BORELLI CONSULTING: Tactical Equipment Reviews

SureFire X200 + Accessory Rail
12 December 2005

More than a year ago I did a review of the SureFire X200 LED pistol-mounted light. More recently, I spoke with a representative from SureFire to discuss the best way to mount such a light on my Springfield Armory 1911, because the pistol doesn't have built in rails. My question was, "Which after-market light adaptor works best?" The answer was, "SureFire's." I didn't even know SureFire made an accessory rail. Live and learn.

Within a couple of weeks I had both a new X200 and an Accessory Rail to test on my SA1911. Thankfully, range time was soon available and I was able to try out the mating of the three: pistol, rail and light. This review will cover what I learned and how the system functioned.

I should point out that, while most of this review will discuss the "X200" in general, there are two different types of X200 Pistol-Mounted LED lights: the X200a and the X200b. The difference? It's subtle: On the X200a (shown right), the light beam is focused by way of a lens which SureFire refers to as a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens. The result is a tightly focused beam that is almost shaped like a diamond instead of being round. This type of optical focusing for the light, according to the SureFire materials, make the light more suitable for operators who need both close-in work (CQB) light, but also might need a mid-range capable light. On the X200b the light is focused by way of a precision engineered reflector which provides a broader beam with a little less throw or reach. That makes the X200b suitable for CQB, but less so for outdoor work at mid-range or greater. What's "mid-range"? I don't know if there is a specific definition or distance set for this term, but I found the X200a to be more useful outdoor in the dark shooting anything past fifteen to twenty yards. Bear in mind that light and distance relationships are very subjective and what works for me might not work for you, and vice-versa.

With a body manufactured out of aluminum, the X200 features digital current regulation (power use control) which balances the LED's power need against the batteries' power availability to provide maximum levels of light from the system. The X200 is powered by two 3V lithium batteries, commonly refered to as CR123, but available on the SureFire website as SF123 batteries.

Weighing a little under 4 ounces, the X200a measures 1.75" by 1.43" (wide) and 3.47" long. Mounted on a Glock 22, the light head itself protrudes past the barrel / dust cover of the pistol. Switching is ambidextrous by way of a lever that can be titled either way, clockwise or counter-clockwise to activate the light. You can also push on either end of the lever to activate the light with touch pressure. I find that my personal grip allows me to manipulate the light with my left thumb without interfering with my right hand's grip or trigger engagement.

Now, we've all seen the printed ads where an X200 is attached to a Glock and the picture shows several nails that have been hammered into a piece of wood using the bottom of the X200. I didn't have a Glock with rails handy at the time, but I had to repeat this just to see if the X200 would actually take the abuse. So, I put the SureFire Accessory rail (see below) onto my Springfield Armory 1911, triple-checked that it was unloaded (again because I did this before installing the accessory rail) and used it as a hammer. I hammered two 6-penny nails into a 2x4 about 3/4" deep. After I hammered the first nail I had to test the light. It still worked. Then I turned it on and left it on to hammer the second nail. It never went out until I turned it off. This speaks not only to the strength of the LED bulb, but also to the strength of the aluminum construction of the X200 light.

As I said, I didn't have a Glock handy for most of the testing. I did for one evening on the range (a Glock 22), but for most of the testing I had my own Springfield Armory 1911 .45ACP. As I mentioned above, I had found out that SureFire markets an accessory rail and I had received one for testing. Attaching it to the pistol proved quite easy. The only tool necessary is a flat-head (slotted) screwdriver or an appropriately sized allen wrench. To attach it, you FIRST MAKE SURE THAT YOUR WEAPON IS UNLOADED AND SAFE. CHECK TWICE. Using standard method, field strip the slide assembly from the frame. After you've removed the slide stop, set it aside. On reassembly you'll be using the slide-stop provided with the SureFire Accessory Rail. Mount the slide assembly back onto the frame as you normally would, and then, holding the Accessory Rail in place, push the SureFire slide stop in to hold everything together. It's a tight fit through the Accessory Rail, but once everything is properly lined up, it pops right in to place.

Once the pistol is reassembled with the Accessory Rail in place, you'll see an allen screw sticking out at the front corner of the trigger guard. That screw, when tightened, provides pressure that levers the Accessory Rail up snug against the dust cover. Once you've tightened the screw in, the Accessory Rail is quite stable. Now you can attach your X200a or X200b just as you would any other light that slides onto a Picatinny rail system.

Mounting and dismounting the light is quite easy. I didn't have a holster to fit this full assembled pistol / light system, but I would think several options would be available from major manufacturers. Once mounted the light was simply to use, and the on/off switch lever was comfortable to manipulate while shooting. I don't have night sights on this particular weapon, but the X200a provided sufficient light for target identification and sight picture (picking up the front sight at least) inside of twenty yards. In total darkness (8:30 on a winter night with heavy cloud cover) on an unlit range, I had trouble identifying weapons and seeing hands on paper hostage targets out past twenty yards. Again, that may be a combination of my eyes and the targets. It may be better for you.

While I'm not a huge fan of pistol mounted lights for the average patrol officer, I think they are an outstanding and necessary tool for SWAT operators, K9 handlers and homeowners. Instead of having to grab two tools when you hear something go bump in the night, all you have to do is secure your pistol if you have a light mounted. Bear in mind that, at that point, you're searching your house with lethal force presented. Few of us care about the potential liability if we find a bad guy by pointing our pistol at him, but if the bump was caused by your teenager getting something to drink from the fridge, weapons discipline can't be stressed enough.

I need to mention that the pictures shown were taken on a work mat produced by Wrap-Sure Products, LLC. The mat is called the "Mulit-Mat" and it's fantastic to work on. Measuring 12"x18", it is soil and chemical resistant, and the surface is slip-proof. I've taken to putting it on my countertop anytime I'm working on one of my handguns. The Multi-Mat can be washed, and it's ready to go fresh and clean for each project. Wrap-Sure sells the Multi-Mat for $9.95 + $6 Shipping & Hnadling ($15.95 total). For more information contact them at 480-733-9500 or email them at wrapsure@msn.com.

To get more information about SureFire's products, visit them online at http://www.surefire.com.

Be safe!

I have a comment on this article.

Also, don't forget to read the Recreational Equipment Evaluations:

Cold Steel Recon Tanto-----12 December 2005
Plus others!!!

Check out this week's Highlighted Training Article about how society and public safety officials need to adjust their approach to use of force issues in light of the terrorist reality today.

For a listing of reviews in chronological order, GO HERE.

New American Truth eMagazine
Dedicated to ALL citizens who oppose terrorism and injustice.
Subscribe Today!

Subscribe To New American Truth