New Weapon Lights of 2026: Pistol and Rifle Lights Compared

By The Release Desk · Updated Oct 17, 2026 · How we verify · Editorial standards

A light is the most important accessory on a defensive gun. You can't shoot what you can't identify, and the law expects you to know your target. 2026 brought new lights for micro-compact carry pistols, short-rail carbines and full-size rifles. We track 6 new weapon lights, and 5 are confirmed shipping. Output and price figures below come from the makers or the sources linked on each light's page.

Every new weapon light at a glance

Picks by gun and use

Carry pistol lights

SureFire XC3 Sub

SureFire built the XC3 Sub for the micro-compact 9mms that most Americans now carry, guns like the SIG P365 and Glock 48. It runs on one 123-size cell. SureFire rates it at 1,000 lumens on its rechargeable 123 and 550 lumens on a standard CR123A, with a $369 MSRP. It was shown at SHOT Show 2026. The maker lists it, but we had not confirmed retail stock at our last check. Holster fit matters as much as output on a carry light, so confirm your holster maker supports it before you buy.

Streamlight TLR-3X

The TLR-3X is Streamlight's new compact pistol light. Streamlight's press release lists 500 lumens and 6,500 candela. It runs on either a USB-C rechargeable SL-B9 pack (about one hour on high) or a CR123A (about 1.5 hours), with ambidextrous rear switches. At $170 it is the least expensive new light we track.

Short-rail carbine lights

Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X and 1L-X Pro

Streamlight launched both lights on January 22, 2026. They are built for SBRs, PCCs and carbines that don't have room on the rail for a light and a pressure pad. Each has an integrated clamp for Picatinny or M-LOK. Streamlight rates them at 850 lumens and 30,000 candela on an SL-B9 pack, or 500 lumens on a CR123A, and both are IP67 with the standard tail switch. The 1L-X has a simple push-button tail cap and a $181 MSRP ($190 for the USB kit). The 1L-X Pro adds a Jack Cap tail that takes a push-button or a remote pressure switch, and its MSRP is $212 ($221 USB). Both were in stock at retailers when we checked on October 17, 2026.

Full-size rifle lights

SureFire M640T Turbo Scout Light Pro

SureFire's turbo-head Scout trades some flood for a tight, far-reaching hotspot. It is rated at 700 lumens and 70,000 candela on a single CR123A, and it uses SureFire's standard Scout mount. MSRP is $379 in black and $389 in FDE.

Modlite OKW V2

Modlite's OKW V2 is a new head, not a whole light. It threads onto existing Modlite 18350, 18650 or dual-CR123 bodies, and Modlite rates it at about 1,300 lumens and 95,000 candela. It comes in high-only or multi-mode versions. It is made in the USA and sold direct for $209 as a head, or $309 in complete packages.

Lumens vs. candela: what to look for

Lumens measure total light output. Candela measures how intense the beam is at its center, which decides how far the light reaches. A carry pistol light mostly needs enough lumens to light up a room and a beam that won't wash out at close range. A rifle light needs candela to identify a threat or a hog at 50 to 100 yards and more. The maker figures above are the best like-for-like numbers available. We don't run our own beam tests and don't claim to.

How we track lights

Every light here links to the maker or to the launch coverage we used. Its status (Announced, Listed or Shipping) carries the date of our last check. We never mark a light as shipping until we see it available to buy. For more context, see our new gear and accessories hub and new suppressors of 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best new pistol light of 2026?

It depends on the gun. For micro-compact carry pistols, the SureFire XC3 Sub is built specifically for that class. The Streamlight TLR-3X is the lowest-priced new pistol light we track, at $170 MSRP.

Which new weapon light fits a short rail?

Streamlight built the ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X and 1L-X Pro for SBRs, PCCs and carbines with limited rail space. Both clamp to Picatinny or M-LOK.

Does the Modlite OKW V2 need a new body?

No. Modlite sells the OKW V2 as a head that fits its existing 18350, 18650 and dual-CR123 bodies, or as part of a complete package.

Are lumens or candela more important on a rifle light?

Candela decides reach. Lumens decide how much area is lit. Rifle lights usually favor candela, and pistol lights a balance of both.

Sources

1. Streamlight: ProTac Rail Mount 1L-X and 1L-X Pro press release (Jan 22, 2026)
2. Streamlight: TLR-3X press release
3. SureFire: XC3 Sub product page
4. TFB: SureFire's new weapon lights at SHOT 2026
5. Modlite: OKW V2 light head
6. The Loadout Blog: Modlite introduces the OKW V2 (Mar 2, 2026)

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