Surefire X300U-A WeaponLight

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Ratings Snapshot

5.0

out of 5

5 (10)

4 (0)

3 (0)

2 (0)

1 (0)

Would recommend this product.

100%

SKU: SUR-X300U-A
UPC: 084871319065
Manufacturer: Surefire

I bought the Surefire X300U to compare it to my Streamlight TLR-1 HL during a three-day night shooting course. While I've always been happy with Streamlight WMLs and never had a problem with them, I decided to purchase the Surefire X300U due to its reputation and because I had some extra money to spend. After running both lights side by side, I found that the Surefire had two notable advantages over the Streamlight. Firstly, the Surefire X300U has a superior switch system that is truly ambidextrous, while the Streamlight switch requires different motions for the right and left hands. I found the Surefire switch to be much easier to operate in a variety of situations, such as when I was wearing gloves or under stress and losing sensation in my fingertips. The other significant difference between the two lights was in their mounting systems. The Streamlight requires a tool of some kind to tighten the screw that secures the light to a rail, whereas the Surefire system requires no tools at all. I also found that unless I used a large screwdriver to tighten the screw down significantly, the Streamlight eventually worked its way loose while shooting. In contrast, the Surefire was easily attached and removed from any weapon without any tools, and I never had any issues with it coming loose. Overall, the Surefire mounting system is a more robust design that is also easier to use for attachment and removal. I was surprised at how much better the Surefire performed compared to the Streamlight. While I didn't expect the differences to be substantial, the Surefire light's superior design and robust mounting system were noticeable. While the ergonomics of the switch are somewhat a matter of personal preference, the differences in mounting really set the two lights apart. I would trust the Streamlight for a light that I planned to mount to a handgun somewhat permanently, where I could tighten it enough to ensure it wouldn't come loose. However, I tend to attach and remove my lights frequently, whether swapping the light to another weapon or removing the light for carry in a holster that is not light compatible. If you plan on doing that regularly, then the Surefire mount is much more reliable and robust. If you plan on mounting the light to a rifle at all, then the Surefire is definitely the more rugged design.

As a five-year police officer who primarily works nights, I realized the importance of having a weapon-mounted light for my Glock 22 within my first year on the job. I researched a number of options, including the Glock light, Streamlight TLR series, Surefire X200, and the recently released Surefire X300, before ultimately settling on the X300. I used this light for nearly three years before selling it when I left law enforcement. Fast forward two and a half years to May 2013, and LED flashlight technology had made significant advancements. I found myself starting over again working nights on patrol and needing a tactical light for my Glock 17, so I decided to order the Surefire X300 Ultra. Compared to its predecessor, this light is significantly better. I personally don't find it "too bright," although I've seen that comment made a few times. At night, it effectively illuminates even pitch-black yards during house perimeter checks or the insides of vacant buildings. It is solid and incredibly durable, and is as close to bulletproof as any light can be. It's also very lightweight - in fact, I can barely tell the difference in weight when the light is attached versus when it's not. Its 500-lumen output is truly retina-burning. This light is useful not only for those who work nights, but also for those who work during the day. Having a free hand to open doors during house or building searches is important, and it's often dark inside these locations even when it's bright outside. The Surefire X300 Ultra is not just for police officers - it is also perfect for use as a home defense pistol, stored in a quick access safe or on a nightstand. The purpose of having a light attached to your pistol is to have both hands available to support your grip on the pistol. In a high-stress situation where you need to fire your weapon, having that extra control and stability can be critical to placing accurate rounds on target. The light has adjustable Allen screws, which come with a wrench in the package, to adjust the tightness of its attachment to your weapon. I personally loosened the screws considerably so that it is easier to remove when I want to carry my G17 as a concealed carry weapon in an IWB holster. When the light is back on duty or stored on the shelf, it slides right back onto the pistol and produces an audible "click" to confirm that it is securely attached to the weapon. Even with the screws loosened, the light remains completely stable and rock solid. In summary, if you want the best light out there, the Surefire X300 Ultra is it. I use this tool to ensure my own safety every night, so I want only the best. In my opinion, the Surefire X300 Ultra is the best.

I recently received the upgraded 1,000-lumen version of the product, and upon opening the packaging, I noticed that the battery slots were empty. However, I soon realized that the batteries had already been installed - I just needed to remove the paper inside the housing that prevented electrical contact prior to use. The packaging and product appeared to be genuine and of high quality, and the light fits very securely to the rail on my Glock 34. Here are the pros and cons of the SureFire X300U that I've observed: Pros: I opted for the Rail-Lock mount version, which makes it easy to remove and install on other guns by simply pulling down the sides and sliding it forward or backward. I use this on my duty gun and take it off when I'm at the range. I appreciate that the mount is easy to clean, as the black material tends to get on the lens. The ambidextrous switch can be locked-on from either side, which is a nice touch. Con (sort of): The on/off switch on the right side is hard for me to reach. Despite wearing XL gloves, my fingers are short and my index finger barely reaches the switch on the right. However, my thumb can easily reach the left side, so I'm still able to use the light effectively. Plus, I tend to use my thumb anyway, as my trigger finger may be occupied elsewhere. I also compared the SureFire X300U to my Streamlight TLR2 HL G by testing them side-by-side. The SureFire light was much brighter than the Streamlight (although to be fair, my Streamlight is quite old and I think they were only making 800 lumens back then. I have seen newer models advertised at 1,000 lumens). Standing in an entrance, the X300U effectively lit up a 20' x 20' room. When standing about 15 feet away from a 20' x 20' wall, the spill light reached from side-to-side and top-to-bottom. Overall, I'm very pleased with the SureFire X300U, but it is on the higher end of what I'm willing to pay for a light.

I mounted this surefire x300u on my CZ P-10 C. This light is built like a tank, and is rugged and durable. Mighty light. I liked it so much that I bought a second one to mount on my primary M4, which is easy to do as the kit includes multiple level locks for mounting on either handguns or rifles with Picatinny rails.

You really can't find a better light. I primarily got this for my FNX-45 Tactical. If you are going to stake your life on a piece of equipment, every part of that equipment must be the best available. Surefire lights are expensive, but I have never had one of their lights fail. I chose this light for my pistol because I put a Trijicon RMR on it. They don't fail.

What you'd expect from Surefire. Looks and works great on my 12 gauge.

I have one on an HK VP9, Sig P229R and my Troy AR. A very solid light with a wide range of applications.

Like most sure fire products this is rugged and dependable, the battery life is a little short but the output more than compensates for that shortcoming. Overall no complaints.

This light is a great product and if like my other surefire lights will last many years.

What you'd expect from Surefire. It looks and works great on my 12 gauge.