Streamlight TLR-3 Compact Rail Mounted Tactical Tactical Reviews, Deals, Problems and Guides

9.6
out of 10
10 Positive, 0 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 10 Reviews
Retail Price:
$80.99
Used Value:
$48.59
Sale Value:
$72.89
For situations that require a bright, piercing tactical light, Streamlight has designed the TLR-3 Compact Rail Mounted Tactical sight, which provides a concentrated, high-intensity 110-lumen beam of light. C4 LED technology employs a textured parabolic reflector to concentrate the beam and provide total peripheral illumination with regulated light intensity to maximize battery life. The snap-on and tighten interface allows for one-handed operation, and the ambidextrous momentary and steady master switch makes for ease of use. The durable engineering polymer casing can withstand extreme temperatures and is both impact and water resistant. This sight is designed to fit compact and sub-compact handguns, but can also fit most full-sized pistols with rails. This model comes with six interchangeable keys to suit a variety of weapons.

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4 years ago

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Full Reviews

8
I'm in the military and having a brighter flash light than the guy next to you on the range is like pulling in with the nicest car at the family gathering. This little made my friends a little jealous. It uses one 3 volt battery (1-2-3 for uniformed folk) and bright as the fires of hell. I put this on my glock 30s and it works with the weapon well. I feel I could like I could blind my enemy and put shots where I need to well enough with this little. I still would like to push the durability of the light but it has worked well with the 20+ I've dropped it. Plus price.... your winning when you buy here. You know your going to get your product in a timely manner and tacticalgear.com had the best price out there on the market. I've dropped quite a bit of money here, but these guys have NEVER let me down.
J. Garcia (usmc/ccw), TacticalGear.com
March 16, 2016
10
The TLR3 fit perfectly on my KSG. Very bright and compact. Great product and great company.
Edward M, TacticalGear.com
August 1, 2020
10
Living up to the Streamlight reputation, this is a reliable and compact light that is perfectly designed for its mission. I was attracted to this light primarily due to the small size and brightness. Compared to Insight Tech-Gear's X2 Insight X2 Standard Md: MTV-000-A1, this light is twice as bright. When you put the two side by side, the difference is blindingly clear.

This light mounts easily on Springfield XDm, XD Tactical, and XD Subcompact guns. It also has several "keys" so you can perfectly match the light to your Glock or railed 1911. The light features an ambidextrous momentary and steady on-off switch that is intuitive and no-non sense. You don't need any tools to mount and dismount the light from the gun.

If you are looking for a compact and bright weapon-mounted light that takes one CR2 battery, this is it.
ppmd, TacticalGear.com
April 20, 2011
10
(As usual with Streamlight) this is a quality made, BRIGHT, product.
Having been in Fire/EMS for years I have seen about every kind of product destroyed. This won't stand up to bashing with a sledgehammer but again neither will your average pistol.
It is exactly what it says it is : small and bright.
Size: only the bezel protrudes from the end of a Springfield XD subcompact 9mm.
Fit and finish are excellent, has a solid feel but not heavy. Actually balances the XD which is neutral to(more? neutral).
Brightness: initial measurements are actually brighter than the stated 90 lumens absolutely outstanding indoors and strong to at least 35-40+ yards (and functional beyond that)outdoors in a rural setting.
Functioning: solid, positive, and intuitive.
Installation onto the rail is very quick as the tension screw acts as a plunger for the opposite side rail guide, release of it clamps to the rail. Screw tightens it with no tools. relatively solid(usable)even without tightening. Doesn't work loose under recoil(standard defensive 9mm loads)
Specified key works perfectly for stated firearm rail (in this case Springfield XD Subcompact 9mm)
Took about 3-4 minutes to properly attach key and e-clip using the directions. Used directions to make sure it was properly done since this is a defensive use firearm light.

Absolutely no concerns or complaints with this light. It is what it says it is.
Homeowners/CCW permitees- Definitely
Detectives- probably/yes
Street cops- maybe stick with aluminum ? / only for the sheer abuse that street cop gear takes...
Jay Dee, TacticalGear.com
April 5, 2011
8
I had an older model TLR-2 on an XDM but had never really liked the bulk and weight, and I have always found the laser unnecessary on a handgun (I'm more of an irons, reflex-shoot guy and find that aiming a laser takes too much time). I basically liked the light of the TLR-2 but didn't want the laser and wanted a smaller, lighter package. TLR-3 fit that bill perfectly.

I also own an Insight X2 that I use on an XD9 SC, and while the TLR-3 is billed as a competitor to this light, the X2 is much more compact and easier to remove/mount to the gun than the TLR-3. Though I consider the TLR-3 the superior weapons light (it is *much* brighter and has a more coherent beam), I do not consider them actual competitors - at least in the sub-compact market (the TLR-3 is really just a little too big for it), but I am comfortable using the TLR-3 on a full-sized weapon, whereas I am not as keen on using the X2 in such a manner.

The TLR-3 is not as easy to mount and remove as implied; you really need a tool to do it (though a dime will to as that tool in a pinch); it is difficult to get it as secure as it really needs to be with just your fingertips. That said, mounting is by no means difficult. You do need to make sure it has the correct key in...

All in all, I am very pleased with it for the money, and it is now on my go-to HD handgun. It could be improved a bit, but in its class it has some great features - good beam, compact size, ease of use. No real downsides, it just might not be that "5 star light" for the gun you have in mind, hence my 4 stars.
Kevin A. Burke, TacticalGear.com
April 1, 2011
10
I ordered this light for a Beretta PX4 Storm compact because the TLR-1S I have was too long to fit. I did have to file the width slightly on one of the keys so it would fit in the rail slot but that was it. The slot in the rail is thinner than the one on my M&P. The light is plenty bright and the price was the best I could find. I'm very happy with this purchase.
Darren, TacticalGear.com
June 7, 2013
10
Have had this light for sometime now, and its primary placed on my full size M&P 40. Have fired over two thousands rounds (180 grain federals) at an indoor range with this light.
Tlr-3 is well sized, it almost flush at the front end of the full size M&P 40. So light doesn't get as dirt from muzzle blast and easy to clean. Keys help the light well placed and firm (finger tight would be good enough). Its not heavy at all for its size. Easy to operate with support thump . The light beam will lose lumens around one hour of continues use.
Safety First Kids, TacticalGear.com
May 2, 2011
10
Recently purchased this light for my m&p 40 compact and was not disappointed. Its very easy to use, simple to operate, and can't beat the price.
chooch, TacticalGear.com
December 22, 2013
10
Mounted perfectly to my FNS-9C and I have farther visibility than I plan on shooting with that handgun. Easy usability, and seems durable.
Jacob Watson, TacticalGear.com
July 25, 2016
10
This is a great addition to my Glock 30S. Works well and great value for the price paid. I highly recommend this accessory.
Steven, TacticalGear.com
February 10, 2015