{"id":414271,"date":"2023-12-20T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-20T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/?p=414271"},"modified":"2025-12-30T13:33:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T19:33:48","slug":"holosun-p-id-vs-streamlight-tlr-1-hl-weapon-light-showdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunmagwarehouse.com\/blog\/holosun-p-id-vs-streamlight-tlr-1-hl-weapon-light-showdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Holosun P.ID vs Streamlight TLR-1 HL: Weapon Light Showdown"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re searching for a handgun weapon light, you may be looking at one of these two lights. The Holosun P.ID and the Streamlight TLR-1 HL are both LED lights for handguns. Both lights are what I would call full-size weapons lights and work best on large to medium frame guns. Lights and optics have become a common accessory for modern day handguns and there\u2019s good reason for it. They improve the accuracy and performance of the shooter. In my opinion, weapon mounted lights are more important than an optic.<\/p>\n

\"Streamlight
Streamlight TLR-1 HL and Holosun P.ID lights. [Photo: Jason Mosher]<\/figcaption><\/figure>Optics help with faster acquisition and accuracy over distance, but lights help you see in the dark. Most self-defense situations take place at relatively close distances. However, even at a close distance, a light can make all the difference. You need to see what you\u2019re shooting, which makes a weapon mounted light extremely important. However, finding the right one is not as easy as it sounds. Holster compatibility, method of power (rechargeable vs traditional battery), and activation style are all things to consider.<\/p>\n

A rechargeable battery is handy and saves a little money over time, but they’re also no good if they go dead while you still need it. Replaceable batteries can be changed whenever needed, but you must buy batteries and keep them on hand. Determining if one or the other is better really depends on the handgun\u2019s planed use(s). I\u2019ve been using both for a while and there are pros and cons to each. Here are some quick details about the Holosun P.ID and Streamlight TLR-1 so you can decide which one is better for you.<\/p>\n

Holosun P.ID<\/h2>\n

A powerhouse in the optics world, Holosun is known for quality at an affordable price. I\u2019ve used Holosun optics for years and I can say from experience that they make a great product. However, they’re not known for their lights and don\u2019t have a million options like other companies. But, that doesn\u2019t mean their light is inferior. I bought the Holosun P.ID (positive identification device) a while back and carried it on a few of my handguns and PCCs. It has held up very well and it\u2019s nice and bright.<\/p>\n

\"Holosun
Holosun P.ID rechargeable light for handguns. [Photo: Jason Mosher]<\/figcaption><\/figure>Like I mentioned above, the first thing that stands out with the P.ID is it uses a rechargeable battery. With the provided 1830 lithium battery, you get 1,000 lumens for up to an hour of constant run time. If you want a lower setting, the P.ID can be switched to 500 lumens as well. Just press both activation paddles at the same time to switch back and forth. The light will stay on the desired setting until you change it back. I used both settings but prefer the higher setting for most applications.<\/p>\n

As referenced above, the Holosun P.ID uses an activation paddle on each side of the light. This allows the shooter to press on the side of the paddle with the support-hand thumb for left and right-handed shooters. This is different than Streamlight\u2019s toggle switch, but I find it easy to use. A fast click of the button turns the light on until you click it again. Push and hold for a couple of seconds and the light turns off when you let go.<\/p>\n

Pros and cons<\/h3>\n

Mounting the P.ID is not as convenient as the Streamlight and is one of my only complaints with the light. A small Allen wrench (which Holosun provides) is required to tighten the light to a picatinny rail. This isn\u2019t as important if you plan to leave the light mounted on the same gun. However, I find myself using the Streamlight on multiple guns because it\u2019s so easy to pop on and off. Whether this is a pro or con depends on what you need it for. I would have preferred the P.ID included a quick release mount.<\/p>\n

One thing that makes up for the P.ID being harder to take on and off your weapon is that it’s charged without needing to be removed. Just attach the magnetic cord to the power port on the bottom of the light. For someone who wants a light on a home defense pistol, this is a great option.<\/p>\n

Holosun P.ID Specs:<\/h4>\n