Few brands command an elevated level of prestige quite like SureFire. For decades, SureFire has been at the forefront of the firearms industry, creating several groundbreaking accessories and gear, ranging from weapon lights and lasers to battle-proven muzzle devices and suppressors.
Over the years, they’ve cultivated an expansive lineup of unique offerings, making it easy to get overwhelmed with a cursory search of their name. So, to light the path so-to-speak and take the burden of analysis paralysis off your shoulders, we’re breaking down the history of how SureFire came to be what they are today, as well as their most popular offerings.
History of SureFire
SureFire’s story begins with John Matthews, a Ph.D. Graduate from Cal Tech. Prior to founding SureFire, he worked for a company called The Newport Corporation, which focused on developing new laser technology for industrial applications. However, during his time working there, he spent his free time finding ways to merge his knowledge of lasers with his passion for firearms, and by 1979, he had designed and patented the first commercial firearm laser sight.
Not long after this, Matthews resigned from the Newport Corporation and took over as the leader of another company called Laser Products. During this time, Matthews and the Laser Products team continued refining his laser sight design, crafting several laser sights and weapon lights for various firearms in the process. In 2001, the company would be renamed to SureFire LLC, and since then, they’ve continued to develop award-winning illumination technology, and they’ve even ventured into other firearm-adjacent avenues as well. Today, SureFire is still based out of Fountain Valley, California, where their headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located.
SureFire Today
Despite being, arguably, most well-known for their weapon lights, as we’ve mentioned above, their lineup is home to a plethora of unique accessories and gear, including handheld flashlights, suppressors, and even muzzle devices.
SureFire Weapon Lights
Of all the offerings present in SureFire’s vast lineup, their weapon lights are arguably their most popular. Currently, SureFire offers an extensive assortment of weapon lights for both rifles and handguns, and each type is available in different sizes, and with different power outputs.
SureFire Rifle Lights
SureFire’s Scout series lights are some of the most popular rifle lights on the market, and although they’re available in multiple configurations, they all share the same core features. Each Scout light is built around an exceptionally durable and lightweight aluminum housing that’s sealed to meet IPX7 standards, meaning you won’t need to worry about water, dirt, dust, or any other debris getting into your light. Plus, with the right scout mount, they can be mounted to just about any rifle, regardless of its mounting system. As far as size is concerned, Scout lights are offered in both a standard and compact size.
The standard sized Scout Light Pro M640 series consists of some of SureFire’s most powerful weapon lights. Models like the M640DF utilize SureFire’s Dual Fuel design, making it compatible with both 18650 and CR123A batteries, and depending on which type you use, it can have a brightness of either 700 or 600 lumens, with a peak beam intensity of 100,000 or 90,000 candela. Additionally, other M640DF models can project a 1500-lumen beam of white light, and for use with night vision, the M640V Infrared Scout Light can project both a 350-lumen white light and a 120 mW IR projection that’s only visible under NODs.
While the M640 Series Scout Lights are certainly worth considering for their power output alone, SureFire also offers the venerable M340 Mini Scout Light Pro, a more compact version of the full-size scout lights mentioned above. Despite their compact size, models like the M340C are impressively powerful—powered by CR123A batteries, it projects a 500-lumen beam of white light with a peak intensity of 7,600 candela. And just like the M640V, the M340V offers light in both the visible and infrared spectrum, as it’s capable of projecting 250-lumen beam of white light and a 100 mW beam of IR light that’s visible under NODs.
SureFire Pistol Lights
There are a lot of benefits of using pistol lights, and SureFire offers several top-tier light options for nearly all popular handgun models. For full-size, carry, and compact pistols, you can opt for their full-size lights like those in the X300/400 series, or if you have a sub-compact or micro-compact pistol, their XC series lights are another solid choice.
Much like their rifle lights, X300 and X400 series lights are available in multiple configurations—models like the X300T can mount to your pistol with either a thumbscrew or an integrated rail lock system, and they’re capable of projecting a 650-lumen white light beam up to 514 meters with a peak intensity of 66,000 candela. For better situational awareness and a light beam with more flood, you can opt for the SureFire X300 Ultra Weapon Light which projects a 1000-lumen white light with a peak intensity of 11,300 candela.
