Introduction

I love a good pistol and light combination, especially matched with a good red dot. Such being the case I am always looking for additional light options. Several of my full size pistols use the popular SF X300, but when I spotted today’s subject I expected it would drop right in place of the X300. Today we are looking at another weapon light from Nightstick, this one is the Nightstick TWM-30-T weaponlight for handguns.

The TWM-30-T has a very similar presentation, with two CR123 batteries side by side. Mounted by a picatinny clamp to the accessory rail of most handguns, it comes with multiple spaced anchor plates to adjust where the light rides on the pistol. Adding features to the controls also gives the Nightstick unit a leg up over competitors.

Specifications

• 66,000 candela
• Enhanced single-motion switches
• User-selectable battery safe and strobe modes
• Momentary or constant-on flashlight
• Sharp focused beam for distance illumination
• Aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum housing
• Type III hard anodized finish
• Beam distance rated at 514 meters
• IP-67 Waterproof
• Impact & chemical resistant
• Serialized for personal identification
• 2 CR123 batteries (included)
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Multi-Function: Yes
• High Lumens: 900
• High Beam Distance (m): 514
• High Candela: 66,000
• Drop Rating: 2 m
• Water Rating: IP-67 Dustproof/Waterproof
• High Runtime (h): 1
• Strobe: Yes
• Light Source: LED
• Serialized: Y
• Case Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Body Color: Black
• Quantity of Batteries: 2
• Power Source: CR123
• Package Contents: Light, 4 cross-rail inserts, 2 cross-rail mounting cap head screws, Allen wrench, 2 CR123 Lithium batteries
• US Patent(s) : 9713217
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Length: 3.5 in (89 mm)
• Width: 1.5 in (38 mm)
• Depth: 1.5 in (38 mm)
• Weight: 4.5 oz (127 g)
• Head Diameter: 1.2 in (30 mm)

In the Box

When you receive the Nightstick TWM-30-T, everything you need is in the box. There are batteries, tools, and a couple mounting solutions to customize how it rides on your pistol. An owners manual also comes tucked in so you can read up on it.

I really appreciated the fasteners that hold everything in place. Part of me dislikes having life saving equipment “snap on” or snap closed for example. I like that the battery compartment is secured by a screw, as is the the picatinny anchor. The light comes with four different options that you can change out to see where the light best fits on your pic-rail. I found it very convenient to remove the screw and just sit the various anchor plates in place until one of them lines up where you want it.

Programming Controls

The controls of this light are very handy, and easy to remember and understand. I found them to be way ahead of the competition I mentioned earlier. Most lights have a temporary illumination option as well as a full-on setting. The Nightstick TWM-30-T control module gives those settings and more.

Using both buttons in unison, you can press and hold to code in functions like a complete lockout to conserve battery. Or you can engage a strobe feature allowing the user to have a steady beam on command, or a strobe function to blind an opponent.

Perhaps my favorite function is the temporary-on feature. If you push and hold either button, the light will stay on until you release it. Whereas if you simply push and release either button the light stays on. Once you’ve figured our all the functions its very easy to cycle through the functions and get the performance you want.

Compatibility

I found it was very easy to fit the TWM-30-T to a variety of handguns, using the different anchor plate wasn’t always necessary but it was helpful now and then. It seemed perfectly compatible with all my Glock clones, as well as my X5 Legion P320, as well as my Staccato XC.

Aside from fitting all the pistols (which was expected) the TWM-30-T also fit easily into all of my holsters. This was an incredibly welcome convenience, as I love my holsters. The Nightstick is also a little more compact than other popular competitor’s lights, which might be helpful in some scenarios.

Shooting in the Dark

Thankfully I don’t need to shoot in the dark often, but it’s always something to be prepared for. More than anything I spent a lot of time shooting at dusk as the sun went down. To see how the controls functioned in real time while drawing my pistols.

In the interest of comparison, I did put the beam of the TWM-30-T against others to see how it looks at night time in pure darkness. The 900 lumens of the Nightstick looked great in the darkness.

Pros and Cons

In favor of the Nightstick TWM-30-T, there is much to say. Being able to order it directly off of Amazon for the price of $139 is almost reason enough in my opinion to get one. The fantastic programmable control makes it a smarter choice than some others. And the final blow that would make this a slam dunk is its compatibility with so many guns and holsters. With so many great things going for it, the fact that it is produced in Texas by Americans is simply icing on the cake. (Edit: it would seem they are manufactured overseas for the Texas based company)

I really couldn’t come up with something about this light that was bad. It mounts better than many others, its controls are better and can all be done with a single finger. I guess the only thing that would make it better would be to incorporate a laser without changing the external dimensions. But I guess I’m reaching there.

Conclusion

I was very happy to find another weapon light with such great compatibility. Something I could use across various pistol and holster combination. Even more pleasing was finding how much I liked about this light in particular. Whether you are simply looking for a light for your CCW, or something for a duty pistol this is a great option. I suppose if the National Tactical Officer Association endorses and recommends these lights, they are good enough for me. If you also fall in that category with me, then give one of these a try. You can order the Nightstick TWM-30-T right here and have it shipped right to your door.

-CBM