Flashlight

10 Best Shotgun Lights of 2021

As its name suggests, the shotgun light was originally designed to mount on shotguns. This illumination tool generally has a big head that provides a sweeping light that is clear and visible at a distance.

However, today the shotgun light is made in such a way that it can quickly and easily be mounted on any type of gun, from a Glock to a Beretta, and anything in between.

If you are fresh on the market for such a tool, we have gathered a few of the best shotgun lights on the market. Read our impressions below and choose a good model for your need.

Product Name

Lumen

Dimensions

Weight

Current Price

1. Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL

800 lm

1.44 x 3.39 x 1.77 in

4.18 oz

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2. Streamlight 88850 Polytac

130 lm

1.00 x 5.22 x 1.25 in

4.2 oz

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3. Streamlight 69261 TLR-2

800 lm

3.4 x 3.0 x 3.0 in

3.2 oz

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4. Surefire X300 Ultra Series

500 lm

7.8 x 4.8 x 4.5 in

7.2 oz

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5. Orion H40-W

500 lm

5.2 x 1.0 in

3.4 oz

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6. Streamlight 69220 TLR-3

125 lm

2.7 x 1.2 x 1.5 in

2.32 oz

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7. Monstrum Tactical Ultra-Compact Shotgun Light

100 lm

2.4 in

1.3 oz

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8. Ozark Armament Shotgun Light

600 lm

N/A

8.8 oz

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9. Nitefox G3 Mini

130 lm

2.5 x 0.7 in

1.92 oz

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10. Ade Advanced Optics PL200-A-1

400 lm

2.4 in

2.72 oz

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1. Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL - Best Overall Shotgun Lights

Photo: Streamlight

  • Lumens: 800 lumens
  • Weight: 4.18 ounces
  • Dimensions: 1.44 x 3.39 x 1.77 inches
  • Material: Aluminum

For those looking for a high-quality shotgun light, the Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL is pretty much unbeatable.

This model outputs a bright 800 lumens of light that will dazzle your opponent will provide you with a clear view.

The C4 LED driver that powers this shotgun light is very efficient and will not overheat even if it is switched on for an extended period.

Additionally, the TIR optic lens does a good job spreading the light in a way that provides good visibility as well as concentrates the beam in such a way that it can be used as a tactical shotgun light if necessary.

Furthermore, this unit has an excellent build construction as it is made from an aluminum alloy which means that it is highly durable and long-lasting.

It will not rust and can be used outside in humid conditions, no problem.

All in all, the Streamlight 69260 may not be the best deal in this review in terms of price, but it is an excellent shotgun light despite being a fairly expensive model.

Pros:

  • Bright light of 800 lumens
  • TIR lens concentrates beam in a way that it can be used as a tactical shotgun light
  • Anodized aluminum build construction for durability

Cons:

  • The price
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2. Streamlight 88850 Polytac - Best Home Defense Shotgun Lights

Photo: Streamlight

  • Lumens: 130 lumens
  • Weight: 4.2 ounces
  • Dimensions: 1 x 5.22 x 1.25 inches
  • Material: PolyTac

The Streamlight 88850 is the only shotgun light in this review that is made from a PolyTac material. Basically, this is a nylon Polymer that is lightweight, comfortable to hold and has a very long lifespan.

What demarks this shotgun light from others is its shape and ease-of-use. Indeed, switching it on or off is very easy with the tail switch.

Moreover, the Streamlight 88850 comes with a pen clip so it can be even used as an EDC flashlight when required. With its 130 lumens of light, it is not the brightest shotgun light in this review, but it still has many interesting features and a lot of versatility.

Despite its low light intensity, the Streamlight 88850 is the best home Defense shotgun light because of its versatility and ease of use.

Pros:

  • Made from PolyTac. Durable and long-lasting
  • Easy to use
  • Versatile. Can also be used as an EDC flashlight
  • Efficient C4 LED driver. Does not overheat

Cons:

  • This shotgun light could have been a little bit cheaper
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3. Streamlight 69261 TLR-2 - Best Shotgun Laser Lights

Photo: Streamlight

  • Lumens: 800 lumens
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Dimensions: 3.4 x 3 x 3 inches
  • Material: Aluminum

The Streamlight 69261 TLR-2 looks pretty much like any other shotgun light. However, it is different as this model sports a red laser in spite of having other features you would normally find in other high-quality shotgun lights that are more expensive than this model.

With this red laser, you have more accuracy where you point your beam. Additionally, the Streamlight 69261 remains a top-rated shotgun light as it can output 800 lumens of light, which is extremely bright and can be used as a tactical shotgun light if you want.

