10 Best Weapon Lights 2025 in the United States

The Streamlight 69424 TLR-7 X is a compact tactical weapon light that delivers 500 lumens of brightness with a focused beam reaching up to 140 meters, making it effective for close to mid-range visibility. Its battery life lasts about 1.5 hours, which is decent for a light of this power but might require carrying extra batteries for extended use. The light is built from durable anodized aluminum and has an IPX7 rating, so it’s waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes—good for tough conditions but not deep water. It comes with two switch options: a high switch that’s mounted on the unit and a low-profile paddle switch, offering flexibility in how you activate the light depending on your preference or weapon setup. The safe-off feature helps prevent accidental battery drain by avoiding unintended activation.

Mounting is straightforward on most firearms, suited well for tactical, hunting, or everyday carry uses. One consideration is that it uses a single CR123A lithium battery which is included, but these batteries are not rechargeable, so ongoing costs and battery availability may be a factor. This light balances brightness, durability, and ease of use, making it a solid choice if you need a reliable weapon light for regular use without complicated features.

The Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL is a powerful weapon light designed for firearms enthusiasts and tactical applications, offering an impressive 1000 lumens of brightness and a beam distance of 283 meters. One of the standout features is its high candela peak beam intensity of 20,000, which allows for excellent visibility in dark conditions. The white LED technology is durable, with a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, making it a reliable choice for long-term use. Its lightweight aluminum construction (weighing just 4.2 ounces) contributes to its portability, which is beneficial for users who want to minimize added weight on their firearms.

The mounting system is straightforward, fitting directly onto handguns with Glock-style rails and other MIL-STD-1913 rails, making it versatile for a variety of firearms. The rail grip clamp allows for quick and safe attachment without tools, enhancing ease of use during critical moments. Additionally, the compatibility with various rail systems (including those from Beretta, Smith & Wesson, and Sig Sauer) adds to its appeal.

On the downside, the unit runs for only 1.5 hours on a set of CR123A batteries, which may require users to carry spares for extended activities. While it comes with keys for various rail types, it's essential for users to verify compatibility before purchase, as improper fitting can lead to function issues. Another consideration is the price point, which may be higher than some budget alternatives, but the quality and performance justify this for serious users. Lastly, the user-programmable strobe feature can be a useful tactical advantage, allowing for customization based on personal preference.

The Streamlight 69429 TLR-7 X is a compact tactical weapon light that shines with a brightness of 500 lumens and can project a beam up to 140 meters, making it suitable for various applications like law enforcement, tactical operations, and everyday carry (EDC). One of its notable strengths is the durable construction, made from anodized machined aluminum, which not only enhances its longevity but also meets the IPX7 waterproof rating, ensuring it can withstand a wet environment for short periods. Additionally, it features a user-friendly design with high and low paddle switches, allowing for easy activation even in stressful situations.

Battery life is decent at 1.5 hours, which is fairly standard for a light of this intensity, though users may want to carry a spare CR123A battery for extended use. The 'safe off' feature is a smart addition to prevent accidental activation, which can be a common concern with tactical lights.

On the downside, the reliance on a specific battery type can be a minor inconvenience for some users, especially those who prefer rechargeable options. Also, while the light is lightweight at 2.4 ounces, its compact size may not suit all weapon mounts or preferences where a larger light might provide better handling or illumination.