I’m an experienced shooter who’s spent countless hours at the range and out in the field.
If you’re like me, you know that a reliable light can make all the difference when it comes to firearms, especially in low-light situations.
I’ve had the chance to get hands-on with various models, rigorously testing them on my Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0. Through my extensive experience, one light has stood out among the rest: the Streamlight TLR 1.
I’ve gone through multiple options, compared their effectiveness, and evaluated them for durability, brightness, and ease of use. I hope that by sharing my insights, you can make an informed choice that enhances both your safety and shooting experience. Stay tuned.
| Best Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Lights | Category | Price |
| Streamlight TLR 1 | Best Overall | $140.01 |
| Streamlight TLR 7 Sub | Compact Light | $130.84 |
| Streamlight TLR 6 | Best for Tactical Use | $102.21 |
| Surefire X300U-B | Good for Training | $350.00 |
| Surefire XH30 | User Friendly | $298.98 |
Top 5 Best Light For Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0
1. Streamlight TLR 1 – Best Choice
The Streamlight TLR 1 is a versatile, user-friendly light boasting 1000 lumens, perfect for those who want a no-nonsense, reliable Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 option.
Replaceable Lens Bezel: This is great, especially for someone like me who’s into force-on-force training. Let’s face it: gear can get damaged.
But no worries here. You can swap out the bezel without having to replace the entire unit. Saves you time and money.
Better Strobe Mode: Double tap. That’s all it takes to get into strobe mode. There is no need to hold down buttons or fiddle with configurations.
When you’re in a tight spot, simplicity matters. The Surefire XH30 just can’t match this.
Brightness and Range: Now we’re talking about 1000 lumens and 15000 candela. What does that mean for you? Clear vision, far and wide.
The illumination on this thing is no joke, allowing you to assess situations quickly.
Ambi Control: Whether you’re a righty or a lefty, this light doesn’t discriminate. The ambidextrous control is a sweet touch, letting you operate it comfortably from either side.
Battery Life: Powered by 2x CR123A batteries, the light gives you a reasonable runtime. It’s always a good idea to have extra batteries on hand, but this will have you covered in most situations.
Why I Love It: No-nonsense functionality and reliable as the day is long. The toggle switch is especially handy, making operating even in high-stress scenarios a breeze.
My Experience
The toggle switch is a godsend, making the light super easy to operate in tense moments. Its brightness helped me identify targets clearly in various lighting conditions.
However, I found it slightly heavier compared to other options.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Versatile with replaceable bezel
- Excellent brightness
- Ambidextrous control
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- A bit on the heavier side
2. Streamlight TLR 7 Sub-Compact Light
The Streamlight TLR 7 Sub is a compact yet powerful 500-lumen light specially designed to fit both sub-compact and full-size pistols without compromising functionality.
Super Compact Size: Alright, let’s get right to it. This light is your go-to if you’re after something that won’t stick out like a sore thumb.
It’s smaller than its sibling, the TLR 7A, which means it’s an ideal pick for both duty and concealed carry. And let me tell you, the compact size doesn’t compromise on quality.
Exceptional Indoor Beam Pattern: In an indoor setting, this light shines literally. The TIR 500-lumen beam is pure gold for close-quarters scenarios.
It lights up everything between your 9 to 3 o’clock positions, ensuring you can quickly identify any potential threats. No second-guessing, just instant clarity.
Ambi Features: Like the TLR1 HL, the TLR7 Sub also has ambidextrous features. This makes it a practical choice whether you’re a southpaw or a traditional right-hander. The controls are super intuitive, too.
Battery Life and Durability: The TLR7 Sub runs on a single CR123A battery. While that might sound like a limitation, it actually keeps the unit lightweight without skimping on performance. As for durability, this thing is built like a tank.
Brightness Level: With 500 lumens and 5000 candela, you’ve got yourself a mini-beast. It’s plenty bright for most situations you’ll find yourself in.
The light’s intensity is balanced enough to provide excellent peripheral vision without blinding you.
Why I Love It: It’s simple: the Streamlight TLR7 Sub gives you a lot in a small package. It’s a lightweight yet powerful choice, making it perfect for a variety of applications.
My Experience
This compact light fits like a glove on my pistol, making it excellent for concealed carry. The 500-lumen output is just right for indoor situations. The battery life also exceeded my expectations for such a small unit.
Pros
- Exceptionally compact
- Great for indoor and close-quarters use
- Ambidextrous features
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Not as versatile for long-range outdoor scenarios
- One-battery setup may require frequent changes for heavy users
3. Streamlight TLR 6 – Best for Tactical Use
The Streamlight TLR 6 is a 100-lumen pistol light with an integrated red aiming laser, featuring a Safe Off feature to prevent accidental activation, making it ideal for tactical situations.
Quick and Secure Attachment: Now, onto the rail clamp system. Let me tell you, this is as easy as pie. It attaches and detaches quickly without the need for any extra tools.
And you don’t have to put your hands in front of the muzzle to do it. This feature enhances your safety and convenience, whether you’re on duty or at the range.
Built Tough: When they say this light is built tough, they mean it. The IPX7 rating means this bad boy is waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Trust me, that’s more than enough for most real-world scenarios. The live-fire testing it underwent makes sure it’s as rugged as they come. If it can stand up to that, it can stand up to anything.
