cslinger
Enlightened
I have had my TLR-1 for a bit now and have used it mounted on both a .45 Caliber Springfield XD pistol and a SIG 556 .223 caliber rifle. I thought I would give a few quick observations.
1)This light is a great piece of kit for the dollar. Very robust, great switching mechanism etc. For $100 I haven't seen anything that can touch it and I personally think it is as good if not better then the current Surefire X200 offerings. Yes blasphemy, I know, but take into consideration I am a Surefire fan.
2)The light that it produces is excellent. Probably around an honest 70 lumens or so. The beam is flawless and provides plenty of spill along with really good throw for a small LED light. The 3 watt actually compares favoribly with my single cell CREE lights on high.
3)On both the pistol and rifle the light is very easy to mount and handles great. Switchs are very easy to reach and operate. Since it is such a small addition in both weight and size it has a very small effect on pistol handling and NO effect on rifle handling.
4)Using this light in both indoor and outdoor situations shows that it would be perfectly acceptable for out to say 50 yards or so maybe a tad less. Indoors it lights up a whole room with ease and has enough spill beam to identify potential targets WITHOUT pointing the firearm directly at them (low ready). This is good since if one is not on a military operation, it is very likely one doesn't actually want to shoot at every bump in the night whether ye be LEO or home owner.
5)Battery life is great. No actual run times to report but it definitely does better then my Surefire P60/61 mounted on my 870.
6)Durability seems excellent as neither pistol or rifle recoil have phased the light, nor has a few accidental bashes into the wall. The finish at the top of the light has worn off due to muzzel blast from the pistol though.
7)Value is out the park IMO. If you are looking for a 2 celled weapon light I personally think this is the one to get right now. Once the Surefire CREEs become available this might change but assuming the price difference it may not change much.
My quick and dirty two cents.
Chris.
XD45 With TLR-1
SIG 556 with TLR-1
1)This light is a great piece of kit for the dollar. Very robust, great switching mechanism etc. For $100 I haven't seen anything that can touch it and I personally think it is as good if not better then the current Surefire X200 offerings. Yes blasphemy, I know, but take into consideration I am a Surefire fan.
2)The light that it produces is excellent. Probably around an honest 70 lumens or so. The beam is flawless and provides plenty of spill along with really good throw for a small LED light. The 3 watt actually compares favoribly with my single cell CREE lights on high.
3)On both the pistol and rifle the light is very easy to mount and handles great. Switchs are very easy to reach and operate. Since it is such a small addition in both weight and size it has a very small effect on pistol handling and NO effect on rifle handling.
4)Using this light in both indoor and outdoor situations shows that it would be perfectly acceptable for out to say 50 yards or so maybe a tad less. Indoors it lights up a whole room with ease and has enough spill beam to identify potential targets WITHOUT pointing the firearm directly at them (low ready). This is good since if one is not on a military operation, it is very likely one doesn't actually want to shoot at every bump in the night whether ye be LEO or home owner.
5)Battery life is great. No actual run times to report but it definitely does better then my Surefire P60/61 mounted on my 870.
6)Durability seems excellent as neither pistol or rifle recoil have phased the light, nor has a few accidental bashes into the wall. The finish at the top of the light has worn off due to muzzel blast from the pistol though.
7)Value is out the park IMO. If you are looking for a 2 celled weapon light I personally think this is the one to get right now. Once the Surefire CREEs become available this might change but assuming the price difference it may not change much.
My quick and dirty two cents.
Chris.
XD45 With TLR-1
SIG 556 with TLR-1
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I've had a TRL-2 since the end of last year and it a very solid light. It's not quite and trim as the X200s but the difference isn't that noticable especially on a rifle. I'm very impressed with the value of this light.
