Last Updated on September, 2023
Shotgun lights make great partners to any shotgun and are a must have for any shotgun enthusiast, exploring the night!
Regardless of how you plan on using a shotgun flashlight, a tactical flashlight mounted on a shotgun provides you with HANDS-FREE illumination when using your shotgun at night.
After carefully hand-testing dozens of flashlights and researching so many others, I have for you the 7 BEST shotgun flashlights that have the BEST features and applicability.
Everything that needed to be considered, such as DURABILITY and LIGHT OUTPUT, was considered in the selection of the BEST 7.
Not only will you find a selection of some AMAZING shotgun lights, but this list will also teach you exactly what to look for when buying that PERFECT shotgun flashlight.
Hence, without further ado, let’s dive into our selection of the BEST 7 shotgun flashlights on the market.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Best Shotgun Flashlights
These flashlights have been chosen after careful hand-testing and consideration. I hand-tested each and every flashlight on this list, so you can also TRUST the information in this article to make an informed decision on the purchasing of YOUR shotgun flashlight.
1. Streamlight TL-Racker Shotgun Forend LED Light (Editor’s Choice)
Do you also love sleek-looking and powerful shotgun flashlights? Then, Streamlight Tl-Racker is the BEST solution.
For starters, this is a VERY powerful shotgun flashlight that emits 1000 lumens with 20,000cd intensity. The crispness of the beam is because of the Borofloat® glass in it.
The peak beam throw? Impressive 283m that runs for 1.5 hours.
The design quality of the light is as impressive. The TL-Racker has an elongated switch pad that suits pretty much ANY hand size (unless you’re Bigfoot).
This amazing fit is complimented by the ambidextrous switch with momentary and constant on functionality. The ergonomic design will ensure that the grip will not slip.
In other words, you can focus on the shotgun more while the flashlight works comfortably.
The Streamlight TL-Tracker is Mossberg® and Remington® models compatible, allowing you more usability options. You never have to worry whether you’ll hurt the light thanks to its virtually indestructible, super-tough body.
If that’s not enough, the flashlight is also IPX7 waterproof rated, so you can use a flashlight-ed shotgun even under rain. Its glass is high-temp shock-mounted, so you’re safe there too.
The flashlight’s dimensions impressed me, too. With a length of 8 inches and a weight of 12.1 oz, it’s safe to say the TL-Racker is built for convenient illumination.
Streamlight is considerate enough to give you a full walkthrough on how to mount the light; it’s on the product page.
Powered by 2 CR123A lithium batteries (included), you can get this flashlight in either orange or black.
The cherry on top is that not only is the TL-Racker USA-made, but it also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
What more can you really ask for?
- Maximum output of 1000 lumens with 20,000cd intensity
- Has a Borofloat® glass
- Peak beam throw of 283m
- Has an ergonomic elongated switch pad
- Has an ambidextrous switch
- Compatible with Mossberg® and Remington® models
- The glass is high-temp shock-mounted
- IPX8 waterproof rated
- Length of 8 inches and weight of 12.1oz
- Mounting full walkthrough is available (video)
- 2 CR123A lithium batteries (included)
- Available in orange or black
Pros
Cons
2. Nightstick Shotgun Forends LED Light (#2nd Best Choice)
Can’t find the Streamlight TL-Racker? Don’t worry; you’ll like the second-best shotgun light: Nightstick Shotgun Forends LED Light.
What makes this special? Let’s find out.
For starters, it’s a little bit heavier than the SureFire light, weighing 17.5oz. It’s 7.1’’ long with a 1.3’’ bezel dia. The brand recommends it for Mossberg® models so that the usability advantage is there.
This flashlight emits powerful 1200 lumens of white light that runs for 1.5 hours, which is very impressive.
Although it doesn’t have superior optical technology as the first two options, the Nightstick shotgun light has a deep parabolic reflector that results in a focussed beam.
