Last Updated on February 22, 2025
Finding the perfect weapon light can be challenging, but after trying multiple options, I finally found the ideal fit for my Glock 21—the Streamlight TLR-1. Many other tactical lights failed to deliver the secure rail fit, brightness, and ease of use I needed. However, after a friend’s recommendation, I switched to the Streamlight TLR-1, and it has quickly become my go-to choice for home defense and tactical use.
Why Choose the Streamlight TLR-1?
✅ Perfect Rail Fit – Attaches securely to my Glock 21 without wobbling.
✅ Ultra-Bright 800 Lumens – Delivers powerful illumination for clear target identification in low-light conditions.
✅ Ambidextrous Switch – Allows quick and easy activation for both right- and left-handed users.
✅ Reliable for Tactical & Home Defense – Eliminates the struggle of balancing a handheld flashlight while shooting.
Before using the TLR-1, I relied on a tactical torch, which was inconvenient and made accurate aiming difficult. Switching to this Streamlight weapon light has significantly improved my target acquisition speed and visibility.
If you’re considering other weapon lights, you can also compare the Streamlight TLR-1 with the TLR-6, TLR-4, and TLR-3 to find the best option for your firearm.
Technical Features of the Streamlight TLR 1
Features |
Streamlight TLR 1 |
| Lumens: | 800 lumens |
| Voltage: | 12 volts |
| Type of Bulb: | LED |
| Style: | HL Model (Max Brightness) |
| Included Components: | Streamlight 69260 Tlr-1 Hl High Lumen Rail-Mounted Tactical Light, 2-3V Cr123A Lithium Batteries |
| Batteries: | 2 CR123A batteries required |
| Batteries Included?: | Yes |
| Length: | 3.39-inch (8.61 cm) |
| Average Battery Life: | 1.25 hours |
| Battery Cell Type: | Lithium Ion |
| Waterproof: | IPX7 (1-meter for 30-Minutes) |
| Body: | Aircraft aluminum |
| Warranty: | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Item Weight: | 4.18-ounce (118.6 grams) |
| Product Dimensions: | 3.4 x 1.5 x 1.4 inches |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Another thing that I like about this Streamlight tlr 1 light is that it is sturdily built from aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish. Also, it has a shock mounted glass lens that protects the LED bulb from being damaged. The C4 Led bulb provides 12, 000 candela peak beam intensity. In addition, setting up the flashlight on the rail clamp system is simple with no tools and without putting your hands in front of the muzzle.
The streamlight tlr 1 light is also powered by 2 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries with a 10 year storage life. The batteries are included in purchase. Furthermore, the manufacturer offers a lifetime limited warranty to buyers of the flashlight.
Summary of Contents
Related: If you are looking for a compact work lantern, check this Streamlight Super Siege Review page
Features of the Streamlight tlr 1 flashlight
- 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish
- TIR optics
- One handed snap-on
- Rail grip clamp system
- C4 LED bulb
- Ambidextrous momentary/steady On or Off switch
- Engineered optic
- IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter
- Maximum 800 lumens with a strobe
- Weighs 4.18 ounces
- 25 hours runtime
- Limited lifetime warranty
Troubleshooting table for the Streamlight TLR-1 tactical flashlight:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flashlight not turning on | – Batteries installed incorrectly – Depleted or faulty batteries – Plastic shipping disc not removed |
– Ensure each battery is oriented according to the polarity indicators inside the battery compartment; one battery’s positive end should face forward, the other’s should face backward. – Replace with fresh CR123A lithium batteries. – Remove any red plastic disc from the battery compartment. |
| Intermittent operation or flickering light | – Dirty or oxidized contacts – Faulty tailcap or switch |
– Clean battery contacts and threads with a soft cloth. – If issues persist, contact Streamlight customer service for repair or replacement. |
| Battery drains quickly | – Prolonged use of high-output mode – Parasitic drain when off |
– Use lower brightness settings for extended runtime. – Ensure the switch is fully in the off position when not in use. |
Streamlight TLR 1 Review with Detail Features
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Durable aluminum construction with anodized finish
The Streamlight tlr 1 led light is well constructed to withstand the harsh surrounding and serve the user for a very long period of time. It is made of sturdy aluminum construction with anodized finish. The glass lens can defy high temperature, shock, and is resistant to impact, too. Such features make this flashlight to be reliable in different weather conditions and terrains. The torch can be used in the woods, rocky terrain, and in extremely cold environments without fear of failure.
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Uses C4 LED technology
LED bulbs are the best. They are long lasting and can as well defy impact and other stress that causes bulbs to shutter. The C4 LED that the Streamlight tlr 1 has is able to offer consistent bright light of up to 50, 000 hours. In addition, the engineered optic forms a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination. Also, C4 LED bulb utilizes little energy when compared to other kinds of bulbs.
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Easy to use with the ambidextrous switching
If you are worried about how to use this weapon light, then you should be. It has an ambidextrous momentary/steady on-off switching. This allows you to change to the type of light that you need. You can as well set the torch to momentary on for temporary light or steady on for longer use. Furthermore, it has user programmable strobe that can be enabled or disabled. The strobe mode is usually used to disorient enemies. The light can as well be operated with a one hand snap-on and tightening of the interface to keep the hand away from muzzle when attaching or detaching the light.
