- Lightweight and ultra-compact; ideal for concealed-carry use
- High-performance led generates 200 lumens of tactical-level light
- Multifaceted reflector creates broad, smooth maxvision beam for close-quarter applications; beam pattern optimized for the human eye
SureFire XC1-B Weaponlights Compact Handgun Light
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 6 x 4.7 x 1.7 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.14 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6 x 2 x 5 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.25 Pounds |
| Brand Name | SureFire |
| Model Name | XC1-A |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | SureFire |
| Part Number | XC1-A |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| Style | No Laser |
| Included Components | Pistol light with battery |
| Size | 200 Lumens |
| Sport Type | Outdoors |
Bruce (verified owner) –
Brightness adjustment is smooth and intuitive.
Jared (verified owner) –
Held up to some serious abuse during a competition.
Monk –
Part of what I wanted was a weapon light on a Compact pistol specifically a Glock 19. I also wanted to be able to carry AIWB when I wanted/needed to.
I already have a Surefire X-300 and I usually use it on a full sized pistol. Its rocks solid and works well. The problem with the fullsize light is carrying appendix it wouldn’t work as well while sitting, driving etc.
Looking at pistol lights that are in the small sizes, it’s pretty slim pickings. I decided to try a Surefire XC-1. Here are the factory specs.
Specifications
Max Output — White Light 200 lumens
Tactical Runtime** 1.5 hours
Length 2.375 inches
Bezel Diameter .375inches
Weight w/Batteries 1.6 ounces
Batteries 1 AAA
*Runtime until output drops below 10% of maximum output
It looks good on paper the biggest drawback is the price. But it’s really the only one in the game for this size of light that has readily available holsters.
I don’t really notice the weight on the pistol and it doesn’t seem to change the handling at all.
The controls are similar to the x300 series. There is a paddle on each side of the trigger guard and you push down on either one for momentary activation. It’s pretty easy with either hand.
I am not in love with the constant on switch. It’s a crossbar system that only activates from the left side of the light. There also isn’t a positive click when it turns on. That isn’t a deal killer for me. I usually shoot two handed and if I am going to have a light on constantly it is probably going to be a two-handed deployment.
The light is only 200 lumen. I remember when a 60 lumen incandescent bulb was the pinnacle of lighting so I’m not super hung up on the numbers. It is a very wide flood beam with no hot spot. Inside my house, it lights the whole room and does a darned good job without being overpowering and I can still see my night sights.
Outside its good for closer distances. It lit up my entire backyard and I have zero worries about not being able to see a threat and identify a weapon in some ones hand. I played around a bit and I would feel very confident that it would function in that capacity out to 25 yards. I played around at 30yards and it was ok. Past that its diminishing returns. You can see, but the wide flood beam doesn’t really throw enough light down range.
I compared it to a 250 lumen flashlight with a narrower beam and a 300 lumen flashlight inside. It was brighter than the 300 lumen light and a bit dimmer than the 250 lumen light with a tighter beam.
My overall impression is pretty positive so far. The controls are close enough to what I am used to for monetary and I have no doubt if I need it in a high stress situation I would be able to use it without an issue. The constant switch is going to take a little bit of getting used to.
I really like that it doesn’t completely wash out the night sights. it gives me the opportunity to light something up and move without losing my sights/target picture.
The fact that it runs off of AAA batteries is a plus because I can get them darned near anywhere. The battery compartment is threaded and has an o-ring. It should be pretty water resistant. You can use a dime to unscrew the battery plug if you don’t have a screwdriver handy.
I am not in love with the mounting screw. I would rather be able to take the light off quicky, like the X-300 and X-300 UA. That isn’t a deal breaker but it would be nice. As it stands if you have a dime you can remove or attach it. A bonus is you can change the battery without removing the light from the gun.
After using this with a G-code incog holster I really like it. I have had an opportunity to use this quite a bit. I do notice a lack of carbon build up on the lens which makes me happy.
I have been able to use this while running timed drills from concealment and doing some moving and shooting.Then again at night at our outdoor range.
I have to say for CCW this thing absolutely rocks. No issues with being slowed down drawing and nothing noticeable in how the pistol handles and zero malfunctions.
At 25 yards there is plenty of light to ID targets and any threats. Shoot/no shoot targets weren’t a problem.
There was actually a lot more light spill than I had noticed before. I was able to light up a huge area with plenty of light for working.
Still no issues with carbon build up on the lens. Which makes me pretty happy.
I didn’t mess with the constant on but the rocker switch/momentary worked well for my needs. Moving tagging the target with light engaging and moving again.
The only thing that I will need to test is durability.
I am pretty pleased with the performance so far. Aside from the price I think its a great buy.
Henry W –
Good compact light but unfortunately no holster for this particular model like omnivore holsters.
puppet master –
I’ve been waiting a while to write a review on this light because I have heard a lot of complaints about the light not securing to the firearm correctly. I have carried this light on my gen 4 glock 19 and my gen 3 glock 23 everyday for over a couple months now in a nsr tactical holster and I have never had this light come off or loosen up in anyway shape or form. I do believe this light was more designed around the glock pistol though. I have shot over 400 rds of my full house reloads in .40 cal and around 300 rds of my 9mm reloads without a problem. The first night I got it I went out back in the field and patiently waited for it to get completely dark. It gets completely pitch black here where I live so much so I had my headlamp on with me just so I could find my way back. I started off at 15 yds firing one shot with momentary on then reholstering and repeat. I could see my target with no probems at that distance but what was nice is I could see all around in front of me compared to my other high lumens lights. Much more spill to the beam than my other lights which is perfect for a ccw or home protection role. Plenty of light for any real world scenario you may encounter. Controls are intuitive especially if you’ve already shot plenty of times at night with other lights. But I think the best selling point of this light at least to me is your getting 200 lumens out of 1 AAA battery… That’s awesome! As far as bulk or weight goes I don’t even notice a difference with this light on my pistol. I can still carry it in appendix and strongside just fine. I also like that you can replace the battery from the front and not have to take off the light. My only criticism would be that I prefer the constant on to be on my support side but to be honest I don’t use constant on very much. Great quality light as usual from surefire but as usual comes with a hefty price tag as well. But there is no other option out there for a light this compact as of yet. Oh and my light was an authentic surefire light. There are a lot of knock offs out there but there are great resources online to show you how to spot a fake one.
Marcus (verified owner) –
Zeroed quickly, and I’ve had no issues since.
Elijah (verified owner) –
Durable and well-built. Took it through a rainstorm, and it held up.
Martin (verified owner) –
Co-witnessed perfectly with my iron sights.