In the mid-1980s, Surefire entered the pistol-mounted weapon light market with their Model 310. In the early 2000s, Surefire introduced the X200 weapon light with a then-blistering 60 lumens. While unimpressive by today’s standards, it was a major advancement in weapon light technology. Since then, Surefire developed an impressive array of weapon lights culminating with the Surefire X300 series at the core of their reputation.
The Surefire X300 isn’t a single-weapon light model. In reality, the X300 has had several iterations and developments over the years. If you’re in the market for a weapon light, the X300 series is worth taking a gander. Before doing so, it’s helpful to know where the X300 started, where it is today, and what you’re getting depending on the variant you select.
The Surefire X300 Series
When the Surefire X300 was introduced, it became an instant success. The original X300 boasted 175 lumens from its LED light source. Like the X200, 175 lumens doesn’t seem like a lot compared to today’s weapon lights. Nevertheless, the Surefire X300 began a series of weapon lights that are, by all accounts, legendary. Let’s delve into the modern series of Surefire X300 weapon lights and find out what makes each of them an impressive tool worth adding to your collection.
Appearance
The Surefire X300 series of lights have virtually no difference in appearance. The X300 Ultra and Turbo models are marked on the body with their respective designations but are otherwise virtually indistinguishable between them.
Operation
Regardless of the variant, the X300 series all operate the same. The two flanges on the rear of the light act as a constant or momentary “on” switch. The X300’s operation is truly ambidextrous. Since flipping the paddle up or down to turn it on and off is somewhat awkward, the paddle is also designed to act as a pressure switch. By pushing forward on the switch, the light is on for as long as you apply pressure. Once you release the switch, it turns off. Over the years, I’ve become a staunch advocate for the simplicity of this design. Frankly, it’s idiot-proof.
Model “A” vs Model “B”
Surefire offers the X300 in two variants: “A” and “B”. As far as lumens and candela are concerned, there is no difference between the A and B variants. However, the manner of mounting is dramatically different between the two.
In the interest of tackling the simplest design first, let’s discuss the B variant. The B’s mounting system is a simple thumb screw design with an interchangeable rail slot. The provided rail slots are labeled as Picatinny or “Universal” mounts depending on what it’s mounted to. Otherwise, it’s a simple matter of using a spent case rim to tighten or loosen the thumbscrew to the mounting rail.
Model A
The A variant is a slightly more complex design. The A variant includes two styles of locking mechanisms for the light to attach to a rail. One variant features a spring-loaded catch that you pull away from the rail it’s mounted to when removing the light. This mechanism is reliable and was my go-to for years. However, the light wiggled some when mounted to polymer frame pistols. I ultimately opted to use Surefire’s Rail-Lock system. This system allows you to slide the light onto the rail and then uses a crossbolt-style latch to lock it onto the desired rail section.
I prefer this design because it includes a tensioner set screw that tightens the flashlight to the rail it’s mounted against. While this may seem to be an oddly unnecessary number of steps to achieve the same security as the B variant’s thumbscrew, it’s not. This design avoids a potential pitfall when securely mounting thumbscrew weapon lights to polymer pistols. With thumbscrew designs, the tension to secure the light pinches the sides of the firearm’s rail. This is all fine and dandy until you overtighten it and it causes the polymer frame to flex and bind against the slide. This can cause a firearm stoppage in an “undesirable moment of adrenaline.” Surefire’s Rail-Lock system avoids this by applying pressure underneath the rail while a cross-bolt in the rail slot holds it securely in place. Both of these mounting designs are included with X300 A variants.
Surefire X300 Ultra 500
While no longer in production, the Surefire X300 Ultra 500 was a recent enough addition to Surefire’s lineup that I felt it was worth discussing. Furthermore, I have my own bias since I own several of these.
