The 10 Best Shotgun Lights

Hunting requires a lot of patience and working through less than ideal situations. Whether it’s waiting for hours in the cold trees or wading through marshy and wet conditions in your hopefully waterproof boots, you are not shooting paper targets in a well-lit range. This means you need some extra help. You need to buy the best shotgun light you can find.

If you’re hunting at night or in the dense woodlands where it’s all shade and no sun, you may need to grab a shotgun flashlight. These home defense tactical shotgun flashlights will let you see better during a hunt. You simply mount the tactical shotgun light to your firearm and voila – you can see what you’re shooting again!

These shotgun lights are usually the best solution for nighttime hunting when you are stalking prey that doesn’t show themselves while the sun is up but limited by your human eyesight and poor night vision. Shotgun tactical lights are the perfect addition to any firearm for the outdoors.

Now, you’re probably wondering where you can find a tactical flashlight. You may not have even been aware that companies make lights for shotguns, but they do.

Best Shotgun Lights

1. Streamlight TLR-1

The Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 is one of our all-time favorite lights and it’s built to last!

Key Features

• 800 lumens for up to 245 meters with 1.75 hours run time and 12,000-candela peak beam intensity
• Fits a broad range of weapons securely
• One-handed interface to snap on and tighten
• 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with anodized finish
• TIR optic for a concentrated beam with peripheral illumination]
• High temperature, shock-mounted glass lens

This is a fabulous option for lighting. It is very easy to operate while remaining weather resistant and very durable. The beam is extremely bright and uses a decent range. It can be operated with just one hand, and the strobe feature is a great option to have in emergencies when you need assistance.

Pros

• LED lights
• Mounting is simple and reliable
• Lifetime warranty included with purchase
• One-handed snap-on and tightening
• Extremely durable

Cons

• More expensive than other models
• Strobe effect will bounce off surroundings

The Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 is the best investment you can make thanks to the lifetime warranty!

2. Orion H40-W

The Orion H40-W 500 Lumen has a very compact and light design that you will hardly notice at all.

Key Features

• Cree XM-L U2 500 lumen LED light
• Includes Picatinny Weaver single rail mount
• One year warranty with a free replacement on defective parts

This shotgun light offers tactical illumination from one of the best-LED light providers on the market. This is easy to install and compatible with all rifles, so it’s versatile enough to move from gun to gun with your needs.

It’s got a very lightweight design that is also quite compact. It’s resistant to water damage and recoil-proof no matter how your gun kicks back. This reliable light will get the job done, even if it doesn’t have the same bells and whistles as other models.

Pros

• Light that lasts a long time
• Water resistance
• Recoil proof design
• Compact

Cons

• Pressure switch is inconsistent
• Lower quality materials are less durable

If you’re looking for something lightweight the Orion H40-W 500 Lumen offers great value for your money, then this is a great option!

3. SureFire X300 Ultra

The SureFire X300 Ultra is a high-quality light that won’t disappoint you at all.

Key Features

• High-performance 600 lumen white LED light biased towards yellow-green spectrum
• Precision TIR lens for a smooth, tight beam with peripheral illumination
• Aluminum T-slot mounting system for solid attachment to railed handguns and MIL-STD 1913 railed long guns

This mounted LED comes with a T-slot mount for compatibility with a lot of different firearms. It’s extremely user-friendly and comes with a rear switch that is easy to activate with either hand. A button press will turn it on and back off when you finish.

The light produces 600 lumens in a spectrum that is optimal for human eyes and takes CR123 batteries. It’s guaranteed to last for at least a decade!

Pros

• Easy to use in any situation – even with gloves, or with frozen fingertips
• Durable and reliable in any conditions
• Ambidextrous – can be used equally comfortably by the left and right-handed users!

Cons

• Multiple counterfeit complaints – but DIRECTLY from Surefire through Amazon
• Mounting instructions are complicated
• Very pricy compared to comparable models

The SureFire X300 Ultra is an ambidextrous and easy to use light, so if you are left-handed or have decreased dexterity, grab this light.

