Best Weapon Lights for Shotguns
Best weapon lights for shotguns. Whether you are an avid hunter or you use your shotgun for self-defense, a reliable weapon light is an important tool to have. Adding a weapon light on your shot gun will not only brighten the target in dismal environments, but it will also make it easier for you to get the desired shot compared with shooting with your naked eyes only. Additionally, a good shotgun light helps to ensure that you are targeting the correct object.
It’s no secret that using a shotgun in the dark with no illumination can be deemed worthless. This is because you won’t be able to see anything. If you are looking for the best weapon lights for shotguns, you are in the right place. We have a detailed review of the best shotgun lights suitable for every modern firearm owner. Let’s take a look.
Here is a quick list
| PRODUCT | IMAGE | PRICE |
| #1) SureFire DSF-870 |  |
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| #2) STREAMLIGHT 69260 TLR-1 HL |  |
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| #3) Orion H40-W LED Tactical Flashlight |  |
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| #4) STREAMLIGHT 69601 TL |  |
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| #5) SureFire X300 Ultra Series |  |
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| #6) Streamlight 69450 TLR RM 2 |  |
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| #7) Adaptive Tactical Shotgun Weapon Light |  |
How to Choose the Best Weapon Lights for Shotguns
Switch Selection
In a self-defense situation, the first action is to react. If your weapon light has a switch selection, you will be able to engage your attacker swiftly. A good switch selection should be intuitive, ergonomic, and easily accessible. This will help you during critical situations. You should also make sure that it can be turned on instantly when the need arises. The last thing you would want is a light that takes a lot of time before it turns on.
Light Spectrum
There are different types of light spectrums found in shotgun lights. Go for a light that has an infrared LED light spectrum as it provides stealth illumination. This kind of illumination illuminates the target and helps you to see when you are in dark conditions.
Compactness
A good shotgun light should be compact and lightweight. You should be able to carry it around comfortably and it shouldn’t add any unnecessary weight to your firearm. A lightweight light is also easy to mount and remove.
Reliability
The shotgun light you are eyeing should provide reliable performance in all field and weather conditions. It should be easy to handle when the need arises. Moreover, the light should have a certain level of waterproof rating to facilitate all-weather reliability.
Beam and Output Configuration
Your ideal light output configuration will largely depend on what you intend to use the light for. Make sure that the model you are eyeing produces enough lumens to help you identify and locate the threats easily. It should also provide a long beam distance, so you can engage your targets without getting too close.
Best Weapon Lights for Shotguns
#1) SureFire DSF-870
The SureFire DSF-870 is a compact and lightweight weapon light suitable for the Remington 870 Combat shotguns. It features two levels of tactical illumination and a recoil-resistant LED which generates 600 lumens of blinding white light at the maximum output or 200 lumens with nearly double the runtime on low setting. This weapon light is virtually indestructible. It is built with high-quality materials to ensure many years of use. The high-impact polymer body features a hard anodized finish which offers reliable protection against abrasion, corrosion, and scratches. This device is also O-ring and gasket sealed to lock out moisture, dirt, and debris. Operating this weapon light is a walk in the park. Once you select your ideal light output mode, you can either leave it in constant-on mode or switch it to momentary activation and it will stay at that output level until you reset it again. It also features an ambidextrous switch and a built-in system-disable switch which prevents accidental activation during transit, storage, or stealth operation. To top it all, this light comes with a precision reflector which provides ample reach surround light for both close and mid-range applications. Key Features
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#2) STREAMLIGHT 69260 TLR-1 HL
When it comes to reliability and versatility, it’s hard to beat the Streamlight 1000-Lumen Tactical Weapon Mount Light. This is one of the best weapon lights for shotguns on the market. This weapon light is compatible with a wide range of firearms. It has a rail clamp which makes it easy for you to attach and detach it from the side of your firearm with no tools needed. Plus, it mounts directly to any handgun with Glock-style rails and to all MIL-STD-1914 Picatinny rails as well. Weighing just 4.18-ounces, this mount is light lightweight, compact, and easy to use. The C4 LED technology provides excellent brightness and it’s impervious to shock. When it comes to construction, this light is built to last. It’s crafted from 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum which enhances long-lasting durability. The whole unit also has an anodized finish for added durability and an IPX7 waterproof rating which gives you reliable performance in all weather conditions. It also comes with a high temperature, shockproof and impact-resistant glass lens. The ambidextrous on/off switch makes the weapon light easy to operate. The user programable strobe can be enabled or disabled, while the engineered optic is designed to produce a concentrated beam with prime peripheral illumination. Lastly, the light is powered by two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries which provide 1.5 hours of continuous runtime. Key Features
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#3) Orion H40-W LED Tactical Flashlight
