7 Best Glock Lights Reviewed (Glock 19, 43, 26 and 17)

Glock pistols are some of the most popular guns for self-defense. They are light, accurate, and easy to use. This makes them a perfect tool for responding when something goes bump in the night.

But when it’s dark, you need more than just a gun and a sight. You also need light to positively identify your target. You don’t want to mistake your daughter for a robber!

However, using both a flashlight and a gun at the same time can be awkward and can make both more difficult to use. And what if you can only find the gun in the dark?

The solution is to mount a light to your gun.

That way, when the lights are out, you’ll have access to both simultaneously and can safely use your Glock in the dark.

There are many tactical lights out there. Which is the best?

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The 7 Best Glock Flashlights: Outdoor Empire Reviews

1. Best for Glock 19: Streamlight 692602 TLR-1 HL
2. Best for Glock 19 #2: Crimson Trace LTG-736 Lightguard
3. Best for Glock 43: Crimson Trace LL-803 Laserguard Pro
4. Best for Glock 43 #2: Viridian Reactor RTL
5. Best for Glock 26: Streamlight TLR-6
6. Best for Glock 17: SureFire X300U-A Ultra
7. Best Glock 19 Light and Laser Combo: Streamlight 69261 TLR-2 HL

Category	Best for Glock 19	Best for Glock 43	Best Light and Laser Combo
Product	Streamlight 692602 TLR-1 HL	Crimson Trace LL-803 Laserguard Pro	Streamlight 69261 TLR-2 HL
Lumens	800	150	800
Run Time	1.75 hours	2 hours	1.75 hours
Battery	2x CR123	1x CR2	2x CR123A
Weight with Batteries	4.18 oz	4 oz	4.78 oz
Material	Aircraft Aluminum	Polymer/Rubber Combination	Machined Aluminum
Cost	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

1. Best Glock 19 Light

Compare prices at: Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Brownells

Specs

Lumens: 800
Run Time: 1.75 hours
Battery: 2x CR123
Mounting Method: Mounting keys to attach to a variety of handguns
Dimensions: 3.39″ long x 1.47″ wide x 1.44″ high
Weight: 4.18 oz with batteries

Overview

Streamlight is the number one name in the pistol light business. Their flagship product is the TLR-1, a weapon light that puts out 300 lumens.

The TLR-1 LP is an upgraded version of the TLR-1 with more than double the power. You get an 800-lumen beam that projects up to 245 meters and an additional strobe mode!

You do, however, give up three-quarters of an hour from the battery life, with a maximum runtime of 1.75 hours.

Changing the batteries is the weak point of the TLR-1 HL. You have to remove the flashlight from the gun to open the battery compartment.

The TLR-1 HL mounts to the accessory rail of a Glock 19 with no trouble thanks to the mounting keys. It also includes mounting keys for Picatinny rails, Smith & Wesson 99, and Beretta 90two.

The controls are ambidextrous and can be either momentarily-on or constant-on. The finish is anodized aluminum and the flashlight is shock-, impact-, and temperature-resistant.

Recommendation

If you want the most powerful handgun tactical light out there, the Streamlight TLR-1 HL will light up your life!

2. Second Best Glock 19 Light

Specs

Lumens: 100
Run Time: 2 hours
Battery: 1x CR2
Mounting Method: Screws onto both sides of the trigger guard and the accessory rail

Overview

Crimson Trace is known for their laser grips, but they produce low-profile weapon lights as well. Known as the Lightguard, this model is good for not only the Glock 19, but also the Glock 17, 22, 23, 31, 32, 34, 45, 37, and 38!

The Crimson Trace Lightguard LTG-736 splits into two halves. You place the two halves on either side of the trigger guard and screw them into place. You have to undo this to replace the battery.

That CR2 lithium battery powers a 100-lumen bulb for up to two hours. There is a master switch on the front of the unit. When that’s on, to activate the flashlight, all you have to do is grip the pistol normally. The activation button is against the grip!

If you want to add a laser, the Lightguard LTG-736 is compatible with LG-637 and LG-639 (but not LG-417) Lasergrips.

Recommendation

If you do not need as bright a light as possible, the Crimson Trace LTG-736 adds illumination to your Glock 19 sight while remaining small, light, and easy to use.

3. Best Glock 43 Light: Crimson Trace LL-803 Laserguard Pro

Compare prices at: Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Warehouse

Specs

Lumens: 150
Run Time: 2 hours
Battery: 1x CR2
Mounting Method: Screws onto both sides of the trigger guard

Overview

The Glock 43 is a wonderful subcompact handgun but it lacks the accessory rail that is standard on the larger Glocks.

