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June 2020 Twobirds Flying Publications
Streamlight’s TLR-8 A laser/light accesory Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Streamlight’s TLR-8 A laser/light accessory
2020
Streamlight’s TLR-8 A laser/light accessory By: Sal Palma
successful TLR-7 and TLR-8 introducing the “A” variants of these lights. Whether you need an illumination accessory or a laser/light variant for your compact frame pistol or long gun, Streamlight has something to offer. In November of 2019, the Company introduced the “A” variants to their TLR-7 and TLR-8 weapon mounted line. So, why are there all of these choices? What’s wrong with the good old TLR-1 and TLR-2 concept? Absolutely nothing, but on compact frames circa 2020 they look like a 1948 Tucker1 and something needed to be done. So, in 2018 Streamlight introduced the TLR-7 (light only) and TLR-8 (light/laser). The TLR-8 is offered in two flavors, a red laser and the green laser TLR8 G, both flew off the shelves; however, Streamlight did not rest on its success and in 2019 improved on the very
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If you can spare $1.2 million to $1.5 million you can probably find one at auction.
So, what’s in the TLR-8 A model that’s missing in the vanilla TLR-8, an ambidextrous on/off rear switch in two shooter selectable configurations - low or high; otherwise, they have the same 500 lumens output, 640-660nm red laser, rail grip clamp system; both are IPX4 water resistant and both feature the safe off feature bezel. In spite of similar body form factor the TLR-7 or TLR-8 side switch models cannot be retrofitted to the TLR-8A rear switch models. Switching between the low or high ambidextrous switches is straight forward but I’ll point out a potential got you. The process requires that you remove four hex bolts that secure the switch assembly to the light’s body. During the swapping process, you
Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Streamlight’s TLR-8 A laser/light accessory need to make sure that you don’t lose the tiny plunger shown in the picture above, so be careful and work on a clean bounce free surface if at all possible. Other than that, changing from lo to high switches is straightforward. I tried both the high and low switch configurations and found a high switch to more closely match my shooting style. Unlike the TRL-1 and TLR-2, which have a very tight beam thus a welldefined hotspot, the TLR-8A’s illumination is wider. I wouldn’t call it a flood but the hot spot is not as well defined, but I found it to be very effective illuminating a larger area with an adequate amount of peripheral lighting. Like the TLR-8, the “A” variant offers three modes of operation: laser only, light only and light/laser, but unlike the TLR-8 the TLR-8A is much more ergonomic, and the high and low switches provide an ease of use missing in the TLR-8. Streamlight went out of their way to provide flexible mounting options that fit virtually any conceivable rail dimensions, so it’s sold with an assortment of rail mount keys. The light ships with a 1913-3 rail key but you have on option to select the key that best fits your rail from the provided keys. The TLR-8A was made for your compact pistol, and throughout this review I’ve mounted on a variety of striker fired compacts to include the FN509, G19, H&K
2020
VP9-B and Beretta APX.; however, this light/laser is equally at home on your SBR and AR pistol platforms. Streamlight has consistently impressed me over the years with their responsiveness to the market. They are consistently the value leader in the tactical lighting space. The company is producing professional quality tactical illumination tools that are robust, durable and functional; the TLR-8A continues in that tradition. It is a professional illumination accessory that won’t lose zero and will not fail you at home or at work. Check it out. -SP Manufacturer Specifications
Features white LED and 640-660nm red laser 500 lumens; 140m beam; runs 1.5 hours (light only or light/laser combo) Laser only runs 18 hours Ambidextrous on/off rear switch in two configurations - low or high, to match your shooting style TLR-8 side switch model cannot be retrofitted to the TLR-8A rear switch models Uses one CR123A lithium battery (included) Safe off feature on bezel 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 and compact guns Durable, anodized machined aluminum construction User enabled strobe function 2.58” (6.55 cm); 2.64 oz. (75g) Operating temperature: -20°F to +120°F IPX4 water-resistant Limited lifetime warranty Assembled in USA
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved