A wise firearms trainer once asked me, “Do you shoot in the dark?” “Of course” I replied. He then told me, “You never shoot in the dark!”.

Shooting in the dark violates one of the NRA’s Gun Safety Rules, Know your target and what is beyond. If it’s dark, you certainly can’t identify your target or what’s beyond. Although I mistook the question as, do you shoot at night?

The lesson was not lost on me. However, at the time, I did not have a light mounted to my conceal carry Sig P365XL. Fortunately, Streamlight had just introduced the TLR-7 sub and there is a model made for the unique Sig Sauer rail.

“Today Streamlight designs, manufactures and markets high-performance lighting, weapon light/laser sighting devices and scene lighting solutions for professional law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive and outdoor applications.” ~streamlight.com

Enhance Visibility and Targeting With The Streamlight TLR-7 SUB

While serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment, there were two light manufacturers that we used; Streamlight and Surefire.

Both were deemed robust enough for the abuse that our soldiers and missions would demand. After I left the government issue gravy train and was spending my own hard-earned money, I continued to be a Streamlight customer.

Their products never let me down and continue to serve me today. As I use my Sig P365XL for almost 90% of my daily carry needs, the Streamlight TLR-7 sub became the obvious choice.

Weighing only 2.4 ounces, the TLR-7 sub doesn’t make the compact pistol feel too front-heavy.

Since the addition of the MagGuts +2 conversion, the P365XL still feels pretty balanced in hand. An ambidextrous switch makes toggling this compact light a breeze.

However, I ordered the “high switch” and notice that it intrudes past the trigger guard. Making an already small opening for your trigger finger a little smaller. With gloves on, you may notice some interference when trying to engage the trigger.

Enhance Visibility and Targeting With The Streamlight TLR-7 SUB

Streamlight TLR-7 Sub Features:

  • Securely attaches to select GLOCK®, SIG SAUER®, Smith & Wesson®, Beretta®, Springfield Armory® and Heckler & Koch® railed subcompact handguns.
  • Click here for data sheet
  • 500 lumens; 140m beam; runs 1.5 hours
  • Ambidextrous rear switch
  • Uses one CR123A lithium battery (included)
  • Safe off feature prevents accidental activation; saves batteries
  • Rail 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 slim subcompact handguns
  • Durable, anodized machined aluminum construction
  • User enabled strobe function
  • 2.58” (6.55 cm); 2.4 oz (68.1g)
  • IPX7 waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Assembled in USA
  • All Rights Reserved. GLOCK®, SIG SAUER®, M&P®, Beretta®, Springfield Armory® & Heckler & Koch® are registered trademarks of GLOCK, Inc., SIG SAUER, Inc., Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Springfield Armory, Inc. & Heckler & Koch. Streamlight has not sought endorsement of this product from GLOCK®, SIG SAUER®, Smith & Wesson®, Beretta®, Springfield Armory®, Inc. or Heckler & Koch®. 

Enhance Visibility and Targeting With The Streamlight TLR-7 SUB

Final Thoughts:

We’ve tested several weapon lights over the years and have had zero issues with the products from Streamlight. The TLR-7 sub is no different. Here are a few reasons I like this over a comparable Olight.

The IPX7 vs. IPX4 rating means the Streamlight is way more sealed for dust and water intrusion. The 1.5-hour run time vs. 40 min run time. The addition of a strobe feature that’s lacking in the competitor’s model. User-replaceable CR123 power source vs. rechargeable built-in battery. And a Lifetime Warranty vs. a 2-year warranty.

For me, the decision to pay an extra 30 bucks for the TLR-7 sub is simple.

 

*This blog was originally published on The Gear Bunker

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