Thankfully, Crimson Trace’s lights attach to the trigger guard instead of an accessory rail, so the LL-803 Laserguard Pro works on your subcompact Glock 42 or 43!

You turn on the unit using the master switch underneath. There is a button on the right side, next to the windage and elevation adjustments, to swap between four different modes.

Those modes are laser + light, laser only, light only, and light + strobe.

The light and/or laser stays off until you grip the pistol because the activation switch is on the front of the grip.

The 150-lumen light will last for up to two hours of runtime. If you want to use the laser without the light, then the device can stay on for up to four hours.

Recommendation

The Crimson Trace LL-803 Laserguard Pro does not make compromises; it’s a great way to get an easy-to-use laser/light onto your subcompact Glock 43.

4. Second Best Glock 43 Light

Specs

Lumens: 100
Run Time: 1 hour
Battery: CR-1/3N
Mounting Method: Attaches to the trigger guard
Dimensions: ” long x ” wide x ” high
Weight:  0.78 oz with batteries

Overview

Viridian is not as well known as Streamlight or Crimson Trace, but they make perfectly fine tactical lights all the same.

Notably, Viridian makes the Reactor RTL series of tactical pistol lights, one version of which mounts on the Glock 43’s trigger guard perfectly.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Viridian Reactor RTL is what they call ECR Instant On Technology, which uses a magnet to turn the light on when you draw the pistol from an ECR-compatible holster. One is included, but companies such as Alien Gear make higher-quality ECR-compatible holsters.

The light itself can be set to a 100-lumen constant-on mode or a 140-lumen strobe mode. There is a low-battery indicator, which is good because the runtime is a scant one hour.

The whole thing weighs under an ounce. Unlike the Crimson Trace models, there is no activation button on the grip, so you do not have to adjust your grip to use this light.

Recommendation

The Viridian Reactor RTL is a great way to put a night light onto your Glock 43, but to get the most out of it you need to buy a specialty holster.

5. Best Glock 26 Light

Compare prices at: Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, Brownells

Specs

Lumens: 100
Run Time: 1 hour
Battery: 2x CR-1/3N
Mounting Method: Attaches to the trigger guard
Dimensions: 2.33″ long x 0.87″ wide x 1.37″ high
Weight:  1.27 oz with batteries

Overview

The Glock 26 is in a similar position as the Glock 43 in that it’s a subcompact pistol without an accessory rail. However, unlike the Glock 43, it has even fewer flashlight choices available!

Thankfully, there is still a great tactical light available for the Glock 26, the Streamlight TLR-6.

The Streamlight TLR-6 mounts to the trigger guard, which makes the front of the flashlight flush with the front of the gun. It also has a 640-660nm red laser!

A button on either side of the flashlight turns on the light and cycles between three modes: light only, light and laser, and laser-only.

The battery lasts for up to 1 hour with the light on or 11 hours with only the laser on. The light automatically turns off after 10 minutes, which conserves battery life but can turn the light off when you need it to stay on.

Recommendation

There’s only one real choice for a flashlight to fit the Glock 26 and thankfully, it’s a good choice: the Streamlight TLR-6.

6. Best Glock 17 Light

Compare prices at: Primary Arms, Brownells

Specs

Lumens: 600
Run Time: 1.5 hours
Battery: 2x CR123A
Mounting Method: Attaches to the accessory rail
Dimensions: 3.7″ long x 1.4″ wide x 1.3″ high
Weight:  4.0 oz with batteries

Overview

The Glock 17 is a classic handgun in use by militaries around the world. Why not add a sight that is just as rugged and has a similar military pedigree?

SureFire supplies flashlights to the U.S. military and various law enforcement agencies, which ensures that their X300 Ultra weapon light is not only powerful but also rugged.

The flashlight is sealed with a waterproof O-ring and a gasket to keep water out, whether from rain or a dunk in the river.

The light puts out 600 lumens and uses a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens to have an extra bright and blinding center with a wide periphery to light up your surroundings.

The controls are ambidextrous, usable with your trigger finger, and can be momentarily-on or constant-on. It is also compatible with the DG grip switch or XT107 tape switch.

The quick-detach mount works with the accessory rail on a wide variety of Glock handguns as well as the Picatinny rails of modern sporting rifles.

Recommendation

The SureFire X300U-A is the best light you can put on a Glock 17, though it is a bit heavy.

