Welcome to My Best Light For Beretta M9A3 Blog.
I’m a seasoned shooter who’s spent a lot of time at the range and in various training scenarios.
After exhaustive research and real-world testing of different lights, I’ve found that the Streamlight TLR-1 HL truly shines above the rest for the Beretta M9A3.
Believe me, I’ve evaluated these options based on rigorous criteria that matter most to shooters like you and me. So, if you’re looking for expert advice, you’ve come to the right place.
This article will break it down for you, making your choice as simple as possible. We’re focusing on functionality, reliability, and overall quality, so you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Top 5 Best Beretta M9A3 Lights
Best Light For Beretta M9A3 | Category | Price |
Streamlight TLR-1 HL | My Pick | $137.99 |
Surefire XH30 | Best Throw | $298.95 |
Olight PL-3 Valkyrie | User Friendly | $55.99 |
Surefire X300T-B Turbo | Good for Beginners | $310.00 |
Modlight PL350 | Good Option | $329.00 |
1. Streamlight TLR-1 HL – My Pick
- 1000 lumens; 20,000 candela peak beam intensity; 283...
- White LED technology, impervious to shock with a 50,000...
- Mounts directly to handguns with Glock-style rails and...
- Includes keys for Glock-style, Picatinny, Beretta...
- Rail clamp system securely attaches/detaches quickly...
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL is an affordable, high-performance weapon light that fits perfectly on your Beretta M9A3.
Easy Toggle Switch: Let’s talk about ease of use. This light comes with a toggle switch that’s incredibly user-friendly. Trust me, I’ve fumbled with plenty of tricky switches before.
You can flip this one effortlessly with one hand or two. This beats out other contenders like the Surefire X300U, where it sometimes feels like you need to wrestle the switch just to get the light on.
Improved Low Light Situational Awareness: One thing that stands out is the light’s ability to improve your awareness in low-light situations. The flood beam does an excellent job of illuminating a wide area.
I’m talking from the left all the way to the right, a full sweep. This is a game-changer when it comes to identifying threats or obstacles.
Easier Strobe Activation: Now, the strobe function is a gem. No complex button settings or weird hand maneuvers are needed. A simple double-tap is all it takes to activate. I’ve tried this under stress, and it worked like a charm every time.
Replaceable Lens Bezel: Another fantastic feature? The replaceable lens bezel. Yep, you read that right. If the front lens gets scratched or damaged, you don’t need to shell out for an entirely new light. Just swap out the lens bezel, and you’re good to go.
Why I Love It: It’s the total package. Great performance, solid build, and easy-to-use features—all at a wallet-friendly price point. What’s not to love?
My Experience
Having used the TLR-1 HL extensively on my Beretta M9A3, I can say it’s a true performer. It didn’t extend past the muzzle, which is a big plus, and it was easy to manipulate even in stress drills.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy-to-use toggle switch
- Wide illumination range
- Simple strobe activation
- Replaceable lens bezel
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Some might prefer a more focused beam
2. Surefire XH30 – Best Throw
- Cam-slotted bezel and rear locking lugs on battery...
- Serves as the interface for the MASTERFIRE holster...
- Undulated reflector creates a broad, smooth MaxVision...
- Dual output, mode selector slide-switch for toggling...
- Attaches securely to both Universal and Picatinny...
The Olight PL 3 R is a rechargeable, high-intensity weapon light that’s perfect for indoor use and budget-friendly.
USB Rechargeable Battery: Now, let’s dive into the battery. This light has a USB-rechargeable feature that’s just too good. In my testing, I loved not having to worry about running out of juice.
You just plug it in, and you’re ready to rock again. This eliminates the ongoing cost of batteries, which can add up over time.
Low Profile Mount: Another standout feature is the new thumb screw mount. This design gets rid of the old QD lever that could interfere with your grip.
For those who’ve been bothered by that pesky lever in the past, this is a godsend. Your support hand will thank you for this smooth, low-profile design.
Increased Lumen Intensity: Let’s talk about power. This light blasts out up to 1500 lumens, even outshining competitors like the Surefire X300U.
I’ve found this to be particularly useful in low-light situations where you need every bit of visibility you can get.
Why I Love It: What’s not to love? USB charging, low-profile mount, and high-lumen output, all without burning a hole in your pocket. This light ticks a lot of boxes.
My Experience
Using the Olight PL 3 R on my Beretta M9A3 was an overall positive experience. The mount sat snugly without affecting my grip, and the high lumen output made target identification a cinch, even in low-light environments.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- USB rechargeable
- There is no interference with the grip
- Powerful illumination
Cons
- Not as rugged as some other options
- Light temperatures can be a bit too cool for some
3. Olight PL-3 Valkyrie – User Friendly
- [Huge Performance] OLIGHT WML has 1,300 lumens in high...
- [Adjustable Key-Block] OLIGHT PL-3 Valkyrie has...
- [Reliable and Sturdy] OLIGHT tactical light's sturdy...
- [Wide Compatibility] Both GL (installed) and Picatinny...
- [Ambidextrous Switches] It contains a dual mode setting...
The Surefire XH30 is an upgraded powerhouse, boasting more lumens and an added strobe feature, perfect for your Beretta M9A3.
Same Control as X300U: If you’re familiar with the Surefire X300U, you’ll find yourself right at home with the XH30. The control scheme is pretty much the same but with some added bells and whistles.
This means you get to jump right into using it without fussing over a new learning curve. It’s like meeting up with an old friend who’s just got a little cooler over the years.
Dual Lumen Settings: Ah, versatility at its finest. The dual-lumen settings are a revelation. You get 1000 lumens for those high-intensity situations where you need maximum illumination.
Then, there’s a 300-lumen setting for close-quarters combat where you don’t want to blind yourself or others. This flexibility is especially useful for adapting to various lighting conditions quickly.
Built to Last: Surefire doesn’t cut corners when it comes to durability. The XH30 uses aerospace-grade material that’s IPX7-rated.
This thing is built like a tank and is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. It’s like the trusty old work boots you never want to part with.
Fits M1913 Rail: Mounting this light is a breeze. The adjustable tension screw mount means it attaches easily to the M9A3 and M9A4, even better than the Rail Lock design. The mount is sturdy and doesn’t show signs of wear, even after repeated use.
Why I Love It: The control scheme, dual lumen settings, and the rugged construction make this a top-notch light. It’s an upgrade without complicating what already works.
My Experience
The Surefire XH30 is a natural fit for my Beretta M9A3. The dual-lumen settings came in handy during both outdoor and indoor shooting scenarios. It’s clear that the light is engineered for durability and functionality, and it didn’t disappoint in any respect.
Pros
- User-friendly controls
- Versatile with dual-lumen settings
- Durable aerospace-grade material
- Easy mounting on M9A3
Cons
- A bit on the heavier side
- Does not fit existing X300U holsters
4. Surefire X300T-B Turbo – Good for Beginners
- New SureFire Turbo Series handgun WeaponLight generates...
- The X300T-B model T-slot thumbscrew clamp provides...
- IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- High-strength aerospace aluminum body is Mil-Spec hard...
- Intuitive switching allows instant activation without...
The Surefire X300 Turbo is a durable and focused light that transforms your Beretta M9A3 into a long-distance powerhouse, even at 650 lumens.
Thumb Screw Mount: Man, the thumb screw mount on this bad boy is a game-changer. It’s adjustable, which means you get to decide how tight or loose the mount is.
This adaptability makes it so much easier to work with, especially if you switch between firearms often. The mount doesn’t wobble; it doesn’t slip; it just stays put.
Slide Always in Battery: Look, this feature is what you’d call a lifesaver. The extended bezel length ensures your pistol’s slide remains in battery during those point-blank engagements.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a close-quarters situation, you’ll know how critical this is. It practically eliminates the risk of firearm malfunctions when you need reliability the most.
Why I Love It: The durability and the focused beam are standout features, but what seals the deal for me is the reliability it adds to my Beretta M9A3.
My Experience
From the moment I mounted the Surefire X300 Turbo on my Beretta M9A3, it felt like they were made for each other.
The thumb screw mount held up perfectly during various firing scenarios. I also found the “Slide Always in Battery” feature invaluable during some close-quarters drills. It added a layer of confidence knowing my weapon is less likely to malfunction.
Pros
- Robust and durable build
- Adjustable thumb screw mount for custom tension
- The extended bezel keeps slide-in battery
- Focused beam for long-distance shooting
Cons
- Slightly less bright compared to other models in the same range
- May not fit all holsters designed for the standard X300
5. Modlight PL350 – Good Option
The MODLITE PL350 is a robust and customizable pistol light that brings rifle-level performance to your Beretta M9A3.
Use Various Light Heads: You know what’s cool? Being able to switch between different types of light beams without even removing the light from the pistol.
Whether you need a focused beam for longer distances or a balanced one for close quarters, this light has you covered. It’s compatible with the PLHv2, OKW, and PLH 5K light heads, which means it’s incredibly versatile.
Better Color Rendition: Being able to see clearly in any lighting condition is crucial. With up to 5000 Kelvin color temperature, this light is designed to be easy on the eyes both indoors and outdoors. The warm, neutral beam helps in identifying objects and potential threats more accurately.
Very Positive Control: You’ve got to love how easy it is to operate this light, even with gloves on. It comes with PHLSTER ARC-enhanced WML Switches, making toggling a walk in the park. No more fumbling around, especially in tense situations.
Why I Love It: For me, the biggest selling point is the flexibility. The ability to switch between different light heads depending on what the situation calls for is a game-changer.
My Experience
I took this for a field test on my Beretta, and wow, it didn’t disappoint. The ease of toggling the switches, even while wearing my thickest shooting gloves, was impressive. The light itself performed admirably in different environments, from the range to home simulation drills.
Pros
- Versatile with multiple light head options
- Excellent color rendition for better visual clarity
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- Might be considered pricey for some
- Slightly bulkier than other models
Final Verdict
After thorough testing and evaluation, my final verdict as a professional shooter is clear: the Streamlight TLR-1 HL emerges as the top choice for your Beretta M9A3.
While each light has its own set of advantages and disadvantages tailored to different needs, the TLR-1 HL consistently delivers on all fronts.
It’s the epitome of functionality, reliability, and quality, making it a go-to option for any shooter who wants a dependable light for their firearm.
FAQ’s
What is the effective range of the Beretta M9A3?
The effective range of the Beretta M9A3 is around 50 meters.
What is the best lumens for a pistol light?
I recommend a pistol light that produces at least 500 lumens for most scenarios.
How many lumens do you need on a pistol?
For a tactical advantage, aim for a light with at least 600 lumens.
Why use a tactical light on a pistol?
A tactical light can disorient a potential attacker, giving you extra seconds to assess the threat and react accordingly.