If you are on the market for one of the best weapon lights for shotguns that offers excellent brightness, the Orion H40-W tactical light is your best option. It utilizes the Cree XM-L2 LED which delivers up to 1000 lumens of blinding light. It is powered by 2 CR124A batteries which provide a continuous runtime of up to 75 minutes. This weapon light is ideal for identifying threats at both short and medium ranges. The beam can reach a distance of 195 yards/178m. Better yet, it offers high contrast detail for prime night visibility. The compact and lightweight design makes it the ideal flashlight for outdoor applications. It’s water-resistant for use in all weather conditions and shockproof for greater durability. Other than that, the flashlight comes with a Picatinny/Weaver single rail mount which makes it easy to mount and detach. Key Features
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#4) STREAMLIGHT 69601 TL
If you are on a budget, the Streamlight 69601 TL-Racker Forend Light is your best option. It’s designed to be compatible with any Remington 870 as long as its chambering is 2.75” or 3”. It features a high-power and shockproof white LED and a customized optic that produces a concentrated beam. This weapon light runs on 2 3-volt CR123 batteries which provide a continuous run time of up to 1.5 hours. These batteries also provide a high output light of 1000 lumens and a beam distance of 283 yards. The ambidextrous on-off switch facilitates smooth operation, while the ergonomic design provides comfortable grip and easy switch access. Thanks to the sleek design, this weapon light reduces snag hazards by eliminating the need for remote cords. The IPX7 waterproof rating makes it suitable for all weather conditions, while the sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum construction withstands harsh impacts and falls. Overall, the TL-Racker makes a great weapon light for shotgun breaching, close-quarter operations, and home defense applications. Key Features
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#5) SureFire X300 Ultra Series
The Surefire X300 Ultra provides an outstanding 600-lumen beam suitable for a wide range of applications. This beam is focused by the precision TIR lens to provide optimum performance. This combination gives you better situational awareness and increases the blinding effect on the attacker. This weapon light comes SureFire’s MR adapter mount which fits a wide range of rail-less handguns. You can also attach it to the Picatinny and Universal rails found in most long guns. Besides, it has a simple installation process, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time mounting it. Another good thing about the Surefire X300 Ultra is the durable housing. It is made with high-quality materials to ensure many years of field use. Additionally, it is IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for half an hour. It also features an integral, ergonomic on-off switch that facilitates momentary and constant-on switching. For added convenience, this light accepts pressure-activated switches for smooth and precise control without changing the grip on the weapon. Key Features
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#6) Streamlight 69450 TLR RM 2
Here is another one of the best weapon lights for shotguns from Streamlight. The TLR RM 2 features a high-power LED for extreme brightness. It’s powered by two CR123A lithium batteries which produce 1000 lumens, 1.5 hours run time, and 200m beam distance. This weapon light is lightweight and compact. The case is crafted from aircraft aluminum with a type II Mil-spec anodized finish. Furthermore, the switch housing is impact and chemical resistant, while the lens is temperature resistant, shockproof, and impact-resistant as well. The ergonomic push-button switch facilitates smooth on and off operation. The lightweight design facilitates easy attaching and detaching, while the single-handed snap-on and tight interface keep your hands far off the muzzle when installing and removing. To top it all, this light fits a wide range of firearms using the key kit provided. Key Features
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#7) Adaptive Tactical Shotgun Weapon Light
If you are looking for a home defense shotgun light, the Adaptive Tactical Shotgun Weapon Light is one of the best weapon lights for shotguns on the market. This light produces 300 lumens light output which is more than enough to blind an attacker in a self-defense situation. It is powered by AA batteries which are cheap to run and maintain. This weapon light provides three modes of operation; intermittent, constant, and strobe. You can easily move from one mode to the other with a simple push of a button. The lightweight design ensures that the light doesn’t add unnecessary weight to your weapon or interfere with your accuracy. Lastly, the light comes with an integrated 2-inch Picatinny mount which provides a platform where you can mount any accessories of choice. Key Features
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Best Weapon Lights for Shotguns Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I put a flashlight on my shotgun?
Yes. It’s always a good idea to add a flashlight to your shotgun. This is particularly important if you shoot in low-light conditions. Most shotgun lights are lightweight and compact, so they won’t take so much space on your weapon.
- How many lumens does a shotgun light need?
The ideal lumen output largely depends on the shooting activity you’ll be engaging yourself in. For self-defense, a flashlight with about 60 lumens will suffice, but double that will be a better place to start. This is adequate brightness to search a building in the dark or cause temporally blindness on the attacker.
- Does a weapon light expose your position?
With the right training and proper tactics, a weapon light won’t give away your position to the attacker. When you engage your weapon light properly, the attacker is unlikely to know that the light is from a firearm.
Conclusion
We hope that this buying guide has been insightful. The best upgrade for a shotgun is a good quality weapon light. Putting in the time to go through the wide range of weapon lights is important in making the right buying decision. Use our buying guide above and go through the features each light provides, then choose one of the best weapon lights for shotguns the market has to offer.