I’m an experienced shooter who’s had ample time to test out a variety of accessories, especially lights, for handguns.
Among the myriad choices out there, the FNX 45 Tactical has proven itself time and time again to be a reliable sidearm for me.
Now, when pairing this handgun with the right light, the Streamlight TLR-7A Flex takes the win.
The main purpose of this article is to assist you in selecting the best light for FNX 45 Tactical. The right light can make all the difference whether you’re at the range or in a low-light situation.
I’ve done the legwork to sift through the options, and I’m here to offer my top recommendations based on their merits. Stay tuned, as this guide will light the way to your best match.
| Best Light for FNX 45 Tactical | Category | Price |
| Streamlight TLR-1 HL | Best Option | $141 |
| Streamlight TLR-7 Sub | Solid Choice | $130 |
| OLIGHT Baldr Pro | Top Rated | $139 |
| SureFire XH30 | User Friendly | $298 |
| LA Police Gear SlideRail XWL 800 | Budget Friendly | $79 |
Top 5 Best FNX 45 Tactical Lights
1. Streamlight TLR-1 HL – Best Option
The Streamlight TLR 1 HL is a high-lumen tactical light that offers ease of use and durability at a budget-friendly price.
Easy Toggle Switch: Fumbling with a light switch is the last thing you want to deal with when you’re out on the field. Trust me, I’ve been there. The Streamlight TLR 1 HL shines with its remarkably user-friendly toggle switch.
Whether you’re using one hand or two, activating this light is a piece of cake. In cold weather, even with gloves on, you won’t have any issues. The easy toggle is a game-changer, especially when every second counts.
Replaceable Lens Bezel: Damaging the front lens is a common concern among shooters, especially during intense simunition training.
But fret not; Streamlight has you covered with a replaceable lens bezel. In my experience, this feature not only saves you money but also offers peace of mind during your force-on-force training scenarios.
Strobe Mode Added: A strobe feature may not seem like a big deal until you need it. The Streamlight TLR 1 HL comes with an easy-to-activate strobe mode.
A quick double-tap and you’re ready to signal your team or disorient a potential threat. During my tests, I found this feature to be incredibly useful for a variety of tactical applications.
Why I Love It: I’m all about getting the best bang for your buck, and the Streamlight TLR 1 HL does just that.
From the easy toggle switch to the replaceable lens, this light has a suite of features that often come at a much higher price point.
My Experience
I mounted the Streamlight TLR 1 HL on my FNX 45 Tactical and took it for a spin at the range and during nighttime drills.
The light performed exceptionally well. It was easy to activate, even in high-stress scenarios, and the strobe feature came in handy more than once.
Pros
- Easy-to-use toggle switch
- Replaceable lens saves money and hassle
- Effective strobe mode
- Bright and wide beam pattern
Good value for the money
Cons
- Uses CR123A batteries, which are less commonly available
- Might be a bit large for those with smaller hands
2. Streamlight TLR-7 Sub – Solid Choice
The Streamlight TLR 7 SUB offers compact, high-performance lighting that fits seamlessly on both subcompact and full-size firearms, including the FNX 45 Tactical.
Great CQB Illumination: Ever find yourself squinting in the dark, trying to get a clearer picture of your surroundings? With the Streamlight TLR 7 SUB, that’s a thing of the past.
In close-quarters combat situations, it lights up everything you need to see from your 9, 12 to 3 o’clock positions up to 30 yards. No more guessing games; this baby shows you everything you need to see and then some.
Super Responsive Switches: The switches on some tactical lights can leave a lot to be desired, but not with the Streamlight TLR 7 SUB. These side toggle switches are incredibly responsive.
A simple push from either side activates the light instantaneously. During my testing, these switches proved to be reliable time and time again.
Strobe Mode: So, yes, it’s got a strobe mode. Activation follows a specific procedure called TEN TAPS, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a solid feature for various tactical applications.
It’s also a great addition for signaling or disorienting threats if that’s ever needed.
Uses Just 1 CR123A: Not all lights are battery hogs. The Streamlight TLR 7 SUB only requires a single CR123A battery but still kicks out an impressive 500 lumens and 5000 candelas, lasting up to 90 minutes.
Why I Love It: Compactness combined with performance; what’s not to love? The TLR 7 SUB brings you the best of both worlds.
It’s especially useful for those who prefer a less bulky setup but still demand high-quality illumination.
My Experience
Strapped this onto my FNX 45 Tactical and ran it through some real-world scenarios. It lived up to its promises: compact, bright, and incredibly easy to operate.
The strobe function proved its worth in tactical situations, and the light stood up to the rigors of the range.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Exceptional close-quarters illumination
- Easy-to-use, responsive switches
- Battery-efficient
- Versatile strobe mode
Cons
- TEN TAPS procedure for strobe mode can take some getting used to
- Single CR123A batteries might not be as readily available for some people
3. Olight Baldr Pro – Top Rated
Olight BALDR Pro offers high-intensity illumination and laser functionality at a budget-friendly price, making it a valuable addition to your FNX 45 Tactical.
Increased Lumen & Candela: Okay, let’s dive into this. First off, with about 1500 lumens and 19600 candela, this light seriously outperforms. For those night shoots or even dimly lit indoor ranges, it will do wonders for your target identification.
When I tested it against the Surefire X300U, the BALDR Pro delivered twice the lumens and candela, which basically means you can see and identify targets much further away in the dark.
Ambi Control Ergonomics: Now, if you’re a leftie, you often get the short end of the stick in terms of gear. Not here.
The BALDR Pro has ambidextrous controls that work exceptionally well whether you’re left or right-handed. The ergonomics felt natural, and I had no problem accessing the controls during my tests.
QD Lever Mount: The Quick Detach (QD) lever mount is a lifesaver for those who need to switch out gear frequently.
The BALDR Pro makes this process smooth and quick, with zero fuss. The mount felt secure, and during field tests, it stayed in place, maintaining its zero remarkably well.
Why I Love It: What caught my eye was the value for money. This light goes toe-to-toe with more expensive models but at half the cost, and it’s got a laser! It provides outstanding performance in all the key areas: brightness, ergonomics, and ease of use.
My Experience
This light-laser combo was simple to attach to my FNX 45 Tactical and immediately made a difference in both target acquisition and identification.
The laser was a bonus, helping me improve accuracy during rapid target transitions.
Pros
- Exceptional brightness and range
- Ambidextrous controls
- Quick and secure mounting
- Cost-effective
- Includes laser feature
Cons
- Battery life can be a bit short when using both light and laser
4. Surefire XH30 – User Friendly
The Surefire XH30 is the kingpin of weapon lights for the FNX 45 Tactical, offering unparalleled quality, multi-lumen settings, and a safety-first design.
Multi-Lumen Intensities: This feature sets the XH30 apart. You’re getting two levels of lumen intensities plus a strobe function. This adaptability is vital in real-world scenarios.
One moment, you might need lower lumens to avoid blinding yourself, and the next, you’re cranking it up to identify a distant threat. The XH30 gave me exactly what I needed, when I needed it, in field tests.
Widest Flood Beam: Now, here’s the magic. The TIR lens with a wide-angle beam was an absolute game-changer for me.
Let’s face it: threats don’t always come from directly ahead. This thing lit up the area like it was daytime.
Slide Always In Battery: This safety feature is ingenious. The extended light bezel prevents the slide from getting out of battery if the muzzle is pressed against a target. It might seem like a minor detail, but when your life is on the line, every bit counts.
Disorient Threats: The strobe function is pretty darn effective at close range for disorienting threats. During my testing, the strobe was both intense and disorienting, even in daylight conditions.
This is the kind of feature you hope you’ll never have to use but will be glad you have it if you do.
Why I Love It: What’s not to love? The XH30 strikes the perfect balance between high-performance and safety features.
My Experience
I mounted the XH30 on my FNX 45 Tactical and took it through a variety of scenarios. It performed exceptionally well in both open and confined spaces. And let me tell you, the strobe function can really give you an edge in a tense situation.
Pros
- Multi-lumen settings for adaptability
- Wide-angle beam for better peripheral vision
- Exceptional build quality
- Safety feature keeps slide-in battery
- Effective strobe for disorienting threats
Cons
- Slightly heavier than competitors
5. LAPG SlideRail XWL – Budget Friendly
The LAPG SlideRail XWL offers a performance that punches way above its price, making it a top budget-friendly choice for the FNX 45 Tactical.
Better Throw Performance: Don’t let the budget tag fool you; this light’s throw is impressive. It provides a concentrated hot spot with a wide spill, which is crucial for identifying targets in low light. I tried this during my nightly drills and was amazed.
It doesn’t just make do; it excels, coming close to the performance of much pricier options like the Surefire M600 scout light.
Huge Money Saver: If you’re looking for value, this is it. The LAPG SlideRail XWL is half the cost of a Streamlight TLR 1 HL but doesn’t cut corners where it counts.
Honestly, for what it delivers, this light could easily be priced higher.
Why I Love It: It’s the dream for budget-conscious folks. You get more than what you pay for, both in performance and compatibility.
This is your chance to get high-end performance without emptying your wallet.
My Experience
I was skeptical at first. But after a full day of shooting and scenario-based testing, I’m convinced. The LAPG SlideRail XWL is a contender. It stayed consistent throughout various lighting conditions and target distances.
Pros
- Excellent throw and spill performance
- Holster compatibility
- Unbeatable price
- Robust build
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Not as many features as high-end models
Final Verdict
So there you have it, folks: a detailed guide to the best lights for your FNX 45 Tactical.
From the all-around efficient Streamlight TLR-1 HL to the budget-friendly LAPG SlideRail XWL, there’s something for every shooter and every budget.
Your choice of light can be a game-changer in various scenarios, be it at the range or in a self-defense situation.
Choose wisely, and may your aim be true and your path well-lit!
FAQs
Is the FNX-45 tactical accurate?
Yes, the FNX-45 Tactical is accurate, benefiting from a low bore axis and a longer sight radius for better aiming and shooting.
What are the pros and cons of the FNX-45?
Pros include reliability, versatility, high capacity, and accuracy. Cons are its size, weight, heavy trigger pull, recoil, and high cost.
How many mags can an FNX-45 Tactical hold?
The FNX-45 Tactical can hold either a 10 or 15-round magazine.
Does the FNX-45 Tactical have a Decocker?
Yes, the FNX-45 Tactical features manual safety/decocking levers that are fully ambidextrous.