As far as their compact pistol lights go, arguably the most popular one in their lineup is the XC3. Despite its smaller size, it boasts a 550-lumen LED that can produce a peak beam intensity of 7,200 candela. Additionally, options like the XSC are designed for specific handguns, like the P365 for instance, and offer a 350-lumen white light projection, allowing you to maximize target illumination without compromising concealability.
Even further, some of their lights can even come with integrated lasers as well. Full-size models like the X400T Turbo can come with either a green or red laser—with the same being true for their XC2 weapon lights for sub-compact pistols. There’s a lot to cover when discussing laser sights, and we cover their utility in our guide, “What are Pistol Sights?”. We recommend checking it out to get a better idea of the advantages they offer.
SureFire Handheld Flashlights
For more everyday use, SureFire also offers an assortment of handheld flashlights. Handheld flashlights are perhaps some of the most underrated tools; they’re great for everything from home emergencies like power outages, and they’re great to have on-hand as a part of your EDC kit. And to make them even more worth considering, SureFire flashlights boast the same high-quality construction as their weapon lights.
Models like their EDC Fuel Turbo lights have a high output of up to 650 lumens with an intensity of 95,000 candela when using 18350 batteries, and a 350-lumen beam with an intensity of 55,000 candela when powered by CR123A batteries. It has a compact form factor and comes with a clip for easy pocket storage. Similarly, the SureFire Stiletto Pro has a slimmer body and boasts a 1,000-lumen white light projection and has several modes including a constant, momentary, strobe, high, medium, and low setting, making it perfect for EDC use.
SureFire Suppressors
As we mentioned in the intro to this article, one of the most recognizable offerings from SureFire are their suppressors. SureFire initially opened the suppressor division of their business in 2002, with their first suppressor being the M4FA556, which performed considerably well compared to other suppressors of the time.
They continued to refine their suppressor designs, developing their iconic Fast Attach QD system in the process, and in 2011, their suppressors were chosen by USSOCOM to become the U.S. Military’s suppressor. Today, they continue to produce a wide variety of suppressors, and while we highlight them in our guide, “Choosing the Right Suppressor for You”, this article wouldn’t be complete without them.
SOCOM556
SureFire’s SOCOM556 is one of the most popular dedicated 5.56 suppressors available. It’s offered in multiple configurations, with the most sought-after ones being the 556-RC3, 556-MINI2, and the 556-SB2.
The SOCOM556 RC3 is SureFire’s current flagship 5.56 suppressor—building upon the successful design of the 556-RC2, its outer body is made from a specialized high-temperature alloy, while its baffles are made of Inconel, a nickel-chromium alloy that’s lightweight and extremely resistant to heat and corrosion. Measuring only 6.3 inches long, the 556-RC3 weighs 17 ounces, and with its specialized advanced flow design, it can effectively reduce up to 60% of your rifle’s backpressure when firing, allowing for a more comfortable shooting experience.
The 556-MINI2 is a shorter suppressor optimized for use on 14.5-inch AR-15s. Measuring in at only 5 inches long, it weighs 15 ounces, making it a solid choice for general purpose use. It’s built similarly to the 556-RC2—its outer body is made from stainless steel and uses welded Inconel baffles making it ready for harsh use in equally harsh conditions. Unlike the 556-RC3, however, the 556-MINI2 doesn’t use the same advanced flow design, so it can increase backpressure, causing excess gas to vent out of the receiver. However, with an adjustable gas block or gas busting charging handle, you can get around this quite easily.
For compact rifle builds, the 556-SB2 is a solid suppressor to consider. Dimensionally, it’s on par with the 556-RC3, measuring 6.4 inches long, and weighing 17 ounces. However, it differs in that it was specifically designed for rifles with a 10.5-inch or shorter barrel. It’s larger bore diameter and baffle design minimizes back pressure, making it a solid pairing for PDW-style rifles, or other compact ARs like the MK18.
SOCOM762
For larger calibers like .308 Winchester and .300 Blackout, SureFire offers the SOCOM762 line of suppressors. Just like their SOCOM556 series suppressors, SOCOM762 cans are available in many configurations, such as the SOCOM762-RC2, 762-MINI2, and 762-TI2.