A corresponding 203m beam throw elevates the usability value of the bright light.
Did I mention the green laser? This is a unique characteristic that makes the light special. But there is a clear question of whether that light is really usable.
What about body quality? Made from glass-filled nylon, you can expect high resilience that increases thanks to the over-molded rubber grip area—the IPX7 waterproof safety levels up that durability.
It’s an ergonomic palm swell design that improves grip during weapon handling and light activation in stressful instances.
Remember that the Nightstick shotgun light comes with 2 CR124 batteries. If you prefer, you can always upgrade to Li-ion rechargeable batteries.
All of these features come with a limited lifetime warranty as long as you get it from my link.
Nightstick shotgun LED light is not the best, but it comes close enough.
- 1200 lumens maximum output
- 1.5 peak runtime
- Has a deep parabolic reflector
- 203 peak beam throw
- Has a green laser light
- Made from glass-filled nylon
- Over-molded rubber grip area
- IMX7 waterproof rating
- Palm swell design
Pros
Cons
3. SureFire X300 Ultra (#3rd Best Choice)
The third best shotgun light, unarguably, is the SureFire X300 Ultra; there are so many reasons to back up the claim.
For starters, as some may already know, Surefire is specialized in weapon lights. That’s why the X300 Ultra has a special off-white light produced by a high-performance LED.
Another reason is its precision TIR optical technology that emits a smooth and tight beam. Since the light is biased in the yellowish-green spectrum, it’s more comfortable for your eyes.
Similar to the Streamlight TL-Racker, this switch is also one-finger ambidextrous and has momentary on and constant on-switching.
You can instantly attach this shotgun flashlight to both Picatinny and Universal accessory rails. It also accepts an optional DG pistol grip too.
This mountability and handling convenience are higher thanks to its compact dimensions: 3.6 x 1.13 x 1.13 inches and 4oz.
The SureFire X300 ultra comes only in black and is powered by 2 CR123A 3V Lithium batteries, and it makes things easier in the long run.
You can expect a long life for this light by-design made from premium aluminum. After all, it also carries an IPX7 waterproof rating.
With a runtime of 1.25 hours, the beam distance is somewhere around 200m, and it’s decent enough.
But one clear downside is the lack of a company warranty.
However, if you’re fine with it, the SureFire X300 Ultra is a high-performing shotgun flashlight you can rely on.
- Special off-white light beam
- Has high-performance LED
- TIR optical technology
- One-finger ambidextrous switch
- Fits Picatinny and Universal accessory rails
- Compact dimensions: 3.6 x 1.13 x 1.13 inches and 4oz
- 2 CR123A 3V Lithium batteries
- Aluminum-made body
- IPX7 waterproof rating
Pros
Cons
4. Tacticon Armament Firefly V2
Using a gun in complete darkness can be DANGEROUS! The white light produced by the Tacticon Armament Firefly V2 is perfect for home defense.
This isn’t your normal handheld light. The flashlight attachment (rail mount) is inbuilt into the design of this flashlight, making this an IDEAL pick to use with a shotgun!
Simply having a shotgun in the house will not suffice when it comes to home defense. You need a reliable light source that will help you operate the gun when used for home defense purposes. This peripheral light of this tactical shotgun light works with 400 lumens of brightness. (That is more than enough for close-range shooting, as with a shotgun.)
The light modes on this tactical shotgun light allow you to switch between 6 combinations of lighting. On the highest mode, this tactical shotgun light will reach a distance of 100 meters (more than sufficient for use with a shotgun.)
The peripheral illumination provided by this tactical light offers sufficient illumination to light the area ahead of you with brilliant white light. Tactical LED shotgun lights such as the Tacticon Armament Firefly V2 are amazing light sources that work well alongside a home defense weapon in a dark environment.
The flashlight is recoil proof and adaptable with a long gun such as a shotgun. This flashlight offers a great range in low light conditions with various operation modes, giving you complete control over the amount of light to project.
