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Need a Tactical Handgun Light? Here is Our Top Three Recomendations.

Need a Tactical Handgun Light? Here is Our Top Three Recomendations.

When accessorizing your handgun, one popular "must have" is of course, a tactical light.  With so many options on the market, we've decided to narrow it down to a few that we personally like.  Let's compare three popular tactical lights: the Streamlight TLR-1 1000, the Streamlight TLR-1s 300, and the SureFire X300T-A (or X300T-B) Turbo, focusing on their brightness, cost, reliability, and longevity.  The following are in order of least expensive to most expensive.

Streamlight TLR-1s 300

  1. Brightness: The TLR-1s 300 provides 300 lumens and a peak beam intensity of 12,000 candela, making it less bright than the TLR-1 1000 but still effective for close to medium-range applications.​
  2. Cost: This model is likely to be more affordable than the TLR-1 1000, appealing to budget-conscious users.
  3. Reliability: Streamlight's solid build quality extends to this model as well.
  4. Longevity: It offers a longer run time of 2.5 hours, owing to its lower lumen output.

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Streamlight TLR-1 1000

  1. Brightness: The TLR-1 1000 shines bright with 1,000 lumens and a peak beam intensity of 20,000 candela, offering a strong and focused beam over a distance of 283 meters.​
  2. Cost: Streamlight products are generally known for offering good value, balancing cost with performance.
  3. Reliability: Streamlight has a reputation for durability and reliability in various conditions.
  4. Longevity: It runs for about 1.5 hours on two CR123A lithium batteries, which is fairly standard for high-output tactical lights.

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SureFire X300T-A Turbo

  1. Brightness: The X300T-A Turbo offers 650 lumens, but its standout feature is the high peak beam intensity of 66,000 candela, indicating a very focused and far-reaching beam.
  2. Cost: SureFire products are typically on the higher end of the price spectrum, reflecting their premium quality.
  3. Reliability: Known for their robust construction, SureFire lights are highly reliable and favored in tactical situations.
  4. Longevity: It also has a run time of about 1.5 hours on two 123A batteries, similar to the TLR-1 1000.

    One quick note, the X300T is available in two models. The difference between SureFire X300T-A and X300T-B is the attachment Options.  The X300T-A is built with a Lever Latch mount, while the X300T-B is built with a Thumbscrew mount. Both will attach securely to Universal and Picatinny accessory rails and is just a matter of preference. 

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Conclusion

  • For Maximum Brightness: The Streamlight TLR-1 1000 is your go-to with its impressive 1,000 lumens.
  • For Budget-Friendly Options: The Streamlight TLR-1s 300 offers respectable performance at a likely lower cost.
  • For Long-Range Precision: The SureFire X300T-A Turbo, with its high candela rating, is ideal for situations requiring a focused and far-reaching beam.  As said earlier, the X300T-B is also available with
  • Reliability and Longevity: All three models are reliable, but the SureFire typically edges out in ruggedness, while the Streamlight models might offer longer run times at lower lumen settings.

Choosing the right light depends on your specific needs, whether it's for home defense, law enforcement, or outdoor activities. Each model has its strengths, so consider what aspects - brightness, range, cost, or battery life - are most important for your usage.

Simply Defiant Insights