Several months ago, I was at a tactical officer’s conference and, like everyone else, was perusing the vendor area and started looking at the Streamlight table.  Streamlight makes an excellent Weapon Mounted Light, which is one reason that the TLR-1s is standard issue for my agency of over 300 sworn officers.

I was interested in getting a TLR-7 for my new Glock 19 since the TLR-1s sticks out past the front of the barrel more than my liking.

The sales rep then introduced me to the TLR-7A, a new variation of the TLR-7 that wasn’t due to be released for a few more months.

From that moment, I knew I had to have one and decided not to purchase the TLR-7, and instead wait for the 7A to come out.  I finally received the TLR-7A from Streamlight and I must say that I am more pleased with it than I was that first day.

The TLR-7A has a new ambidextrous switch that makes it easier to operate than the traditional TLR-1 rocker switch and the original TLR-7 slide switch.  Using your master firing grip on the weapon, the on/off buttons are easily accessed with either the trigger finger or support hand thumb.  Both actuator buttons work the light exactly same way, so if you are using a two handed, primary only or support hand only grip, there is no difference in how either actuator button turns the light on or off.

The TLR-7A come standard with two switch configurations that can be changed based on your shooting style and grip.  The “High Switch” comes installed on the light and I find this one more natural to where I rest my finger on the frame of the weapon.  The “Low Switch” puts my finger too close to the middle of the trigger guard to activate it, making me move more than I like to when drawing down on a target.

A quick tap of the switch turns the light on to constant mode, another tap will turn it off.  If the button is held in, the light stays on until you release it.

The new buttons are a lot simpler to use than the rocker switches on the older Streamlights, and there is no having to remember if up or down is the constant on depending which hand you are using.  Therefore, whatever your personal preference is on how to utilize your light, the TLR-7A will work exactly the same.

I tested the TLR-7A in a completely dark indoor range and target acquisition was not a problem all the way back to 25 yards.  My EDC has a Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight and the dot was not washed out at all.

Changing the battery on the TLR-7A is quick and simple and can be done while the light is still installed on the weapon.  You simply unscrew the facecap assembly of the light and remove/replace the CR123A battery and then screw it back on.  For safety reasons, make sure you unload the weapon and lock the slide open while you are doing this.

The TRL-7A on my Glock 19 fits in my existing duty holster perfectly, just as it did with the TLR-1s, so I didn’t have to change anything on my uniform rig at all.

However, I did have to commission a new custom kydex holster for plainclothes use from my friend Kevin at Tombstone Custom Works (www.tombstonecustomworks.com  IG:  @tombstone_custom_works ) since my existing one was custom fitted to using the other light.  Not a big deal though, one can’t have enough gear right?

The new TLR-7A includes customized ergonomic switches featuring a low or high position to match your shooting style. It features an ambidextrous on/off switch and a rail clamp that is designed to rapidly attach/detach from the side of compact and full frame weapons. Its low-profile design prevents snagging and a “safe off” feature prevents accidental activation, saving batteries.

Product description from the Streamlight website:

• 500 lumens; 140m beam; runs 1.5 hours
• Ambidextrous on/off switch
• Uses one CR123A lithium battery (included)
• Safe off feature prevents accidental activation; saves batteries
• Rail grip clamp system securely attaches/detaches quickly and safely with no tools and without putting your hands in front of muzzle
• 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

Summary:

Cost – List price is about $225 for the TLR-7a on several different websites I researched.  The original TLR-1 and TLR-7 can be found for about $110-$120.  It’s not cheap, but quality usually isn’t.   4/5

Durability – I am just assuming that this product from Streamlight will function and last for years to come, just as my other lights from them have.  5/5

Functionality – With the new updates switches, the TLR-7A is already my new favorite WML for duty use.   5/5

Weight – Very lightweight, especially the smaller size and the use of only one battery.   5/5

Overall rating – 19/20.  The Streamlight TLR-7A has already met my expectations in the short time that I have been carrying it.  I am looking forward to the next several months and using it more at upcoming trainings to confirm all my initial opinions.

So far, this has been the perfect super bright and compact light to install on my Glock 19 for duty use and daily plainclothes carry.

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback.  I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review.  All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

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