When it comes to firearms, having the right accessories can make all the difference. One such accessory is a tactical flashlight. Not only does it provide illumination in low-light situations, but it can also be used to temporarily blind an attacker, giving you time to react.
When it comes to choosing the best tactical flashlight for firearms, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost is the brightness of the light. A bright flashlight can be a valuable asset, but it’s important to strike a balance between brightness and battery life. Additionally, the size and weight of the flashlight are important considerations, as you don’t want something that’s too bulky or heavy to handle.
After researching and testing various options, we’ve identified the top tactical flashlights for firearms on the market. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, a hunter, or simply someone who wants to feel more secure in their home, our recommendations will help you make an informed purchase.
Best Tactical Flashlights for Firearms
We understand that owning a firearm comes with a great deal of responsibility, and part of that responsibility is ensuring that you have the right equipment to keep yourself and others safe. One of the most important pieces of equipment you can have in your arsenal is a tactical flashlight. Not only can it help you navigate in low-light situations, but it can also be used to temporarily blind an attacker or identify a potential threat. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best tactical flashlights for firearms on the market today. Our team has extensively researched and tested each product to ensure that we are providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Streamlight TLR 1-HL Earless Screw Flashlight
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable tactical flashlight for your firearms, the Streamlight TLR 1-HL Earless Screw Flashlight is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 1000 lumen blast of light provides maximum illumination, making it easier to clear a room or search an alley.
- The rail clamp system allows for quick and safe attachment and detachment without putting your hands in front of the muzzle.
- The ambidextrous momentary/steady on/off switch makes it easy to use for both right-handed and left-handed shooters.
Cons
- The battery life could be longer, as it only runs for 1.5 hours.
- The flashlight is a bit heavy, which may be a concern for some users.
- It’s a bit on the expensive side, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
We recently had the chance to test out the Streamlight TLR 1-HL Earless Screw Flashlight and we were impressed with its performance. The 1000 lumen blast of light provided maximum illumination, making it easier to identify who or what is nearby. The beam pattern is wide, which is great for lighting up large areas.
The rail clamp system is a nice feature that allows for quick and safe attachment and detachment without putting your hands in front of the muzzle. We also appreciated the fact that it can be mounted directly to guns compatible with Glock-style rails and to all MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rails. The included keys for Glock-style, Picatinny, Beretta 90two, S&W 99 and S&W TSW and Sig P320 make it easy to confirm fitment and compatibility prior to purchase.
The ambidextrous momentary/steady on/off switch is another great feature that makes it easy to use for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. However, the battery life could be longer, as it only runs for 1.5 hours. Additionally, the flashlight is a bit heavy, which may be a concern for some users. Finally, it’s a bit on the expensive side, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
Overall, we think the Streamlight TLR 1-HL Earless Screw Flashlight is a great option for those looking for a durable and reliable tactical flashlight for their firearms.
SureFire X300 Ultra High Output LED Weaponlights Tan
We highly recommend the SureFire X300 Ultra High Output LED Weaponlights Tan for anyone looking for a reliable and durable tactical flashlight for firearms.
Pros
- The off-white high-performance LED produces 1,000 lumens biased in the yellowish-green spectrum, which is optimal for human vision.
- The precision TIR lens creates a smooth, tight beam with enough surround light for peripheral illumination.
- The integral, ergonomic one-finger ambidextrous momentary and constant on switching makes it easy to use.
Cons
- The price may be a bit steep for some buyers.
- The lack of a strobe feature may be a downside for some users.
- The light may fit strangely on rails of certain firearms.
The SureFire X300 Ultra High Output LED Weaponlights Tan is a reliable and durable tactical flashlight that is perfect for firearms. The off-white high-performance LED produces 1,000 lumens biased in the yellowish-green spectrum, which is optimal for human vision. The precision TIR lens creates a smooth, tight beam with enough surround light for peripheral illumination. Additionally, the integral, ergonomic one-finger ambidextrous momentary and constant on switching makes it easy to use.
One downside of the SureFire X300 Ultra High Output LED Weaponlights Tan is the price, which may be a bit steep for some buyers. Another downside is the lack of a strobe feature, which may be a downside for some users. Additionally, the light may fit strangely on rails of certain firearms.
Overall, we highly recommend the SureFire X300 Ultra High Output LED Weaponlights Tan for anyone looking for a reliable and durable tactical flashlight for firearms. It is a great investment for anyone who needs a high-quality tactical flashlight for their firearm.
OLIGHT PL-3 Valkyrie Tactical Light
We highly recommend the OLIGHT PL-3 Valkyrie Tactical Light for anyone looking for a reliable and sturdy weapon light for their firearms.
Pros
- The OLIGHT WML has an impressive 1,300 lumens in high mode, making it ideal for outdoor use, with a maximum throw of 225 meters. The low mode with 200 lumens is perfect for use indoors.
- The adjustable Key-block rail mount of the OLIGHT PL-3 Valkyrie weapon light accommodates a range of rail structures, making it easy to install on your firearm.
- The sturdy setscrew of the OLIGHT tactical light improves the product’s reliability and sturdiness. It also enables assembly and disassembly with one hand.
Cons
- The holster options for the OLIGHT PL-3 Valkyrie Tactical Light are limited, which may be an issue for some users.
- The light is a bit too big for some firearms, which may make it difficult to handle.
- The battery life is not as long as some other tactical lights on the market.
The OLIGHT PL-3 Valkyrie Tactical Light is a high-performance weapon light with impressive brightness and a maximum throw of 225 meters. It is easy to install on your firearm, thanks to its adjustable Key-block rail mount. The light is also very sturdy, thanks to its set screw, which improves the product’s reliability and sturdiness. However, the holster options are limited, and the light may be too big for some firearms. The battery life is also not as long as some other tactical lights on the market.
Subcompacts – Streamlight TLR-7A
It is important to recognize that not all handguns fit the tactical lights listed above. Many of the subcompacts will require a different configuration such as the Streamlight TLR-7A below. Be sure and check with the various tactical companies for a rail mount that fits your handgun. These lights adhere to the same standards of reliability and sturdiness as the full-sized lights and are superior options for your handgun light needs.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a tactical flashlight for firearms, there are a few key features that you should consider to ensure that you are getting the best product for your needs. In this buying guide, we will discuss some of these features and what you should look for when choosing a tactical flashlight.
Brightness
One of the most important features to consider when choosing a tactical flashlight is brightness. The brightness of a flashlight is measured in lumens, and the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the flashlight. When choosing a flashlight, consider the intended use. If you plan to use it in low-light situations, you may want to choose a flashlight with a lower lumen output. However, if you need a flashlight for outdoor use or for use in large areas, you may want to choose a flashlight with a higher lumen output.
Durability
Another important feature to consider when choosing a tactical flashlight is durability. A durable flashlight is essential for use in harsh environments and can withstand drops, impacts, and other types of damage. Look for a flashlight that is made from high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum or stainless steel, and that has been tested for durability.
Battery Life
Battery life is also an important consideration when choosing a tactical flashlight. Look for a flashlight that has a long battery life, so you can use it for extended periods without having to replace the batteries. Consider the type of battery used in the flashlight, as some types of batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, offer longer battery life than others.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a tactical flashlight are also important considerations. Look for a flashlight that is compact and lightweight, so it is easy to carry and use. However, make sure that the flashlight is not too small, as this can make it difficult to hold and use, particularly if you are wearing gloves.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Some tactical flashlights come with features such as strobe modes, adjustable focus, and multiple brightness settings, which can be useful in different situations. Consider your needs and choose a flashlight that has the features that you require.
In summary, when choosing a tactical flashlight for firearms, consider the brightness, durability, battery life, size and weight, and any additional features that may be important to you. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a flashlight that is suited to your needs and that will provide reliable and effective performance when you need it most.
View the comprehensive listing of the Best Tactical Flashlights here: