Weapon-mounted lights and lasers are two popular modifications designed to help quickly identify targets in low-light environments. These attachments offer many key benefits. However, many shooters may prefer to keep their firearm setup simple without the added bulk of multiple accessories. If you’re looking for an all-in-one weapon light and laser combo, the Streamlight TLR-6 might be the perfect addition to your handgun. Here is everything you need to know about this tactical gun light.
What is Streamlight TLR-6?
The Streamlight TLR-6 is a weapon-mounted light made to attach directly to the trigger guard for subcompact handguns. It can fit designated models from Glock, Smith & Wesson, M&P Shield, Kahr, Sig Sauer, Kimber, Springfield Armory, Taurus, Colt, Remington, and Para USA. The weapon-mounted light is also compatible with select rail-mounted 1911 models.
To ensure the TLR-6 fits your firearm properly, it is recommended to review the compatibility list on Streamlight’s website.
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The TLR-6 is available with or without the red laser. However, models with the laser have three modes: LED, LED/laser combination, or laser only. The light requires two CR-1/3N Lithium batteries, providing 100 lumens of brightness and a beam distance of 89 meters. The LED and LED/laser modes have an hour of run time, while the laser-only option can operate up to 11 hours.
Depending on the model, the TLR-6 weighs 1.12 to 1.27 ounces and is available in Flat Dark Earth, Brown, or Black.
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First Impressions & Attaching the TLR-6
My first impression of the TLR-6 was that it was compact in design, making it perfect for my Taurus Gx4. The kit itself was simple, containing instructions, a preassembled weapon-mounted light and laser, two CR-1/3N batteries, and a small hex wrench.
Once establishing that my firearm was clear and ammunition-free, I quickly got to work disassembling the light into two halves. In order to do this, I first had to remove the three screws, making sure I placed them off to the side of my workspace until they were needed.
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Installing the Batteries
The next task, and in my opinion, the most difficult part of the installation process, was getting the battery compartment latch open. Streamlight designed the battery door to be tight and secure to prevent accidental opening, and I found the latch difficult to unlock.
After many failed attempts using my fingers, I eventually had to use a tool, which in my case happened to be a coin, to give myself some leverage in opening the door. A flat head screwdriver can also be used.
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Once I opened the battery door, I separated the two halves of the housing, removed the module, and set it aside. Placing my Taurus flat on the table, I fit the first half around the trigger guard, inserting the module into the molded surface and making sure the LED faced towards the opening.
With the second half, I aligned it onto the trigger guard, applying minimal pressure to ensure the two sections joined together, feeling surprised at how easy the installation process was.
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Next, I inserted both batteries into the compartment before closing the door. One aspect I enjoyed about this accessory was that you did not need to completely remove the module in order to replace the batteries.
My last step was to tighten the three mounting screws back into place, being careful not to over-tighten them per Streamlight’s instructions. Upon inspecting the finished product, I was proud that I had not only successfully mounted the TLR-6 to my firearm, but had done so all by myself without any assistance.
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Running the TLR-6
As I established a firm grip on my Taurus, I started familiarizing myself with how the TLR-6 operated. One of the first features I noticed was the ambidextrous switch located on both sides of the unit. With a single tap, it will turn the device on or off. The switch also provides momentary activation when a user presses and holds the switch.
To cycle between the light, laser, and light/laser combo modes, simply press and hold one switch while tapping the other. Once a mode is chosen, it will automatically save when the unit is turned off. To conserve battery, the device will shut off after ten minutes.
As I scanned the environment around me, the light effectively illuminated my surroundings. Given that a shooter utilizes the light in total darkness, I could easily see a target becoming disoriented. Similarly, the laser was easy to spot, ideal for dim conditions or night use, and allowed rapid target identification.
Based on my experience, I would not recommend using this device outdoors or for long distances. It is more for home defense or situations where close-range is required.
Streamlight Hits Another Home Run
Overall, the TLR-6 was simple to install and, more importantly, straightforward to operate. The biggest struggle I faced was opening the battery door, but aside from that, I had no other difficulties. When it comes to handgun modifications, I have never felt comfortable enough to install them myself and always ask for help to avoid any errors.
When installing the TLR-6, I felt I did not need assistance and could complete it on my own. That gave me a new sense of confidence.
If you are looking for a weapon-mounted light and laser for your subcompact handgun, I highly recommend the Streamlight TLR-6. The light-and-laser combo not only adds a sleek, modern appearance to a handgun but is also highly practical for self-defense situations. This makes it the perfect beginner-friendly modification.
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