FOG HORN MAY 2020

Twobirds Flying Publications

Streamlight’s TLR-7A

Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.

 Streamlight’s TLR-7A 2020

Streamlight’s TLR-7A Streamlight’s implementation located the

pressure switches on the side of the electronics
By: Sal Palma module.

Some users, including myself, felt that although

the TLR-7 and TLR-8 performed flawlessly it was
in need of improved ergonomics. In November
of 2019, Streamlight addressed the ergonomics
concerns when they announced the Alpha
version of the TLR-7 and TLR-8 designated as
TLR-7A and TLR-8A.

In the TLR-7A, Streamlight extended the

activation controls bringing them closer to the
trigger guard and giving the shooter two switch
profiles, high or low.

Streamlight introduced two new TLR weapon

mounted lights on January 2018, the TLR-7 and
TLR-8. The offerings addressed an important
need for illumination and laser sighting
accessories tailored to the compact pistol
market, but usable on any rail equipped
firearm. They were extremely well received but
if you were used to activating your weapon’s
The figure above is the high position switch,
light via a paddle switch, adapting to the TLR-7’s
which is my preferred arrangement.
ambidextrous side switches was cumbersome.
It took me a while to get use to the new
pressure switches.

Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.


The HK VP-B is wearing the low switch
configuration. If you like the paddle activation
used on the older lights, the low activation
switch will get you there. But whatever route
you take, ergonomics have been greatly
improved over the TLR-7 offering.
Streamlight sells the TLR-7 A in three flavors
high activation, low activation and FLEX.
The FLEX option gets you both high and low tail
switches. Changing them out is very simple,
remove three small hex screws and pull the tail
switch off the light’s body. It will expose the
electronics. My only caveat is to be careful not
to misplace the two tail switch actuators as
they’re small. Streamlight ships the tail switches
with a foam insert to ensure the actuators
remain in place; that foam insert should be
removed prior to installation.
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
Streamlight’s TLR-7A 2020
Performance, modes of operation and
activation are identical to the TRL-7, as is the
Safe off feature, rail mounting strategy and IPX7
water resistance. The TLR-7A is powered by a
single CR123A lithium battery, which delivers
1.5 hours of run time.
Like the TLR-7, the 7A only operates in a 500
lumen high mode; available in constant on by
depressing and releasing the activation switch;
momentary by depressing and holding the
switch, and strobe, once enabled, is accessed by
two rapid switch presses.
In adding the TLR-7A to its TLR line of weapon
mounted lights, Streamlight recognized the
need for improved ergonomics. As compact
pistol frames infuse the market, the need for
high performance accessory light with a
compact foot print is evident. Streamlight
meets that need with the release of the TLR-7A
without compromising the all-important
ergonomics. –SP
 Streamlight’s TLR-7A 2020

Manufacturer Specifications

 500 lumens; 140m beam; runs 1.5

hours
 Custom optic produces a
concentrated beam with optimum
peripheral illumination
 Ambidextrous on/off switch
 TLR-7 side switch model cannot be
retrofitted to the TLR-7A rear switch
models
 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
 Securely fits a broad range of full-
sized and compact guns
 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

Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved