SureFire XC3 High-Output Pistol Light for Compact Pistols: Full Review

The SureFire XC3 was announced at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas. It is a compact handgun light that blends duty-grade durability and concealability. Few options exist that compete with the dimensional profile of the XC3, which is ideal for compact and subcompact pistols. On a Glock 19, for example, the bezel of the XC3 is sub-flush to the length of the slide, barrel and dustcover. When mounted on the same gun, the two-sided activation switch assembly straddles the triggerguard for perfect fitment. The result is not only aesthetically pleasing, but the sleek engineering profile will enjoy support from popular and boutique holster manufacturers, and is compatible with many commercially available holsters.

The XC3 projects 550 lumens (7,200 candela) of LED white light approximately 550 feet (170 meters). That is 50 lumens more than any comparable-size alternative. The illumination cone is an excellent balance of flood and throw, especially in close quarters. SureFire terms it a “hybrid beam pattern” that not only reveals the target with clarity but spills light to improve peripheral awareness of the surrounding area.

Scaling 2.65 ounces — with the included SF123 battery installed — the XC3 design is lightweight and doesn’t add an excessive amount of weight to the pistol. The location of its weight when mounted under the muzzle on the accessory rail counteracts recoil forces to lessen muzzle flip. Should the pistol be called upon for defense, or simply used for target practice during daylight hours, having the XC3 mounted to a pistol should improve the handling characteristics as the pistol is fired. The XC3 will attach to Universal or Picatinny accessory rails, and not only those on a pistol. If you operate a pistol-caliber carbine (PCC), short-barrel rifle (SBR), or other carbine or shotgun, the XC3 and its switch configuration is a perfectly useful light option for firearms with handguards — especially when minimizing weight is important.

Delivering 550 lumens is only possible with lithium batteries, but the XC3 only requires one CR123A-type. It is installed by unscrewing the .945-inch-diameter bezel and lens assembly and loading it through the front of the aerospace-grade aluminum housing. This means that the XC3 doesn’t need to be removed from the pistol to change its battery.

Activating the powerful light is intuitive. Simply press the ambidextrous switching at the back for momentary or constant-on modes. A nod to the engineering detail of the XC3, the switches are not only tactile but angled to complement the natural use of our thumbs. Positively switching on or off the XC3 returns satisfying feedback to the touch that inspires confidence in its use.

Even with 550 lumens of high output, the XC3 has a runtime of 1.75 hours of constant on. Want to be sure that the light isn’t unintentionally activated when not in use? The bezel can be rotated between lock and unlock positions, which are illustrated with icons on the right side of the housing.

With more Americans concerned about where products they buy are made, it should bring peace of mind to know that SureFire is an American-owned, privately held company that’s been manufacturing products for nearly 50 years. The XC3 was designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S. It maintains the brand’s reputation for products that are “rugged” and “durable,” and it would serve the handguns carried by professionals in uniform, as well as those relied on by law-abiding citizens.