Pistol Light
In this article, we will be discussing the different types of pistol lights and their purposes. We will go over how to choose the right light for your needs, as well as gun-mounted lights and how to use them properly.
Best Pistol Lights
A gun light is a flashlight attached to or integrated into a firearm to aid low-light target identification and provide illumination for hitting targets at night or in other dark conditions. Gun lights are usually activated by switches on the weapon's grip, trigger guard, or forend. A good pistol light should be bright enough to temporarily blind and disorient a target while also being rugged and small enough not to interfere with the pistol's handling characteristics. Here are five of the best pistol lights on the market today.
The Inforce APL Gen 2 is a compact weapon-mounted light that delivers 200 lumens of white light with a tight 6500K beam. Its integral mounting system attaches securely to most pistols with no tools required, and its ambidextrous switching makes it easy to operate even when wearing gloves. The housing is made from lightweight aluminium with a Mil-Spec hard anodized finish, and it is fully submerged up to 66 feet (20 meters) for 30 minutes without leaking.
The OLight PL MINI Valkyrie 2 is another excellent choice for a pistol light. It delivers 400 lumens of cool white light with a wide beam pattern thanks to its Cree XP-L LED emitter. The overall length is just 2.4 inches (61 mm), making it one of the most miniature gun lights available today. It features an ambidextrous push-button switch that can be operated while wearing gloves, and its IPX6 rating means it's resistant to rain and dust ingress. The housing is made from durable aluminium alloy with a black anodized finish.
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL G provides 800 lumens of bright white light thanks to its C4 LED emitter and parabolic reflector lens system. It has ambidextrous momentary/steady On/Off switches for easy operation, even when wearing gloves. This model comes with two CR123A lithium batteries that will provide up to 1 .75 hours of runtime at full power. The housing is made from aircraft-grade aluminium alloys that can withstand rough use. It also has an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged up to 1 meter ( 3 . 3 feet ) for 30 minutes without leaking.
Forth, but there's still plenty more where that came from!
Top 5 Pistol Lights
In the world of tactical tools, good light is an essential piece of kit. Whether you’re carrying for self-defence, law enforcement, or military applications, having a reliable light on your hip can make all the difference. Here are our favourite lights for pistols currently on the market.
1. Olight PL Mini 2 Valkyrie
This lightweight yet powerful light from Olight is designed with firearms in mind. It attaches directly to most Picatinny rails and features two settings – 400 lumens on high and 15 lumens on low. The PL Mini 2 also has a strobe function for disorienting an attacker and comes with a removable magnetic charging cable for easy recharging.
2. Inforce WMLx 800 Lumen Weapon Light
The Inforce WMLx is another excellent option for those looking for a powerful weapon-mounted light. It puts out 800 lumens on its max setting and has several other modes, including strobe and momentary-on low output. The body is made from durable polymer and comes with Picatinny and universal Glock rail mounting plates.
Utilizing either CR123A lithium batteries or rechargeable LFP packs, the WMLx has plenty of power to keep you going through even the most extended shift or range session.
3 Streamlight TLR-1 HL Weapon Mount Tactical Flashlight
One of the most popular pistol lights on the market, the TLR-1 HL from Streamlight is an excellent choice for duty and home defence. With 900 lumens of output, it’s one of the brightest options available today – perfect for identifying targets in low-light conditions. It also features ambidextrous switching and can run on two 3V CR123A lithium batteries or one 18650 battery.
4 Viridian E Series Red Laser Sight/Tactical Light Combo
If you’re looking for a laser sight/tactical light combo unit, look at Viridian’s E Series lineup – specifically their Model 93860 (for Glocks) or Model 93861 (for 1911s). These units put out 500 lumens of LED lighting while also featuring Viridian’s signature Instant-On™ feature, which activates the laser sight as soon as you draw your weapon from its holster (when paired with an optional Viridian TacLoc® Holster).
5BrightFX G2X Tactical LED Flashlight
The Brighton G2X Tactical flashlight may not have all the bells and whistles that some of the other options on this list have, but it offers simple functionality at an affordable price. Available in black or tan, this budget-friendly light still puts out 350 lumens using two AA batteries. The bezel is also serrated, so it can be used as an emergency glass breaker if needed.
Brightest Pistol Light
A gun light is a device that attaches to the front of a handgun and emits a bright light, allowing the user to see their target in low-light conditions more easily. There are many different styles and brands of gun lights on the market, but they all serve the same primary purpose.
Some gun lights are designed to be used with both hands, while others can be attached to the handgun. The size and weight of the gun light will vary depending on the model, but they are typically small and lightweight so as not to interfere with the user's grip on the handgun.
Most gun lights use LED or incandescent bulbs, and some models come with switches that allow the user to change between different settings (such as constant-on or momentary-on). Gun lights can be powered by either AA or AAA batteries, and some models come with rechargeable batteries.
Choosing a gun light is primarily a matter of personal preference, but certain features may be more important to some users than others. For example, those who plan on using their gun light for self-defence may want one that has a strobe function which can disorient an attacker. Some gunfights also come with laser sights which can help improve accuracy in low-light conditions.
No matter what style or brand of gun light you choose, having one attached to your handgun can give you a significant advantage in low-light situations.