7. Best Glock 19 Light and Laser Combo

Compare prices at: Sportsman’s Warehouse, Primary Arms, Brownells

Specs

Lumens: 800
Run Time: 1.75 hours
Battery: 2x CR123A
Dimensions: 3.39″ long x 1.47″ wide x 1.83″ high
Weight: 4.78 oz with batteries

Overview

Having a flashlight on your gun is great, but adding a laser can make your setup better. A laser helps you get on target even when you can’t get into a proper firing stance.

The Streamlight 69261 TLR-2 HL is very similar to the TLR-1 HL except for the addition of a red laser, so you get the same durability and ability to mount the TLR-2 HL on your Glock 19 or many other handguns.

In addition to the original controls, there is a switch at the rear of the laser housing to swap between light-only, light and laser, and laser-only functionality.

However, the TLR-2 HL also has the same weaknesses as the TLR-1 HL. The battery compartment is still difficult to access and the light still extends in front of the gun.

If you don’t care for the extreme amount of light, then you can get the TLR-2 with a red laser, TLR-2G with a green laser, or a TLR-2S with a red laser and strobe function.

Recommendation

The Streamlight 69261 TLR-2 HL makes the TLR-1 HL even better by adding a laser sight.

When and Why Should You Use a Night Light on a Glock and What Are the Benefits?

Why Should You Add a Light to a Glock?

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, a weapon light is a great idea for identifying your target.

But that’s not the only benefit of adding a tactical light to your Glock.

It also keeps one hand free. If you have a flashlight in one hand and gun in another, what do you do when you have to open a door?

Sure, you can probably grab the handle with the hand holding the flashlight, but that’s awkward and points the light in an odd direction. If you slip, you can potentially shine the light in your eyes and blind yourself.

Which brings us to the second advantage of a tactical light: they are bright enough to blind whoever is on the receiving end of the light.

If that’s a criminal, you just put yourself at a big advantage!

Buying a quality weapon light instead of a cheap generic light is a good idea because quality lights are reliable. You do not want the light to die at the worst time.

When Should You Add a Light to a Glock?

Any weapon that’s used for home defense should have a flashlight on it.

Most home invasions happen at night, so the advantage will go to the person who sees the other one first. If you have to turn on light switches as you go, that potential home invader will see you first.

How to Choose the Best Glock Light

Though this list of the best Glock lights should help make it easier to choose a flashlight for your Glock, you should still know what to look for in a weapon light.

Not all Glock tactical lights are made the same, so here are four factors you should keep in mind as you shop around.

Fit

The first, and biggest, factor is whether or not the weapon light will even fit your Glock. If it doesn’t fit your model of handgun, why would you throw your money away?

Most of the lights on this list are cross-compatible. The Streamlight TLR-1 HL will fit a Glock 17, and the SureFire X300U-A Ultra will fit a Glock 19.

However, if you have a subcompact Glock, then your choices are much more limited. A light for the Glock 26 will not fit the Glock 43, for example.

Make sure your specific model is mentioned and you are good to go!

Brightness

Most of the time, brighter is better. A brighter light illuminates more and blinds potential opponents better.

However, this is not always the case. In a small house with bright walls, 800 lumens may be enough to blind yourself even if you aim the light at a wall!

Runtime

The longer the light can stay on, the better. This saves money on batteries and can keep the light from dying when you need it to stay on.

Price

With weapon lights, you get what you pay for. More expensive flashlights are often more rugged. Pick your budget and don’t cheap out on a light.

Top Brands

Four main brands dominate the tactical flashlight market. Chances are, if you want a quality Glock light, you will buy from one of the following four brands.

Crimson Trace

Crimson Trace became known for their tactical laser sights designed for people who carry concealed firearms. Rather than mount the laser to the front of the gun, Crimson Trace lasers are integrated into the grip or trigger guard. This makes the laser sight less bulky and more natural to use.

Their flashlight models are similar, though the light bulbs are larger than laser diodes so they can’t hide the lights in the grip. They are still a great brand for ease-of-use, because their lights are made with the same philosophy of not needing to go out of your way to use them. Grip the gun and you are ready to go!

The disadvantage of Crimson Trace is how they rapidly develop and discontinue models. This can make it difficult to keep track of which model is the current version.

Also, they do not like to share certain dimensions of their products online.

Finally, the body of Crimson Trace lights and lasers are primarily made from polymer instead of metal. This keeps the weight down but makes them less rugged than similar products by other brands.

Streamlight

If you gather a large number of gun owners in a room and look at the lights on their guns, most of them will have a Streamlight of one type or another.

