Meet Streamlight’s new TLR-7 and TLR-8

30th Aug 2018

Credit Guns and Ammo, by Chris Mudgett

With the introduction of the TLR-7 and -8, Streamlight has made it easier to carry concealed, especially when carrying inside the waistband.

Consumers have been asking for a professional-quality, flush-fit white light to mount on compact pistols for some time. Several manufacturers have attempted to answer this call, but none have gotten it right until now. Meet Streamlight’s new TLR-7 and TLR-8.

With the introduction of the TLR-7 and -8, Streamlight has made it easier to carry concealed, especially when carrying inside the waistband (IWB). The new models help continue the streak of success that the company has been on since its TLR-1 and TLR-2 pistol lights. With the new offerings, the lens will not extend beyond the front of the muzzle of a Glock 19 or similarly sized compact pistols.

Streamlight’s new flush-fit TLR-7 compact light and TLR-8 light/laser combo offer easy access for activation just ahead of the triggerguard. Both feature ambidextrous switch operation. TLR-7 $215 TLR-8 $350

Guns & Ammo’s staff are fans of the TLR-1, but have at times found it challenging to conceal, especially when wearing certain attire and carrying IWB. The new TLR-7 addresses this problem by providing us with an excuse to always carry a pistol with an effective white light mounted.

The TLR-7 offers 500 lumens of focused white light projected from a high-output LED for up to 1½ hours. The beam has a centralized hot spot with just the right amount of spill to illuminate objects in our peripheral vision.

Adapters accommodate each model to different guns’ rails.

The TLR-7 and TLR-8 operate using a single CR123 lithium battery that can be easily changed without having to remove it from the pistol. Unscrew the front lens assembly for quick access to the battery. This is advantageous when considering the TLR-8, which offers a red aiming laser as well as a white light that’s integrated into its housing. Because the battery change doesn’t require the removal of the unit, you only have to zero it once and shouldn’t have to worry about it again.

Switching on/off is completely ambidextrous thanks to rubberized switches on either side, positioned just forward of the triggerguard when mounted on a pistol. These switches offer constant-on, momentary and strobe settings. Press and hold for momentary, tap once for constant-on, and tap and hold for strobe.

The battery can be replaced with the unit on the gun, saving zero.

The TLR-7 and TLR-8 both attach to a pistol’s railed dustcover. Should you ever need to remove it, use a flat-head screwdriver or the rim of a cartridge.