No more shadows: Find the perfect Best Light for Walther PPS.
As a passionate shooter with decades of experience, one of my favorites to handle is the sleek and reliable Walther PPS. Now, if you’re a Walther PPS owner like me, you might be in search of the perfect light. From tactical operations to simple home defense, a reliable light is vital.
So, I took it upon myself to rigorously test, in real-time shooting conditions, different lights designed for the Walther PPS and as per my evaluation the Streamlight TLR-3 emerged as the top pick among other options.
I’ve crawled through every detail, from lumen power to battery life, and from ergonomics to resilience. Let me be your trusted guide as we navigate the bright world of Walther PPS lights together.
Top 6 Best Walther PPS Lights.
1. Streamlight TLR-3 – My Top Pick
The Streamlight 69220 TLR-3 is a compact and powerful weapon-mounted flashlight that offers bright illumination for any self-defense situation.
Brightness and Illumination: Despite its compact size, the TLR-3 delivers an impressive 125 lumens of bright white light, more than enough to disorient an attacker or illuminate a dark room or yard.
Compact and Lightweight: Weighing only 2.32 ounces with a length of just under 2 ¾ inches, the TLR-3 doesn’t add bulk or disturb the balance of your firearm, making it an excellent choice for both compact and full-size handguns.
Durable and Resilient: Constructed with a Glock-like polymer casing and an aluminum bezel, this flashlight is made to withstand harsh conditions.
Battery Efficiency: The TLR-3 uses a single lithium-ion CR2 battery, providing approximately 1.5 hours of runtime at full brightness. The battery is not as commonly found as other types, but its 10-year shelf life makes it a worthwhile investment.
What could be better: Although the compact size and light weight of the TLR-3 are definite advantages, these attributes also mean the flashlight might be more prone to damage under extreme stress or misuse. The polymer case might not be as resilient as aluminum counterparts, and over-tightening the thumbscrew can potentially cause cracks.
My Experience
My personal experience with the Streamlight TLR-3, when mounted on my Walther PPQ M2, was overall very positive. The flashlight provided ample illumination for target identification and didn’t disturb the balance of my firearm. The ambidextrous paddle switch was conveniently accessible, allowing me to easily switch between steady and momentary modes. However, the polymer case felt slightly less sturdy compared to aluminum-bodied flashlights I’ve used in the past.
Pros
- Impressive brightness from a small package
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Good battery efficiency with long shelf life
Cons
- Polymer casing might be less durable under extreme conditions or misuse
- Thumbscrew can potentially crack the case if over-tightened
2. SureFire X300 Ultra – Best For Professionals
The SureFire X300 Ultra is a high-strength, ultra-bright weapon light built for professional use.
Outstanding Brightness: With an incredible output of 1000 lumens, the SureFire X300 Ultra transforms night into day. Whether you’re in a tactical situation or shooting at the range, the brightness this light offers is second to none.
High-Strength Build: Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum, this weapon light is rugged and built for hard use. It can weather various conditions, and still function perfectly, making it a reliable companion.
Efficient TIR Lens: The TIR lens on the X300 Ultra provides a high-intensity beam that also offers a good deal of peripheral vision. The quality of the beam is truly exceptional, providing superior target identification.
One-Finger Switch: The X300 Ultra comes with a one-finger switch that makes it easy to turn the light on and off, even under pressure. This makes it a great tactical accessory.
What could be better: Despite its outstanding features, the X300 Ultra is a bit on the expensive side, which might be off-putting for some. Additionally, while the battery life is impressive given the light’s output, it might still be lacking for extended operations.
My Experience
Using the X300 Ultra on my Walther PPQ M2 has been a game-changer. The light’s rugged build and high lumen output add a significant tactical advantage. It held up well against the recoil of the weapon, maintaining a firm grip on the rail. The beam quality made target acquisition easier in low light conditions. Despite its heftier price tag, the X300 Ultra has proven its worth in performance and durability.
Pros
- Incredible 1000 lumens brightness
- Robust and durable aerospace-grade aluminum build
- High-quality beam with significant peripheral vision
- Ambidextrous one-finger switch for easy operation
Cons
- Higher price tag may be a deterrent for some
- Battery life could be improved for extended operations
- Heavier weight might not suit all setups.
3. Streamlight TLR-7A Flex – Compact And Lightweight
The Streamlight TLR-7A Flex is a compact, high-lumen tactical light that offers an improved user interface and versatile mounting options.
Durability and Reliability: Built with 6061-T6 aluminum, the TLR-7A Flex is both durable and reliable. It’s got an IPX7 water-resistance rating, so it can handle some harsh conditions without a sweat.
Improved Control Switches: This model boasts an upgraded toggle switch which improves ease of use. Whether you prefer the high or low switch, you’ll appreciate the flexibility offered by this design.
Multiple Modes of Operation: The TLR-7A Flex provides various operating modes, including constant on, momentary, and strobe. This versatility ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
Beam Pattern and Color Tint: With a flood beam designed for close-range applications and a neutral color tint, the TLR-7A Flex gives you an accurate picture of your surroundings.
What could be better: While the TLR-7A Flex performs admirably, it could benefit from an improved battery life. Also, its lumen and candela intensity may be insufficient for shooting over distances beyond 35 yards.
