budget Pistol Light (Non-Tactical):
Olight PL-MINI 2 Valkarie
The Olight PL-MINI 2 Valkyrie is a great improvement over its predecessor, Olight is quickly knocking out updates to their pistol ight sector to get ahold of part of the market. Powered by a custom Li-ion battery with magnetic charging this light has an output of 600 lumens.
Olight is still newer than its competitors in this space but it makes up for that in really knowing how to make great and bright flashlights with a nice price point. We feel that Olight will soon be considered for full tactical applications like SureFire and StreamLight.
The Olight PL-MINI 2 Valkyrie is waterproof rated at IPX6. The light has easy to use on and off buttons and has a great quick release system which allows you to completely take the light on and off. The parts were Olight really shines is in the simplicity of design and ease of use. We see that in the quick release and easy charging. Also, since they are a high end flashlight maker they are second to none with the ability to make a bright flashlight.
Pros:
- Momentary on function
- Ambidextrous controls
- Durable
Cons:
- Built in battery could should be a consideration
Specs:
- Weight: 2.7 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 2.07 inches long and 1.28inch diameter
- Output: 600 lumens for 1 hour
Olight Code:10%offCheck Amazon
For Messing Around Airsoft/Paintball:
Aimkon HiLight P10S
The Aimkon HiLight P10S is the perfect light for those who want something for their airsoft or paintball gun. The HiLight P10S uses a CREE XM-L2 LED and is powered by a single CR123A battery.
The P10S can emit 500 lumens of light and offers 2 modes: high beam and strobe. The modes are accessed through a quick switch that engages the light on the first press and strobe on the second. The weather-proof light is constructed from a lightweight aluminum alloy.
The multi-purpose design of this light allows the product to be used for recreational, work, or personal purposes. The quick mounting system allows you to mount the light to regular or compact pistols and other guns with a Picatinny rail without the use of any tools. The light is easy to mount and can be done with one hand.
Pros:
- Strobe
- Quick switch
- Weather-proof
Cons:
- Only fits Picatinny rails
Specs:
- Weight: 2.4 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 3.06 inches long and 1.5 inch diameter
- Output: 500 lumens for 55 minutes
Best Pistol Light Conclusion
Who makes the best pistol light? The market is dominated by SureFire and Streamlight but a few small producers are making some space for themselves in the industry. Here we only included lights that are dedicated weapon lights.
There is a whole other segment of handheld lights that can be connected by 3rd party or manufacturer adapters. The main thing to remember is that you should never only carry a light on your pistol as your main light. You need to have some kind of flashlight that you carry everyday to provide light in most situations.
Thank you for reading our article on the best pistol light. If we have helped your search in any way please use one of the links above to go to Amazon and purchase your new pistol light.
We are part of the Amazon Associates Affiliate program and we receive a small commission from Amazon with no extra cost to you for each purchase made through one of our links – this is how we keep this resource going. If you liked this article, we encourage you to check out our other articles about the best flashlights by type. In addition if you are new to flashlights read through our flashlight buyers guide to help you discover the best tactical flashlight for you.