Skip to main content

Pistol Light Test

Pistol Light Test

Streamlight TLR-3, Blackhawk Xiphos, SureFire X300, and the Insight WX150.

Streamlight TLR-3.

Streamlight TLR-3
Price: $135
Light source: C4 Power LED
Output: 90 lumens
Battery provided: Panasonic CR2 lithium
Activation: up/down rocker
Modes: momentary, constant-on
Attachment: coin-slot bolt; insert blocks for specific models, plus Picatinny, mate to rail slot
Pros: Relatively straightforward fitting; very compact
Cons: Requires tool/coin for tight fit; switch difficult to reach/operate
Testers' comments: We could not reach this one at all on the FNP, but even on the Springfield it was tough to activate the switch--which in our opinion has far too much resistance.

Blackhawk Xiphos

Blackhawk Xiphos
Price: $200
Light source: Cree XRE Led
Output: 90 lumens
Battery provided: Blackhawk CR123A lithium
Activation: in/out horizontal lever
Modes: constant-on, strobe
Attachment: adjustable camming lever with rail index lug
Pros: Easy attachment; simple operation
Cons: No dedicated momentary-on mode; light became hot with extended use
Testers' comments: We really liked the no-frills, horizontal switch--easy to reach and operate, and intuitive. Some flickering was noted during manual slide cycling, but it wasn't evident during firing.

SureFire X300.

SureFire X300
Price: $249
Light source: unspecified LED
Output: 110 lumens
Battery provided: SureFire SF123A lithium
Activation: up/down rocker
Modes: momentary, constant-on
Attachment: pull-down Picatinny and universal lever latches or supplied Rail Lock
Pros: Lever latch easy to swap out to fit to gun; bright output
Cons: Larger footprint may not fit all guns; resistance to activate constant-on
Testers' comments: Strong, even light made this the hands-down illumination winner, and the press-in momentary switch is natural and handy to operate.

Insight WX150.

Insight WX150
Price: $240
Light source: unspecified LED
Output: 150 lumens
Battery provided: Duracell 123 lithium
Activation: independent, ambidextrous levers
Modes: momentary, constant-on, strobe
Attachment: Slide Lock pull-down universal or Picatinny latch bar
Pros: Independent switches; mode options available for either hand
Cons: Accessing modes slightly complicated; can be difficult to reach on some guns
Testers' comments: We liked the ambi mode options, but it was easy to get confused when switching back and forth between them.

Testing Procedure. Lights were mounted on a Springfield XD Tactical 9mm and an FNH-USA FNP9, except for the SureFire, which was too large to fit on the FNP9. Lights were subjected to a base function test of 50 rounds of Black Hills 9mm 115-grain FMJ Factory Seconds. Following this segment, some flickering was noted in the Blackhawk unit when slide was sling-shot closed. Except for the SureFire, lights were then tested on both pistols for an additional 60 rounds of the same Black Hills ammo by two different testers. (The SureFire underwent the same number of rounds but just on the Springfield.) No failures were noted.




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Handguns

Smith & Wesson M&P in 5.7 and .22 Mag. Calibers

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Gear

Streamlight Updates Its Wedge Flashlight with Tail Cap Switch

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Gear

Hodgdon Adds Match and HD to Its Winchester StaBALL Powder Line

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Gear

Crossbreed Rogue Holster and System with Mag Carrier

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Handguns

Smith & Wesson Model 350 Hunting Revolver In .350 Legend

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Handguns

First Look: Taurus GX4 XL

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Handguns

A Perfect 10? The S&W M&P 10mm

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Handguns

S&W M&P Shield Plus

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Handguns

A Perfect 10? The S&W M&P 10mm

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Handguns

Beretta A1 Carry

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Handguns

First Look: Federal .30 Super Carry Pistol Cartridge

Scott Rupp and Richard Nance correct some common shooting advice.
Learn

Bad Shooting Advice

Handguns Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Handguns App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Handguns stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Handguns subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Handguns stories delivered right to your inbox.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use