Illuminate with Precision: The custom optic in this light is something to talk about. It produces a narrow beam but still gives you optimum peripheral illumination.
This light isn’t just about brightness; it’s about the quality of light. Moreover, the electronics inside make sure the intensity stays consistent, even as the battery starts to wane.
Why I Love It: It’s compact, it’s safe, and it’s rugged. Every detail in this light is designed for real-world use, from the Safe Off feature to the custom optic.
When I attach it to my Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0, I know I’m ready for whatever comes my way.
My Experience
The Safe Off feature was useful during tactical training, preventing accidental light activations. The integrated laser helped improve my aim. But remember, it’s only 100 lumens, so not as bright as others on this list.
Pros
- Safety features like Safe Off and rail clamp system
- Durable, IPX7 waterproof rating
- Custom optic offers quality illumination
- Serialized for easy identification
Cons
- It could be brighter for outdoor use
- Battery life can be improved for heavy users
4. Surefire X300U-B – Good for Training
The Surefire X300U-B is a high-output 1000-lumen LED weapon light with a unique TIR reflector, well-suited for training and situational awareness in diverse settings.
User-Friendly Design: Hey, lefties, this one’s for you too! The mirrored toggle switches mean whether you’re a southpaw or right-handed, using this light will be a snap.
The control mechanism is intuitive; flip the switch one way to turn it on and the other way to shut it off. No fuss, no complications.
Rock-Solid Construction: The Mil-spec one-piece aluminum housing on this is no joke. It’s designed to take a beating. Whether you’re dealing with high-volume firing or the occasional shoulder drop, this light has got your back.
The aluminum housing effectively protects both the internal circuits and the LED. Let’s just say it’s built like a tank but performs like a race car.
Dependable Power Source: The dual CR123A batteries provide long-lasting and reliable power. In my experience, these batteries do the job effectively without needing frequent replacements, allowing you to focus more on your mission and less on your gear.
Why I Love It: What’s not to love? It’s bright, user-friendly, durable, and versatile. Whether you’re left-handed or right-handed, whether you’re shooting at a range or in a high-stakes situation, this light performs exceptionally well.
My Experience
The wide spill beam provided exceptional situational awareness during field tests. The high output of 1000 lumens was remarkable but also bumped up the price tag. Its weight balance felt good on my M&P 2.0.
Pros
- Ultra-bright TIR reflector beam for maximum situational awareness
- Ambi control offers ease of use for both left and right-handed shooters
- Sturdy Mil-spec construction ensures durability
- Flexible mounting options to suit your needs
- Dependable power source with dual CR123A batteries
Cons
- On the pricier side, but you get what you pay for
5. Surefire XH30 – User Friendly
The Surefire XH30 is a dual-mode weapon light offering 1000 and 300-lumen settings, designed for versatility and adaptability in both outdoor and indoor scenarios.
Added Edge: Now, this is a unique addition not found in the original X300U. It’s highly effective and gives you those crucial few extra seconds to take control of the situation.
Exceptional Clarity: Want to positively identify a target up to 40 yards away in low light? Say no more. The powerful throw feature makes sure you see what you need to see. I’ve personally tested it in dim environments, and it performed like a champ.
Ambi Control: Just like its sibling, the X300U, this light is all about user-friendliness. It has Ambi control, which is great news for lefties and righties alike. A simple flick of a switch, and you’re in business.
Why I Love It: Versatility and adaptability are the name of the game here.
Whether you need to light up a whole area or focus on something close, the XH30 has covered you. The added strobe feature? Just the cherry on top.
My Experience
I loved the flexibility of switching between 1000 and 300-lumen settings. The light’s robust build gave me confidence in its longevity. However, the price is on the higher end, making it a bit of an investment.
Pros
- Two-lumen modes offer adaptability for different situations
- Strobe feature for added tactical edge
- Powerful throw for long-range target identification
- Ambi controls for left and right-handed shooters
- Reliable battery life with CR123A batteries
Cons
- Slightly bulkier than other models
- It may require a bit of time to get used to the strobe feature
Final Verdict
As a professional shooter with extensive field experience, I’ve run these lights through the gauntlet of real-world scenarios. Each of them brings something to the table, making them worthy competitors.
However, after weighing all the pros and cons, the Streamlight TLR 1 emerges as my top choice for pairing with the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0.
Whether you’re an experienced shooter or someone looking to up their game, this light provides a reliable performance that could make all the difference. It offers more than just lumens; it gives you peace of mind when it matters most.
FAQs
Is the Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 a good carry gun?
Yes, the M&P 2.0 Compact is a solid choice for concealed carry, depending on your comfort with its size.
What is Smith and Wesson’s most popular gun?
The S&W M&P Shield M2.0 is the most popular Smith & Wesson 9mm, particularly for concealed carry.
Will M&P Shield fire if dropped?
There was a concern in 2013 about the trigger bar pin affecting the drop safety, but this has been addressed by Smith & Wesson.
Is the S&W M&P 2.0 drop safe?
Yes, the M&P 2.0 features multiple safety measures, including a trigger safety, an internal safety, and a drop safety.
