Police Product Test: Streamlight TLR-1

I have found the lights from Streamlight to be easy to operate, durable, and innovative, as well as affordably priced. The company's TLR-1 is no exception.

Scott Smith Bio Headshot

I have found the lights from Streamlight to be easy to operate, durable, and innovative, as well as affordably priced. The company's TLR-1 is no exception.

It easily mounts on my H&K P30 and on my M4 thanks to its spring-loaded tension screw. The momentary or continuous on toggle is easy to operate with my non-dominant thumb on either weapon. Pressure pads are also available if you prefer them for your long gun.

This small weapon light uses an LED bulb that produces 135 lumens with a runtime of more than two hours. Despite its size, the TLR-1 puts out enough light to identify what someone has in his hands up to 50 yards away. Lighting this much distance gives you time to react and consider your options in a force-on-force confrontation. This also allows you to see the area around the bad guy, not just the spot you are illuminating.

Another plus of the TLR-1 is its light weight: 4.18 ounces. You won't notice the light on your handgun or long gun and it doesn't affect the handling of your pistol. The light will also take a pounding; I have used it on my P30 through numerous range sessions, putting upwards of 300 rounds down range at a time. The light has yet to fail to function properly.

Since most of us are on a budget an even more important area the TLR-1 addresses is holster fit. The TLR-1 fits holsters designed for the M3 from Streamlight and other similarly sized lights, saving you the cost of buying a new holster.

The Streamlight TLR-1 offers the user a quality light in a compact and durable package. If you are looking for a new light for your duty or personal weapon check out the TLR-1.

Streamlight: TLR-1

  • Powered by two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries with 10-year storage life
  • C4 LED technology, impervious to shock with a 50,000-hour lifetime
  • LED Rating: Up to 7,000 candela peak beam intensity and up to 135 lumens
  • Waterproof to one meter for one hour, dustproof
  • Ambidextrous momentary/steady on/off switch
  • Highly accurate sight repeatability when remounting
  • Fits existing light-bearing holsters
  • 4.18 ounces
  • IPX7 rated design; waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
  • MIL-SPEC 810F performance tested

Price: $193.95

Want FREEInfo? Visit Streamlight Online

[PAGEBREAK]

Pelican: 1750 Case

In the world of law enforcement Pelican is a company that is known for quality lights and heavy-duty protective cases that offer an awesome guarantee. While I've reviewed several Pelican lights, I have never looked at the company's protective cases until now.

As more and more agencies are authorizing patrol carbines and shotguns with optics, protecting them while sitting in the back of a patrol vehicle becomes an important issue. Your $5 zippered gun sleeve just won't cut it unless you want to rezero your red dot every time you take the weapon out to use it. This is not practical should you need the weapon to handle a situation.

I suggest a case built to handle the rigors of duty. I have a Springfield Armory M1A with a McMillan A4 stock and 4-16 scope that needed a happy home. For it I chose to use Pelican's 1750 case. It's constructed of heavy-gauge polymer with four double-throw latches to ensure the case stays closed. It also has two reinforced points for locks so the case stays secure.

The interior is closed cell foam padded with a customizable lower insert. Once I had cut out the areas for my M1A and spare magazines, I secured this insert to the base pad using silicone sealer/bonding glue. Now the foam insert keeps the rifle and its gear in place should I have a clumsy moment and allow the case to slide off the bench or down a driveway (not that I have done that, but I have heard it happens).

Since I am a trained professional (those who aren't should not try this) I tested the case by tossing it off of a shooting bench with my M1A in it, several times. The scope did not lose zero nor did the rifle shift in the case. While I don't suggest you try it, I have found the 1750 makes a good chair or elevated nap platform; the walls and locks are that tough. If Pelican's case can survive me, it will survive the trunk of your car and protect your firearm.

Pelican 1750 Case

  • Watertight, crushproof, and dustproof
  • Easy open double-throw latches
  • Open cell core with solid wall design
  • O-ring seal
  • Automatic pressure equalization valve
  • Fold-down handles
  • Strong polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings
  • Stainless steel hardware and padlock protectors
  • 3-piece foam set
  • Personalized nameplate service available
  • Lifetime guarantee of excellence

Price: $347.95

Want FREEInfo? Visit Pelican Online

[PAGEBREAK]

EOTAC: Discreet Pants

Over the last several issues I've reviewed numerous pairs of "tactical pants." While it's all well and good to look tacti-cool, there are times when we need to look more Joe GQ or Joe Casual. For those times we need to wear pants that serve our needs but have discreet pockets and look like chinos or jeans, EOTAC, a new player in the tactical clothing market, offers Discreet Pants in both chino and jean styles.

I have been wearing both styles for the last few months and have received several compliments on how good the pants look and how well they fit. It is unusual for folks to say you look good in your super secret cargo pocketed "tacti-cool" pants, and for them to pass as business casual attire to boot. The Discreet Pants from EOTAC do exactly what they are meant to do.

Discreet Pants lack cargo pockets and reinforced knees and seat, which makes them look like standard chinos or jeans. But don't worry about storage space. A zippered pocket on each pant leg will store your cell phone, light, credentials, etc. The front and rear pockets are scoop cut for ease of access, and deep enough to accommodate a J-frame or small framed pocket semi-automatic pistol without it falling out.

One major difference between Discreet Pants and true casual pants from the mall is the belt loops. EOTAC's belt loops are large enough to handle 1.75-inch belts and are located to ensure your holster can be carried where it should be—not where the loops dictate you carry it. This aids in making a smooth and efficient weapon presentation should you need to, without "feeling" to find your weapon.

EOTAC Discreet Pants will meet your needs for use undercover, in the office, and off duty. They look, fit, and feel good, and are designed with the needs of police and private security operators in mind.

EOTAC Discreet Pants

  • Tack-button closure
  • Action waist with elastic side panels
  • Gusseted crotch
  • Easy access front pockets
  • Heavy-duty ripstop pocket pouches
  • Zippered security pockets
  • Reinforced belt loops
  • Wallet/ID pockets with hook-and-loop closure
  • Oversized back pockets
  • Colors: 204 khaki, black, brown, 205 denim
  • Sizes: Waist 28–48, Inseam 30–36, even

Price: From $56.99

Want FREEInfo? Visit EOTAC Online

About the Author
Scott Smith Bio Headshot
Retired Army MP
View Bio