SureFire XVL2-IRC (Quick View)
| Best For | Pistol & Rifle Night Vision Setups, Duty Use, Concealed Training, Tactical Professionals |
| Laser Class | Class 1 Eye-Safe IR Pointer + IR Illuminator + Visible Green Laser |
| Light Output | 300-Lumen White Light (Selectable) |
| Mounting | Universal Picatinny / Rail Mount — Optimized for Pistols & Carbines |
| Key Feature | All-in-One Illumination & Multi-Laser System in the Smallest, Rugged Military-Grade Package |
Struggling to find a professional-grade dual-laser system that doesn’t require a military ID or cost more than your rifle? Most civilian-legal IR units fall into the budget tier, offering weak lasers, plastic housings, or controls designed for airsoft, not real-world use.
The SureFire XVL2-IRC changes that.
This compact, feature-rich system combines a Class 1 IR pointer, VCSEL IR illuminator, visible aiming laser, and a 400-lumen white light in one unit. Designed primarily for pistols but fully capable on rifles, the XVL2-IRC is NVG-compatible, civilian-legal, and built from the ground up for field use. Its rugged 6061-T6 aluminum body, ambidextrous controls, and remote switch support make it a serious option for suppressed SBRs, defensive carbines, and night vision builds.
Unlike low-tier options that lose zero or struggle with beam clarity under NODs, the XVL2-IRC provides consistent IR output, reliable activation, and a clean beam profile that performs well both indoors and outdoors. And with full ModButton compatibility, it integrates seamlessly into existing setups on 1913 rails — no adapters, no gimmicks,
At Voodoo Firearms, we’ve seen firsthand how the XVL2-IRC stacks up through live fire drills, low-light NVG runs, and real customer feedback. It’s one of the few compact IR systems that brings true dual-spectrum capability to the civilian market, without compromise.
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SureFire XVL2-IRC Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Laser Type | Visible Green or Red Laser (Class IIIa ≤5 mW) + IR Laser (Class I ≤0.7 mW, 850 nm) |
| White Light | ✅ Yes – 400 Lumens |
| IR Illuminator | VCSEL IR Flood (850 nm, Class I, variable divergence) |
| Housing Material | 6061-T6 Aluminum, Type III Hardcoat Anodized |
| Mounting | Universal 1913 Picatinny (tool-free clamp, handgun or rifle use) |
| Activation | Ambidextrous Toggle Switch + Remote Port (SureFire-compatible) |
| Battery | 1× CR123A Lithium (included) |
| Battery Life | Up to 4 hours (IR only); varies by mode combination |
| Laser Visibility | Green laser visible to 25–50 yd in daylight; IR effective to 150+ yd under NVGs |
| Adjustments | 0.2 mrad per click (Windage and Elevation) |
| Weight | 4.6 oz (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 3.75″ × 1.5″ × 1.4″ (L × W × H) |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 (Submersible up to 20 meters) |
| Operating Temp | –20 °F to +120 °F (–29 °C to +49 °C) |
| MSRP | $1,549 |
| Best Use Case | Pistol + Rifle NVG Integration, CQB, IR Passive Aiming |
🆚 Comparison Table: RIX RIP-3C vs SureFire XVL2-IRC vs L3 ATPIAL-C
| Feature | RIX RIP-3C IR Laser Sight | SureFire XVL2-IRC | L3 ATPIAL-C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Visible green + IR laser (Class IIIa) | Visible green/red + IR laser + IR illuminator | Visible red or green + IR pointer + IR illuminator |
| Built-in White Light? | ✅ Yes – 120 Lm | ✅ Yes – 400 lm white light | ❌ No |
| Night Vision Compatible? | ✅ Yes – IR pointer for NVG use | ✅ Yes – IR laser + IR illuminator | ✅ Yes – IR laser + IR illuminator |
| IR Illuminator Power | 35 mW VCSEL (850 nm, Class IIIa) | VCSEL – Class I (≤0.7 mW), adjustable divergence | Class I (≤0.7 mW), fixed flood |
| Mount Type | Picatinny QD mount | Universal 1913 rail clamp (tool-free) | Standard MIL-SPEC 1913 rail clamp |
| Activation | Top button + mode selector + tape switch port | Ambi toggle switch + remote port (SureFire) | Fire button + dual remote ports |
| Battery Type | 1× CR123A | 1× CR123A | 1× CR123A |
| Battery Life | ~8 hrs (IR only) | ~1.5 hrs (IR + WL active), ~4 hrs laser-only | ~6 hrs (IR), varies by usage |
| Housing Material | 6061‑T6 Aluminum, hard anodized | 6061‑T6 Aerospace-grade Aluminum | 7075‑T6 Aircraft Aluminum |
| Zeroing Adjustments | Tool-free turrets (½ MOA) | Tool-adjustable (0.2 mrad/click) | Tool-adjustable with tactile clicks |
| Daylight Visible? | ✅ Yes (~100 yd green laser) | ✅ Yes (~50 yd green/red laser) | ✅ Yes (green/red option) |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 – Water resistant | IPX8 – Submersible up to 20m | IPX8 – Submersible to 20m |
| Weight | ≈8.6 oz (with battery & mount) | ≈7.9 oz (with battery) | 7.5 oz (213 g) |
| Size (L×W×H) | 3.6″ × 2.2″ × 1.6″ | 3.75″ × 1.5″ × 1.4″ | 4.6″ × 2.8″ × 1.6″ |
| MSRP | $999 | $2,099 (LE/MIL only) | $2,359 |
| Best Use Case | Budget-friendly NVG rifle builds | Pistol + rifle NVG integration, CQB, low-light ops | Reliable IR laser for civilian NVG use |
| Buy Link | 🔗 Check Price |
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Check out our full list of the Best Lasers for AR-15 (Ultimate 2025 Guide)
🛡️ Why We Like the SureFire XVL2-IRC
- 💥 Quad-Spectrum Capability in One Unit – Combines a daylight-visible green or red laser, Class 1 IR pointer, VCSEL IR illuminator, and a 400-lumen white light—all in a compact form factor that mounts to pistols or rifles.
- 💥 Rugged Dual-Switch Control – Features an ambidextrous rear toggle switch and remote port compatible with SureFire’s ModButton and pressure pads for rapid, mission-adaptable activation
- 💥 Precision Adjustments – 0.2 mrad-per-click windage and elevation allow for fine zeroing of both IR and VIS lasers using standard tools, ensuring tight point-of-aim across platforms
- 💥 Duty-Proven Construction – Built from aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum and IPX8 submersible up to 20 meters, the XVL2-IRC is engineered to survive suppressed recoil, harsh elements, and real-world abuse.
Bottom line: The SureFire XVL2-IRC is a professional-grade, dual-spectrum laser/light combo that’s compact enough for pistol rails but fully capable on rifle setups. Whether you’re running NODs in CQB environments, mounting to a suppressed AR for night ops, or need a field-proven tool for IR target acquisition, the XVL2-IRC delivers unmatched reliability and flexibility in a civilian-legal package.
SureFire XVL2-IRC Laser Review
Key Features:
- Quad-Emitter Configuration – Combines a 400-lumen white light, daylight-visible green or red laser, Class 1 IR pointer, and a VCSEL-based IR flood illuminator for full-spectrum targeting with NODs or naked eye
- Dual-Switch Control – Features ambidextrous rear toggle switches and a SureFire-compatible remote port for flexible control in pistol or rifle setups
- Precision Adjustments – Windage and elevation turrets offer tactile 0.2 mrad-per-click adjustments for accurate zeroing of both IR and visible lasers
- Mode Selector System – Simple, reliable toggle allows rapid switching between VIS, IR laser, IR illuminator, and white light modes with consistent tactile feedback
- Rugged 6061-T6 Housing – Type III hard-anodized aluminum body built to SureFire’s MIL-spec durability standards; IPX8-rated and submersible up to 20 meters
- Universal 1913 Mounting – Integrated rail clamp mounts securely to both pistol and rifle platforms with no tools required
- Built for Professional Use – Ideal for night vision–equipped CQB carbines, duty pistols, suppressed SBRs, and MIL/LE night operations under real-world stress
Most white light/laser combos claim to be “NVG-compatible,” but the SureFire XVL2-IRC actually delivers across the full infrared spectrum. No underpowered emitters. No questionable housing. No airsoft-tier controls pretending to be field-ready.
What you get is a combat-proven IR laser system with integrated white light, dual lasers, and a VCSEL illuminator—all engineered to perform under suppressed recoil, night vision use, and mission-critical pressure. It’s streamlined, ambidextrous, and compact enough for pistols, yet rugged enough for duty-grade rifle setups.
Whether you’re running NODs in a CQB environment, building a suppressed AR for night patrol, or outfitting a defensive pistol with passive IR capability, the XVL2-IRC is built for serious applications where failure isn’t an option.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we like and dislike about the SureFire XVL2-IRC Laser:
✅ Pros
- Quad-Emitter Integration – Combines a 400-lumen white light, Class 1 IR pointer, VCSEL IR flood, and a visible aiming laser in a single compact unit
- Dual-Switch Control – Includes ambidextrous toggle switches plus a remote input port compatible with SureFire ModButton and standard pressure pads
- Precision Zeroing – Windage and elevation adjustments at 0.2 mrad per click allow fine zeroing of both IR and VIS lasers
- Rugged Duty-Grade Housing – 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum, Type III anodized, and IPX8 submersible up to 20m — built for suppressed recoil and night ops
- Multi-Platform Mounting – Integrated clamp fits both pistols and rifles (1913 Picatinny), offering unmatched versatility
- Compact & Lightweight – At just 4.6 oz, it balances perfectly on pistols or short-barreled rifles without adding bulk
- Real-World NVG Performance – Designed from the ground up for night vision–equipped CQB, passive aiming, and tactical white light use
❌ Cons
- Manual Divergence Control – IR flood beam is adjustable but lacks fine-tuned, on-the-fly presets like higher-end mil units
- Shorter Runtime – Battery life drops quickly when using both white light and IR flood simultaneously; best paired with spare CR123s
- No Integrated Visible/IR Sync Mode – VIS and IR lasers cannot be activated at the same time for transitional use without manual switching
Is the SureFire XVL2-IRC Laser Worth It?
If you’re a civilian NVG user or a professional looking for a compact, battle-ready IR laser + white light system that works across both pistols and rifles, the SureFire XVL2-IRC absolutely earns its place.
You’re getting a quad-emitter platform: a daylight-visible laser, a Class 1 IR pointer, a VCSEL-based IR flood illuminator, and a 400-lumen white light — all inside a hard-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum body that’s IPX8-rated and field-proven. It’s designed for suppressed SBRs, duty pistols, and low-light CQB environments where visibility, simplicity, and durability are non-negotiable.
What Sets It Apart?
The XVL2-IRC is one of the only all-in-one IR laser and white light combos that are compact enough for a handgun, yet powerful and reliable enough for full rifle deployment.
Where most NVG-compatible units make you choose between features — pointer vs. flood, white light vs. IR — the XVL2-IRC gives you everything in one platform. Its ambidextrous toggle controls, remote switch compatibility, and easy rail mounting make it perfect for hybrid platforms or transitional use across pistol and carbine setups.
While the runtime is shorter than that of larger rifle-dedicated units, the trade-off is increased versatility and reduced weight. At just 4.6 oz, it integrates seamlessly under optics, doesn’t interfere with suppressors, and works cleanly with offset lights or pressure pads.
For anyone running night vision, suppressed carbines, or dedicated CQB builds, the XVL2-IRC is one of the most refined and duty-ready tools available to civilians today
Personal Experience
We mounted the XVL2-IRC to both a suppressed 11.5″ SBR and a Glock 45 MOS using a 1913 adapter plate. The results were outstanding.
The IR pointer and VCSEL flood worked well under Gen 3 NODs, providing enough coverage for short- to mid-range engagements. The IR beam was crisp and consistent, and white light activation was intuitive even when transitioning between modes. The system maintained zero across multiple range sessions and drills, even with varying sling tensions and rapid-fire transitions.
The remote tape switch (SureFire ModButton-compatible) was responsive and predictable, and the housing showed no shift or damage after over 500 rounds. This is the kind of unit you forget is even mounted — until you need it
It’s ideal for:
- Night Vision Rifle Setups – Designed for serious NOD-equipped builds, with IR pointer, VCSEL flood, and white light all integrated into one low-profile unit
- Suppressed AR Platforms – Compact and well-balanced for SBRs and suppressed carbines, with no interference across optics, lights, or tape switch setups
- Duty Pistols & CQB Handguns – One of the only quad-spectrum laser/light systems compact enough for handguns while remaining rugged enough for professional deployment
- Civilian Defensive Builds – Offers discreet IR illumination and visible aiming capability for rural patrol, home defense, and perimeter security under low-light conditions
Why We Like It:
The SureFire XVL2-IRC isn’t a gimmick, a clone-tier copy, or a neutered civilian compromise. It’s a battle-proven laser and white light system designed with real-world use in mind, suitable for both pistols and rifles.
You’re getting:
- Quad Emitter Output – 400-lumen white light, Class 1 IR pointer, VCSEL IR illuminator, and visible laser in one compact unit
- Dual Activation System – Ambidextrous toggle switch and SureFire-compatible remote port for streamlined VIS/IR transitions
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Housing – Aerospace-grade build, Type III hardcoat anodized, IPX8 submersible, and recoil-rated for hard use
- NVG-Ready Design – Engineered for passive aiming and low-light use under NODs with clean beam profiles and quick mode switching
If you’re building a serious night vision platform—whether pistol, rifle, or both—and want a single unit that delivers on durability, performance, and versatility, the XVL2-IRC is unmatched in the dual-spectrum category
SureFire XVL2-IRC Laser Setup & Zeroing
Mounting and zeroing the SureFire XVL2-IRC is a simple yet critical step for achieving optimal accuracy and performance, especially when using night vision. Whether you’re mounting it to a duty pistol or a suppressed SBR, precision matters when using IR lasers and VCSEL flood illumination.
