Streamlight’s P365 TLR-6 is a Godsend for Concealed Carriers

SIG P365XL Streamlight TLR-6
Streamlight makes the TLR-6 series of tactical lights for multiple guns, including the SIG P365XL. IMG Jim Grant

U.S.A. -(AmmoLand.com)- For the longest time, I resisted attaching tactical lights to my carry guns like the Streamlight TLR-6. Not because they aren’t built well enough or useful enough for consideration, but because I exclusively pocket carry in the summer.

So what? So that makes both concealment, and drawing from said concealment potentially very difficult. Plus, my experience with small tactical lights in the past has been anything but encouraging; the majority are either totally unreliable or so dim to be essentially worthless. In fact, I didn’t change my mind on them until I grabbed one for my SIG P938 9mm handgun – and it totally changed my perspective.

With a 500-lumen tactical light and a fully-adjustable laser, the TLR-6 pistol-specific light offers a ton of functionality in a very small package. Amazingly, this light offers the same performance as the original TLR-1 units that are nearly twice their size! Better yet, this light is designed to stay true to the original size and shape of the gun.

But here’s the thing – other companies in the past have built their own form-following tactical lights that bolt on to the host firearm, and many of them aren’t worth the plastic they’re molded from. Is the Streamlight any different?

In a word. Yes. In two: Hell yeah!

Streamlight TLR-6 SIG P365

Small things can make a big difference, and that’s 100% the case with the TLR-6.  While most clam-shell designs are cheap Chinese toys, the Streamlight TLR-6 uses a combination of three machine bolts and a spring-steel battery cover to create a surprisingly robust compact combination light/laser.

But given its compact size, can the P365 TLR hold its own? Absolutely.

With a somewhat limited 100 lumens of light erupting from its tiny emitter, the TLR-6 casts a wide, but bright beam. This makes sense given the gun’s most likely roles and the limited range concealed carry and home defense shooting occur in.

SIG P365XL Streamlight TLR-6
A high-quality pistol coupled with a bright tactical light makes for a great bedside companion for when things go bump in the night. IMG Jim Grant

The reason the TLR-6 isn’t capable of producing more light is the result of two factors – battery and size. (And these are very much connected) Unlike the majority of Streamlight’s products which run on either a CR123 or 18650 battery, the TLR-6 is limited to a small CR-1/3N Lithium battery. Which is where my only complaint about this light rests.

I don’t have an issue with the price or efficacy of the CR-1/3N batteries, but they can be somewhat tough to find in a brick-and-mortar store. Which isn’t a huge issue most of the time. But in those moments when the battery unexpectedly dies and a shooter wants a replacement ASAP, shooters will be stuck tracking down a very over-priced one at either a specialty shop or a pharmacy. Either way, it’s a small annoyance.

TLR-6 CloseUp
The Streamlight TLR-6 is limited only by its size. IMG Jim Grant

Personally, the TLR-6 would be in a league of its own if it used an integral rechargeable battery. But undoubtedly, this would tremendously increase the price of the little light. But enough wish-listing, let’s wrap up by discussing the performance and features of the TLR-6.

First off, it’s available for multiple firearms – but beware, it’s a gun-specific accessory. Shooters who want one for a Glock 43, need to buy one made for that gun. Likewise, my P365XL uses one made for that model. Though in that instance, the P365 model fits both the original P365 and the P365XL.

All models feature a fully-adjustable laser aiming module, allowing shooters to dial in the light to their preferred load and expected engagement distance. This is achieved by turning two small set screws recessed into the body of the light itself with an included hex wrench. In testing, the laser was visible out to 100 yards in darkness, and roughly 20 feet in broad daylight. As far as the light’s performance, the beam did a great job of illuminating threats within 25 feet in total darkness, and an OK job out to 50.

Overall, with an MSRP of $210,  the Streamlight TLR-6 may seem a little overpriced, but it’s worth every penny. Plus, a cursory search on the internet will yield prices slightly over half of this MSRP, making the TLR-6 a steal!


About Jim Grant

Jim is one of the elite editors for AmmoLand.com, who in addition to his mastery of prose, can wield a camera with expert finesse. He loves anything and everything guns but holds firearms from the Cold War in a special place in his heart.

