Streamlight's TLR names follow a pattern. The number sets the size and the host; an even number usually means the odd-numbered light plus a laser (TLR-1 becomes TLR-2, TLR-7 becomes TLR-8, TLR-9 becomes TLR-10). The suffix tells you the output and battery: HL means high lumen, HP means high candela, and X means multi-fuel, so it runs on a rechargeable SL-B9 pack or a CR123A. For a UK long gun, the rifle-specific TLR RM 1 and RM 2, or a TLR-1 HL-X or HP-X on a 1913 rail, are the ones to shortlist.
Below is every current family decoded, with Streamlight's own published figures, and the picks we would make for the platforms British shooters actually use.
Key takeaways
- Odd numbers are usually light only; the next even number adds a red or green ("G") laser.
- X and HL-X models are multi-fuel: they run on Streamlight's SL-B9 USB-C rechargeable pack or a CR123A, with lower output on the CR123A.
- The TLR-1 HP-X publishes 77,000 cd on SL-B9, against 20,000 cd for the standard TLR-1 HL, so choose HP for reach.
- The TLR RM 1 and RM 2 are Streamlight's long-gun lights, and the System kits include a remote pressure switch.
- Host-specific "sub" models are cut for particular pistol frames and will not fit a standard 1913 rail unless they are the 1913 version.
The naming logic
- Number: the family, which fixes size and intended host. TLR-1 and TLR-9 are full size, TLR-7 is compact, TLR-3 is a lightweight polymer light, TLR-6 clamps around a trigger guard, and TLR RM is the rifle-mount line.
- Even number: the same light with an aiming laser (TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-8, TLR-10). A G suffix means a green laser.
- HL: high lumen, a brighter, wider beam.
- HP: high candela. A deeper reflector gives a tighter, longer-reaching beam.
- X / HL-X / HP-X: multi-fuel. The light accepts Streamlight's SL-B9 USB-C rechargeable pack or a CR123A primary (Streamlight TLR-7 X).
- USB: the version supplied with the SL-B9 rechargeable pack.
- sub: subcompact, made in separate versions for named frames and for 1913 short rails.
Family comparison
Output is on the high setting, from Streamlight's product pages or, where marked, from our listing titles. For multi-fuel lights, the CR123A figure comes first and the SL-B9 figure second.
| Family | Size | Lumens | Candela | Laser | Best UK use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLR-1 HL | Full size | 1,000 | 20,000 | None | General-purpose rail light on carbines and shotguns |
| TLR-1 HL-X | Full size | 1,000 / 1,500 | 15,000 / 20,000 | None | As above, with rechargeable option |
| TLR-1 HP | Full size, longer head | 1,000 | 65,000 | None | Reach across open ground |
| TLR-1 HP-X | Full size, longer head | 1,000 / 1,300 | 53,000 / 77,000 | None | Maximum reach in the TLR-1 family |
| TLR-2 family | Full size | 300–1,000 (listing titles) | n/a | Red or green | TLR-1 plus laser |
| TLR-7 X | Compact | 550 / 725 | 7,200 / 9,500 | None | Short rail sections, airsoft replicas |
| TLR-7 HL-X | Compact | 550 / 1,100 | 11,000 / 23,000 | None | Brightest compact TLR |
| TLR-8 HL-X | Compact | 500 / 1,000 | 11,000 / 22,000 | Red (G = green) | TLR-7 HL-X plus laser |
| TLR-9 | Full size, slim | 1,000 | 10,000 | None (TLR-10 adds laser) | Full-length rail coverage, broad beam |
| TLR-6 | Trigger-guard mount | 100–300 (listing titles) | n/a | Red or green | Specific pistol frames only |
| TLR-3 / TLR-3X / TLR-4 | Compact polymer | 170–500 (listing titles) | n/a | TLR-4 red or green | Lightweight budget option |
| TLR RM 1 | Rifle mount | 500 | 11,000 | Laser versions available | Light, compact long-gun light on one CR123A |
| TLR RM 1 HL-X | Rifle mount | 500 / 1,000 | 11,000 / 22,000 | None | RM 1 with rechargeable option |
| TLR RM 2 | Rifle mount | 1,000 | 22,000 | Laser versions available | Long guns, with remote switch in the System kit |
Sources: Streamlight product pages for the TLR-1 HL, TLR-1 HL-X, TLR-1 HP, TLR-1 HP-X, TLR-7 HL-X, TLR-8 HL-X, TLR-9, TLR RM 1 HL-X and TLR RM 2.