The X300 Ultra was introduced nearly a decade ago and was advertised as a significant upgrade to the X300 lineup. Undoubtedly, it was a massive step in the realm of weapon illumination. The X300 Ultra 500 had 500 lumens of brilliant light in a wide cone that was perfectly at home mounted on a pistol or rifle.
The two X300 Ultra 500 variants I own are still in regular use today. My duty Glock 17 MOS currently sports one while the other is a backup. In nearly 10 years of abuse and occasional misuse, I’ve yet to experience a failure from this light due to anything other than dead batteries. While an amazing piece of equipment that serves a fine role as a pistol light, Surefire had bigger and better plans for their Ultra series.
Surefire X300 Ultra 1000
Released in 2018, the current Surefire X300 Ultra is a 1,000-lumen powerhouse. I own the B variant ($339.99) which resides on my patrol rifle as a dedicated rifle light. This light has a potent 11,300 candela with an advertised range of over 200 meters. I’ve used this light in a law enforcement capacity for nearly five years with consistently impressive performance.
The X300 Ultra 1000 has a wide light spread with a gradual fade towards the edges. Nevertheless, I’ve not had an issue with the identification or environmental assessment of the light. The wider light dispersion doesn’t create hot spots that overwhelm my vision at night but still lights up a target with blinding illumination. The light’s tone is pleasant on the user’s eyes.
Surefire X300 Turbo
I’ll openly admit I’m a bit of a flashlight nerd, and sometimes I geek out about lights. The Surefire X300 Turbo ($332.99) is one of those lights. Once again, the Turbo appears the same as its Ultra counterparts but for the “Turbo” emblazoned on the side. Much like a “sleeper” hot rod, it’s not the exterior you should judge it by, but what’s under the hood.
When looking at the LED head, there are some subtle differences between the two lights. The Turbo’s LED and reflective cone differ from its Ultra counterpart. This difference is what puts the Turbo in a different category from its X300 siblings. According to Surefire, the X300 Turbo is only 650 lumens. However, it provides a blistering 66,000 candela with an advertised range of over 500 meters – more than double the X300 Ultra 1000.
The Turbo’s beam is remarkably tighter than the Ultra. While taking photos for this article, the laser-like beam emitted from the Turbo was impressive at night. If you’re wondering, I haven’t tried to set anything on fire with it — yet. If your needs require a weapon light with a focused beam, this should undoubtedly be a frontrunner for your next purchase.
Surefire X300 on Rifles
When shopping for weapon lights, some of us perceive light designs as dedicated to pistols or rifles only – never both. However, the X300’s design easily lends itself to a pistol or rifle with virtually no modification to the light. Admittedly, I stole the idea from others, so I can’t claim any genius in this method. Its reliability has served me exceptionally well over the years.
When mounted on top of a rail, the light is in a perfect position for momentary or constant-on activation with your thumb. The switch acts as a convenient pressure pad that sits perfectly in line with a “C”-clamp-style shooting grip. Furthermore, with the light mounted on top of the rail, it almost perfectly co-witnesses with the rifle’s optic, if so equipped. I prefer this light orientation since it avoids any issues with light offset from your sight picture. While not always a problem, a light offset from your optic (e.g. mounted on the side or bottom of a rifle) can inadvertently blind you or be useless when working from behind cover. If all you’re trying to present to the threat is your optic and barrel, an offset light could potentially remain obscured behind cover or concealment. Accordingly, you must expose yourself further to the target to properly utilize your light. Top rail mounting of the X300 easily avoids this problem.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, I appreciate you entertaining my rambling love affair for the X300 series. If you’ve come to know me, I have a canned response to many questions that revolve around what I think are the best gear, firearms, or tactics: “It depends”. External factors and changing circumstances often impact the answer to a question, and there’s almost always an exception to the rule. However, the Surefire X300 isn’t an exception to the rule. It is the rule. While not in everyone’s immediate budget, I encourage you to save up for one of Surefire’s X300 variants and add it to your defensive firearm repertoire. You won’t be disappointed.
