Streamlight TLR-1S Review

When it comes to gun accessories, there are few as important as the weapon-mounted light. It's essential to visually identify any potential threat before using deadly force, and with a flashlight, that becomes much easier. At night, it can be impossible to see who's lurking in shadows without illumination. While handheld flashlights can get the job done without issue, they all require the use of an extra hand. That's where weapon-mounted lights shine.

Enter the Streamlight TLR-1s

The company Streamlight is a major player in the tactical light industry. Based out of Eagleville, PA, Streamlight has been developing and manufacturing various styles of handheld and mountable lights for many years. Of their flashlights, the TLR series is probably the most popular for its combination of relatively low cost, high performance, and great versatility. This series boasts the best pistol lights available on the market, and some of the best weapon lights in general.

Many people consider the TLR-1s to be the gold standard of weapon-mounted lights. With a durable aluminum body, easy-to-activate rocker switch, blinding strobe option, C4 LED technology, 12,000 candela max beam intensity and 300 lumen output, 2.5 hours of continuous runtime, and compatibility with a wide range of firearm types, what's not to like? The only real difference between the TLR-1s and the older TLR-1 is the inclusion of the strobe function, a very powerful tool when it comes to self-defense. Rapidly flashing light blinds and disorients attackers to buy users adequate time to fight or flee. Another great feature of this compact unit is its mounting system. A captured screw and rail clamp allows users to quickly hand-tighten the light to any firearm. Removal is just as quick and easy. Even though the TLR-1s was designed for handguns, it can be easily attached to shotguns and rifles that have picatinny rails.

Who Should Consider This Firearm Accessory?

Anyone who owns a firearm should find the Streamlight TLR-1s to be an extremely useful tool. The light is marketed primarily towards the home-defense crowd, and it's pretty clear to see the advantages that it would offer. First, it would allow the user to get a more secure grip on the gun for more accurate shots and better recoil management since the light is attached directly to the weapon. A simple finger flick is all that would be required to switch the light on or off. Secondly, single-handed operation of the light when using a pistol keeps the other arm free so that the homeowner can open doors, guide loved ones to safety, and perform any other necessary action with much greater ease. The TLR-1s and other weapon-mounted lights eliminate the clunkiness of operation that comes with having one hand on a handheld flashlight and the other on a handgun. Although you should always have a quality handheld light at home, the Streamlight TLR-1s would certainly be a fine complement to it. Bright, rugged, and reliable, the Streamlight TLR-1s is trusted by professionals, so you can trust your life to it as well.