4. UTG Defender

The UTG Defender is one of the most aggressive tactical lights you will find for hunting despite the low cost.

Key Features

• Self-defense front end
• Pressure switch or twist-on option for lasting light
• 126 Lumen output with long-lasting Xenon bulb

The UTG Defender doesn’t use the same grade materials as the heavier tactical lights, but it is constructed using all-black aluminum. It comes with the capability to mount to Picatinny and Weaver rails and the body shape can also be used as a handheld light.

It’s the best shotgun light available in its price range. While it sacrifices the durability and brightness of more expensive models, it will get the job done for hunting lighting without breaking the bank. This is a great compromise option.

Pros

• Extremely affordable compared to other models
• Front end designed for use in self-defense
• Every piece of the light is usable and practical

Cons

• Uses cheaper parts than more expensive models
• Pressure switch may not work
• Lighting not as bright as other models

The UTG Defender is a great option for any hunter who is on a budget but still needs a great tactical light.

5. WINDFIRE Cree

The Windfire is an amazingly great deal that performs well above other models in its price range.

Key Features

• Cree XML T6 1200 lumen light
• 100 meter (110 yards) lighting distance
• Waterproof rubber O-rings
• Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy
• Remote pressure switch with 2 modes

This is an extremely affordable budget flashlight for hunting that offers high-quality performance. While it doesn’t have tons of features, it also doesn’t cost a lot, and the materials just as high quality as more expensive flashlights.

It is very easy to use and hold in your hand, though you will need some help mounting it. The 3.7 volt 18650 battery is not included, but it will last a very long time.

Pros

• Long battery life
• Extremely affordable
• Durable and waterproof

Cons

• Battery not included
• The mounting system is terrible – you’ll need to use your own

If you just need a very basic light that doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles but is well constructed, the Windfire is a great buy.

6. NcSTAR Weaver

The NcSTAR Weaver is of great value for any hunting needs.

Key Features

• Quick-release Weaver and Picatinny rail mount
• 3 watt Led light
• 150 lumens
• CR123A lithium battery included

This tactical light is ideal for both long-range and close shooting when you are dealing with low lighting. It’s got a 3-watt LED flashlight with a long-lasting lithium battery. The mount is quick-release so it can be easily used.

This light was designed to be extremely lightweight, giving you an edge in the field. The light is long-lasting without weighing down you or your gun.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Lithium battery lasts a long time
• LED lighting
• Easy to use

Cons

• No strobe function
• Mounting has some issues

If you don’t need the tons and tons of lumens that the other flashlights feature, consider grabbing the NcSTAR Weaver instead. It’s one of the lightest flashlights on the market!

7. Helotex G2

The Helotex G2 CREE is affordable and a great deal for everything it includes.

Key Features

• Cree XR-E LED lighting
• 3 modes – high, low, and strobe

This is one of a very limited number of cheap tactical flashlights that makes the list. Despite the affordable pricing, the Helotex light can hold its own against the more expensive options.

The best thing about this light is that it lets you choose between the CR123 or AA batteries.  Just be aware that the AA battery can only produce 120 lumens instead of the 130-lumen output the CR123 can handle. Also, the AA batteries will last an hour, and the CR123 doubles that time.

This light uses an LED bulb with 3 different operating modes. You can toggle high or low light settings or use the strobe light. It’s got an ambidextrous button on the back to make it easy to use.

Pros

• 2 different battery options
• Includes strobe for emergency signaling
• Very affordable

Cons

• Batteries not included
• Short battery life when using AA – will need to bring plenty of backups
• No mounting

If you need a versatile light that can run on either AA or CR123 batteries, the Helotex G2 CREE lets you choose the ones that are easiest to bring along in the field.

8. EdisonBright Fenix

The EdisonBright Fenix comes with a whole suite of accessories, making it well worth the added expense!

