Streamlight TLR-VIR II (Quick View)
| Best For | Night Vision Pistols, Compact AR Builds, CQB Drills, Budget NVG Setups |
| Laser Class | Class 1 IR Laser + 300-Lumen Visible White Light |
| Mounting | MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny / Universal Pistol Rail Interface |
| Key Feature | Dual-Mode IR Laser + White Light in One Civilian-Legal Unit |
If you’ve been searching for a budget-friendly IR laser and white light combo that’s civilian-legal and actually holds up under use, the Streamlight TLR-VIR II punches way above its weight. While most compact units in this price range either skip the IR or tack it on poorly, the TLR-VIR II gives you a legit Class 1 IR laser and a usable 300-lumen white light — all in a slim, rail-mounted package built for night vision pistols or SBRs.
Where other budget lasers feel like airsoft gear, the TLR-VIR II offers real-world control and capability. The white light is bright enough for home defense or close-quarters training, while the IR laser is clear and consistent under dual tubes, making it ideal for passive aiming at typical handgun distances. It’s compact, rugged, and won’t force you into weird mounting workarounds just to run a light and IR together.
Mounting is quick and simple via its universal clamp, and activation is intuitive — rear toggles give you momentary or constant-on access without needing an external tape switch. Whether you’re setting up a dedicated NVG pistol, outfitting an SBR, or looking to train for night work on a budget, the TLR-VIR II is one of the most practical low-cost options available.
At Voodoo Firearms, we’ve seen plenty of shooters frustrated with overpriced clone gear or unreliable knockoffs. The TLR-VIR II delivers clean IR function, usable white light, and rock-solid mounting at a price point that leaves room for ammo. If you’re starting your night vision journey, this is the smartest first step you can take.
📜 Quick Navigation
Streamlight TLR-VIR II Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Laser Type | IR Laser (Class 1 < 0.7 mW) |
| White Light | ✅ Yes – 300-lumen visible white LED |
| IR Illuminator | ❌ No – IR pointer only, no built-in flood |
| Housing Material | Aluminum/Polymer Hybrid |
| Mounting | MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny + Universal Pistol Rail Interface |
| Activation | Ambidextrous Rear Toggle Switch (Momentary + Constant) |
| Battery | 1× CR123A Lithium |
| Battery Life | ~1.5 Hours (White Light) / ~12+ Hours (IR Laser Only) |
| Laser Visibility | IR Laser: 25–50m under Gen 3 NODs |
| Adjustments | Windage & Elevation Screws (Tool-Required) |
| Weight | 3.82 oz (108 g) with Battery |
| Dimensions | 3.3″ × 1.5″ × 1.8″ |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 – Submersible to 1 Meter (30 Minutes) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°F to +120°F |
| MSRP | $399.99 |
| Best Use Case | Night Vision Pistols, CQB SBRs, Force-on-Force Training, Budget Builds |
🆚 Comparison Table: TLR-VIR II vs Holosun RML IR vs Steiner TOR MINI-IR
| Feature | Streamlight TLR-VIR II | Holosun RML IR (Full Review) | Steiner TOR MINI-IR (Full Review) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Type | Class 1 IR Laser + Visible White Light | Class 1 IR Laser Only | Class 1 IR Laser Only |
| Built-in White Light? | ✅ Yes – 300-lumen white LED | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Night Vision Compatible? | ✅ Yes – IR pointer for passive aiming | ✅ Yes – IR pointer for NVG use | ✅ Yes – IR pointer for NVG use |
| IR Illuminator Power | ❌ None – IR pointer only | ❌ None – IR pointer only | ❌ None – IR pointer only |
| Mount Type | Universal Rail Clamp (Picatinny / Pistol) | Picatinny-compatible screw clamp | Tool-free pistol rail clamp |
| Activation | Ambidextrous toggle paddles | Side button + remote port | Tap-to-activate (auto-shutoff) |
| Battery Type | 1× CR123A | 1× CR123A | 1× CR1/3N |
| Battery Life | ~1.5 hrs (light) / 12+ hrs (IR only) | Up to ~6 hours (IR laser only) | ~3 hours (IR laser only) |
| Housing Material | Aluminum + Polymer | 7075-T6 Aluminum | 6061-T6 Aluminum |
| Zeroing Adjustments | Tool-required windage & elevation | Tool-adjustable dials | Tool-adjustable with tactile clicks |
| Daylight Visible? | ❌ No – IR only laser | ❌ No – IR only laser | ❌ No – IR only laser |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 – 1m for 30 mins | IP67 – Fully sealed | IPX4 – Splash-resistant |
| Weight | 3.82 oz (with battery) | 4.2 oz (with battery) | 2.1 oz (with battery) |
| Size (L×W×H) | 3.3″ × 1.5″ × 1.8″ | 2.9″ × 1.4″ × 1.3″ | 2.4″ × 1.2″ × 1.1″ |
| MSRP | $399.99 | $289.99 | $459.00 |
| Best Use Case | NVG pistol setups, SBR defense builds, budget IR training | Compact NV-capable pistols or PDWs | Covert IR-only handgun applications |
| Buy Link | 🔗 Check Price |
🔗 Check Price |
🔗 Check Price |
🛡️ Why We Recommend the Streamlight TLR-VIR II
- 💥 Unmatched IR Beam Quality – Class 1 IR pointer + 850nm LED flood delivers crisp, co-aligned output with usable divergence for CQB and beyond — perfect for dual-tube NODs and passive aiming on pistols or PDWs.