This is a rechargeable tactical shotgun light that is charged using a magnetic charging cable. It takes about 2 hours to charge fully and will work for an HOUR! (more than sufficient for home defense.)
Pros
Cons
5. ATN IR850-Supernova
The ATN IR850 Supernova is an exceptionally strong built tactical shotgun flashlight. The best shotgun light is very durable.
Made with aircraft grade aluminum, this flashlight is not just strong; it is SUPER STRONG! (Aircraft grade aluminum, as in the cool stuff airplanes are made of.)
When picking a shotgun light, be it to assist with search and rescue missions or late-night hunts, you need the light source to be reliable for use in low-light conditions.
This tactical flashlight has a gun mount built into the design of the flashlight (shotgun light.)
This flashlight has a maximum lumen output of 2200 lumens and has a beam distance of 450 meters.
This incredibly bright light has 4 modes of operation, providing you with great control over the dispensing of light. The best shotgun light will give you control over the level of illumination, as with the ATN IR850 Supernova.
LED lights that are mountable on guns allow you to illuminate the path before you without the need to hold a flashlight in your hands while you hold a gun. The ATN IR850 is easily mounted on a shotgun using the easy rail mounting system that this flashlight is designed with.
The glass lens of this flashlight produces a brilliant white beam, making other shotgun accessories look weak in comparison.
Even when dimly lit, this flashlight will provide a good source of illumination, which can be useful in tactical scenarios.
Easily attachable to a shotgun’s barrel, the operation of this flashlight is simple that any shotgun owner can master. This is an excellent light that has been rated IPX8 waterproof (you won’t have to worry about getting this flashlight wet.)
The ATN IR850 Supernova is one of the best shotgun lights, with great applicability and noteworthy features. This flashlight comes with a 1 YEAR warranty!
Pros
Cons
6. Streamlight TLR-2
Yet another great flashlight brought to you by Streamlight, the TLR-2 is a NEAT weapon’s light that offers excellent illumination and application.
It has a rail grip clamp system which allows you to attach this flashlight to a long gun such as a shotgun. This flashlight is shock-proof, dustproof, and water-resistant, rated IPX7 (virtually indestructible!)
The durability of this flashlight is what makes this a great tactical flashlight to use with a shotgun. It offers 300 lumens of light and has a runtime of up to 2.5 HOURS! (This is the perfect battery life for a weapon’s light.)
This flashlight works specifically well with 1913 (Picatinny-style) rails. This flashlight shoots a high-power laser light which is a brilliantly focused beam of light, perfect for a shotgun.
It is powered by two CR123A lithium batteries, which can be opted to be rechargeable if you prefer.
Though this isn’t a rechargeable flashlight, the fact that you can swap batteries means you can use this flashlight for extended hours. All you have to do is carry spare batteries, and this flashlight will keep delivering BRILLIANT white light!
The Streamlight TLR-2 allows for fast, adjustable, and secure mounting onto a shotgun, which can come with great tactical use.
This tactical shotgun flashlight has AMAZING features that make it not only one of the BEST but also an UNRIVALED competitor in the shotgun flashlight industry.
Pros
Cons
7. SureFire DSF
Yet another on this list by SureFire, the SureFire DSF is a fantastic gun-mounted light brought to you by one of the BEST makers of gun flashlights, SureFire.
Perfectly designed with mounts capable of fastening onto shotguns, the SureFire DSF offers 600 lumens of bright, blinding light.
Made of hard-anodized aluminum, this flashlight has an EXTREMELY strong exterior, perfect for rough and rugged use with a shotgun.
This is a slender, lightweight, and durable shotgun flashlight with a beam distance of up to 225 meters (perfect for close-range shooting as with a shotgun.)
This flashlight has two modes of lighting. On the higher mode, this flashlight has a maximum runtime of 1.5 HOURS! In low mode, this flashlight will provide continuous illumination for up to 3 HOURS!
