Jim Grant reviews and shoots the Streamlight TLR-8 Sub Weaponlight for the SIG P365 handgun.
U.S.A. -(AmmoLand.com)- One of the features of modern concealed carry guns that predicated my adoption of them was their ability to accept tactical lights like the Streamlight TLR-8 Sub. This is because accessories like the Streamlight allow me to customize my carry firearm to meet my needs without spending a small fortune. So what does the TLR-8 SUB offer that makes it so worthwhile? Let’s take a look.
Streamlight TLR-8 Sub
The Streamlight TLR-8 SUB is the latest addition to Streamlight’s lineup of compact tactical weapon lights designed specifically for specific concealed carry firearms. Built from anodized aluminum, the TLR-8 Sub is available in four different configurations – one for the SIG P365/365XL, another for the Glock 43X/48 Rail or MOS, a third for the Springfield Hellcat, and the fourth model with a standard 1913 rail for use on dozens of different firearms. For our review, I chose the SIG 365 model since I currently carry a P365 MACRO with a compact 365 frame installed.
All models ship with a 500-lumen flashlight with two pairs of interchangeable pressure switches at the rear and a fully adjustable laser sight. The entire unit is powered by a single included CR123 battery and has a runtime of around 90 minutes with both the light and laser enabled, while using just the laser will give a shooter a whopping 60 hours of power.
The TLR-8 Sub ships with an Allen key to adjust the laser’s zero, as well as a special tool for swapping out the pressure switch at the rear and installing the light on your host gun. Though if you don’t have the tool handy, a 9mm cartridge or a penny can tighten the set screw on the TLR-8 Sub.
TLR-8 Sub Testing
Due to becoming a father again recently and some pretty rough weather, my testing on the TLR-8 Sub has been somewhat limited; I only had a chance to fire 150 rounds of 9mm through my SIG P365 Macro with the unit attached. (I also carried the gun with the TLR-8 Sub on it for a few hours to run errands.) But in that time, the light has been great – providing more than enough illumination for indoor use during the day and plenty for outdoor use in low or no light conditions.
As far as the laser, the laser aiming module (LAM) worked great and held zero flawlessly. I ran my steel plates fairly quickly, using only the laser to aim. But there is one issue I wanted to mention: the polarized lens of the SIG Romeo Pro Sight I have on my Macro partially filters out the laser, making it difficult to see during the day. Not a huge issue since if you’re using your sights, you don’t need the laser. But I still feel like it’s something shooters should be aware of.
Verdict
With an MSRP of $389, (cheaper $ online), the Streamlight TLR-8 Sub might seem a little too pricey to really get shooters excited. The good news is that Streamlight products are rarely sold at MSRP and normally well below. If you want a well-made weapon light with an integrated laser sight, the Streamlight TLR-8 Sub offers the best bang for your buck. And as someone who has carried Streamlight products for more than five years, I absolutely believe in and trust my life with them.
Specifications:
- MPN: 69417
- UPC: 80926694170
- Manufacturer: Streamlight
- Color: Black
- Beam Color: White
Light Output: 500 lumens - Bulb Type: LED
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 2.77 oz
- Attachment/Mount Type: Rail
- Gun Model: SIG Sauer P365
- Length: 2.51 in
- Beam Distance: 141 m
- Battery Life: 1.5 hours
- Weather Resistance: Yes
- Finish: Anodized
- Gun Make: SIG Sauer
- Battery Type: CR123A
- MSRP: $389.55
Read this Related Review: SIG P365 X-Macro Pistol – Concealed Carry Handgun Mastery
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, their son, and their dog Peanut in the South Carolina low country.
@jh45gun Grant – what holster do you use with this P365 setup? I have a similar EDC and was looking to purchase same light but having a hard time finding a holster before I purchase streamlight.
Thank you!
For that price the 2nd rate SIG should come with the light. SIG disgusts me with their lousy customer service. How about a SIG P320 blowing up TWICE in full sized 357 SIG caliber? “It’s the ammo” they said. LIARS. It was the pistol extracting early. Did they make good with it? NOPE. How about a SIG P226 GERMAN version with the “K” Kote that the rail fell off of with a few more than 1000 rounds through it? Their “lifetime warranty” got me a CUSTOMER RETURNED plain Jane P226 as the replacement. Their customer service STINKS. And about that… Read more »