FOG HORN
August 2020 Twobirds Flying Publications
Streamlight’s TLR-9 Rail Mounted Tactical Light
Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Streamlight’s TLR-9 Rail Mounted Tactical Light
Streamlight’s TLR-9 Rail Mounted Tactical Light
attractive but improve performance and the allimportant ergonomics. Where the TLR-1 produced 300 lumens, the TLR-9 delivers a blazing 1000 lumens of tightly focused well collimated light with an abundance of peripheral lighting and well defined hotspot.
By: Sal Palma
Streamlight’s 2020B.C. (Before Covid) introduction of the TLR-7, TLR-8, TLR-7A, and TLR-8A dramatically improved on the not so simple task of accessorizing your compact frame pistol; availability of competently designed product is somewhat limited. So, by producing a light or light-laser weapon mounted accessory with a much smaller footprint than its TLR-1 or TLR-2, Streamlight solved an industry wide problem and now reaps its rewards, so why the hell not a TLR-9 for the full frame pistol. So it came to pass that in 23 January Streamlight announced the TLR-9.
Streamlight TLR-1
2020
There was still quite a bit of ambient light but you can see how well illuminated the remote tree is at 83 yards. Peripheral lighting was excellent. The TLR-9 is powered by 2 CR123A batteries that deliver 1.5 hours of runtime.
Prior to its introduction, the full frame pistoleros only had a choice of the TLR-1 light or TLR-2 light-
laser. The TLR-9 is an avant garde design employing the latest technology to not only be visually
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
Streamlight’s TLR-9 Rail Mounted Tactical Light Its low profile housing sits close to the weapon’s frame and is snag free. Streamlight did away with the bulky paddle switches of the older TLR-1 and transitioned to interchangeable low or high activation switches. The TLR9 is packaged as the TLR-9 FLEX that comes with a High switch mounted on the light, plus an included Low switch. Like the TLR-7 and higher, the TLR-9 has a safeoff feature. One of the issues I frequently encountered with the older TLR-1 paddle activation switches was unintended activation; it’s very easy to do when storing the pistol in a pistol bag and depleting your battery. There are also tactical situations where light discipline is advisable and the safeoff feature ensures that your light remains off. To lockout the TLR-9, rotate the bezel counterclockwise until you feel the off detent. The light is now off and cannot be accidentally activated. One of the outstanding features across the entire TLR line is the available mounting options. Streamlight has engineered an outstanding rail mounting system that I’ll describe as one of the best in the industry. That tradition continues in the TLR-9. Streamlight ships the light with an assortment of rail keys to fit a variety of pistols.
2020
However, during the review process, I found some large frame pistols that I could not use with the TLR-9. The Glock 17 Gen 3 and 4 for example where the rail slot to trigger guard distance was just a hair too short; the same was true for the SIG P226R pistol, so you’ll want to confirm that you have at least 2” from a rail slot to the front of your trigger guard.
Like the entire TLR line of weapon mounted lights, the TLR-9 body is made from anodized machined aluminum, O-ring sealed and an IPX7 water resistant rating. The TLR-9 continues Streamlight’s tradition of producing some of the best tactical and weapon mounted lights/laser-lights available. The TLR line enjoys a leading market position in the law enforcement community domestically and in the EU, a success they’ve achieved through Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
Streamlight’s TLR-9 Rail Mounted Tactical Light
2020
exceptional value, excellent design, outstanding manufacturing and customer service. -SP Manufacturer Specifications
1,000 lumens; 200m beam; runs 1.5 hours Custom optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination Ambidextrous on/off switch Uses two CR123A lithium batteries (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 full-sized handguns Durable, anodized machined aluminum construction User enabled strobe function 3.87" (9.82 cm); 4.26oz (120.9g) IPX7 waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes Limited lifetime warranty Assembled in USA MSRP $240
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved