In this guide, we will explain the mounting details of the Olight PL-Mini 3 pistol light so you can be sure it is compatible with your handgun.
There are various standards for pistol light mounting, so it is important to know which pistol light is compatible with the handgun you want to use it with.
We will cover what to look for on your handgun and the specifics for mounting the Olight PL-Mini 3 pistol light.
Handgun Requirements for Mounting a Pistol Light
Most full-size handguns come with one of two light rails underneath the barrel just in front of the trigger guard that is just under one inch wide. The light rail will have one or more cross slots that locates the light on the pistol and prevents it from moving during recoil. The light will also typically have a clamping rail that secures it to the pistol.
The first type is the “GL Standard”, “Glock Universal”, or just “Universal” light rail. This light rail has a single cross slot that is about 4mm (5/32”) wide. Glock handguns will have this light rail along with other brands of handguns.
The second is the 1913 rail or Military Standard “Picatinny” rail. This rail will have multiple slots that are about 5.2mm (3/16”) wide.
The photo below shows a Glock Universal light rail on the left and a 1913 light rail on the right.
Compact carry handguns like the Sig Sauer P365 and Springfield Hellcat have different mounting requirements since their mounting rail is smaller, around 0.8 inches wide. These pistols do not have a set standard, and pistol lights often need to be purchased for the specific handgun. Some do not have light rails at all.
Mounting The Olight PL-Mini 3
The Olight PL-Mini 3 pistol light was designed to be used on full size frame handguns like the Glock 17/19, Sig P320, and the Walther PDP, as well as compact carry handguns like the Sig Sauer P365 and the Springfield Hellcat.
The mounting system for this light includes three different keys. One is for the Universal light rail, the second is for 1913 light rails, and the third is for the Springfield Hellcat. Additional mounts are also sold separately for the Sig Sauer P365 and the Glock 43X/48 MOS.
The photo below shows the light with the Hellcat key installed and the included 1913 key, Universal key, screws, and allen wrench.
The keys can be changed between the three standards by removing the two small screws that hold the key in place. The 1913 key is marked “1913”, the Universal key is marked “GL”, and the Hellcat key is marked “HC”.
The photo below shows the Hellcat key installed and a Springfield Hellcat Pro.
After you have installed the correct key, attach the light to the light rail of your pistol by using the clamp screw. Note the direction to lock and unlock the light from the pistol is marked on the side next to the screw.
The position of the light on the light rail is also adjustable. With the clamp screw loose, you can slide the light on the mounting bracket towards the muzzle or back towards the trigger guard. This will allow the light to be positioned in the optimal location for the user. Once you have found the optimal position, simply tighten the clamp screw in the lock direction.
Will the Olight PL-Mini 3 Fit your Pistol?
The Olight PL-Mini 3 will fit any full-size pistol that has a Glock universal light rail or a 1913 light rail. Almost all full-size handguns have one of these light rails.
This pistol light will also work with compact carry handguns like the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat. A key is included for the Springfield Hellcat, while mounting rails are available for the Sig Sauer P365 and the Glock 43X48 MOS that are sold separately.
Glock 43X/48 MOS Mounting Bracket