Streamlight TLR4 Light/Laser Combo Review

[plouffedaddy]

Lots of shooters out there think they need a laser and light for their defensive guns but don't want to break the bank to have that capability; that's the niche the Streamlight TLR-4 is trying to fill. Here's what I've found in my testing.

Pros:
-Cost. The light can be had for around $120 shipped.
-Uses one 3V CR2 lithium battery.
-Fits on most modern rail systems and has a couple different inserts for secure fitting
-It handles recoil well. I've used the light on my G20 with hot ammo as well as on an AK with 0 issues from the recoil
-Toggle switch allows either laser only, light only, or both on function modes.
-110 lumen output. It's a nice white light with a good peripheral cone.
-Relatively small (2.7'' long) which a lot of guys like for use on medium frame handguns (G19/P229/ect..).
-Lightweight. Weighs 2.8oz with batteries.
-1.5 hour constant run time.
-Uses a common rocker system for both momentary on and constant on operation.
-Laser is windage/elevation adjustable for zeroing the laser.


Cons:
-It is secured with a clip (see video for explanation/demonstration) to mount to a rail.
-It's not as bright as some lights on the market.

Summary:

It's a good light for those on a budget that want a light they can depend on backed up by a good warranty should an issue ever arise. Is it the brightest light on the market? Nope. But it's probably bright enough for most shooters needs and certainly bright enough to momentarily disorient an attacker if shined in their eyes.

Here's a video showing the light in use on several guns, a comparison with the 300 lumen TLR1 and a 104 lumen LED Maglite, followed by a demonstration of how it mounts and how to operate the light:

 

[Snowdog]

Thanks for this review. I have a Springfield XDM 4.5 (.40S&W) on the way and even though it's equipped with tritium night sights, I wanted the option of positively identifying my target when lighting conditions fall below what I would consider "low light".

I originally wanted a Viridian X5L until I saw the price. I didn't want to risk going with piss-poor quality chinese specials on Ebay either. I found the TLR-4 to be more along the lines of what I'm willing to shell out to determine whether a light/laser combo is right for me.

Your review is among those that helped me decide on the TLR-4 for now, so thanks again!

 

[plouffedaddy]

Glad it helped you out. The Viridian is a steep price tag for sure

 

[SabbathWolf]

I had a Viridian X5L a few years ago.
I sold it though because green lasers eat the heck out of batteries FAST!!!! even if they are kinda cool.

It rains a lot and snows and sleets here too at certain times of the year, so I ended up with the TLR-1s on my guns.
They don't have the neat red laser feature, but I can toss them in the shallow end of a swimming pool for 30 minutes and they still work.

If you live someplace that gets really wet, be aware that the TLR2,3 and 4 don't have the same IPX ratings as the TLR1 series.

The laser feature is pretty cool for sure, but, I would truly reserve it for a HD gun that stays indoors for the most part and not exposed to extreme harsh weather conditions. The Surefire lights with laser have the same lower IPX ratings too. So it's not just a Streamlight thing.
Not knocking the TLR4 at all. But it "is" something just worth mentioning....

 

[plouffedaddy]

Not knocking the TLR4 at all. But it "is" something just worth mentioning....

Indeed. Good points.

 

[SabbathWolf]

I need to correct an error.
The TLR1 & TLR3 have the same ratings.
It's the 2 & 4 with laser that is lower.