Key Features

• 1000 lumen Cree XP-L LED
• 50,000-hour lifespan on the bulb
• Outdoor Mode uses side switch for all levels and a rear switch for on and off toggle
• 2 battery options

This kit is extremely bright. It’s got a stainless steel construction that can withstand recoil and withstand drops and wear and tear. It also has the option of a couple of different batteries. The Lithium battery is rechargeable, and the CR123A batteries will also power the light if you run out of charge in the field.

It’s also very user-friendly. This unit will engage multiple modes using the rear button, and you can further customize it with the side switch. It’s got batteries with a combined life of 29 hours in low-light mode and just over an hour even in turbo mode!

Pros

• It comes with tons of accessories, making it a great value!
• Comfortable when held in the hand
• Extremely bright light can blind prey
• Long battery life

Cons

• The Cord on the tethered switch gets in the way when mounted to weapons
• Fits are inconsistent
• More expensive than other tactical lights

The EdisonBright Fenix is a fantastic light that comes with tons of different parts and accessories in the package. If you like having all the bells and whistles, grab this light!

9. Tacticon Armament

The Tacticon Armament is a great option for people who want a little bit of laser sighting with their lighting.

Key Features

• Extra set of rechargeable batteries included
• Lifetime warranty! No questions asked full refund guarantee.
• Compatible with rifles, shotguns, and handguns
• Zero-in laser for perfect accuracy!

This is a great combination laser and shotgun light for an extremely great deal! It is also a way to support a veteran because this company is owned by a combat veteran. This means he knows exactly what is necessary for a high-quality tactical light. He also stands by his products, making sure that he only uses products he used as a soldier.

This light also comes with incredible customer service. He offers a lifetime warranty on his products. ON top of that, every purchase comes with a handwritten note of gratitude and an extra set of rechargeable batteries!

Pros

• Great value – plenty of features despite the lower price
• Excellent customer service with the company
• Veteran-owned company

Cons

• Rail system knobs wobble
• Not as durable as other models

If you want a combination tactical light and laser option to mount to your shotgun, then grab the Tacticon Armament!

10. Tacticon Firefly V2

The final product is the Tacticon Firefly V2, another light from Tacticon. They’re a fabulous company that deserves support and their products are amazing.

Key Features

• Built-in magnetically rechargeable battery
• Lifetime warranty
• Strobe functionality
• Bright light and red laser
• Fits all firearms with Picatinny rail

This product allows you to get exact accuracy thanks to the laser sighting you can zero-in sight for. The unusual design fits the firearm without messing with holder capabilities.

These products come with a lifetime guarantee that covers everything. The materials used are high-quality polymers. It is also a waterproof and fog proof sight that will always work when you’re shooting. It comes with a variety of use modes.

Pros

• Very affordable design
• Light is very focused
• Excellent customer service

Cons

• Screw placement makes it a bit unstable on the mount
• Not meant for active-duty field use
• Green laser hard to see outdoors

Tacticon Firefly V2 is shaped differently, but it’s a very durable product, and purchasing it will support a veteran!

Bottom Line

Now you’ve found all of the best tac lights for shotguns. We know that one of these will be perfect for your hunting needs. When you’re looking at purchasing one, there are a few different features that can be used to differentiate the lights.

You should consider the lighting and lumens. LED lights are standard, and you want one with at least 400 lumens. You also want to make sure that your light has enough weatherproofing for your situation if you’re hunting in less than ideal climates. Durability is always important with hunting equipment.

Consider the battery life, too. The last thing you want to have happened is to run out of light in the middle of your hunt. Check to make sure your light has a great battery life and bring some spares just in case. Finally, make sure that you have secure mounting for your light. These all have different types of mounts and you need one that secures completely to your firearm.

All of the lights on our list have met a minimum standard for quality across all of these factors. From here, you just need to pick your personal favorite based on your hunting conditions. Happy hunting, and safe trails!