Today we are comparing two lights for the Glock G43x MOS and G48 MOS — the Streamlight TLR7 Sub and the Streamlight TLR6.
The Glock G43x MOS and G48 MOS have been out since 2020, but their proprietary rail configuration has left them with a minimum of good light solutions. We received the Streamlight TLR-7 Sub this week and we are going to run it through a series of tests to see how it compares to another popular light for compact pistols.
First, let’s talk about the pistol. The G43x MOS is chambered in 9mm, has a 3.41 inch barrel, has a ten round capacity, and is slim at 1.1 inches in width. The G48 MOS is the same pistol but a bit longer — it has a 4.17 inch barrel. Either of these pistols make for a slim and potent carry package. In addition, the Shield Arms S15 magazine is available and provides 15 round capacity. This equals the ubiquitous Glock G19. The new slim generation of higher capacity pistols is popular because it carries well, shoots well, and has reasonable capacity. I’m going to refer to both of these pistols collectively in this video as the G43x MOS.
It’s worth noting that the G43x and G48 were around for a while before Glock updated them to “MOS” spec. The MOS versions add an optic provision on the slide, and a slim accessory rail. The rail change is a key reason why these pistols will be able to take a high output light.
One of the first lights to come out for the G43x MOS was the Streamlight TLR-6. This is a 100-lumen light with side buttons and optional red laser. It uses CR1/3N batteries, and attaches by bolting around the trigger guard and latching into the MOS rail. It’s a compact light choice.
The Streamlight TLR-7 Sub for the G43x MOS and G48 MOS is very similar the popular TLR-7, but it is slimmed down somewhat for the slim pistols. It has 500 lumens, utilizes rear switches, and takes a CR123A battery.
By Streamlight’s own specs, the TLR-7 Sub has five times the output and 50% more runtime than the TLR6.
Looking at the specs, it may not be fair to compare the TLR6 to the TLR7 Sub. But we are focusing on lights that fit the G43x MOS. Most available lights that -properly- fit the rail do not have much output. And yes, we know there are hacks to mount an Olight or TLR7A to the G43x MOS, but all seem to be a compromise in repeatable fit, robust attachment, or add too much bulk. But limited availability of proper fitting lights means we selected the TLR6 as a point of comparison.
| Feature | Streamlight TLR-6 | Streamlight TLR-7 Sub |
| Lumens | 100 | 500 |
| Candela | 2,000 | 5,000 |
| Battery Life | 1 hour | 1.5 hours |
| Battery | CR1/3N | CR123A |
| Switch | Ambidextrous Side Buttons | Ambidextrous Rear Switches |
| Modes | Light, optional laser | Light, user enabled strobe |
We ran a series of practical and lab-style tests on these two lights to see how well they compared to each other as well as how well they compared to their spec sheets. While we like the TLR-6 for its compact size and laser availability, the TLR-7 Sub is vastly superior in a number of ways. I suspect that’s why Streamlight has brought it out, and I suspect this is a start of a trend toward higher output subcompact lights.
Our first testing was to run through an outdoor course at night, looking to determine if the difference in output and beam pattern allowed us to see more definition at a variety of distances and various lighting conditions.
When looking through the garage, the TLR-7 Sub provided good visibility in the center hotspot as well as sufficient flood to get good peripheral vision. We could see beyond the Datsun pickup with good detail, plus see around it. These are both important — if someone is in the garage, we would want to see their facial expression while also being aware of anyone else moving about. With the TLR-6, we had visibility in the hotspot area, but the hotspot was much less intense and the flood did not illuminate the rest of the garage in an adequate fashion.
When we moved around the shop to look at the chicken coop and under the overhang, the TLR-7 Sub also was superior. We could see the chicken coop and could see under the overhang with the TLR-7 Sub. With the TLR-6, the chicken coop was only barely visible — note that the video doesn’t show the coop at all, but we could just barely make it out with our eyes — and we could not see well under the overhang. Again, the difference in output is meaningful because it could mean the difference between spotting a threat and missing it.
We approached a running vehicle that had its headlights on. We approached with the pistol aimed inside to compare when we could “punch through” the headlights and see the seats inside. With the TLR-7 Sub the headrests came into visiblity about 4-5 paces (12-15 feet) earlier than with the TLR-6. In this particular example, the 4 paces made the difference between being able to sidestep to the tractor for cover, or not.
We performed indoor testing in a warehouse space at 15, 25, and 40 feet with the TLR7 Sub and the TLR6. The TLR7 Sub performed much better at revealing details in the subject. The TLR6 didn’t put out the light necessary to see as clearly the details that matter — hands and facial expressions. This was further underscored when the subject was shining a flashlight at us.