- 💥 Modular Ergonomics – Run it on either side with ambi paddle switches and a rear port that supports Unity, ModButton, or SureFire remotes for rifle use.
- 💥 Duty-Ready Construction – IPX7 waterproofing, aircraft-grade aluminum housing, and proven Streamlight reliability make this ideal for night training, defense, or LE use.
- 💥 Compact & Legal – One of the only IR laser/light combos you can legally buy and carry — all in a compact footprint that mounts to pistols, SBRs, or truck guns without bulk.
Bottom line: The Streamlight TLR-VIR II is the best affordable IR laser + illuminator for civilians — especially if you’re running night vision on a pistol or compact carbine. Simple, legal, rugged, and ready to go.
Streamlight TLR-VIR II Review
Key Features:
- Compact IR Laser + Illuminator – Combines a Class 1 IR aiming laser and infrared LED illuminator into a low-profile weapon light format. It’s perfect for night vision pistols or lightweight SBR builds.
- Built-in White Light Toggle – The TLR-VIR II adds a 300-lumen white light mode alongside its IR functions, making it viable for both daytime and night vision use without extra gear.
- User-Friendly Paddle Controls – Rear toggle levers allow quick switching between IR and white light modes. Works well with gloved hands and doesn’t require a pressure pad.
- Ultra-Lightweight for Handguns – Weighs just 3.82 oz with battery and mounts to any standard rail. It won’t throw off balance on pistols, PDWs, or home defense AR pistols.
- Reliable Streamlight Construction – Aircraft-grade aluminum housing with IPX7 waterproof rating ensures real-world durability. Runs on a single CR123A with up to 12 hours in IR mode.
- Budget-Friendly IR Entry Point – At around $300, the TLR-VIR II is one of the most affordable IR laser + illuminator combos on the market, without sacrificing usability or build quality.
Most budget lasers say they’re “NVG-capable,” but fall flat under pressure — weak IR output, limited range, or cluttered beam patterns. The Streamlight TLR-VIR II skips the hype and delivers real dual-mode performance in a compact, pistol-sized format. You get an actual Class 1 IR laser, IR illuminator, and a 300-lumen white light — all packed into a lightweight housing trusted by professionals, LEOs, and night shooters alike.
Whether you’re outfitting a concealed NVG pistol, home defense carbine, or want a low-profile IR solution that doesn’t break the bank, the TLR-VIR II is the go-to option for practical IR use without the clutter or cost of full-sized units.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what we like and dislike about the TLR-VIR II:
✅ Pros
- True Dual-Mode IR Capability – Packs both a Class 1 IR laser and IR illuminator into a compact pistol-ready unit that works under NODs.
- Built-In White Light – 300-lumen visible white light adds passive PID capability and day/night flexibility — excellent for defensive carry and low-light drills.
- Compact, Lightweight Design – Fits most railed pistols and PCCs with minimal profile and just 3.82 oz weight (with battery).
- Affordable NVG Entry Point – One of the most budget-friendly ways to get into night vision aiming with a legit, functional IR device.
- Simple Controls – Rear toggle switch and ambidextrous paddles make mode switching intuitive, even under stress or gloves.
❌ Cons
- Fixed IR Flood – IR illuminator beam is fixed and not adjustable for divergence like high-end units (limited flexibility).
- No Modular Mounting – Designed for pistols; limited rail placement options compared to AR-specific lasers like the MAWL or DBAL-A3.
- Shorter IR Range – Class 1 IR laser is effective to ~25–50m under NODs, which may limit use on longer-barreled carbines.
Is the TLR-VIR II Worth It?
Yes — if you need an affordable, compact IR laser/light combo that’s fully civilian-legal.
