As an experienced shooter, I’ve had the pleasure of testing various lights with the Walther PPS over the years.
My hands-on testing involved several metrics like brightness, battery life, and overall reliability. And you know what? The Streamlight TLR-1s stood out from the crowd.
Navigating the world of firearm accessories can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options. That’s why I’ve done all the legwork for you.
This article is a culmination of rigorous testing and evaluation designed to help you make an informed decision for your Walther PPS.
Best Walther PPS Lights | Category | Price |
Streamlight TLR-1s | Top Pick | $127.09 |
Streamlight TLR-3 | Solid Option | $81.05 |
Viridian C5L | Best Laser Option | $159.20 |
Top 3 Best Walther PPS Lights
1. Streamlight TLR-1s – Top Pick
Streamlight TLR-1s is a compact, high-performance tactical light that’s rugged and reliable for any shooting situation.
Brightness and Run Time: Alright, let’s start with the lumens! This light packs a punch at 300 lumens, and it’s more than enough to light up your field of view.
Its regulated run time of 2.5 hours is excellent, especially when you’re out on the range or in a tactical situation where you need consistent performance. It’s just the right balance of longevity and power to give you the edge.
Strobe Functionality: What sets this light apart is its strobe feature. A quick double tap on the momentary paddle, and you’ve got yourself a strobe light.
This is super handy if you want to disorient a threat or signal for help. It’s activated effortlessly and works like a charm every time.
Build and Durability: This is a sturdy piece of gear! The machined aircraft aluminum construction, and an anodized finish gives it long-lasting durability.
Also, its Boro Float glass lens is impact-resistant and can withstand high temperatures. That means it’s built to last, folks!
Waterproof Rating: This little guy is IPX7-rated, making it waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. So, a sudden downpour or an accidental drop in a puddle? No worries, it’ll handle it.
Why I Love It: This light is the full package. The brightness, strobe feature, and overall robust build make it a versatile choice for any shooter.
It performs consistently well, making it my top choice for my Walther PPS.
My Experience
The brightness level was outstanding, illuminating even low-light environments. The strobe feature was simple to activate and effective. However, the battery cap felt like it could use some improvement.
Pros
- Excellent brightness
- Easy-to-use strobe feature
- Solid construction
- Convenient battery replacement
- Waterproof
Cons
- Battery cap could be more durable
2. Streamlight TLR-3 – Solid Option
The Streamlight TLR-3 is a lightweight, compact tactical light that shines bright at 170 lumens and offers 1.5 hours of run time.
Brightness and Run Time: Let’s kick things off with brightness. At 170 lumens and 3,300 candela, this light is no slouch. It might not be the brightest in the lineup, but it’s more than capable of most tasks you’d need it for.
The 1.5-hour run time from a single lithium battery is a sweet deal, too. It gives you that much-needed balance between performance and longevity, especially in those crunch situations.
Construction and Durability: This thing is built to take a hit! Made from impact-resistant engineering polymer and paired with an anodized aluminum face cap, it’s sturdy.
Light Technology and Beam: Streamlight really nailed it with their LED technology. We’re talking about a 50,000-hour lifetime. Plus, the reflector creates an intense beam that can cut through darkness like nobody’s business.
The balance between beam and peripheral illumination is also just right, making it versatile for different situations.
Why I Love It: I adore its compact design and solid performance. It’s a reliable and handy tool that adds value to my shooting experience with my Walther PPS.
My Experience
This compact light didn’t add much bulk to my gun. It has a balanced beam that simplifies target acquisition, but the activation switch’s placement made quick operation a bit cumbersome.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Solid construction
- Great LED technology
- Balanced beam
Cons
- The activation switch is hard to reach and rotate
- Sits a bit too far from the trigger guard
3. Viridian C5L – Best Laser Option
Viridian Green + Tactical Light offers a blinding 650-lumen light paired with the brightest green laser sight, all powered by a rechargeable battery.
Light Intensity and Modes: Firstly, let’s talk about lumens. This tactical light pumps out a whopping 650 lumens, making it a powerhouse in terms of brightness. What’s more, you get four different modes: High, Medium, Low, and Strobe.
Each mode is incredibly useful, depending on the situation you find yourself in. So, you’re covered whether it’s an open field or close quarters.
Battery and Charging: Never worry about batteries again! This thing comes with a rechargeable polymer lithium battery that uses SAFECharge technology.
Just snap the magnetic connector, and it charges up. When it’s full, the charger shuts off automatically. How cool is that? You don’t have to fret about the charge; it’s always ready when you are.
Activation and User Experience: Viridian’s INSTANT-ON technology is legendary for a reason. Ambidextrous buttons allow for quick activation and mode changes.
It’s engineered to remember its last setting. Pull it out of the holster, and bam! It’s on instantly. However, I must point out that those activation buttons need a good push. This could be a factor if you’re in a situation that needs split-second decisions.
Why I Love It: The feature-packed design, reliability, and brightness make it a top pick for me. The convenience of rechargeable batteries? That’s the cherry on top.
My Experience
The intensity of this laser sets it apart, particularly with its multiple modes. Its rechargeable battery and INSTANT-ON technology were excellent, although the activation buttons required a firm push.
Pros
- Exceptional brightness
- Multiple modes
- Rechargeable and convenient battery system
- Instant activation
Cons
- Activation buttons are stiff and hard to push
Final Verdict
After putting these lights through their paces on my Walther PPS, I’ve got to say; the Streamlight TLR-1s emerges as my top choice.
Whether you’re a casual shooter or a professional, you want equipment that performs without fail when you need it.
Based on my hands-on testing and experience, the Streamlight TLR-1s stands out as the most versatile and dependable option, suited to individual needs and preferences.
FAQ’s
Can you put a laser on a Walther PPS?
Yes, you can attach a laser sight to a Walther PPS, enhancing its versatility.
Is Walther PPS Optic Ready?
Yes, the Walther PPS M2 RMSc is the world’s first optic-ready, single-stack handgun. It’s designed for easy concealment and reliable performance.
What does the Walther PPS stand for?
The Walther PPS stands for Polizei-Pistole Schmal, which translates to Police Pistol Slim. It’s a semi-automatic pistol designed for concealed carry and law enforcement use.