In this same space, we tried baseboard and umbrella lighting. With a white ceiling and plywood floors, both lights struggled, but the TLR7 Sub did manage to provide some effective lighting. The TLR6 was completely ineffective.
In short, the TLR7 Sub “shone” in the practical tests, pun intended.
The TLR7 Sub performance advantage was confirmed in our lab tests. The first test measured lumens over time. Using our integrating sphere equipment, we installed new batteries and measured each light. The meter is referenced to the TLR7A at just over about 500 lumens and the Surefire X300 at just over 1000 lumens.
The TLR6 put out a max of just under 100 lumens at start, dropping to 65 lumens within 2 minutes, then turning off at 10 minutes. We have measured this a number of times, including using a couple different (new) TLR6s, and each of them effectively turns off at 10 minutes. The light will then turn back on later, but remember that Streamlight advertises 1 hour runtime on this light. We have never found a TLR6 to run for an hour continuously.
The TLR7 Sub put out a max of 475 lumens, gradually dropping over 7 minutes to about 340 lumens, then dropping to and leveling off at 267 lumens at about the 26 minute mark. The light runs and runs, which is what we have seen with our TLR7A. At 1 hour, it is at 254 lumens. 1.5 hours, it’s at 125 lumens. At 2 hours it’s finally below 10% of the original output, dropping to 36 lumens. At 2.5 hours, it’s putting out about 10 lumens, which is dim, but visible.
We noticed that the Sub performance is between about 5 and 25 percent lower than the TLR7A that we’ve tested. Perhaps size or cost considerations drove some component changes between the two. I quite happy with the Sub performance, but I would have expected it to be identical to the TLR7A, and it wasn’t.
We also measured Lux output. We positioned the lights 12 inches from grid paper, then measured at every inch, which roughly calculated to 5 degrees at each move. The Streamlight had more than double the Lux at the hotspot… which is actually a pretty good showing for the TLR6. But the TLR6 does drop off quickly as it moves from center. As an example, let’s take the 5000 lux level. The TLR6 was just over this at 1 inch from center. At 20 feet, this means that 5000 lumens will cast into a circle of 40 inches, or slightly over 3 feet in diameter. The TLR7 Sub provides that level of illumination 3 inches from center. At 20 feet, this is 120 inches, or ten feet in diameter. The practical testing showed the TLR6 having more “tunnel vision”, and this is why. We prefer more illumination and the TLR7 Sub has it.
We shot with the TLR7 Sub. We like the controls on the light, which allow for constant or momentary activation, we believe the switches are lifted directly from the TLR7A. The reach to the switches is shorter with the shorter pistol, and that caused a bit of different grip with our reaction hand for activation. I would need to train more with the Sub to determine if I need a different grip to manage momentary activation. When running with constant activation, I was able to rest my reaction thumb on the rail attachment — reminiscent of the Sig gas pedal. I found this fine for a half a box of ammo, but the rail area and attachment screw is not as comfortable as a gas pedal. I think 500 rounds like this could result in a bloody thumb. In contrast, the TLR6 side buttons don’t lend themselves for momentary activation because they’re on the side of the light. That means constant side pressure, which can drive the gun, plus the thumb may not stay in place under recoil.
Some people may like the fact that the TLR6 doesn’t stick out beyond the pistol muzzle, and some people may prefer having the laser on the TLR6. However, there is a school of thought that muzzle standoff is a benefit. We can press into someone without the pistol going out of battery. As for the laser, the Sub doesn’t have one… yet.
If I’ve not made it obvious yet, I like the TLR7 Sub. I think this is the best weapon light available today for the G43x MOS. We always appreciate more light, and this light provides significantly more than any other proper fitting light on the MOS. It is significant that the TLR7 Sub puts out light for hours. Some people have property, homes, or businesses that take more than ten minutes to clear, and ten minutes is all the TLR6 gives you. If you have a Glock G43x MOS or G48 MOS, and you don’t need a laser, then the TLR7 Sub is a great choice.
The TLR7 Sub was just released, so holster manufacturers are playing catchup. At Werkz, we have worked day and night to design an excellent holster for you. We are proud to say that within a week of receiving the light we have holsters available. This includes our M6 IWB holster, as well as our M7 OWB holster, and we have support for both right and left handed shooters. You can get those holsters now at Werkz.com or find the link in the description. We will also be working on molds for the P365 with the TLR7 Sub; those may be available by the time you’re watching this video.
I’ve liked and carried the TLR7A. The Sub adapts that capable light to the current generation of slim pistols. If you’re in the market for a light for your MOS, the TLR7 Sub is the brightest light available today. Get yours, then go get a holster for it at Werkz.com.