We also appreciate the fact that this light beam has a very long beam distance of 245 meters which is excellent especially when used as a tactical shotgun light.

Further, it has a continuous runtime of 1.75 hours which is good because this also takes into account the laser as well.

Moreover, this unit is made from aluminum which makes it lightweight at only 3.2 ounces.

But one of the best things about this model is that it can be mounted on any type of rail, whether you use a Glock or a Beretta as it uses the traditional Picattiny rail to mount.

In closing, we can safely recommend the Streamlight 69261 TLR-2 as one of the best shotgun laser light for the money. It has everything you expect from a quality model.

Pros:

  • Lightweight shotgun light at only 3.2 oz
  • Red laser for more accuracy
  • Long beam distance of 245 m

Cons:

  • The price. It is an expensive shotgun light
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4. Surefire X300 Ultra Series - Best Tactical Shotgun Lights

Photo: Surefire

  • Lumens: 500 lumens
  • Weight: 7.2 ounces
  • Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.8 x 4.5 inches
  • Material: Aluminum

At first glance, the Surefire X300 Ultra looks different from other shotgun lights because of its length which measures 7.8 inches.

Indeed, when compared to other models it is quite long and would not make a good fit for a small handgun, for example. However, when mounted on a shotgun this is an impressive tactical light.

It can output 500 lumens of light, which does not make it the brightest shotgun light in this review but it is still bright enough to dazzle your opponent.

Additionally, the TIR lens spreads light in such a way that it provides a tight beam with clear visibility ahead. Moreover, the Surefire X300 is an ambidextrous model which means that it can be activated with both the right hand or the left hand quickly and easily.

As for mounting, it is equally easy as this unit uses the Picattiny rail mounting system.

The Surefire X300 Ultra has been designed from the ground up to be the best tactical shotgun light for the money. It has a long and tight beam that can dazzle your opponent and provide clear visibility in absolute darkness.

We highly recommend it if you're looking for a tactical shotgun light as this unit is simply one of the best.

Pros:

  • Bright light of 500 lumens
  • Excellent build construction. Durable and long-lasting
  • Can easily be mounted on any Picatinny or Weaver rail
  • Ambidextrous design for ease of use

Cons:

  • The price. It is expensive
  • Does not have a laser which would be appropriate for the price
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5. Orion H40-W LED Shotgun Light

Photo: Orion

  • Lumens: 500 lumens
  • Weight: 3.4 ounces
  • Dimensions: 5.2 x 1 inches
  • Material: Aluminum

The Orion H40-W is a special shotgun light as this is one of the rare models that is delivered with a pressure switch. Basically what this does is allow the user to quickly and easily activate the light on and off without pressing the tail switch at the back.

One of the things that we like the most about this unit is its price. It is fairly affordable when compared to other models but still sports premium-grade features.

Its light of 500 lumens is indeed very bright this model can be used as a tactical shotgun light if you want. Moreover, installation is easy as it will fit any Picatinny or Weaver rail.

As for the build construction of this home defense shotgun light, it is made from an anodized aluminum which is very durable and long-lasting.

Pros:

  • Affordable. Value for money
  • Aluminum shell. Durable and long-lasting
  • Pressure switch for ease of use
  • Bright light of 500 lumens

Cons:

  • None
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6. Streamlight 69220 TLR-3 Shotgun Light With Rail Locting Keys

Photo: Streamlight

  • Lumens: 125 lumens
  • Weight: 2.32 ounces
  • Dimensions: 2.7 x 1.2 x 1.5 inches
  • Material: Aluminum

This compact shotgun light is pretty average looking but has a lot of interesting features. Indeed, one of the most interesting features of the Streamlight 69220 TLR-3 is that it has an IPX-7 rating.

This makes it fully waterproof for a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes. Clearly, it can be used as a diving shotgun light for those who need it.

Moreover, the Streamlight 69220 measures only 2.7-inch making it one of the most compact and small models we have reviewed so far.

Despite being this tiny, the Streamlight 69220 TLR-3 still manages to output a respectable 125 lumens of light. Which is not the brightest in a shotgun light but still bright enough for general purpose use.

Pros:

  • Fully waterproof
  • Small and compact
  • Easy to install and use

Cons:

  • None
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7. Monstrum Tactical Ultra Compact Shotgun Light

Photo: Monstrum

  • Lumens: 100 lumens
  • Weight: 1.3 ounces
  • Dimensions: 2.4 inches
  • Material: Aluminum

If you are on a tight budget, the Monstrum offers good value at an affordable price. This isn't the brightest shotgun light on the market as it can only output 100 lumens.

