When it comes to weapon lights, I’m a big Streamlight fan. They present features, functions, and designs that fulfill the roles I need while not breaking the bank. To me, they are the perfect mix and compromise between what I need a weapon light to do and their price point. The new Streamlight TLR RM 2 is a unique long gun light that packs 1,000 lumens in a very modern package.
The TLR RM 2 is modeled like an Inforce rifle light. It has a ramp-like design, and there is a large button at the bottom for activation. The button itself spans the width of the light. Under the button is a port for a pressure switch.
This design is unique for Streamlight and is an evolution of the TLR 7 series of lights. The switch to a rifle light meant an increase in power and an increase in size. The TLR RM 2 uses two CR123 batteries and has a runtime of 1.5 hours. The RM 2 is 4.55 inches long and coincidentally weighs 4.55 ounces. It’s relatively compact and includes an integrated mount.
It clings tight to the rail on your weapon and sticks out a good bit less than my Streamlight ProTac WML. The ramp style design and the integral mount allow you to mount the light any which way you desire. Want a traditional 3 or 9 o’clock position? Go for it. Want a 12 or 6 o’clock position? Why not? Want to do offset designs in various angles and configurations? Go crazy.
I’ve seen a lot of guys mounting Inforce lights in the 12 o’clock position, and the TLR RM 2 can undoubtedly do that, too. It’s made of aluminum versus the polymer body of the Inforce so it can take a beating and keep on ticking.
The included pressure switch has a 90 degree offset port that allows you to mount it at a multitude of angles. The cord is also quite long and gives you plenty of room to stretch things out. The pressure switch comes with a 3M sticky pad, as well as plastic rail attachments, and even zip ties to secure it. You also get Streamlight’s universal rail key kit to ensure it fits on whatever you choose to attach it.
Casting Light With the TLR RM 2
A 1,000 lumens dose of light is a healthy amount of power for a weapon light and is often the power level of choice for long gun lights. While a lot of focus is put on the lumens a weapon light can produce, we don’t place enough emphasis on the candela power (the visual intensity in a particular direction) of a light. A lot of lumens are great, but without the candela, it’s not going far enough to matter. Candela and lumens work together to create a bright beam that reaches out nice and far.
The TLR RM 2 packs 10,000 candela, which isn’t bad by any means, but some may find it lacking for serious outdoor use. The TLR RM 2 is descended from the compact TLR 7 and therefore shares the smaller head design. This limits the size of the reflector and the candela number the light can throw out. For a comparison, the TLR 1HL has 1,000 lumens backed by 20,000 candela, making it a better light for use at longer ranges.
For inside the home or the yard, though the TLR RM 2 is an excellent option. It casts a beautiful, bright beam that eats up the darkness from one side of your field of vision to the other. I can sweep my 2-acre homestead from side to side and feel confident I could establish PID.
The TLR RM 2 is ergonomically sound, and both the body switch and pressure switch are reactive and tactile. If you hold either switch down for more than a second, the light is in momentary mode. A quick click puts it in constant mode.
I like the design and versatility of the TLR RM 2 as well its unique low profile design. I think it’s an excellent light for home defense, and night time predator elimination. The effective range of the TLR RM 2 is shorter than other long gun lights, but the design is also more compact and versatile than most. If I were a LEO or in the military, I’d like a more powerful light, but for the other 99% of us, the TLR RM 2 is an excellent design. It’s smooth, ergonomic, and robust.
Specifications: Streamlight TLR RM 2 Weapon Light
Lumens: 1000
Candela: 10,000
Weight: 4.55 ounces
Length: 4.55 inches
Batteries: CR 123
Battery Life: 1.5 hours
MSRP: $179.00 ($170 street price for this package)
Ratings (out of five stars):
Power: * * * *
Powerful enough for most of us, but duty users may find it a little lacking for rifle range accuracy and positive target identification. One thousand lumens and 10,000 candela eats through two CR 123s in about 90 minutes.
Ergonomics: * * * * *
Light and compact, the TLR RM 2 is an excellent light ergonomically. The TLR RM 2 has ideal button placement and the addition of a remote pressure switch makes it easy to use on any weapon platform.
Bang For Your Buck: * * * *
This package comes with everything you need to run the gun, including the batteries. The $170-ish street price for this package might be a bit much when similar ProTac models are available with more power for less money.
Overall: * * * *
The Streamlight TLR RM 2 is a well-made, ergonomic weapon light that is well suited for home defense long guns. It’s an exciting light design that’s very versatile at a reasonable price.