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Modlite's PL350C, Streamlight's TLR-7 HL-X, and Surefire's X300-Turbo - all on 4.25" M&P pistols
Observations can be an interesting thing to consider. What catches your eye and – at least as importantly – why did it? In theory, it’d be an excellent discussion around a fire pit. But here is this week’s effort on an observation I had over two days at the Utah Law Enforcement action pistol match regarding lights.
Why are smaller pistol-lights with reduced output and less capabilities, as common as they are?
For this article, I am looking at lights on full- or mid-size pistols openly carried on-duty by uniformed officers.
Role
A pistol-mounted light is for shooting applications. It should be used much less often when searching. For me, the only time it serves that role is when my support hand is occupied with a task other than using a handheld light.
In those roles, I want as much output as possible. I want usable light that will aid in identification first, then decision-making. How much? At least twenty-five (25) yards, preferably fifty (50) yards. Yes, half a football field.
The author’s first two pistol lights. Surfire’s 6v Classic (right) shown here on a S&W 645 (because he sold the 1911 version) and a Surefire Nitrolon on his 1911.
Historical Foundation
Pistol-mounted lights aren’t new, not by a long shot. I started carrying one in 1999 while on a DEA task force during enforcement events (not concealed). That light was a Surefire 6V Classic, powered by two CR-123 cells. The only commercially available holster was a Safariland 6004, worn on the thigh. My second pistol light was the Nitrolon with two side-by-side CR-123s, in a Blade-Tech holster. In 2006, I switched to SF’s X200 pistol light for my 1911.
Observations
During the match, I saw more of the smaller lights than I had expected. I’m defining smaller not as single cell lights – because Modlite makes a full-size, single cell duty light. The lights I am putting into this category all have shorter, shallower reflectors.
A prime example is Streamlight’s TLR-7 HL-X light, which I often have on my CCW pistol.
More or less head-to-head – Modlite’s PL350C (left), Streamlight’s TLR-7 HL-X (center), and Surefire’s X300-Turbo (right)
Models
Along with the TLr-7 HL-X, I looked at Surefire’s X300-A Turbo, Modlite’s PL-350 and 350-c, and another Streamlight offering – the TLR-1 HL-X.
BLUF – at most, we are talking about 3/4s of an inch difference in length.
On social media, I asked for insight on the shorter lights.
How high does the muzzle need to go when clearing US Duty Gear’s 4.25″ M&P holster?
InstaGram feedback:
- “I carry an X300T and a Streamlight TLR1-HP-X. No issues with extra length. “
- “I’ve never had any problems, is it a looks thing or what?”
- “Compact guns get compact lights; full-size guns get full-size lights.”
- “Full-time LE/uniform wearer here. Added holster length is my gripe. The holster is still going to be full-size in length, which, for me, means it’s just long enough to hit the flare in the seat and push the belt uncomfortably into my hip without a deliberate adjustment. Every. Single. Time I get in the car. This may not apply to many because of physical and vehicle considerations, but I’d love a ¾” shorter holster.”
- “I still carry a light that extends past the muzzle because it is one of two duty-grade lights that fits our G45s. I’d love to shorten the WHOLE package.”
- “I like the WML to be longer than barrel. I doubt I will ever need it, but it makes a good stand-off device. The added length is no issue for me.”
Output in Candela and Lumens, as well as the reported run times, per the manufacturers.
Facebook feedback
- “I see no benefit other than (potentially) getting the gun out sooner, I think that’s more optimization of the draw than the light.”
- “Being tall with a long torso helps a lot. But setting up gear correctly goes a very long way, and I see a lot of younger officers who have not optimized their holster to their body type.”
- “For duty carry the downside is a smidge longer to clear the duty holster.”
- “I wanted a shorter duty holster, so I didn’t have to sit awkwardly in the car all shift.”
- “Shorter OAL means the pistol clears the holster earlier, which is nice for speed of draw. It’s a necessity for smaller officers with shorter arms. I see shorter officers get their gun hitched up on the draw because the long WML hits the holster body as the muzzle starts forward. Shorter OAL and low-ride holsters allow them to draw without contorting their whole upper body away from the holster.”
- “My holster choice drives the light. But I don’t use a WML 90% of the time.”
- “I like the light to extend beyond the muzzle. Keeps the lens cleaner. Lights are bulky but, handier than shirt pocket when it’s dark!”
How much difference is there, side by side?
Draw Speed
Respondents offered that the shorter lights resulted in a faster draw. Perceived faster. Some added that the reduced length prevented the bezel from catching on the holster.
None of the commenters gave any times. Is it 5/100ths of a second or 75/100ths?
A TLR-7 HL-X compared with an X300-Turbo.
Stand Off
A subject-matter expert in that area described the idea of using a pistol light as a stand-off as not foolproof.
There’s been concern about holster fit with pistol lights. Some feel larger lights allow access to the trigger. Both US Duty Gear (left) and Blade-Tech (right) are designed to prevent that with full-size lights.
Holster Fit
There has been concern for a few years about wider lights allowing access to the trigger when holstered. I have not been able to recreate that with my US Duty Gear and Blade-Tech Valor holsters.
Oh, Another Concern
While a smaller light may still allow me to identify what I’m looking at, it may not have the output necessary to mask movement or actions behind it, as a larger one would. I need enough spill that I can see hands and faces without muzzling an individual. Absent enough candela, there could be an issue pushing your light through an intervening light source – like a street light.
The rotating bale of Blade-Tech’s Valor holster will require a higher draw, regardless of the light.
Duty Choices
I’ll accept and suggest a compromise for a duty setup. I’ll take as much output as I can get – which frequently necessitates a longer reflector – until I need a much longer/lower holster. I understand that concern because, as I’ve gotten older, I have shifted from mid-ride to lower-riding holsters.
For a weapon light, I want a tight beam, hot spot, with some spill. From L to R: Modlite PL350C, Streamlight TLR7 HL-X, Surefire X300T, and Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X. For a handheld light, I want spill and throw (Far R) Modlite’s 18650 PLHv2 handheld.
How Much?
I want all the candela and most of the lumens. Why? There is an interesting issue: higher candela requires fewer lumens.
Final Thought
Regardless of what you choose, make an informed decision based on research and experimentation.
