Function over form.... just because it's ugly doesn't mean it doesn't work... - Streamlight TLR-4G Compact Tactical Light

When you take any of the TLR series from Streamlight out of the box the first thing that hits you is how absolutely unrefined, industrial and non-beautiful these products are... but does that really matter, no. The TLR-4 isn't as pretty as the Surefire X-400G. It won't win a beauty contest... ever. What it will do is efficiently light up a hallway, a room or the entire deck of a large ocean going vessel. It will clearly show what your muzzle is pointing at while you designate the target to in which you intend to dispatch to the nether world. That's what Streamlight has always been good at. They make a hard use light/laser unit that works when you need it to. The dazzling green laser is extremely easy for your eye to pick up in even the brightest conditions and against most every background. I haven't lost it yet and I've been able to shoot with it in three states with three very different environments since my purchase. The illumination is bright but hasn't washed me out in glossy white walled locations. I can't say the same for my Surefire X-300. While I really love my Surefire's, they hard focus their lights (except the XC-1) which has blown out my vision a few times. The TLR-4 was surprising to say the least. While bright as a nano sun, the TLR has a wider focal point with a kind of inner point that is a bit brighter. What I'm saying is you get almost 180 degrees of light with a 15-20 degree central bright spot to verify longer shots and distant targets while being able to keep your periphery in view. It's very useful and I'm happy that a company obviously designed and tested this unit with military and law enforcement tactical/combat situations in mind. All in all I would recommend the TLR-4 to anyone that identifies their weapon and the ancillary items they put on it as a tool. If you are looking to win a tacti-cool competition or need to have the best looking weapon out there (you know, the people that don't want a scratch on their gun or they freak out/cry), look elsewhere. If you have an HK45C, this is one of the very few units that will fit your rail and it's a great choice. Surefire, if your reading, help us HK45C owners out. We love your products and you, year after year, let us down. Streamlight, we love you guys too, thank you for being there for us.