Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
In my opinion, it’s crucial for all defensive firearms to have a weapon-mounted light or WML. With roughly half of every 24-hour cycle spent in darkness, the moments after sunset seem to be the most probable times to encounter a dangerous threat. The ability to visually identify targets is paramount in such scenarios. You can’t shoot what you can’t see, and identification can make the difference between life and death.
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Streamlight has recognized and addressed this crucial need in the market, earning a reputation for innovation and reliability at competitive prices. Among their latest offerings is the TLR RM 2 coming with the new HPL face cap. This model stands out for its lightweight and compact design. The TLR RM 2 LASER weapon-mounted light features the HPL face cap, which concentrates the beam pattern to deliver 22,000 candela. Its ergonomic multi-function tail switch allows for both momentary and constant on modes, along with push-button and remote pressure switch operation. Additionally, a dedicated toggle switch facilitates easy selection of the integrated green laser modes. With its ambidextrous design, this light can securely attach to any MIL Standard 1913 or NATO rail.
Streamlight TLR RM 2 Specifications:
Lumens: 1,000
Run Time: 1.50 hours
Beam Distance: 297 meters
Max Candela: 22,000
Laser Green/Red: 640 – 660 nm / 510 – 530 nm
Output: <5 mW
Battery Type: CR123A Lithium
Battery Quantity: 2
Length: 4.97 inches
Weight: 5.11 ounces
Colors: Black
Operating temperature: -40°F to +120°F.
Water Resistant Rating: IPX4
Variants Of the TLR RM 2
Currently, Streamlight is offering the TLR RM 2 in six different configurations. The one I tested for this review was the TLR RM 2 Laser-G. However, there is also a red Laser-R option, as well as the basic TLR RM 2 which has no laser at all. Each of these three options can be purchased with or without the lighting system. This system adds about $30 and consists of a remote pressure switch, and rail adaptors to mount the switch on your rifle.
Out of the Box
Straight out of the box, the Streamlight TLR RM 2 Laser-G comes fully equipped with two CR123A batteries, a pressure switch, two pressure switch rail adaptors, two screws, a 3M adhesive strip, zip ties, an Allen wrench, an owner’s manual, and of course, the TLR RM 2 unit itself.
Controls
There are two convenient methods to operate the TLR RM 2 Laser: using the built-in power button or the pressure pad. Thanks to its ergonomic design, this weapon light is naturally user-friendly even without the pressure pad. Throughout my testing, I primarily relied on the integrated rubber button, experiencing no difficulties whatsoever. Much like other Streamlight weapon lights, a simple click of the button activates the light or laser. Holding the button down triggers a momentary mode, which deactivates as soon as the button is released—this functionality remains consistent when using the pressure pad.
Built into the side of the housing is a three-position switch. This gives users the ability to toggle between white light only, light and laser, or laser only. It is fairly low profile to keep from getting bumped out of position, yet easy to access and adjust quickly if needed. I particularly value the versatility of being able to switch between these modes on the fly, finding each mode suitable for different tasks.
Pressure Pad
For users who prefer the convenience of the pressure pad, it comes with two rail mounts designed to securely attach to a Picatinny rail. Installation is straightforward: simply choose your preferred location and snap it into place. Two screws are provided to firmly secure the pressure pad into these plastic rail mounts.
While the pressure pad functions perfectly well, I must note that the plug-in connection doesn’t snugly lock into the TLR RM 2. If this setup suits your needs, I highly recommend using a zip tie to keep it securely in place or positioning the pressure pad snugly against the back of the WML housing to prevent any potential backing out of the plug-in connection.
Adjustments
The TLR RM 2 Laser offers both windage and elevation adjustments, which are conveniently recessed deep into the housing to prevent accidental changes. To zero in the laser, use the provided Allen wrench. If using alongside a red dot or iron sights, adjust until the laser aligns with the sights, or slightly below if a parallel zero is preferred.
