Did you think the proliferation of flashlights would go away? – Not as long as companies can work through powerful, “multi-fuel” and rechargeable lights. And besides, you can’t see in the dark.

One thing we’ve apparently become attached to is the light as part of the gun. One problem is that the light attached to the gun is no longer a light, but now part of the gun. Consider how stupid it would be to hunt using a rifle with magnifying optic and “glassing for game” using the rifle’s optic; it’s why they make binoculars.

Because binoculars don’t shoot.

Gun lights help you make sure you know what it is you are shooting – unless used for ‘bounce lighting,’ it’s not really a target ID thing. It also lets you know when to stop shooting.

Surefire image.

For new lights, the Surefire XC3 produces 550 lumens/7,200 candela of white light with a hybrid beam pattern to light a potential threat while leaving “spill light” to see that threat’s surroundings. Like many new gun lights, this device features a front-loading battery (123A lithium) and bilateral switches so you don’t have a “right-handed” light (or a leftie).

The ‘trick’ with the XC3 is that it’s described as “sleek, lightweight,” and being duty rated while being small enough for concealed carry. While I don’t carry gun lights now, this is one that could work if you do – and have the holster to fit gun-and-light. This one apparently fits that holster compatibility requirement.

Streamlight images.

Meanwhile, Streamlight is making multi-fuel versions of their TLR-8 weapon lights. You can use a rechargeable battery or disposable and the light comes as TLR-8 full size light/laser combos or as the TLR-8 X sub – to fit the smaller heaters with accessory rails.

No discussion would be complete without mentioning the 500 lumens and the rear switching.

Likewise, the front-loading battery is an advantage so you’re not constantly removing the light from the gun for battery changes.

Better for me, in my view, is the handheld light. Streamlight has rolled out the MegaStream USB, a ridiculously high powered “EDC” light. With a maximum of 1,800 lumens/26,000 candela, the powerful compact light has a two-hour run time.

Weighing in at under six ounces, the light has three output modes (with the lowest yielding 13 hours of run time), at the high end the light will reach 322 meters, much farther than I could use (unaided by magnification) for target ID.

Aside from muzzling no-shoots with a gun light – to “see who it is” – another problem with gun lights for uniformed officers is having some kid or a knot-head you’re struggling with getting a finger into that holster and onto the trigger.

Never happen? It has with dismaying regularity. For the light at the front of the gun, often wider than the gun, to make it into that bucket holster, the holster mouth has to be bigger than the light – meaning it’s bigger than the gun behind the light. That gives space for zipper pulls, a dropped ink pen, the index finger of an arrestee who’s trying to take your gun – or that inquisitive child – to get in there and interact with the ignition switch.

Safariland images. The Ballast Holster (above) has a body formed from a single piece giving it remarkable crush-resistance with a muzzle section that is replaceable for various lights. Below, the Ingress Guard prevents access to the trigger when the piece is holstered.

Safariland announced its newest duty gear, the Ballast holster, at SHOT Show. Obviously compatible with pistol-mounted optics, it has the optic lid to keep trash off the lens, an open muzzle to allow pass-through of debris, and it is compatible with all Safariland 3-hole pattern holster mounts. It also takes up less belt space.

It still uses the ALS lever, with some improvements. It’ll be available in March 2025 – and it could well be the most important product release for uniformed members of service who carry guns with lights.

Stay tuned –

- - Rich Grassi