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Powered by two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries
The handgun flashlight will operate for some hours before running out. It has a run time of 1.25 hours. It is powered by two 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries. These are usually included in the purchase. In addition, it has tethered battery door and latch mechanisms that prevent battery door loss replacing the battery. It is a good idea to have spare batteries if you will be out for longer hours.
Check Price
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Weatherproof weapon flashlight
One of the things that outdoor enthusiasts are afraid of is bad weather. Many flashlights made on the market are not able to deliver great outcomes in extreme weather conditions. The Streamlight tlr 1 is a wonderful light that continues to function well in poor weather such as rain and snow. It is IPX7 waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes. Also, it can operate in temperatures of between -40 to +120 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Lightweight and portable weapon flashlight
There are some weapon flashlights that are heavy and a burden to install on your Glock 21 or any other type of gun. But with the Streamlight tlr 1 light, you won’t feel the weight as it only weighs 4.18 ounces.
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Provides very bright light with maximum of 800 lumens
If you have been looking for a very bright light to ensure that you see your target clearly, then the Streamlight tlr 1 light is the most ideal flashlight to have. It has a maximum of 800 lumens, 15, 000 candela, and 245 meter beam. The torch will properly light your room and path.
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Versatile use
This tlr 1 light can be used with different types of guns. It comes with keys for Picatinny, S&W 99, Glock style, Baretta 90two, and S&W TSW. As a matter of fact, it can be mounted directly on handguns with Glock-style rails and MIL-STD-1913 rails.
- Compact and sleek
- Limited lifetime warranty
Check PriceAbout Streamlight
Since its inception, Streamlight has been one of the top flashlight brands on the market. Actually, when you search for flashlights on Amazon, Google, and other sites, you will notice that the Streamlight brand will always appear. The brand offers different types of lights for different people. There are tactical lights, weapon lights, every day carry lights, work lights, and many others. The lights built by Streamlight come with excellent features and have been accepted by many light users in the market. Streamlight flashlights are made in the USA and meet quality standards. Also, they meet the applicable European Community directives. I hope, you have gotten a clear idea after reading this Streamlight TLR 1 Review post.
Streamlight TLR-1 vs. TLR-2: In-Depth Specification Comparison for Tactical Light Buyers
| Specification | Streamlight TLR-1 | Streamlight TLR-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Streamlight | Streamlight |
| Model | TLR-1 | TLR-2 |
| Light Output | 300 – 1000 lumens (varies by version) | 300 – 1000 lumens (varies by version) |
| Beam Distance | Up to 283 meters | Up to 283 meters |
| Light Source | C4 LED | C4 LED |
| Laser Availability | No | Yes (Red or Green Laser) |
| Battery Type | 2x CR123A Lithium | 2x CR123A Lithium |
| Battery Life | Up to 2.5 hours | Up to 2.5 hours (light only), 48 hours (laser only) |
| Weight | ~4.18 oz (118.5 g) | ~4.72 oz (133.8 g) |
| Material | 6000 Series Aircraft Aluminum | 6000 Series Aircraft Aluminum |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 (submersible up to 1m for 30 minutes) | IPX4 (splash-resistant) |
| Mounting System | Rail Clamp System | Rail Clamp System |
| Activation Method | Ambidextrous Switch | Ambidextrous Switch |
| Strobe Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Run Time (Laser + Light) | N/A | 1.5 hours (light + laser) |
| Dimensions | 3.39″ (L) x 1.47″ (W) x 1.44″ (H) | 3.39″ (L) x 1.47″ (W) x 1.83″ (H) |
| Price Range | $130 – $180 | $200 – $300 |
| Best For | General tactical use, law enforcement | Tactical use requiring a laser, military applications |
Summary
The Streamlight TLR 1 weapon light is a feature-packed and durable flashlight. It is able to fit on different types of guns with keys such as Glock, beretta, and Smith & Wesson. The flashlight is constructed from durable materials and it can resist adverse weather conditions. Moreover, the flashlight is very bright with a max of 800 lumens, and setting it up on the rail clamp system is very easy.
After finding out about the quality and efficiency of the Streamlight tlr 1 flashlight, I decided to share this with other Glock or handgun users. People usually land bad weapon lights because they don’t know the different lights available. I will continue using the Streamlight tlr 1 flashlight and recommend you to-do-so. Try it out and observe the difference with other weapon lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What makes the Streamlight TLR-1 a good tactical flashlight?
The Streamlight TLR-1 is known for its high-lumen output, durable aluminum construction, and quick rail-mounted design, making it a reliable choice for law enforcement, military, and self-defense use. -
Is the Streamlight TLR-1 waterproof?
Yes, the TLR-1 is water-resistant with an IPX7 rating, allowing it to be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. -
How long does the battery last on the Streamlight TLR-1?
The TLR-1 runs on two CR123A lithium batteries and provides a runtime of approximately 1.75 hours on continuous use. -
Can the Streamlight TLR-1 fit on any firearm?
The TLR-1 is designed to fit most handguns with standard Picatinny or Glock-style rails, but users should check compatibility with their specific firearm model. -
Does the Streamlight TLR-1 have a strobe function?
Some models of the TLR-1, such as the TLR-1 HL, include a strobe feature, while the standard TLR-1 model does not.
Still, have a question after reading this Streamlight TLR 1 Review? Comment below.