Streamlight TLR Carbine/Pistol Light Comparison

A2 Stippling

A2 Stippling

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I simply wanted to compare my TLR lights for both my carbine/pistol/shotgun needs. BLUF: Will keep TLR-1S on my M&P FS gun, my TLR-3 on my M&Pc 9mm and the TLR-1HL on the carbine. The shotgun will get another TLR-1S once I buy it.

Three lights: TLR-3 (90 lumens), TLR-1S (300 lumens), and TLR-1HL (630 lumens). They all had brand new Surefire batteries in them and were all pretty new. They were dismounted and I took photos with my cheap digital camera with no flash.

Distances were at 60 feet at my backyard fence and 120 feet at a tree in my side yard.

Observations:

1. The TLR-1HL is insanely bright!
2. The TLR-1HL gets insanely hot! Ouch, God, it got hot within 10-15 seconds. However, it has the word "HOT" near the front of the light - this is an addition from the TLR-1.
3. The TLR-3 is not made for long distance...man...it was fuzzy.
4. The TLR-1S did NOT get hot...I left it on for a couple minutes, no heat at all.
5. I would use the TLR-1S in the house - the TLR-1HL is too much light inside.

I could see everything with that TLR-1HL. HOWEVER, I would NOT carry this light on a handgun if I knew the light would be on for extended periods (anything over 10sec). It would MELT the holster. However, I would use my TLR-1S with no concerns.

BLUF: The TLR-1S is best...for me...on a pistol and anytime. The TLR-1HL is awesome on a rifle/carbine and outside in big spaces. Prices are under $120 for either TLR-1S or TLR-1HL and $60-$75 for that TLR-3.

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I have the TLR-1s on me pistola also. I love it. I've used it for extended periods if time (e.g. Searching a very large warehouse) and have not had a problem with it. I have a 500 lumen P2X fury and it gets wicked hot after a short while. I need to make sure to unscrew the cap a bit so it won't turn on inadvertently. It could likely start a fire.
 
BIGMAC116 said:
I have the TLR-1s on me pistola also. I love it. I've used it for extended periods if time (e.g. Searching a very large warehouse) and have not had a problem with it. I have a 500 lumen P2X fury and it gets wicked hot after a short while. I need to make sure to unscrew the cap a bit so it won't turn on inadvertently. It could likely start a fire.
Click to expand...

I had a simple Surefire 6P burn through a plastic flashlight holster on my belt while sitting on my cot in Iraq. It was turned on and warped the plastic cover...then kept burning until the plastic from the sheath and my cot were slowly burning. Stopped carrying them from that moment - ordered Streamlight Pro Tac and I have not looked back.

Hate to sound like a fanboy....but their lights work for me.
 
Thanks for posting this up. That HL looks insane, and is on my list to buy.
 
87supraman said:
Thanks for posting this up. That HL looks insane, and is on my list to buy.
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It's a great light - but use it sparingly. I would not fit in on my pistol and use it from a holster...damn thing may start a fire that way!! No kidding.

I'm taking a night carbine course next month - will wear the 1S on my pistol and the 1HL on my carbine...will provide more input in practical settings. They both have a 1.5hr runtime via 2 x 123A batteries. The older TLR-1 has a 3hr runtime on the same batteries but you get less than half the lumens of the newer TLR-1S. I carry plenty of batteries...no worries there!!
 
While the 3 is certainly the under dog I'm a big fan of it for indoor or basic yard lighting. It illuminates quite well for its size. Its the best option for the "C" models by far.
 
I too have a fury but I have the combatlight 500 lum. It can get hot but I find it takes a while. Mine is the all aluminum body. I know the plastic one actually transfers the hear a lot faster.
 
Nice review. I have the TLR-1 and like it a lot.

I still have reservations about having a light mounted to the gun. But, it serves its purpose for a nighttime home protection gun.
 
Rastoff said:
Nice review. I have the TLR-1 and like it a lot.

I still have reservations about having a light mounted to the gun. But, it serves its purpose for a nighttime home protection gun.
Click to expand...

Agree, serves a HD role. However, I can definitely see it's purpose for LEO/MIL when carried OWB and trained with. I simply can't see a fullsized light for IWB which is what I carry.
 
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