The SureFire X300U (Ultra) is a high-end American tactical light for handguns, manufactured by SureFire LLC in California. The gold standard in professional tactical lighting since its release in 2011, it has established itself as the go-to pistol light for military and police forces around the world thanks to its legendary power, ruggedness and reliability.
History and Development of the SureFire X300U
SureFire LLC, founded in 1979 by Dr. John Matthews in Fountain Valley, California, established itself as the world reference in tactical lighting in the 1990s. The X-Series range of pistol lights was launched in the early 2000s, with the X200 and then the X300 (originally 75 lumens), designed to meet the needs of military and police operators in terms of on-board lighting.
The X300U (“Ultra”) was unveiled in 2011 and marked a major technological leap: 500 lumens (then increased to 600 and then 1000 lumens depending on the version), thanks to a high-performance LED and a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) reflector. It was quickly adopted by many American military units, including SOCOM, as well as by the vast majority of North American police forces. Its most recent version, the X300U-A, features an improved ambidextrous switch and is compatible with universal rails.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Official designation | SureFire X300U-A / X300U-B |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | SureFire LLC (Fountain Valley, California) |
| Release year | 2011 (Ultra) |
| Type | : Tactical Handgun Light |
| High-performance LED | light source |
| Luminous flux | 1,000 lumens |
| Light intensity | 11,300 candela |
| Beam range | 212 meters |
| Runtime | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Power supply | 2 CR123A lithium batteries |
| Length | 92 mm |
| Weight (with batteries) | 113 grams |
| IPX7 waterproof rating | (immersion 1 m / 30 min) |
| Body Material: | MIL-Spec Hard Anodized Type III Aluminum |
| Shockproof Polycarbonate | Lens |
| Compatibility | with Picatinny and Universal Rails (interchangeable key) |
Operation and Technical Particularities
The X300U-A is distinguished by its ambidextrous toggle switch, allowing quick actuation in momentary (pressure maintained) or continuous (downward rotation) mode. This ergonomics has been refined by decades of military feedback. SureFire’s proprietary TIR (Total Internal Reflection) reflector produces a focused central beam surrounded by a wide halo of light, optimal for both remote target recognition and indoor perimeter lighting.
The one-piece Type III hard-anodized aircraft aluminum housing withstands shocks, weather, and extreme operating conditions. The universal attachment system offered in two versions (X300U-A with Rail-Lock key for Universal and Picatinny rails, X300U-B with dedicated Beretta 92 interface) guarantees compatibility with almost all handguns with an accessory rail. The quick cam clamping is tool-free.
Variants and Versions
The X300 range includes several variants: the X300U-A (universal quick-release model), the X300U-B (Beretta interface), the X300T-A Turbo (concentrated intensity 66,000 candela for long range), and the X300V-IR (dual visible + infrared version for use with night vision devices). The extended family also includes the X400 Ultra with integrated laser, and the more compact XC1 and XC2 versions dedicated to compact pistols. All of them maintain the SureFire quality standard.
Users and Armed Forces
The SureFire X300U is one of the most widely adopted pistol lights by military and police forces worldwide. It equips the US Army, the Marines, the US Navy SEALs, the SOCOM, as well as many US federal and municipal police forces (FBI, ATF, US Marshals, NYPD, LAPD). Internationally, it is used by British, German, French, Israeli and many NATO special forces. In Europe, it equips various intervention units, including GIGN/RAID units in France and cantonal units in Switzerland. The professional and sports civilian market also makes it a de facto standard for competitors IDPA, IPSC, and high-end domestic defensive shooting.
Civil Possession in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the SureFire X300U is freely available for purchase from specialist gunsmiths. As a lighting accessory and not a firearm, it is not subject to the Federal Weapons Act (Firearms Act) as such. However, mounting it on a firearm requires that the holder hold the corresponding authorisations for the weapon in question: a cantonal weapons acquisition permit (PAA) for weapons subject to authorisation, or a written contract for weapons subject to declaration. General conditions: be at least 18 years old, not be under general guardianship, and not present any grounds for refusal within the meaning of art. 8 (2) Arms Act. Use in shooting ranges is authorised according to the internal regulations of the shooting societies.
Conclusion
The SureFire X300U has established itself as the gold standard for tactical lighting for professional handguns. Combining extreme light output, proven ergonomics, military robustness and uncompromising reliability, it remains the priority choice for special units and demanding shooters after more than a decade. Its global adoption by the most prestigious militaries and police forces is a testament to its quality, and it continues to evolve to remain at the top of a segment that is constantly advancing technology.
