SureFire Weaponlights Compact Handgun Light with Improved Constant-On Activation Switches

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.SpecificationsMax Output -- White Light 200 lumensTactical Runtime** 1.5 hoursLength 2.375 inchesBezel Diameter .375inchesWeight w/Batteries 1.6 ouncesBatteries 1 AAA*Runtime until output drops below 10% of maximum outputIt 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.

Updated: 1 start to 4. See "update" comment below. However, the my negative experience would be helpful as well.XC1 light is unique as it provides good 200 lumens light in a red-dot form factor. It is, probably, the first light which can be used for every day carry.Overall, it fits most handguns perfectly (I've tried it on P226, Glock 21, Glock 19). The momentary switch is conveniently located and easy to press for both, left and right handed shooters. I personally found that for me XC1 is easier and nicer to handle than XC300.There are one minor disadvantage from my point of view. The light has no on/off switch which would be quite useful for bag/pocket carry. However, after a month of bag carry of my G21 with the light attached I didn't experience any problems with that.Then... well, the light was attached to my carry/competition gun so... I am shooting this gun at least 100 rounds weekly. After couple of times I started spotting that light does not turns on always. Then it stopped working after 50-100 rounds in a row and require battery to be removed/inserted back to make it working.Finally, it stop work at all in less than one month of ownership.Yes, I've checked battery and tried the other one. And yes, I've checked the whole list from FAQ page. Nothing helps.Now here comes what is bad about Surefire.I made a few attempts to call customer service. I spend literally HOURS waiting "for the next representative available" absolutely with no success.I left request for a callback and, again, nobody cared to call me back.There is no email option to contact as well (unless you leave outside USA).I understand that dealing with the problems is not something pleasant to do, but for the price at least SOME level of support and handling lemons has to be expected. Shame on surefire.Update: Well, I accidentally found the quite possible reason of the problem. During another check I kept my voltmeter on batter a bit longer and found that voltage jumps between normal and very low and then jumps back. Then I did a few experiments with lithium and alcaline batteries and found that various Energizer Lithium batteries demonstrate this behavior repeatable. They start to produce unstable voltage after shooting session. Then I changed to it to regular Duracell alcaline battery and voila - the light works perfectly for a few shooting session including 200-rounds.So, 4 stats now. 5 for nice light, minus 1 for almost-impossible-to-get-to-support and for including into the package a battery which will easily fail.

Good compact light but unfortunately no holster for this particular model like omnivore holsters.