Another hidden feature is strobe mode which is disabled from the factory. To enable this mode, simply press the power button very rapidly 9 times and hold down on the 10th button press for a second until the strobing turns off which indicates reprogramming was successful. The same procedure can be followed to disable strobe mode, but once it is enabled just double-tap the activation button and the light will start strobing.
Battery Life of the TLR RM 2
Powered by two CR123A batteries, this weapon-mounted light boasts a runtime of approximately 1.5 hours with or without the laser activated. When in strobe mode, the runtime extends to 3 hours, while using only the laser provides a battery life of 11 hours. Although battery performance may diminish in colder climates, it remains comparable to other WMLs in the industry.
Changing batteries is a breeze: simply unscrew the head of the light to access the battery compartment, ensuring no shift to the laser’s zero. Streamlight has also thoughtfully included a lockout mode. To prevent accidental light/laser activation, rotate the head counterclockwise by about a quarter turn to deactivate the light. When needed, simply tighten the head by rotating it a quarter turn clockwise to reactivate the light.
Testing The TLR RM 2
After firing hundreds of rounds with this light/laser combo, I can attest to its durability and reliability. Primarily used on a full-auto 10.5″ AR15, both the laser and light performed great. The laser maintained its zero and the light remained steady even during rapid-fire sequences of up to 30 rounds in mere seconds. For those interested in witnessing its performance firsthand, I’ve shared a video on my Instagram page as seen below:
The TLR RM 2 comes in multiple variants utilizing different mounting systems. However, the Laser-G model stands out with its dual slot and screw clamps, ensuring a secure attachment of the WML. This feature also contributes to maintaining a consistent zero for the laser.
HPL Face Cap
As for the white light, the TLR RM 2 features the new HPL face cap for a longer-reaching, tighter beam. It’s designed to produce more candela while maintaining lumen output. Designed to produce a longer-reaching and tighter beam.
With 1,000 lumens, 22,000-candela peak beam intensity, and a beam distance of over 300 yards, this WML delivers exceptional performance. The custom TIR optic further enhances its functionality by producing a highly concentrated beam for impressive throw while maintaining optimal peripheral illumination. This new HPL face cap can be bought on its own and used on older TLR RM models, however the new ones come with it straight from the factory.
TLR RM 2 Durability
I had no issues with the durability of the TLR RM 2, and it held up great for the hundreds of rounds I used during my review when paired with a 10.5″ AR. Crafted from 6000 series aluminum, this WML boasts robust construction. It also carries an IPX4 rating, making it spray-proof, though it’s not suitable for submersion. This means it should hold up fine in the rain, but should not be held underwater.
SEE MORE: Everything You Really Need to Know About Picking a Long Gun Light
My only area of concern for the whole design is the plug-in for the pressure pad. While I don’t feel the need to use it on the way I have the TLR RM 2 setup, I wish the plug-in would latch in tighter.
Conclusion
When it comes to versatile weapon lights, the Streamlight TLR RM 2 excels on many fronts. Its beam pattern and throw are impressive, thanks to the new HPL face cap. The green laser adds another layer of functionality, providing brightness and ease of use. Throughout testing, it maintained zero reliably, aiding in quick aiming, especially in less-than-ideal shooting positions. The buttons, although standard across several Streamlight WMLs, are responsive and intuitive.
Streamlight currently offers the TLR RM 2 without the laser for approximately $165, while the laser-equipped TLR RM 2 Laser-G/R versions range from $229 to $324, depending on laser color and whether the kit includes a pressure pad. Despite its affordability, this WML feels durable and performed flawlessly during testing, further backed by Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
For those who don’t mind running a weapon light at 12 o’clock, the TLR RM 2 delivers exceptional performance in an ergonomic and user-friendly package.
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Thorough article but none of your photos really show us what the entire gun looks like with this mounted. All of the close up views highlight the unit but there is no perspective.