FOG HORN
MAY 2020 Twobirds Flying Publications
Streamlight’s TLR-7A Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Streamlight’s TLR-7A Streamlight’s TLR-7A By: Sal Palma
2020
Streamlight’s implementation located the pressure switches on the side of the electronics module. Some users, including myself, felt that although the TLR-7 and TLR-8 performed flawlessly it was in need of improved ergonomics. In November of 2019, Streamlight addressed the ergonomics concerns when they announced the Alpha version of the TLR-7 and TLR-8 designated as TLR-7A and TLR-8A. In the TLR-7A, Streamlight extended the activation controls bringing them closer to the trigger guard and giving the shooter two switch profiles, high or low.
Streamlight introduced two new TLR weapon mounted lights on January 2018, the TLR-7 and TLR-8. The offerings addressed an important need for illumination and laser sighting accessories tailored to the compact pistol market, but usable on any rail equipped firearm. They were extremely well received but if you were used to activating your weapon’s light via a paddle switch, adapting to the TLR-7’s ambidextrous side switches was cumbersome. It took me a while to get use to the new pressure switches.
The figure above is the high position switch, which is my preferred arrangement.
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Streamlight’s TLR-7A
2020
The HK VP-B is wearing the low switch configuration. If you like the paddle activation used on the older lights, the low activation switch will get you there. But whatever route you take, ergonomics have been greatly improved over the TLR-7 offering. Streamlight sells the TLR-7 A in three flavors high activation, low activation and FLEX.
Performance, modes of operation and activation are identical to the TRL-7, as is the Safe off feature, rail mounting strategy and IPX7 water resistance. The TLR-7A is powered by a single CR123A lithium battery, which delivers 1.5 hours of run time. Like the TLR-7, the 7A only operates in a 500 lumen high mode; available in constant on by depressing and releasing the activation switch; momentary by depressing and holding the switch, and strobe, once enabled, is accessed by two rapid switch presses. The FLEX option gets you both high and low tail switches. Changing them out is very simple, remove three small hex screws and pull the tail switch off the light’s body. It will expose the electronics. My only caveat is to be careful not to misplace the two tail switch actuators as they’re small. Streamlight ships the tail switches with a foam insert to ensure the actuators remain in place; that foam insert should be removed prior to installation.
In adding the TLR-7A to its TLR line of weapon mounted lights, Streamlight recognized the need for improved ergonomics. As compact pistol frames infuse the market, the need for high performance accessory light with a compact foot print is evident. Streamlight meets that need with the release of the TLR-7A without compromising the all-important ergonomics. –SP
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
Streamlight’s TLR-7A
2020
Manufacturer Specifications
500 lumens; 140m beam; runs 1.5 hours Custom optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination Ambidextrous on/off switch TLR-7 side switch model cannot be retrofitted to the TLR-7A rear switch models Uses one CR123A lithium battery (included) Safe off feature prevents accidental activation; saves batteries Rail grip clamp system securely attaches/detaches quickly and safely with no tools and without putting your hands in front of muzzle Securely fits a broad range of fullsized and compact guns Durable, anodized machined aluminum construction User enabled strobe function 2.58” (6.55 cm); 2.4 oz (68.1g) IPX7 waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes Limited lifetime warranty Assembled in USA
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved