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Recently I purchased a Streamlight TLR-1S weaponlight from a member of CSF for use on my home defense gun, a Gen. 3 Glock 19. Normally these are retailing online for ~$110 depending on the distributor -- I nabbed mine very lightly used for $80. Let me first say one thing: this thing is awesome.
Streamlight sells several iterations of this weaponlight, including the barebones TLR-1 (simple, 135 lumen on/off), the TLR-1S (same brightness with an added strobe function), TLR-2 with integrated laser, TLR-2S with added strobe function, lower profile TLR-3, and several other variations. I opted for the TLR-1S for simplicity, and to stay cost effective on a fairly inexpensive weapons system. The light comes with several "keys" for use with Picatinny, Weaver, and other common rail systems. There is a Glock-specific key which installed quickly with an allen wrench and adapts the light for use with many of the common polymer weapons systems.
The light uses two of the now customary CR123A lithium batteries, which are sealed into the anodized body via a nice latching rear door, with a hearty O-ring to seal out moisture. Battery life is fantastic and brightness is extremely good, with a nice bright spot pattern that easily illuminates the entire room, with a brilliant spot that is well suited for fast acquisition. The light is actuated via the paddles located roughly 1/4" on either side of the trigger guard. The left paddle provides momentary on/off, and if double-tapped activates the strobe function at a frequency of roughly 8-10Hz. The right paddle, when depressed, clicks on and provides a constant beam.
The light is very low profile, sitting roughly flush with the bottom of the trigger guard, and the bezel extends 1/2" to 3/4" past the muzzle, depending on the barrel and dust cover length of the weapon system. It is lightweight and if anything, aids slightly in muzzle flip due to the added mass below the barrel.
Overall, I'm very impressed with the light. There are only two minor drawbacks I see. The first is simply due to the fact that I currently have the light attached to a compact weapons system. The lens tends to cloud quickly with residue, especially if firing "dirty" ammunition. As the light really doesn't see much use when mounted to the weapon, this isn't much of an issue and is really more of a normal occurrence. The tempered glass lens cleans up with just a quick wipe, and doesn't scratch easily at all.
The second issue comes when the light is stored in a bag. The momentary paddles are easily actuated, and I have arrived at the range more than once to find that the light has been on in my bag for several hours and has drained the batteries. This problem is solved simply by removing the batteries when the light is transported, or by storing it in a case or area where there will be no pressure on the light.
I give the Streamlight TLR-1S a 4.5/5 for a fantastic, multipurpose weaponlight with a great price tag.
But no, I didn't hear it from ya!