Streamlight is the current champion of weapon-mounted flashlights. They are used by hunters, fishermen, law enforcement officials, and private security professionals. Streamlight also prizes customer feedback and actively seeks out information on their products by the people who use them.

Not everyone who uses Streamlight flashlights does so with a gun. Streamlight also supplies lights to construction crews, miners, and firefighters. People all over the world who depend on their light to keep them safe at work choose Streamlight.

This feedback and experience with working in tough conditions means that Streamlight’s tactical lights are rugged and dependable. They can withstand impacts and are resistant to water.

If something goes wrong with a Streamlight light that wasn’t due to abuse or normal wear, Streamlight will make it right. They have a lifetime warranty on most flashlight components and a 2-year warranty on the electronics.

SureFire

Streamlight may put out rugged products, but they still are not as tough as anything produced by SureFire.

SureFire has contracts with the U.S. Armed Forces. They also sell flashlights and lasers to many law enforcement agencies.

SureFire has long been involved in developing weapon illumination.

In fact, SureFire invented the first laser sight, a telescope-sized device that mounted to the .357 Magnum Colt Trooper. That was back when they were called Laser Products Corporation. Eventually, their flashlights overshadowed their laser sights, and they changed their name to SureFire.

Today’s SureFire products are much more efficient than the monstrosity that was the first laser sight, but they are no less rugged.

Many SureFire lights are waterproof, not just water resistant. They also sport advanced electronics that modulate the beam intensity so the LED bulb does not overheat and burn itself out.

The only problem with SureFire is that they are so well made and so advanced that they are often the most expensive choice. For professionals, this is a no-brainer.

But if you have a limited budget, you do not always need the pay the expense for that much ruggedness. If your gun lives in your nightstand, why spend the money for a light that can survive the battlefield?

Viridian

Viridian, full name Viridian Weapon Technologies, is not as prestigious as Streamlight or SureFire, but this does not make them any worse as a company. They are merely newer and have not yet built up their reputation to the same level as other tactical flashlight companies.

In addition to weapon-mounted lights and lasers, Viridian Weapon Technologies also has weapon-mounted cameras for law enforcement purposes. These cameras are less expensive than body cameras and are less liable to be blocked when the gun is being used.

You can even buy the XTL Gen 3, a tactical light and HD camera that attaches to the front of your full-sized Glock. It may be expensive, but video evidence may be able to save you in a defensive-shooting court case.

For many people, though, the main draw of a Viridian flashlight is the Instant-On Enhanced Combat Readiness technology. Fingers can fumble when searching for the light switch, whereas ECR turns the light on as you draw from the holster, making the light much more simple and easy to use.

This can shave off precious seconds when seconds matter most.

F.A.Q.

• How do I mount a light to my Glock 19?

Thankfully, most Glocks have a built-in accessory rail. This makes mounting the light easy.

All you have to do is loosen the flashlight’s bolt, slide the light over the rail, and tighten the bolt again.

Some flashlights replace the Glock’s guide rod. This decreases the bulk on the gun but is much harder to install if you are not comfortable completely tearing apart your pistol. Please pay attention to the provided instructions or use the services of a gunsmith.

Make sure that your glock 19 holster will fit the light too!

• How do I install batteries in my Glock light?

Replacing the batteries on those fiddly little weapon lights can be difficult! The Streamlight TLR-1 is notorious for frustrating new owners.

To open the battery compartment of the Streamlight TLR-1, it needs to be removed from the Glock. Find the tab on top of the light (where the light mounts to the Picatinny rail) and flip it up. Then pull it toward the front of the light.

This partially opens the battery compartment. You need to then grab the bottom of the rear hatch and lift it toward the top of the light to disengage the part that’s still holding on.

Insert the batteries then reassemble the flashlight by reversing the order. Hook the bottom of the hatch into a lip on the bottom of the TLR-1, then pull the top tab toward that hatch.

• How do I remove light scratches from the Glock’s slide?

Weapon lights are often metal and can scratch the Glock’s slide during installation. Whoops! It’s happened to the best of us.

Chances are the slide itself is not actually scratched because Glocks have an extremely hard Tenifer or Melonite finish that penetrates the metal. What looks like scratches is often the softer metal from the flashlight’s body.

In this case, a little steel wool will rub it out.

Some Glocks, though, have an additional finish applied over the Tenifer/Melonite. This can be blueing or parkerization.

To fix those scratches, you will need to use a touch-up pen by Birchwood Casey