When he’s not reviewing guns or shooting for fun and competition, Jim can be found hiking and hunting with his wife Kimberly, and their dog Peanut in the South Carolina low country.

Jim Grant

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, Ammoland will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
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Xaun Loc

Hmmm….

This review says:

With a 500-lumen tactical light and a fully-adjustable laser, the TLR-6 pistol-specific light offers a ton of functionality in a very small package. Amazingly, this light offers the same performance as the original TLR-1 units that are nearly twice their size!

But then this same review says:

With a somewhat limited 100 lumens of light erupting from its tiny emitter, the TLR-6 casts a wide, but bright beam.

And

The reason the TLR-6 isn’t capable of producing more light is the result of two factors – battery and size.

So, Jim, which is it?

Courageous Lion - Hear Me Roar - Jus Meum Tuebor

A “god send”? Really? That makes me laugh. Nice set up though except for it’s ergonomics that take some getting used to. I like the Arma Laser even though it has no light. Olight BLDR S are nice too. Most likely they are all being made somewhere besides the US.

ScottM

I like Streamlight, but the TLR6 has it’s own problems. Switch is not intuitive, not very bright, and the mounting system is a weak link. I took the one off my 26 after a few weeks and went back to hand-held for my sub-compacts

Arny

I like my Olights even if they are made in China. They have yet to let me down after a year & half. Rechargeable is what I like the best. I can even recharge it off my JBL J5 speaker, etc.

Chris

Same problem with the TLR6 for my Hellcat…the mounting system is poorly designed and allows movement in 2 axis, consequently the laser won’t hold zero. For me the light is acceptable for it’s size…back to my compact handheld.

Country Boy

@ Chuck….”Likewise, my P365XL uses one made for that model. Though in that instance, the P365 model fits both the original P365 and the P365XL.”

So it does fit the original,and smaller sized P365. $210.00 is a bit steep IMHO though. I wish Sig had used pic rail on bottom.

Bill

It seems to me that 20’ is not adequate for a self defense house gun at nighttime !

Charlie Foxtrot

That would be 20 feet in broad daylight for the laser. Lasers are power-limited by regulation due to safety issues. Any laser is a poor sight for broad daylight conditions, but then, one would not have broad daylight in a home defense situation at nighttime anyway.

Courageous Lion - Hear Me Roar - Jus Meum Tuebor

I’d like to see that 20′ in broad daylight with a 5mw limited green laser. BROAD daylight, not some overcast day with the laser being used in a shadow somewhere. And they are power limited because they don’t want us plebes to have the same as the police and military have. Safety is their lame excuse. I’ve modified some rifle lasers that will work in BROAD DAYLIGHT out of 100 yards in most cases. But they are not 5mw after modification.

Charlie Foxtrot

I would like to see that 20 feet in broad daylight for the laser too. That’s what the article above says, not me. I just corrected the poster.

Lasers are power-limited for safety reason. I work with high-powered lasers and I am not police or military. You can lose your eyesight if you point an higher-powered laser at a reflective surface. Good luck with your “modified” laser.

handload223

I use to love Streamlight products, but with most I have used having the same problems; Limited viewable distance, Chews through batteries and rechargeables short life span and expensive to replace, and finally looks great, but usually (4 out of the 5 tested for the Army) cannot hold up to even the holster test. But for me the biggest complaint is the same with most company’s no or very limited H&K versions. Why put a $210 light with a $99 Glock, maybe on my wife’s Ruger LCP, but that is only because she does not practice near what she should.… Read more »

Charlie Foxtrot

Can you elaborate on the holster test and possibly provide a link? I have my personal reservations regarding Streamlight handgun lights, as I have seen them break.

If you own an H&K, then you are used to being limited! Please post a link to that $99 Glock too.

ScottM

Where can I find some of these $99 Glocks?

Courageous Lion - Hear Me Roar - Jus Meum Tuebor

Where can I get a $99 Glock. I’d like about 20. Please enlighten us. And you must hate your wife. Because with decent ammo that LCP beats the crap out of her.

duckdoo

* grammar* fixed that for you free of charge.

Chuck

I’m a fan of Streamlight, owning several of their flashlights, a couple of them are nearly 20 years old. This light/laser is designed for the P365XL though, which leaves out those of us who own and carry the more shorter P365.