There are a number of factors and options that go into choosing an appropriate light for your weapon. As we discuss the best tactical lights for Glock handguns, I will touch on the advantages of each accessory.
First and foremost, the light must fit your Glock. Full-sized and compact Glocks are equipped with a universal rail that will fit most Picatinny accessories.
Glock OEM GTL 22
The Glock OEM GTL 22 has been shipped with some factory Glocks, with good reason. It is a quality product that offers multiple options to fit different scenarios. With 60 Lumens, the target will be identifiable and the intensity of the beam can be adjusted easily. The light can be activated and adjusted with either hand. In addition to the adjustable light, the GTL22 offers a red laser for pinpoint accuracy. The light & laser combination can run constant for up to an hour before the battery needs to be replaced.
The light needs to be bright enough to illuminate the target to get a positive ID. The last thing that you want to do is shoot a family member or a friend. In addition, price is always a factor when you want the best Glock lights. This is something that you don’t want to skimp on. It’s the same story as choosing a firearm: you want to get the best piece that you can afford, period. That said, having a light equipped is better than not having a light equipped.
Streamlight TLR-1
Streamlight offers multiple quality accessories that fit the bill. The most affordable being the TLR-1. This light offers up to 300 lumens concentrated on target and significant peripheral candlepower. The light can stay on up to 2.5 hours, and it can be operated by either left or right handed shooters. There is no strobe option or laser equipped on the TLR-1, but you can always upgrade to the TLR-2s.
Everybody loves lasers because they make everything better. A well calibrated laser will ensure that you put your shot on target every time. Earlier, we mentioned the Glock OEM GTL 22 offers a red laser which can be seen in most low light settings. However, if you want the best for your weapon, then go green. Your eyes naturally pick up on green better than red, which means that your green laser will be just as visible at high noon as it is at midnight. This is among the best light for Glock handguns.
The Viridian X5L & TacLoc Holster
The Viridian X5L, while not cheap, may be the best tool for the job. Viridian is arguably the leader in the field of tactical lights. This product offers a staggering output of 178 lumens on a consistent beam and a blinding 224 lumens in strobe mode. In addition to the light, this piece offers a vibrant green laser for pinpoint accuracy. Not only will you be able to identify the intruder, but you’ll be able to place your shot. A battery’s worst enemy is a green laser. The CR123A 3v lithium battery will last 60 minutes with the laser activated.
What about activation mode?Are you right handed? Are you left handed? Most lights are ambidextrous, but you need to be sure you can comfortably use the accessory before making your purchase. That brings us to the final item on our list, by far the easiest accessory to activate in a self defense situation.
Crimson Trace
Crimson Trace is an industry leader, providing a unique activation mode not offered by their competitors. When you’re in a self defense situation, the last thing you need is an additional step to protect yourself. With this model, you draw, aim and shoot. When you naturally apply pressure to the grip, the light activates. Equipped with a 100 Lumen LED, the CR2 Lithium battery offers up to two hours of continuous illumination. There is a master ON/OFF switch, which enables you to deactivate the light to preserve battery life.
In low light scenarios, having a tactical mounted light gives you a serious advantage. Some argue that a flashlight will suffice, and there are scenarios where that may be true, but having a tactical mounted light has some serious advantages. First, a tactical mounted light offers you the ability to use two hands to handle your weapon; this ensures you have the best possible control when you need it most. Second, you won’t misplace your light, because it will be attached to your weapon. This is arguably the best tactical light for Glock pistols.
Aimkon HiLight P10S
The Aimkon HiLight P10S lacks the features of the higher-end pieces, but sometimes, getting the best tactical light for Glocks means a compromise between wants and budget. The LED puts out 300 lumens on a constant or strobe setting. That’s more than enough light to not only enable you to obtain a positive ID, but it will effectively blind the attacker. The Aimkon HiLight P10S boasts a quick-release mechanism which allows you to mount or dismount it at a moment’s notice. However, the money saved up front will be spent on CR123A batteries; the battery on this device will last 45 minutes but you might want more time.
That brings us to battery life. It’s not likely that you’re going to be in a prolonged gun fight that will require constant use of the light, but it’s important that your accessory activates; otherwise it’s just deadweight on the end of your barrel.
CONCLUSION
According to the FBI, in 2012, at least 27% of home invasions in the United States occurred at night. Think about that for a second: you and your children fast asleep in bed, you’re never more vulnerable. If you’re like me, then you will choose a reliable tool to protect what you value most. Few weapons have the proven reliability of a Glock. Whether you’re at home, or on the street, your Glock should be tactically fit to give you every advantage. Do yourself a favor, do your family a favor, and order a tactical mounted light for your Glock today.
