Summer is quickly approaching and getting to hot to shoot during the day here in the South. Night shoots are perfect for testing tactical lights. So I thought I'd share this review on the TLR-1. Thanks for looking.

Side note: This is my fun plinker gun so that is why you don’t see front sights or BUIS.



I am experimenting with the TLR-1 Positioning for night run and guns. So far, this has been the best configuration for me to reach the momentary on switch with my thumb.



Because the bottom of the TLR-1 is flat, I have issues seeing my red dot with it mounted like this.





Heavy-duty, compact, and great design are the thoughts that run through my mind upon un-boxing it. It feels very solid in my hand. For some reason, my caveman instincts kick in and I instantly have the urge to bang it up against something hard to test its solidity. Its exterior is machined aluminum with a black anodized finish. A great feature is that it is designed with a glass and not a plastic lens. Its sealed construction is waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes according to Streamlight’s website.



Mounting the light is simple thanks to its rail grip clamp system. The side screw appears to be counter-resistant with a wave spring. I am able to quickly mount it without placing my hand in front of the muzzle. It is secured in place by tightening down the thumb screw. No tools are needed to mount the light or to remove it. I find this very useful in regards to weapon takedown and quickly transitioning into a concealed carry role.



The actual light is bright white and not the yellowish incandescent color that you would see with older style flashlights that do not utilize LED technology. The light output is phenomenal and throws a flawless spill beam. Even at 25 feet, in a lit room, the peripheral illumination is optimal. At 7 yards, I have my wife give me a quick hit in the eyes in a lit up room. This little beast has no problem blinding me temporarily. I ask her if she wants to give it whirl, and she replies, “Not right now Hun”. How nice of her to take a rain check. Generally speaking, current battery technology isn’t the greatest. But when paired up with C4 LED technology, the TLR-1 has a run time of 2.5 hours and up to 135 lumens. There TLR-3 model produces 90 lumens but is also more compact and lighter.

In the field, while mounted on 9mm handgun, it performed flawlessly. Testing it while mounted on an AR15 produced zero malfunctions and it was impervious to shock. Transitioning from hand gun to rifle is no problem as it is capable of being mounted on 1913 picatinny rails. The ambidextrous momentary is very smooth while toggling. I have no problems going from momentary, steady on, and off using my strong-hand index finger. Unfortunately, this is most likely not the case under stress as the switch is capable of being toggled on from both sides. Because of this, one could easily make the mistake of trying to toggle it on by swiveling the switch to the momentary on position. Training is key here so practicing all settings, with gun safety in mind of course, is essential for proper deployment. The operation is simple enough, however, that once muscle memory is developed it becomes second nature.

Lastly, I have just a few negatives to report. I notice that during everyday normal rifle manipulation, accidental light discharge is more common than not. It happened to me twice, but could have been avoided with a secondary stand-alone off switch. The bright white lettering on the sides of the TLR-1 is a little flashy for my taste. A simple engraving of the logos and information into the aluminum housing would be sufficient and would give it that subdued look. A more flat finish would also help in avoiding the appearance of powder fouling that stains the top front of the light. I recommend placing a strip of tape over the top of it to avoid this while training. Some claim that the added weight is an issue. In my case, however, it does not throw off my balance and actually helps out my muzzle control. I opted for the non-laser TLR due to added price and simply because I prefer to use and train with sights.

Overall, the TLR-1 is a great target-identifying upgrade for my system.

At 15 feet


At 25 feet


Inner beam still solid at 35 feet


Thanks for looking! A Lot More TLR-1/MP15-22 Pics here: Streamlight TLR-1 -

Thanks for the excellent review. You put a lot of effort into this review and it really shows. Don

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"Don't worry be happy"

Fantastic review of a great product. I have one on my Sig 226, that's a older non-C4 version and one on my AR that is a C4 version. I use to have a big old heavy light on my AR but started to hate the size and extra weight and now I have all the light I need in a small lightweight package.

The great thing about Streamlight is that they are always upgrading their line. I'm probably going to sell of my older TLR-1 and upgrade it to the new TLR-1s which includes strobe. MUST HAVE STROBE.

I can see the advantage to the light, but why is the strobe essential?

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Ralph T
NRA Benefactor Member

To temporarely blind an enemy

Good stuff . . . That's a bright light.

I have an older Streamlight TLR-2. It's in my spare parts drawer. For fun and laughs, I may attached that unit on to my 15-22.

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-Andy

I keep a TRL-2 on my XDm 9 that I've been happy with. Bright, with laser, stays put and zeroed. Strobe is a nice to have, but not worth it for me given I have a functional unit. In a dark house, I think it will be effective. But I hope I never have to test it at home.

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~Doug

Great review have a just bought a TLR-1 for my handgun and now you showed me can also use it for my 15-22

Thanks for your effort.

SmithieNL

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M&P 9 and M&P 15-22 owner

I have a TLR-1 on my Glock 17 and XD9. Just the other day I thought about putting one on my 15-22. You beat me to it. I have a vertical foregrip so I would put is on the bottom closer to my thumb

I have also experimented with vfg and light. but I use my vfg as a thumb break. That way I can still manipulate the light at the 12 o'clock rail.

Amen brother. Btw, I hope I don't sound crazy BUT, you can never be too prepared. I have run break-in/home invasion defense scenarios in my home at night (empty gun or course). Just thinking about the added stress and low light environment made me start practicing.

I was in the market for a light/laser combo that I can transfer from my CZ P01 handgun to rifle and later to a future shotgun. but I light just go with a light instead. thanks for the review !!

No problem man. This is a hobby for me and I am happy to do it.

i have this light on my M&P 40. love it. great light on a great gun

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heroes don't die, they reload.