My Experience
As a tactical light, the Streamlight TLR-7A Flex excelled on my Walther PPQ M2. It’s compact and lightweight, so it didn’t unbalance the firearm or cause any discomfort during prolonged use. The upgraded switch is a significant improvement over previous models, providing greater ease of use. The beam pattern was excellent for close-range work, although for longer distances, the light intensity was a bit lacking.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Upgraded toggle switch improves ease of use
- Versatile operating modes for different situations
- Neutral color tint provides accurate color rendition
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Light intensity may be insufficient for longer distances.
4. OLIGHT Baldr Pro – Light & Laser Combo
The OLIGHT Baldr Pro is a high-quality, multi-functional, and robust gun light with a green laser and adjustable lumens.
Adjustable Lumens and Green Laser: With adjustable lumens that peak at 1350, this light provides exceptional illumination, ensuring accuracy and visibility even in low-light conditions. Its green laser, visible even during daytime, further improves aim accuracy over longer distances.
Lightweight and Compact: The Baldr Pro is compact and lightweight, weighing just 4.55 ounces. Its small size doesn’t hinder your gun’s balance, making it easy to handle even in intense situations.
Durability: The light’s anodized aluminum body ensures resistance against shock and mild water exposure. It’s a reliable tool that can withstand the rigors of field usage.
What Could Be Better: While the OLIGHT Baldr Pro is largely impressive, its water resistance could be improved. It can handle light splashes and fog, but deeper water or heavier rain might compromise its performance.
My Experience
The OLIGHT Baldr Pro fitted perfectly on my Walther PPQ M2, providing a considerable upgrade in visibility and target acquisition. The green laser was a standout feature, helping me acquire targets at longer ranges. However, I did find the IPX4 water-resistance rating a bit limiting as it restricts the usage in heavier rain conditions.
Pros
- High max brightness of 1350 lumens
- Green laser for enhanced accuracy
- Lightweight and compact design
- Compatible with Glock and Picatinny rails
- Robust, shock-resistant body
Cons
- Limited water-resistance
- Battery life can be short when used at full brightness
5. Streamlight TLR-1 HL – Value For Money But Looks Big On Walther PPS
Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL is a high-lumen tactical light known for its compact design, unmatched brightness, and robust durability.
Impressive Brightness and Beam: The TLR-1 HL churns out an impressive 800 lumens of light, creating a beam that can reach up to 245 meters.
Durable Construction: Constructed from machined aircraft aluminum, the TLR-1 HL boasts of high durability. It is anodized for enhanced longevity, and it’s waterproof and impact-resistant, promising a sturdy performance even in harsh conditions.
Toggle Switch: Designed for convenience, the TLR-1 HL features a toggle switch. This ensures both left and right-handed users can easily operate the device, enabling momentary or constant-on modes as per the situation.
What Could Be Better: Although the TLR-1 HL is a fantastic piece of equipment, it can get quite hot after prolonged use. Also, the absence of an extended switch can be a minor drawback.
My Experience
I’ve been using the Streamlight TLR-1 HL on my Walther PPQ M2 and it’s been a rewarding experience. The light’s compact size does not impact the balance of my firearm, and the impressive light output dramatically improves visibility in low-light scenarios.
Pros
- Exceptional 800 lumen light output
- Sturdy and durable construction
- easy-to-use toggle switch
- Quick attach and detach system
- Waterproof and impact-resistant
Cons
- Can get hot with prolonged use
- Looks big on Walther PPS
6. Olight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie – Best Budget Weapon Light
The Olight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie is a compact and rechargeable weapon light that offers a maximum output of 600 lumens and an adjustable rail, making it compatible with most pistols, including subcompacts.
Compact and Rechargeable: The PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it ideal for concealed carry. It features a built-in polymer battery that can be easily recharged using the magnetic charging port located at the bottom of the light.
High Output and Beam Distance: With a maximum output of 600 lumens, the PL-Mini 2 delivers a bright and powerful light beam.
What could be better: One area where the PL-Mini 2 could be improved is its illumination distance, which is relatively short compared to some other weapon lights on the market. If longer illumination distance is a priority, other options may be worth considering.
My Experience
I have personally tested the Olight PL-Mini 2 Valkyrie on my Walther PPQ M2, and I must say it performed admirably. The compact size and lightweight design didn’t add any significant bulk to my pistol, making it comfortable to carry concealed. The adjustable rail allowed me to securely attach the light to my Walther PPQ M2 without any issues.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Compact and lightweight design
- Rechargeable built-in polymer battery
Cons
- Short illumination distance compared to some other options
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and evaluation of various lights for the Walther PPS, I have reached the conclusion that the Streamlight TLR-3 is the top choice. It offers a combination of impressive brightness, durability, and good battery efficiency.
The TLR-3 proved to be reliable in real-time shooting conditions, providing ample illumination without disturbing the balance of the firearm.
The article provides detailed information and personal experiences with each light, which can allow you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements. By weighing the pros and cons, you can find the perfect light for their Walther PPS that aligns with your shooting style and use cases.
Also Read: Top 6 Best Walther PDP Lights Options
FAQs
Should I put a light on my pistol?
Putting a light on your pistol can significantly enhance target identification and visibility in low-light situations, improving your overall safety and accuracy. It is generally recommended for self-defense and tactical purposes.
Which color laser is more powerful?
Green lasers are typically more powerful and have a longer range compared to red lasers.
Which laser is stronger, blue or green?
Green lasers are generally stronger and more visible to the human eye compared to blue lasers
