Surefire XC-1 Ultra-Compact LED Pistol Light

Small and light meets lumen-might


While weapon-mounted lights seem to get more powerful and durable with each passing year, they haven’t seemed to shrink in size…until now.

Lightweight, powerful, and rugged, the new XC-1 LED weaponlight perfectly fits the dimensions of a Glock 19. Adding zero width or length, it only projects three-quarters of an inch down from the rail. In other words, you’ll never know it’s there until you need it.
Lightweight, powerful, and rugged, the new XC-1 LED weaponlight perfectly fits the dimensions of a Glock 19. Adding zero width or length, it only projects three-quarters of an inch down from the rail. In other words, you’ll never know it’s there until you need it.

SureFire’s new XC-1, while small, changes the game in a big way. This new purpose-built pistol light fundamentally transforms the weaponlight concept as it relates to personal-defense handguns, and legitimizes its use in the confines of deep concealment.

We love the fact that a single, inexpensive, and commonly available AAA battery powers the XC-1. The O-ring-sealed battery cap can be removed with a coin or flat-blade screwdriver.
We love the fact that a single, inexpensive, and commonly available AAA battery powers the XC-1. The O-ring-sealed battery cap can be removed with a coin or flat-blade screwdriver.

Based on its outstanding level of utility and many other attributes, loyal readers of On Target will remember us giving the new XC-1 an Editors’ Choice Award in this past issue. We felt these attributes needed some elaboration, so here is the extended version.

In a nutshell, the new XC-1 Ultra-Compact LED pistol light ($299) is a super-small and eminently rugged source of illumination for any rail-equipped defensive pistol (or rifle) that could possibly need to be employed after dark. The XC-1 defines a new class of small, lightweight and powerful weapon-mounted lights, and in a concealed-carry-pistol application, it will ride virtually unnoticed when inside the waistband, and create zero perceptible “printing” outside the waistband.

Machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, the XC-1 was designed to withstand the rigors of everyday carry. The ambidextrous toggle switch at the rear activates the momentary-on function when depressed, and immediately returns back to center (off) when released. The constant-on button is visible directly above the SureFire logo. The XC-1’s attachment system is effective and easy to use, and can be tightened or loosened with a coin or flat-blade screwdriver.
Machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, the XC-1 was designed to withstand the rigors of everyday carry. The ambidextrous toggle switch at the rear activates the momentary-on function when depressed, and immediately returns back to center (off) when released. The constant-on button is visible directly above the SureFire logo. The XC-1’s attachment system is effective and easy to use, and can be tightened or loosened with a coin or flat-blade screwdriver.

The fact is that night sights are only useful in low light conditions where you can see your target. In the dark, all you can see is your sights. If you can’t see your target, you’re not going to hit it. That is why a source of white light illumination is crucial for target identification in situations where ambient light alone is not adequate. Preferably, that illumination comes from a weapon-mounted unit that you don’t have to fumble to find or dedicate a hand to deploy. If it is a big, bulky, and difficult-to-conceal weaponlight, chances are it won’t find a home on your concealed-carry handgun.

None of these drawbacks are present on the XC-1.

Giving the reader a good idea of just how small the XC-1 is, here it is shadowed by the outline of the standard-sized, but much bigger, SureFire X300V. The body of the XC-1 is only slightly longer than the AAA battery that powers it.
Giving the reader a good idea of just how small the XC-1 is, here it is shadowed by the outline of the standard-sized, but much bigger, SureFire X300V. The body of the XC-1 is only slightly longer than the AAA battery that powers it.

Keeping your carry rig light and low-profile are key. The Surefire XC-1 not meets these criteria,it is also amazingly powerful for its size. The SC-1 features a high-performance, 200-lumen MaxVision LED beam with a special multifaceted reflector that produces an evenly distributed pattern (no bright center) for maintaining optimal situational awareness and identifying threats at close range. Stretching the distance out to 50 yards and slightly beyond, all testers were able to easily and accurately identify a target and make a threat assessment (if these were not defenseless steel-plate targets) in pitch-black darkness using the XC1. That is more than adequate performance for a defensive handgun. For testing, we mounted the XC-1 on a Glock 19 and paired it with Raven Concealment Systems’ OWB Phantom Kydex holster molded specifically for the gun/light combo. Raven is one of the few companies currently offering a holster that will accommodate the XC-1. Fortunately, they are also one of the best options in the business. Check them out at www.rcsgear.com.

The Raven Concealment Systems Phantom holster has long stood for top-tier Kydex craftsmanship, and as of this writing, is one of the very few available holsters that incorporate the new XC-1 as a mold-option. With an adjustable ride-height and a low profile to minimize bulk and “printing,”it is convertible to IWB carry via optional soft-loops that take the place of the belt loops. Other highlights include “just the right amount” of retention and ultra-thin yet nearly indestructible construction
The Raven Concealment Systems Phantom holster has long stood for top-tier Kydex craftsmanship, and as of this writing, is one of the very few available holsters that incorporate the new XC-1 as a mold-option. With an adjustable ride-height and a low profile to minimize bulk and “printing,”it is convertible to IWB carry via optional soft-loops that take the place of the belt loops. Other highlights include “just the right amount” of retention and ultra-thin yet nearly indestructible construction

Machined from aerospace-grade aluminumand powered by a single AAA battery (included, runtime 1.5 hours), the XC-1 measures only 2.375 inches long by 1.10 inches wide, and projects down from the rail only 0.75 inches.

SureFire’s specs are spot-on with the XC-1’s advertised 1.60-oz. loaded (with battery) weight. By comparison, the standard-sized SureFire X300V weaponlight we have kicking around weighed in at more than twice that—4.0-oz. on the dot.
SureFire’s specs are spot-on with the XC-1’s advertised 1.60-oz. loaded (with battery) weight. By comparison, the standard-sized SureFire X300V weaponlight we have kicking around weighed in at more than twice that—4.0-oz. on the dot.

“Loaded weight” (with battery) is a scant 1.60 ounces. The light has a constant-on function, plus left- and right-side mounted momentary switches at the rear, making it truly ambidextrous.

In sum, the SureFire XC-1 removes any and all excuses not to mate your rail-equipped carry gun with a weaponlight. See the new XC-1 in person at your nearest SureFire dealer, or for more information contact Surefire, LLC; Tel.: (800) 828-8809: Web: www.surefire.com