While the field of weaponlights has become vast and varied, few names in the industry command quite as much respect as Streamlight. One of the oldest and most respected manufacturers, Streamlight has been producing duty-grade weaponlights, lasers, and accessories for decades. Designs have changed, technologies have come and gone, but through it all, Streamlight’s quality has remained unaltered.
What is a Streamlight TLR Light?
Streamlight’s TLR series of lights are tactically oriented weapon-mounted lights designed with duty and defense in mind. While no one is really sure what “TLR” stands for—other than Streamlight themselves, of course—the fact that all of the TLR lights are designed for tactical applications and the vast majority are rail-mounted lends some credence to the theory that it stands for Tactical Light Rail.
Regardless, the TLR series of lights all feature tactile, intuitive switches, high light outputs, and versatile mounting systems. If you’re going to carry your pistol with a light, you can’t go wrong with a Streamlight TLR.
Streamlight TLR Lights for Concealed Carry
A Streamlight weapon light can serve well in a variety of roles. The larger models are popular with police departments as duty lights, but an equally popular purpose for all models of TLR light is concealed carry. The same features that make these lights popular for use by professionals make them ideal for personal defense, and the compact size of the smaller models allows them to be carried discreetly without adding much bulk to your firearm.
TLR-1
Streamlight’s oldest and best-known tactical pistol light, the TLR-1 is a full-sized light perfect for duty use. It’s not uncommon as a concealed carry light either, though, for those who already carry a full-sized firearm.
The TLR-1 has been through a number of revisions over the years and is currently available in two different models: the TLR-1 HL and the TLR-1 HL-X. The former is the older of the two, while the latter is the most recent revision. Both lights boast LED emitters and prodigious output.
The TLR-1 HL produces a full 1,000 lumens and 20,000 candela. This means that it offers quite a bit of flood, illuminating a wide area rather than focusing on a narrow hot spot, which is perfect for a handgun light. It’s powered by common CR123A batteries, so you’ll never have trouble finding replacements.
One of the most popular features of the TLR-1 HL is its switches. The ambidextrous switches are extremely intuitive—simply press down with your thumb for momentary activation, or click the switch up for constant-on, or vice-versa for left-handed users. A quick double-tap of the switches activates the strobe mode.
The newer HL-X model builds on the success of the HL with a new design that integrates a front-loading battery compartment, allowing users to replace the batteries in their weaponlight without removing it from their firearm. It also features suitable improved output, with a powerful 1,500-lumen beam.
Despite the popularity of the switch activation in the older TLR-1 HL, the HL-X has been updated with an equally popular design very similar to that of the TLR-7A. These highly tactile switches offer faster actuation and are interchangeable, allowing users to customize the profile of the switch.
One of the most notable upgrades to the TLR-1 HL-X is its new multi-fuel capability. The HL-X can utilize both CR123A batteries and Streamlight rechargeable cells for maximum versatility, although rechargeable cells are required for maximum output.
TLR-7
While the TLR-1 is sometimes chosen for concealed carry, the TLR-7 was designed for it. This compact light fits snugly under the barrel of most compact firearms, including the ever-popular Glock 19.
Like the TLR-1, the TLR-7 is currently available in several different models, including one designed for rail-mounted use on a long gun: the TLR RM2. The two primary models, though, are the TLR-7 X and the TLR-7 HL-X.
These models are in most respects very similar. They utilize the same ambidextrous switches and the same interchangeable key system to mount to a wide range of different Picatinny and proprietary rails.
Both models offer multi-fuel capability, with the option to run the light with either a single CR123A or rechargeable cell. As with the TLR-1 HL-X, though, a rechargeable battery must be used for peak lumen output.
The primary point at which the two lights diverge is in terms of size and output. The TLR-7 HL-X is slightly larger, with a longer head, but produces twice as many lumens as the X model. This brings the HL-X to a full 1,000-lumen output, a number nearly unheard of in such a compact light.
TLR-7 SUB
While the TLR-7 is an exceptionally popular light for concealed carry, its width and mounting system limit it primarily to wider firearms. With the recent rise of ultra-compact double-stack carry pistols like the Sig Sauer P365, a compatible light was needed.
Enter the TLR-7 SUB. This micro-sized light fits perfectly on a wide range of popular carry firearms, including the P365, Glock 43X and 48, and Springfield Hellcat. It is in most respects a slimmed-down version of the TLR-7, hence their shared designation. They utilize the same simple click-down switches and output modes.
Like its larger brother, the TLR-7 SUB is available in an X and HL-X model. The distinction between the two mirrors the TLR-7; the HL-X model produces a whopping 1,000 lumens to the X’s 500. Both models can utilize either CR123A or rechargeable batteries.
TLR-8
All Streamlight TLR-series weaponlights are loaded with features, but the TLR-8 rises to another level. Unlike the previous lights, the TLR-8 offers not just white light output, but also an aiming laser for fast, intuitive target engagement.
The TLR-8 shares the same rail compatibility, switches, and rough size as the TLR-7, making it a perfect fit for a compact or full-size firearm. It’s available in either an X or HL-X variant, as well as with a red or green laser.
The laser of the TLR-8 is manually adjustable to allow for precise zeroing with the point of impact of the host firearm. To keep the operation of the light simple, the rear switches control both the laser and light simultaneously, enabling users to activate both with a single press.
Conclusion
Streamlight offers tough, no-nonsense lights that constantly push the envelope of weaponlight capability. With exceptional output levels, a wide range of form factors and sizes, and even laser-emitting options available, there’s a Streamlight TLR available for every purpose and user.