The Streamlight TLR-VIR II is one of the most accessible night vision–compatible units on the market. It combines a visible white light, Class 1 IR illuminator, and IR aiming laser — all in a lightweight, pistol-sized body that mounts to any standard Picatinny or Glock rail. At this price point, there’s nothing else that offers this much functionality in such a compact footprint.
While it won’t outshine the MAWL or DBAL in power or range, the TLR-VIR II delivers reliable IR capability for CQB, handgun NV training, or short-range rifle work. It’s an excellent choice for first-time NOD users or anyone building a budget-conscious night vision platform without sacrificing legality or utility.
If you’re looking for a true white light and IR laser/illuminator combo that works on pistols or rifles, the TLR-VIR II is absolutely worth it — and punches way above its weight.
What Sets the TLR-VIR II Apart?
The Streamlight TLR-VIR II isn’t trying to compete with MAWLs or DBALs — it’s playing a different game entirely. This is one of the only affordable units that combines a Class 1 IR laser, IR illuminator, and visible white light in a single compact housing, making it ideal for pistols, PDWs, or short-barreled rifles under night vision.
While most civilian IR lasers at this price point require bolt-ons, external tape switches, or visible-only operation, the TLR-VIR II keeps things simple and functional. You get a dual-function IR aiming module paired with a solid white light, all activated through a single paddle system, with no extra cables or remotes required.
Designed for Glock-style rails and standard Picatinny, it fits directly onto most modern handguns and carbines. The lightweight polymer housing stays out of the way and adds minimal bulk — while still offering full IR compatibility for close-quarters NV use.
The biggest advantage? You’re getting a true night vision–capable aiming and ID system for under $400 — fully legal, compact, and versatile enough for everyday carry guns, bump-in-the-night rifles, or home defense NV builds.
Personal Experience
We’ve run the Streamlight TLR-VIR II on multiple pistols and short-barreled carbines, including Glock 19 MOS builds and 10.3-inch suppressed AR pistols. Paired with Gen 3 dual-tube NODs and standard helmet-mounted lights, the TLR-VIR II proved more capable than expected for such a compact unit.
The IR aiming laser held zero reliably through range sessions and recoil. While the IR illuminator is limited in range and brightness, it’s more than enough for indoor use, hallway-length engagements, or low-light navigation at CQB distances.
The setup was plug-and-play. The paddle switches were easy to operate even with gloves, and the single housing simplified our loadout — no pressure switches, no extra rail clutter, just one unit doing both white light and IR work.
No shift in zero. No unexpected flickering. Just a consistent, affordable option that punches above its weight, especially for compact NV-capable pistols or truck guns.
It’s ideal for:
- Night-Ready Pistols & PDWs – The TLR-VIR II is a compact IR laser and illuminator combo built for handgun and subgun applications. It’s perfect for night vision-capable sidearms or PDWs where rail space and simplicity matter.
- Budget-Friendly NVG Builds – For shooters who want basic IR capability without dropping $2,000+, the TLR-VIR II delivers entry-level passive aiming and navigation lighting at a price that makes sense for home defense and training.
- Truck Guns & Urban Defensive Setups – With integrated white light and IR in one unit, it’s ideal for minimalist rifles or pistols kept in vehicles or staged for quick access, without needing separate lights or laser modules.
- Low-Light Training & Navigation – While not designed for long-range passive aiming, the TLR-VIR II gives you usable IR illumination for moving through structures, clearing hallways, and performing weapon manipulations under NODs.
Why We Like It:
The Streamlight TLR-VIR II is one of the few IR laser/light combos that actually makes sense for civilians running night vision on a budget. It’s compact, functional, and delivers solid IR illumination and aiming capability in a pistol-sized package — all without breaking the bank.
What makes it stand out:
- All-in-One White & IR – Combines white light, IR illuminator, and IR laser in a single unit — ideal for low-profile handguns, PDWs, or minimalist NV-capable rifles.
- Budget-Friendly NVG Capability – One of the only true IR laser options under $400 that’s reliable, durable, and compatible with Gen 3 NODs for basic passive aiming.
- Compact & Lightweight – Weighs just 3.8 oz and mounts cleanly to any full-size pistol or subgun with a Picatinny or Glock-style rail.
- Intuitive Controls – Ambi paddles offer instant momentary or constant activation, and you can toggle between VIS/IR modes with a simple lever flip.
If you’re looking for a real laser system for night vision work, truck guns, or low-light defense — and you don’t want to drop $1,500+ on restricted gear — the Streamlight TLR‑VIR II is a high-value option. It’s fully civilian-legal, lightweight, and durable, with both a Class 1 IR laser and 300‑lumen white light built in. Ideal for pistols, SBRs, or everyday defensive builds, the TLR‑VIR II delivers practical IR functionality under nods and offers mission-ready reliability without compromise.