The fact that it runs on 123A batteries means you can replace batteries when necessary. If you are a fan of rechargeables, you can opt to use rechargeable 123A batteries, which is also an option.
The mount has an internal spacer, allowing for proper fastening and fitting. The light firmly grips the barrel of a shotgun and will not fall off, even if you run with the gun.
It only weighs 1.4 pounds, meaning not only is this flashlight STRONG, but it is also a lightweight flashlight with an exceptionally great range.
It has an IPX8 waterproof rating and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This just means you can play in the rain and not worry about the water messing with your light.
Pros
Cons
How to Find the Best Shotgun Flashlight?
The best shotgun flashlight will make it easy for you to mount the flashlight onto the shotgun. In fact, the best of the best shotgun flashlights will allow you to mount the flashlight on various models and makes of shotguns.
One thing you need to consider when buying the BEST shotgun flashlight is the durability. When using a shotgun, ideally, your flashlight has to be very strong to prevent it from being damaged easily.
You also want to check to see how well the flashlight mounts onto a shotgun. These are things that are essential in understanding the difference between a good shotgun flashlight and a bad one.
The beam profile is also important. You need something with sufficient range and brightness to make it useful when used with a shotgun. You don’t need an extremely bright light (100000 lumens); however, it will require something that has a range of more than 100m.
Why You Need a Flashlight for Your Shotgun?
Now, if you are going to use a shotgun, you don’t want to have to use that with just one hand, do you? You also won’t have a buddy with you every time you need to use the gun and need a source of light (considering that your buddy holds the flashlight and you do the shooting.)
Hence, if you are planning to use a shotgun at night, you absolutely NEED a reliable and useful shotgun flashlight.
A good shotgun flashlight will simply mount itself to a shotgun, allowing you to see in the direction that you point in. Not only is it a valuable accessory to your shotgun, but it is also an ESSENTIAL accessory if you plan on using a shotgun in the dark.
Benefits of a Shotgun Flashlight
A shotgun flashlight will enable you to see in the dark in the direction in which you point your shotgun in. This allows for great tactical use, which has applications in hunting.
You absolutely need a shotgun flashlight if you plan on using a shotgun flashlight at night. Whether it be for hunting or self-defense, a shotgun flashlight will make it possible for you to HANDS-FREE illuminate the space before you, allowing for prompt action with a shotgun.
Shooting in the blind is not recommended in ANY WAY. You need to know what you are shooting at without taking wild shots in the dark at night. A good shotgun flashlight will allow you to see your target by illuminating the space before you with a focused beam of white light BRILLIANCE!
Is a Shotgun Flashlight Important for Hunting?
If you are a fan of hunting with a shotgun, then a shotgun flashlight is integral if you ever consider night hunting.
In order to hunt at night, you need the right gear to make it possible. Sure, you could rely on the existing standard flashlight, but can you really use such a flashlight with a shotgun that requires both hands?
If you are planning on hunting in the dark using a shotgun, you need a shotgun flashlight to illuminate the target. It is an integral and essential component that you most certainly CAN NOT do without!
Final Thoughts
A shotgun flashlight will spot the target allowing you to HANDS-FREE illuminate the space at which you are pointing your shotgun at.
Some lights are better designed for use with shotguns, while others make great weapon lights but are incompatible with shotguns.
The list of the best 7 in this article has been brought to you after careful testing of dozens of flashlights with various features and benefits. Not all the flashlights that were tested have the versatility, durability, and applicability of the 7 that made this list.
The military-grade Nightstick Shotgun Forends LED Light takes our TOP pick for the best shotgun flashlight; it’s dimensions, weight, lumen output, beam distance, and runtime all make it a well-balanced flashlight, and you won’t be disappointed.
If you are on the hunt for a new shotgun flashlight, you can go with the recommendation made in this article. Take a pick from the BEST 7, and you will not be left disappointed with your pick of a shotgun flashlight.
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