The 762-RC2 is basically a .30 caliber version of the 556-RC2. Using a stainless-steel outer body and Inconel baffles, it offers exceptional durability and resistance to both heat and corrosion. Measuring 8.4 inches long and weighing 19.5 ounces, it’s a fair bit heavier than the 556-RC2, but it’s still a solid pick for both Battle Rifle and DMR builds. Plus, just like the 556-RC2, it boasts battle-proven performance and has even passed USSOCOM’s suppressor trials.
Also, the SOCOM762 is available in a shorter configuration, aptly called the 762-MINI2. Utilizing the same materials and construction, its primary differences are its length and weight, as it’s only 6.2 inches long, and weighs just 17 ounces. For rifle builds that prioritize maneuverability, it offers excellent sound suppression and doesn’t compromise on quality.
Last is the 762-TI2, a suppressor that’s like the 762-RC2 dimensionally, albeit slightly shorter at 7.9 inches long. Its primary difference is its construction. Being made of titanium it’s far lighter than both the 762-RC2 and 762-MINI-2, weighing only 11 ounces, but it’s critical to recognize that it’s designed specifically for long-range rifles, having passed USSOCOM’s Sniper Suppressor trials. They aren’t rated for semi-auto use like the other SOCOM762 suppressor models, making them best for use on rifles like bolt-actions.
SureFire Muzzle Devices
To pair with their suppressors, SureFire is also an avid producer of muzzle devices. As highlighted in our Quick Detach Suppressor Guide, many of them are often included with their suppressors, but even if you don’t plan to use a suppressor on your next rifle build, they can still offer a solid performance boost.
SureFire Flash Hiders
Some of SureFire’s most popular muzzle devices come in the form of their flash hiders. Their flash hiders are available in either a three-prong, four-prong, or a closed tine design. Functionally, they all work the same in that they minimize the amount of flash put off by your rifle after firing, but aesthetically, they each offer a distinctive look, providing some extra variety for every enthusiast.
Regardless of which style you go for, they’re available for both AR-15 and AR-308 platforms, and they can also serve as a QD mount for your suppressor, so long as you opt for one that’s compatible with their Fast-Attach mounting system.
SureFire Muzzle Brakes and Compensators
In addition to flash hiders, SureFire also has a number of muzzle brakes and compensators to choose from, with one of the most popular being their WARCOMP. The SureFire WARCOMP is more of a hybrid muzzle device rather than a true muzzle brake. The WARCOMP bears a striking resemblance to their flash hiders, and they’re offered in either an open or closed tine configuration. While they have the same flash hider design, they also come equipped with port holes to divert gas to reduce both recoil and muzzle flash.
Still, if you’re in the market for a dedicated muzzle brake, the aptly named Surefire Muzzle Brake offers solid recoil reduction. It has four dedicated ports that divert gases out to the sides, effectively reducing your rifle’s recoil impulse. Available in both a 5.56 and 7.62 configuration, they can also serve as a suppressor host.
Conclusion
Among the various rifle parts and accessory manufacturers around today, SureFire will forever stand tall as one of the most prominent names in the industry. From their beginnings as an illumination company, they’ve garnered a sizeable reputation for their commitment to crafting innovative, high-quality gear and accessories.
With an expansive lineup of incredibly diverse offerings, they offer something for every enthusiast, regardless of their level of experience. For low light illumination, their weapon lights are perfect for handguns and rifles of all sizes. And to enhance your rifle or pistol’s performance, their multitude of suppressors and muzzle devices provide enough variety to offer something for every enthusiast.
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong when choosing SureFire products. Each one is constructed from high-quality materials and meticulously checked to ensure that they offer nothing short of rugged reliability. So, if you plan to kit out your next firearm, we highly recommend checking out all that SureFire offers.
Still, before you set off to kit out your rifle, it’s important to take weight into consideration before you inadvertently make your rifle unwieldy. We recommend checking out our guide, “How to Make Your AR-15 Lighter”, for tips on how to maximize your rifle’s agility and overall utility.