UK note
Most of the TLR range was designed for pistol rails. In England, Wales and Scotland most handguns are prohibited under section 5(1)(aba) of the Firearms Act 1968 (legislation.gov.uk). Northern Ireland's Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 contains no equivalent length-based ban. In Britain, TLR lights mostly go on 1913 rail sections of carbines, straight-pulls and shotguns, on long-barrelled pistols, and on airsoft replicas. Host-specific "sub" versions are only worth considering if your exact host, or a replica with a faithful rail, takes them.
Our picks for UK platforms
- Long gun, best all-round: the TLR RM 2 System. It gives 1,000 lumens and 22,000 cd on two CR123As and comes with the remote pressure switch in the kit.
- Long gun, rechargeable: the TLR RM 1 HL-X USB System. It gives 1,000 lumens on SL-B9, or 500 on a CR123A when you're away from power.
- Maximum reach on a 1913 rail: the TLR-1 HP-X USB. At 77,000 cd it has the most reach of any TLR; see the lumens vs candela chart for what that means in metres.
- General rail light: the TLR-1 HL-X USB, at 1,500 lumens on SL-B9 with a CR123A fallback.
- Compact, for short rails or airsoft: the TLR-7 X USB. It is small, light and multi-fuel.
- Light and laser in one: the TLR-8 HL-X USB, with the full range in weapon light and laser combos.
Multi-fuel matters
X, HL-X and HP-X models run on the SL-B9 rechargeable pack or a standard CR123A. That means you can recharge between range days over USB-C and still drop in a primary when you are away from power. The trade-off is output. On a CR123A, the TLR-7 HL-X falls from 1,100 to 550 lumens, and the TLR-1 HP-X falls from 77,000 to 53,000 cd. Temperature matters too: Streamlight rates the TLR-1 HP-X from -20 °C (-4 °F) on SL-B9 but from -40 °C (-40 °F) on CR123A (Streamlight TLR-1 HP-X). If you shoot on winter nights, keep a set of primaries in the bag. The full comparison is in rechargeable vs CR123.
Expert tip
The SL-B9 is not the same pack as the SL-B50. The SL-B50 is a larger 3.6 V, 4,900 mAh pack for the ProTac 2.0 series, including the ProTac 2.0 Rail Mount (Streamlight SL-B50). Buy spares by the pack name printed in the manual, not by the light family.
Fitting points
Full-size and compact TLRs clamp to a MIL-STD-1913 rail, and most come with rail keys for different slot positions. Sub models are made for named frames (Glock 43X/48 MOS, SIG P365/XL, Springfield Hellcat) or a 1913 short rail, so buy the variant for your rail. On a handguard, mount the light where your support hand can reach the switch, or use a remote. Keeping contacts and threads clean is covered in optic and weapon light maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the TLR-1 HL and the TLR-1 HP?
Both publish 1,000 lumens, but the HP's longer head concentrates the beam to 65,000 cd against 20,000 cd for the HL. The HL lights more of the scene up close; the HP reaches much further.
Which battery does an HL-X or X model use?
Streamlight's SL-B9 USB-C rechargeable pack, or a CR123A lithium primary. Output is lower on the CR123A, so check both sets of figures.
Which TLR is best for a rifle?
The TLR RM 2 System, for its 22,000 cd beam and included remote pressure switch, or the TLR-1 HP-X on a 1913 rail if reach matters most.
Will a TLR-7 X sub fit a standard Picatinny rail?
Only the 1913 short-rail version will. The other sub versions are cut for specific pistol frames.
Shop this guide
- Streamlight TLR weapon lights: every TLR family we list.
- Rechargeable weapon lights: the USB and multi-fuel models.
- Weapon light and laser combos: TLR-2, TLR-8, TLR-10 and RM Laser.
- Streamlight: the full brand range, including handheld torches.