Here’s how to dial it in the right way:
-
Mounting: Use the integrated Picatinny clamp mount to attach the XVL2-IRC securely to your pistol or rifle. On carbines, placement near the forward third of the handguard is ideal for balancing white light throw and IR alignment with optics, backup sights, and suppressors. The clamp locks down without tools, but be sure to verify tightness to prevent beam shift under recoil or sling tension
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Laser Adjustment: Zero the visible laser during daylight by aligning with your optic’s point of aim at a known distance. The IR laser and IR illuminator are co-aligned and adjusted using the 0.2 mrad/click turrets for windage and elevation. You’ll need a small tool or a flathead to make precise adjustments. Use night vision devices during low light to fine-tune the IR pointer. Confirm with live fire—especially if you’re passively aiming through NODs without an illuminator
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Zero Distance: For most setups, a 25-yard zero works well for the green laser and daylight testing. For the IR laser, aim to zero between 36 and 50 yards, especially if using high-mounted optics or bridge-style dual tubes. This helps ensure better alignment across usable night vision ranges.
💡 Pro Tip: Always confirm your zero after remounting or after extended live-fire sessions. Even with a secure clamp, small shifts can occur under hard use, heat cycles, or weapon transitions. Re-zero periodically if you’re training regularly under NODs or moving the XVL2-IRC between weapons.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy?
| Best For | Pistol & Rifle Night Vision Setups, Duty Use, Concealed Training, Tactical Professionals |
| Laser Class | Class 1 Eye-Safe IR Pointer + IR Illuminator + Visible Green Laser |
| Light Output | 300-Lumen White Light (Selectable) |
| Mounting | Universal Picatinny / Rail Mount — Optimized for Pistols & Carbines |
| Key Feature | All-in-One Illumination & Multi-Laser System in the Smallest, Rugged Military-Grade Package |
If you need a compact, civilian-legal laser/light system that delivers true visible and IR capability—including a Class 1 IR pointer, VCSEL illuminator, visible aiming laser, and a 400-lumen white light—the SureFire XVL2-IRC is easily one of the most advanced options available. It’s built for suppressed SBRs, NVG-ready pistols, and dual-role platforms where failure isn’t an option and performance must be intuitive under stress.
Related AR-15 Laser Guides
Don’t forget to check out these posts to learn more about Lasers & AR-15s:
- Best Lasers for AR-15 (Ultimate 2025 Guide)
- Red vs Green Laser (Which is Best?)
- How To Choose A Laser
- Zeroing Your Laser On AR-15
❓ FAQ – SureFire XVL2-IRC Laser Questions
Q: How does the XVL2-IRC activate?
A: The XVL2-IRC uses ambidextrous toggle switches for onboard activation and includes a rear remote port compatible with SureFire ModButton and pressure switches. You can control white light, visible laser, and IR functions independently, depending on mission needs.
🧠 Tactical Insight: Many users assign IR functions to the remote switch and keep the VIS/white light manual to reduce light signature under nods.
Q: Is it hard to mount on an AR or pistol?
A: No. The XVL2-IRC comes with an integrated tool-free rail clamp that mounts directly to any standard 1913 Picatinny rail—perfect for both pistols and rifles.
🛠️ Pro Tip: Always torque-check the clamp before zeroing, especially on rifles with high round counts or heavy suppressor setups.
Q: Is the visible laser daylight usable?
A: Yes. The green laser variant is easily visible out to 50 yards in bright daylight, and even farther in overcast or shaded conditions.
🎯 Bonus Tip: Always zero visible and IR lasers separately under their respective lighting conditions. Even slight divergence can throw off passive aiming through NODs.
Q: What battery does it use, and how long does it last?
A: The XVL2-IRC runs on a single CR123A lithium battery. Runtime ranges from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on mode—IR-only runs longer, but white light + IR flood will drain it quickly.
🔋 Real-World Insight: If you’re running white light and IR simultaneously, keep a spare CR123A on hand—especially during extended night ops.
Q: Is the XVL2-IRC duty-rated?
A: Absolutely. It’s built from 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum, Type III hardcoat anodized, and IPX8 submersible up to 20 meters. This is a true MIL-grade unit tested for real-world abuse.
💪 Hard Use Insight: Whether it’s mounted to a Glock 19 or a suppressed SBR, the XVL2-IRC holds zero and handles recoil, water, heat, and field stress without compromise.
Written by the Voodoo Firearms Team
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