Surefire X300, U / P Latch or Rail Lock

[JRas]

I'm thinking about picking up a X300 for my P30. I'd like to order up a holster due to them taking awhile to receive. I'm not sure how many IWB options there are, Raven Concealment Phantom Light Compatible looks promising.

It asks about X300 mounting options, U / P Latch or Rail lock not sure what is best for P30.

Raven FAQ
"Surefire: Surefire X200/X300*weapon lights come with two mounting options.* The "U/P" (Universal or Picatinny)*latch is standard from the factory and has two tabs that are pulled down to release the light.* If you pulled your light out of the box and put it on your weapon, choose the U/P latch option.* The "Rail Lock" is an optional accessory that comes with most X-series lights.* It requires installation and has a cross bar and locking wedge to secure the light in place.* It is most often used when securing the light to a long gun rail, but some users install this on their pistols for added security. The X300 holsters will accept all X200 lights, X200A will fit the B, X200B*will only fit itself.* The X400 holster will not fit any other weapon light. If you are using a*Surefire DG switch, let us know to ensure proper fit."

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I currently have an X300 with a U-latch mount on my P30LS, and it fits very snugly, enough to the point that you have to apply a bit of pressure in order to get it to click in place. I believe that the P30 would function the same way.

[SamuelBLong]

I have an x300 for my pistols, and the U/P latch locks up tight on the p30 and the p30l. I have another x300 with the U/P latch on my DDM4, and it locks up tightly as well.

I don't really see any need to install / use the rail lock.

[orionz06]

The way it comes out of the box works best for most and it also allows you to remove the light in a pinch and use it as a handheld if need be.

[HCM]

The P-30 should be fine with the U/P latch.

We use the Rail Lock on our P-229R's at work because the rail on the weapon is just hair to short to allow relaible lock up with the U/P latch.

[Spr1]

On mine the U or P latch appear about .030" too long to mount up. Do I just need to push hard enough to deflect the trigger guard that amount (which I don't like) or will the rail lock buy me the .030"?

[HCM]

On mine the U or P latch appear about .030" too long to mount up. Do I just need to push hard enough to deflect the trigger guard that amount (which I don't like) or will the rail lock buy me the .030"?

Yes, the Rail Lock will buy you the fit you need. That's the same issue we had with the 229R's.

[orionz06]

On mine the U or P latch appear about .030" too long to mount up. Do I just need to push hard enough to deflect the trigger guard that amount (which I don't like) or will the rail lock buy me the .030"?

which gun?

[Spr1]

which gun?

P30

[orionz06]

Here is what I did...

Unload the gun, confirm clear a dozen times.

Take the light, put in on as close as it will go and then find a door jam and force it on. Worked before, should work again.

ETA: This never needed to be repeated with the same gun/light combo.

[Spr1]

Here is what I did...

Unload the gun, confirm clear a dozen times.

Take the light, put in on as close as it will go and then find a door jam and force it on. Worked before, should work again.

ETA: This never needed to be repeated with the same gun/light combo.

So does the trigger guard permanently deform, or does the light?

[orionz06]

You are just nudging it with a little more force, not enough to deform anything. I am unsure what is happening but for 3 BNIB X300's it was all the same.

[JRas]

Has anyone tried the rail lock method on the P30, what are the benefits?

It sounds like the universal allows for quick removal. Does it hold up to the abuse?

[SamuelBLong]

Has anyone tried the rail lock method on the P30, what are the benefits?

It sounds like the universal allows for quick removal. Does it hold up to the abuse?

The spring mechanism on the U/P latch is very robust and will stand up to taking it on and off the gun. Every time it gets re-installed, it locks up tightly. Surefire increased the spring tension and durability when starting the progression from x200 to x300.

I can't see any advantage to using the rail lock on the P30 / P30L. Seems like it is more of a pain to take off when you need to change batteries, or if you needed to use it for handheld use.

[JRas]

"all custom items ship in 16-18*weeks"

[Wendell]

So does the trigger guard permanently deform, or does the light?

You are compressing the o-ring that seals the battery compartment.

[Spr1]

Here is an interesting twist.... There is a spacer that is pinned onto the back end of the X300. Tap out a couple pins and you gain about an 1/8 of an inch. So is there any reason running it this way would be bad? I think there is plenty of room to run the picatinny locking piece, but have not tried it yet. I am sure that would be essential.

[JHC]

The way it comes out of the box works best for most and it also allows you to remove the light in a pinch and use it as a handheld if need be.

Same here. Mine goes on firmly but without a problem but is a major bitch to get back off.

[Steve S.]

Use the U/P latch.

The rail lock is for long guns.

I have an X300 that has been taken on and off literally thousands of times, and it's fine.

If you find it fits loose on your firearm (some railed 1911s I've noticed), loosen the 6 (?) small screws that hold the side tabs. Squeeze the tabs inwards, tighten screws, and it should fit better. Do the reverse if it's so tight it won't go on (some GSR rails).

If it won't click into place, just apply upward pressure on the bezel. This means pointing your muzzle at a table, and pushing the light into the table. You may need to do this the first few times before it stops needing this step.

If it's hard to get off, lock the X300's edge (between the light and the trigger guard) on the corner of a table. Engage the lock, and pull the gun down. Again, you may have to do this a few times before it "breaks in".

Why complicate life and have to worry about screws coming loose, Loctite, etc when using the Rail Lock? Not to mention, it's bulkier. I personally don't even use the Rail Lock on my ARs. Too much of a PITA to break Loctite and put new witness marks every time my batteries die.

[saints75]

I have 2 X300s. I use the U lock attached on both. It makes it easier to take off when it comes to cleaning. If you want it never to come off the locking system is good. If you want it take it off, leave the U or P locking system on it. It will not go anywhere. To make it, on my Glock 35, the X300 is on the gun pretty tight. It is a fight to get it off. The one on my duty weapon does not move at all and it is easy remove.
Either way you go, use the Loctite that comes with it on the screws. The screws will come lose after a while of shooting. At one point every three months (after qualification) I would check the light and the screws would be lose. I used the Loctite and now I don't have to worry about it.