Review - Streamlight TLR-2 (w/pics)

[tydephan]

Greetings guys and gals.

Having read about the advantages and disadvantages until I was blue in the face, I finally decided to take the plunge and purchase a weapon-mounted light. I have several weapons that I can use with the light, but this review will show the light mounted on my recently purchased Sig Pro 2022 (.357sig).

Admittedly, I am no tactician or strategist, but it seems as though common consensus regarding weapon-mounted lights is that the use of the light is advantageous in certain situations, but can provide a tactical disadvantage in other situations.

So, as commonly stated on this site and others: “It is better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.”

After a fair amount of market assessment, I decided I would try the Streamlight TLR-2. This is a laser/light combo that has been on the market for awhile.

I was very reluctant when I purchased this because of the LED. I have never been a big fan of LED, having always preferred halogen. I have 2 Streamlight Stingers that I use around the house and in my vehicle. They are great lights. Previously, I had never seen an LED that provided any significant illumination.

However the 80 lumen (equivalent) LED on the TLR-2 is unreal. It provides a very focused beam (albeit bluish) that can quickly illuminate your surroundings. But would it blind, as advertised?

Well, having less brain cells than I used to, I decided to turn the beam toward my own eyes (dismounted from the weapon and without the laser, of course). The beam was astoundingly bright (and I would certainly not recommend this "experiment" to others). IMO, there is no way an intruder could “target the light” as is generally theorized. In a half-lit room, it took me a good 5 minutes to regain normal sight. I have great confidence that this would instantly render the night vision of an intruder completely useless. Furthermore, the intruder may indeed fire shots, but I would suggest, due to the brightness of the light, they would be unguided at best.

The best feature of this light is the selectable modes, including ambidextrous “momentary on” and “constant on” modes.

The “momentary on” feature is perfect for the commonly referenced “blind and move” tactic. With my finger extended, outside of the trigger guard, my finger rests comfortably on the on/off toggle (the large black switch). I can press down on the switch (spring activated) and the light comes on for the duration of my finger-pressure. If constant light is needed, I can slip my finger under the switch and push it up for constant light/laser.

There is also a switch under the on/off switch that allows the user to use only the light, only the laser, or both.

I put 50 rounds through the weapon yesterday and the added weight of the light (4.72 oz) had no effect on accuracy or feed/ejection. I was in a bit of a hurry, so I did not take the opportunity to calibrate the laser.

The laser is bright and steady, unlike the pulse of the Lasermax I have on my Glock 22. The laser was plainly visible in daylight to about 5-7 yards. After that, I really had to search to find it. In a dimly lit room, the laser is very noticeable.

In my opinion, this is a fantastic addition to any home defense handgun with rails. It attaches and detaches within seconds.

Other advantages:
• Powered by two CR123 lithium batteries
• Supposedly has up to 2.5 hours battery life (in dual light/laser mode)
• Shockproof (claimed, not yet tested) and dustproof.

I’m pretty stoked about the light and its versatility. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Pictures:

An overall shot of the Sig Pro 2022 with the Streamlight TLR-2 mounted.


A close up image of the front of the TLR-2. The unit mounts and dismounts very quickly from the weapon.


A close-up photo of the light, dismounted from the weapon and resting lense-down. The silver switch on the right of the unit is the mode select. The unit can be set to enable just the light, just the laser, or a dual mode. The black on/off switch is ambidextrous. It has two modes: "Momentary on" and "Constant on."


This shot was taken with a flash. The following shot was taken with ambient light only, in an attempt to show the functionality.


The same shot, without a flash (only ambient light).


Please, no comments regarding the decorations. LOL. This is the beam on a wall at a distance of about 8 feet. It was the best I could do, but the picture doesn't really do it justice. This shot was taken with no flash with ambient light only (2 70 watt light bulbs in a 12X12 room).

[NCHornet]

Nice write up, and very nice pictures, especially like the one with the dead man's hand. Some of you folks on this forum really go all out on your photos!
Back to the light. How hard is that little switch to operate? It almost looks like it is shrouded, and in a tense situation you don't want to be taking your eyes off the BG to look at your weapon. I myself am not a fan of light mounts on the weapon, I don't even have a handgun with rails, but I did just order the Streamlight NF-2 Night Fighter tactical light. If yours is that bright with 80 lumens I can't wait to see mine at 114. I am glad you like your light it looks very well made.
Take Care

[tydephan]

Kevin,

The small silver selector, for the three different modes, is much harder to operate than the on/off switch.

It is tiny and I really have to search to find it (possibly due to me not being familiar with the unit.) Also, it isn't obvious to me when my finger finally finds it of which way it is set (far right, center, or far left). I typically have to fumble with it for a few seconds in order to change it.

With that being said, the on/off switch is about as natural as could possibly be. Which is really more important to me. I assume that for home defense, I will probably leave it in dual mode. I guess if a scenario ever develops that I need the laser only, I will have to take a second out of the battle to make the switch.

Thanks for the question and compliments. I enjoy guns. I enjoy photography. The two combined make for some pretty cool photographs. Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to help.

[alank2]

Hi,

Nice review, I'm thinking about a TLR1 or TLR2 for my G20...

Thanks,

Alan

[NINE]

I have a TLR-1, and I FREAK'n love it. It's primary use is on my fabarm martial pro forces 14". Works very well, I was running around with this set up at 3am one night in norway house MB last month. It's effective range is very impressive in total darkness.

At shotgun/handgun ranges it is simply amazing. I prefer LED for shotgun duty.

[FirstFreedom]

Nice review & pics; thanks!

I have a TLR-2 on my CZ 75 SP01, and the only complaint I have is the frailty combined with the stiffness of the laser adjustment screws. They are so stiff, and such a small allen head screw size, that I came *this close* to breaking the allen wrench before getting it to move on one of the two adjustments. Fortunately, I suspect that with use, it will loosen up. But they need to go at least 1/64ths larger on the wrench size if they're going to make it that damned stiff!

[Shane Tuttle]

Tydephan,
You've basically believe the same as I do with mine. I received mine for my birthday last year. I've put it on my XD40 and XD45. I really like it and have no issues with the LED. I have the switch set on laser/light combo and leave it for the most part. The switch is actually second nature to me. The momentary/full on switch is a great feature...

Thanks for your input. It's appreciated...

[shooter_john]

I have a pair of TLR-1's, wouldn't trade 'em for anything! The TLR's blow the M3/ 6's away completely as far as construction and quality are concerned. (IMHO, anyway). Definitely a great addition to any defensive weapon.

Bama's back too!!!!

[gdvan01]

Nice review tydephan, thanks for the effort.