Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Streamlight continues transforming the weapon light landscape with the release of the TLR-6 HL. With few companies making lights with sub-compact pistols in mind, the TLR-6 HL delivers performance in an underrepresented class.
Table of contents
Matters of Context
I would characterize my selection of defensive tools as utilitarian or maybe even pragmatic. To sum up my ideology is this. I view any gun I carry for protection as a tool.
With any job, there are several tools with which it may be accomplished. To drive a nail one could use a brick, the back of a crescent wrench, or any number of blunt instruments. A hammer would be the ideal implement but even within its ranks there are a variety of options. Depending on the situation some options are better suited than others.
Without context, there is no way to select the right tool. Imagine someone telling you to get a hammer. Without any information regarding the job, you may be left framing a house with a spike maul.
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Following the same logic, I want to select the most effective self-defense tools. Keeping their intended function in the forefront of my mind.
With the stakes regarding the use of deadly force so high, I dare not feel a sense of security simply because I “carry a gun”. Carrying a snub nose .38 may make me feel like a detective from a 1940s noir, but novelty isn’t going to help me if I need to make a headshot at 30 yards.
The Right Tool For The Job
The application of my utilitarian approach is simple. If I can carry a gun, I want to carry the most effective one I can. For me, that is a Glock 19 with a light and red dot. My current choice is a TLR-7 for the weapon light and a Holosun EPS red dot. This package is small enough for me to effectively conceal, I can make precise shots at distance, I have a bright weapon light to identify and illuminate targets, and the 15+1 capacity is acceptable.
Keeping the utilitarian mindset, I don’t care to carry a variety of guns from day to day. I want to be a master of my trade and have my preferred tool at hand. Of all my guns, that G19 is my choice 95% of the time.
The other 5% mainly consists of when I go for a run and carry a S&W Shield in a belly band. I do this for the reduction in weight and bulk but it always feels like a compromise. The shield isn’t too small to effectively shoot at distance. I use a +2 MagGut spring so the capacity is now acceptable at 9+1 rounds of 9mm. My main concern has always been the underpowered weapon light.
With a light mandatory for all my defensive guns, I outfitted my Shield with the only light made for it at the time of purchase, the Streamlight TLR-6. At only one hundred lumens, this tiny light was not very bright but it was better than nothing.
Introducing the TLR-6 HL
After years of sub-compact pistols being limited by the low output of compatible lights, Streamlight has introduced the TLR-6 HL. This light has the same form factor as the original TLR-6 while boasting a couple of new features. The most notable is a beam that is three times brighter.
Models of the TLR-6 HL (High Lumen) are currently made for the Glock 42/43, standard Glock rails, Sig P365, and S&W Shield 9/40 but more options are expected.
Installation
Without an accessory rail to attach to, this light makes use of the trigger guard as a mounting point. remove the three screws from the light to allow the body to split in half and reveal the laser/light core unit. This unit is the same through all TLR-6 HL models. The outer clam shell is the component that changes to fit each firearm.
Position half of the outer body on the trigger guard, place the light unit inside, and the other on top. Screw the halves together to clamp it to the trigger guard and hold the light in place.
Added Features
This new model improved upon its previous form in two significant ways. First, It has a light output of 300 lumens and 4250 candela. The old one was only 100 lumens and 2000 candela. This drastic increase in output makes a big difference in the effectiveness of this light.
The beam has a moderately wide hot spot with plenty of flood. It is enough light to illuminate targets through the entire range I would feel comfortable engaging with this pistol. It doesn’t have the strength to push through photonic barriers like a car’s headlights but that capability is only expected from larger and stronger duty lights like the X300T.
For its size, I am very impressed with the illumination it offers.
Rechargeable Batteries
The second major improvement in the TLR-6 HL is the rechargeable battery. The old light ran off two disposable CR-1/3N batteries. It’s not an easy one to come by and when you do find them they are expensive. The new light uses a single rechargeable lithium SL-B2 battery which gives about twenty minutes of runtime.
Three of these proprietary batteries are included with the light in addition to a charging case to hold and recharge the two cells that you are not currently using.
The charger is quite handy. Just plug it into a USB cable and it will charge either one or two batteries. It charges each side independently so you can top off one dead battery without affecting the other. Plus, it also functions as a really useful carrying case so you don’t lose the spares.
Not only do the rechargeable batteries make it easier to always keep a full battery in my light, but It also makes training more effective. I would hardly train with the old TLR-6 because burning through those specialty batteries was a bit pricy. Now I can train with this weapon light as much as I want and when the battery gets low I can easily swap it for one in the charger.
Downsides To The TLR-6 HL
The main flaw I found in the old TLR-6 that was left unresolved in the new TLR-6 HL is that it is not water resistant. The control board is very sensitive to water and it is only covered by the unsealed plastic shell.
I recognize that this isn’t a duty light and it is unlikely for your concealed carry pistol to take a swim. However, I have fallen in enough creeks and been caught in enough downpours to know it is at least a possibility.
Laser Adjustment
I can’t neglect to mention that the TLR-6 HL also includes a red or green laser depending on the model. Using the same small Allen wrench used to mount the light. Adjustments have no clicks or markings, simply turn the windage and elevation screws in a trial-and-error manner until the laser matches your point of impact.
Controls On the TLR-6 HL
The operation of this light is relatively straightforward. There is a button located on each side of the unit and is easy to access by either your trigger finger or your support hand thumb. Tap the button quickly for constant on or hold for momentary. Pressing both buttons at the same time will cycle through the three modes. Light only, laser only, or light and laser together. Whichever mode you choose, the light will stay in that mode until you change it.
Read More: Carrying the New Holosun EPS
Conclusion
I am very excited about this light and how it adds to the effectiveness of subcompact handguns; especially for the $150 price. My Shield isn’t going to replace my G19 as my primary carry gun but it will feel like less of a compromise when I do carry it.
Head over the Streamlight’s Website if you want more information on the TLR-6 HL, to see a detailed installation video, or check out any of their many other products.
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