Surefire X300
The SureFire X300 Ultra is the most widely issued weapon-mounted light in law enforcement and the benchmark against which all pistol weapon lights are measured. At 1,000 lumens with a TIR lens producing a tight primary beam and usable peripheral spill, the X300U delivers more than enough output to temporarily blind a threat and positively identify targets at room-clearing and outdoor distances. Its universal GL-rail mounting system fits standard Picatinny rails and Glock-pattern rails directly, making it compatible with virtually every service pistol on the market.
Read our full SureFire X300U Buying Guide ↓
X300U-A vs. X300U-B: Switch Position Differences
The X300U is available in two variants that differ only in switch placement. The X300U-A uses an ambidextrous paddle switch positioned toward the muzzle end of the light body, activated by pressing inward with either thumb or index finger. The X300U-B moves the switch rearward toward the trigger guard, preferred by shooters who activate with the support-hand thumb in a high thumbs-forward grip. Both produce identical 1,000-lumen output. The choice between A and B is purely ergonomic — try both grip positions with your specific pistol before deciding, as the preferred activation method varies significantly by individual grip style and hand size.
X300U vs. X300T: The Turbo Version
The SureFire X300T (Turbo) is a higher-output variant producing 1,500 lumens with a tighter, longer-reaching beam optimized for outdoor use at extended distances. The standard X300U’s 1,000-lumen TIR lens is better balanced for indoor defensive use — its beam has more useful spill for room clearing. The X300T’s tighter beam is superior for outdoor use where you need to identify threats at 50+ yards. For a general-purpose duty or home defense light, the X300U is the more practical choice. For outdoor patrol, rural law enforcement, or property defense where long-range identification matters, the X300T is worth the additional cost.
Holster Compatibility: The X300’s Biggest Advantage
The SureFire X300U has the most extensive duty holster ecosystem of any weapon light. Safariland produces ALS, SLS, and ALS/SLS combination holsters for the X300U paired with virtually every service pistol. Blackhawk SERPA and Level 3 holsters are available in X300-specific configurations. For concealment carry, companies like Safariland, Bravo Concealment, and Raven Concealment produce inside-the-waistband holsters cut for X300-equipped pistols. If you intend to carry a weapon-light-equipped pistol in a retention holster, the X300U’s holster availability is unmatched by any competing product.
X300U Battery Life and Runtime
The X300U runs on two CR123A batteries providing approximately 1.5 hours of runtime at full 1,000-lumen output. CR123A batteries offer a 10-year shelf life and reliable cold-weather performance. The side-loading battery compartment allows replacement without removing the light from the pistol. SureFire recommends replacing batteries annually for duty weapons regardless of use time. CR123A batteries are widely available at hardware stores, outdoor retailers, and online — keeping a supply of fresh batteries on hand is straightforward for any shooter running CR123A-powered equipment.
Is the X300U Worth the Premium Over Competing Lights?
The SureFire X300U costs significantly more than the Streamlight TLR-1 HL or Olight Baldr Pro, both of which offer comparable or higher lumen output. The premium buys you SureFire’s military qualification testing history, the widest holster support ecosystem of any weapon light, and a company whose products have been proven in the most demanding operational environments on earth. For civilian defensive use, the Streamlight TLR-1 HL is a fully capable alternative. For law enforcement duty use, competition shooting where holster availability matters, or any application where you want the most thoroughly tested light available, the X300U justifies its price. See also: SureFire Firearms Accessories.
Related Pages
Explore related content: SureFire, Streamlight TLR-7, and Weapon Mounted Lights.