Streamlight TLR-VIR II Setup & Zeroing
Mounting and zeroing the Streamlight TLR-VIR II is simple, but getting the most out of this compact laser/light combo requires proper alignment, rail placement, and illumination control — especially if you’re using it for passive aiming under NODs.
Here’s how to get it set up right:
- Mounting Placement – The TLR-VIR II uses a rail clamp system compatible with most standard 1913 Picatinny or Glock-style rails. For pistol use, mount forward enough to avoid muzzle flash interference. For rifles, consider running it at 3 or 9 o’clock depending on support-hand access and light spill.
- IR Laser Zeroing – Zero the IR aiming laser at night with your preferred NODs using a 25–36 yard target. The IR and VIS lasers are co-aligned, so you can also rough-zero using the visible laser first in low-light, then fine-tune under nods.
- IR Illuminator Use – The integrated 850nm IR floodlight is not focusable but provides solid output for pistol-range PID and short-distance navigation. Use the momentary or constant-on paddle switch to toggle modes (IR laser, IR light, or both).
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a spare CR123A battery on hand, especially for colder temps — runtime in IR mode is solid, but thermal drop-off can shorten performance in winter conditions. Also consider pairing with a Modlite or white light in dual setups if using on a rifle.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy?
Suppose you’re looking for a compact, budget-friendly IR laser and illuminator that’s legal for civilian use and ready to run on either pistol or rifle. In that case, the Streamlight TLR-VIR II is a no-brainer. It’s one of the only under-$400 units on the market that combines a functional Class 1 IR laser, usable IR flood, visible laser, and white light — all in a duty-rated body.
Whether you’re a night vision beginner or setting up a discreet truck gun or home defense carbine, the TLR-VIR II gives you real-world capability without the NFA headache or four-figure price tag. It’s not a MAWL or RAID-X, but it gets the job done — and then some.
| Best For | Night Vision Pistols, Compact AR Builds, CQB Drills, Budget NVG Setups |
| Laser Class | Class 1 IR Laser + 300-Lumen Visible White Light |
| Mounting | MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny / Universal Pistol Rail Interface |
| Key Feature | Dual-Mode IR Laser + White Light in One Civilian-Legal Unit |
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❓ FAQ – Streamlight TLR-VIR II Laser Questions
Q: How does the Streamlight TLR-VIR II activate?
A: The TLR-VIR II uses Streamlight’s signature ambidextrous toggle paddles located at the rear of the unit. You can switch between white light, IR light, and IR laser modes by rotating the side selector dial. Momentary and constant-on functions are built into the paddles for easy use with gloves or under stress.
🔥 Tactical Insight: Many users run the TLR-VIR II in IR mode at all times during night ops. Paddle up for momentary light, paddle down for constant-on, simple muscle memory under nods.
Q: Is it hard to mount the TLR-VIR II on a rifle or pistol?
A: Not at all. The TLR-VIR II comes with Streamlight’s rail clamp system and is compatible with standard Picatinny or Glock-style rails. It mounts easily to rifles, pistols, or subguns — no tools required.
🛠️ Pro Tip: For rifle setups, use an offset mount or rail adapter to clear pressure switches or suppressors. For pistols, ensure compatibility with your holster system before relying on it for carry.
Q: Does the TLR-VIR II include a visible laser?
A: Yes. The TLR-VIR II includes a red visible laser in addition to the IR laser. This makes it usable during daytime training and quick zeroing before switching to IR-only mode under night vision.
🎯 Bonus Tip: Zero the visible laser at your desired distance in daylight, then confirm your IR laser under nods — they’re nearly co-aligned, which saves time and ammo.
Q: What battery does the TLR-VIR II use, and how long does it last?
A: The unit runs on a single CR123A lithium battery. Expect around 2.5–3 hours of runtime depending on the mode (IR, visible, or white light).
🔋 Real-World Insight: IR illumination draws more power than the laser. Always carry a spare CR123A battery — especially in cold weather or extended night ops.
Q: Is the TLR-VIR II durable enough for duty use?
A: Yes. The TLR-VIR II is machined from 6000-series aluminum, has a hardcoat anodized finish, and is IPX7-rated for water resistance. It has been tested in rugged environments by LE and military units and holds up well on both handguns and carbines.
💪 Hard Use Insight: The TLR-VIR II performs reliably even on suppressed SBRs and patrol rifles. It’s one of the few budget-friendly IR laser/light combos you can trust to survive real-world abuse.
Written by the Voodoo Firearms Team
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