Streamlight TLR-7 Pistol Flashlight [Review]

The Streamlight TLR-7 is a solid pistol flashlight that comes from an excellent company. If you are looking to get a new pistol flashlight, you’ll be hard pressed to find a company with a better reputation. Sure, there are a few out there that may be better (debatable), but Streamlight is near the tippy-top of the mountain in terms of quality, and reliability. And in all honesty, it only looks the company is going to continue to raise the bar for the foreseeable future.

We’ve had this light for the duration of 2020 and for a little bit of 2019. In that time, it’s been on one of the pistols that is in my every day carry rotation as well as the Flux Defense MP17 system. All of that said, this is a review of the TLR-7 from someone who carries it on a weekly basis.

Why Choose Streamlight?

Streamlight TLR-7 Thumbnail

The TLR-7 comes from Streamlight. If you’re not familiar with the company, you’ve probably been living under a rock. That said, knowing of a companies existence, and actually knowing the company are two different things. While I don’t personally know anyone at Streamlight, I have been using their products for a very long time. My first Streamlight product was actually a rail-mounted light that was sent to me by an ex-girlfriend’s parents while I was in Afghanistan back in 2009.

Since then, I’ve owned a number of their flashlights, both rifle and pistol mounted. In all of that time, I’ve had several interactions with their customer service team. They have never failed to resolve my issue, even getting me a brand new rifle light to honor their lifetime warranty after mine mysteriously stopped working.

The company themselves have been around for 47 years. Over that time-frame, they’ve developed some killer flashlights and really perfected their customer service department to ensure that the shooters they equip are well taken care of. So, when it comes to Streamlight, you can buy in confidence.

Meet the Streamlight TLR-7 Pistol Flashlight.

 
The Streamlight TLR-7 is a compact pistol flashlight with a small form factor designed to be used on most pistols. It is a lightweight solution that mounts via the most commonly found rail systems on a majority of handguns. This light boasts an incredibly bright 500 lumens with a max candela of 5,000 and it will very easily illuminate a distance of about 140 meters. On top of this, the durable little light features a “Safe Off” system that makes it impossible for the end-user to have an accidental discharge of the light while it is in a holster.

The video at the top of this section is an introduction and full review of the Streamlight TLR-7 from Tactical Toolbox. We know not everyone likes to sit around and read bulky reviews. That’s why we’ve turned to him for a bit of audio/visual content to help spice this up. Also, we think perspective is important when you’re doing your own research about a product. It’s always important to see multiple perspectives, and as such, multiple reviews on anything you’re thinking about spending your money on. You can find the Tactical Toolbox channel, and many others like him over on Full30 by clicking this link.

Specifications.

  • High Lumens – 500.
  • Run Time – 1.50 hours.
  • Beam Distance – 140 meters.
  • Max Candela – 5,000.
  • Battery Type – CR123A Lithium.
  • Battery Quantity – 1.
  • Length – 2.15 inches. (5.46 centimeters)
  • Weight – 2.40 ounces. (68.04 grams)
  • Colors – Black.
  • Streamlight TLR-7 in Everyday Use.

    TLR-7 Off vs On

    What can I say about the TLR-7? If you wanted to skip this section of reading, I could simply tell you that this little flashlight is a durable beast. I’ve had the Streamlight TLR-7 on two weapon systems since I acquired in December of 2019. For a while, it was on the Flux Defense MP17, where it operated as a PDW flashlight. Then, I had an issue with the InForce I was using on my Sig P226, and swapped it over to that full-sized handgun since I carry that a lot more often then I carry the MP17.

    While it’s a bit small for the P226, it still works great, and actually looks kind of cool in my opinion. The overhand on the barrel of the 226 does not obstruct the light in anyway, and it has handled quite the beating since being mounted on that full-sized handgun. Early in the year I attended two night shoots. Ya know, back when we were still allowed to do things like go outside, and train. At both events, it held up to all of the abuse I put the light through, and I actually still have the exact same battery in the light where it shows no sign of going out on me soon.

    The Streamlight TLR-7 will most likely find it’s way back to the MP17 in the future as I’m waiting to get my APL back from InForce. For now however, I’m quite liking its new home on the Sig P226, and am thoroughly surprised by its ability to withstand the abuse I put this handgun through on a weekly basis.

    Our Verdict on the TLR-7.

    Streamlight TLR-7 Closeup

    When the rubber meets the road, the Streamlight TLR-7 is exactly what you want on your pistol. It’s durable, bright, and quite simply, the thing just works. It does have one major downside, which is the fact that the battery isn’t rechargeable unless you specifically purchase the 18650 USB Battery, but that’s hardly a big enough hit to make you consider something different. In fact, some would argue that the rechargeable batteries are more of a hindrance than a help. That’s on the end-user I suppose. All of that out in the open though, it’s just too easy to recommend this versatile little light. I know that I for one, will be using it for years to come.

    That is just the opinion of one reviewer however. Let us know down in the comments if you’ve had a different experience with the TLR-7. If you have, we would love to hear from you. Also, what’s your go to handgun light? Do you like using flashlights on your pistols, or do you prefer to only carry a fully detached flashlight with your EDC. We want to hear from you all! Maybe we’ll review your pistol flashlight next.

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