However, for general purpose use, it is still good enough.

Additionally, the Monstrum is one of the lightest shotgun flashlights for the money as it weighs only 1.3 ounces.

It is easy to install and while it does not have extravagant features, it remains a value for money model at an affordable price.

If you are looking for a basic and high-quality shotgun light at an affordable price, check out the Monstrum. It still has an aluminum build construction and should last a long time.

Pros:

  • Very affordable. Value for money
  • Easy to install and use
  • Most lightweight shotgun light at only 1.3 ounces

Cons:

  • Very basic features
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8. Ozark Armament Shotgun Light With Remote Pressure Switch

Photo: Ozark Armament

  • Lumens: 600 lumens
  • Weight: 8.8 ounces
  • Material: Aluminum

The Ozark Armament is a high-quality shotgun light that has an excellent aluminum build construction and outputs a bright 600 lumens of light.

In addition, the CREE XML U2 LED driver used in this model is very energy efficient and it will not overheat, even with extended usage.

In fact, the light is so bright that can it easily be used as a tactical shotgun light. But what we really like about this model is its remote pressure switch.

Indeed, the remote pressure switch can be installed anywhere and makes it very easy to switch the device on or off. You gain valuable seconds instead of having to manually reach out for the tail switch.

Pros:

  • Bright light of 600 lumens
  • Remote pressure switch makes it easier to use
  • 4 light modes for versatility
  • Memory Circuit remembers your last use light mode

Cons:

  • Rail mount is not the best
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9. Nitefox G3 Mini Rechargeable Shotgun Light

Photo: Nitefox

  • Lumens: 130 lumens
  • Weight: 1.92 ounces
  • Dimensions: 2.5 x 0.7 inches

One of the best things about the Nitefox G3 Mini is its compact form factor. This is an easy to mount and easy to use shotgun light that does not cost a lot.

What amazes us is that despite being so small and affordable, it still manages to deliver a beam distance of 60 meters.

Pretty impressive for such a small shotgun light.

The light itself is not the brightest, as it is only 130 lumens, but still an okay brightness for most people not looking to use this unit as a tactical shotgun light.

Pros:

  • Affordable. Value for money
  • Lightweight at only 1.95 ounces
  • Decent 60 m beam distance

Cons:

  • Does not come with good instructions
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10. Ade Advanced Optics PL200-A-1 Ultra Compact Shotgun Light

Photo: Ade Advanced Optics

  • Lumens: 400 lumens
  • Weight: 2.72 ounces
  • Dimensions: 2.4 inches
  • Material: Aluminum

The Ade Advanced Optics PL200-A-1 amazed us with its bright light of 400 lumens. This high brightness is quite rare in a shotgun light that is so compact.

Indeed, this model measures only 2.4 inches making it very discreet when installing it on a weapon.

Even more impressive, the Ade Advanced Optics PL200-A-1 comes with laser sights that provide the user with more accuracy.

Additionally, installation is very easy as it can be universally mounted on any type of gun rail.

All in all, we recommend this shotgun weapon light based on its excellent feature-set and affordable price.

Pros:

  • Affordable. Value for money
  • Bright light of 400 lumens
  • Excellent aluminum build construction. Durable and long-lasting
  • Has laser sights
  • Mounts on almost all types of rails

Cons:

  • None
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How to Buy the Best Shotgun Light

1. Light Mode

Most shotgun lights have different light modes that allow it to adapt to various situations.

At the very least, your preferred shotgun light should at least have 2 light modes, and be able to switch between a high light mode to a low light mode on the fly.

For a shotgun light, the preferred switch is the tail switch as it is easier to press when mounted on a gun. Some models allow you to change light modes by twisting the head, but that is uncomfortable to do with a shotgun light.

However, it literally boils down to user preference and purpose. Choose a model that suits your need and one that you personally like.

2. Ease of use

As previously mentioned, switching the shotgun light on or off should be easy and the preferred method is with a tail switch at the back.

Additionally, installation should be equally easy when mounted on either a Picattiny rail or Weaver rail that normally comes standard on a modern weapon.

In case there are no rail mounts on your gun then you will need to buy an additional mounting rail system.

3. Brightness

The brightness of the shotgun light is one of the most important factors to consider. This brightness is measured in lumens and there is no exact value as it will all depend on your purpose.

In a general sense, anything above 300 lumens is considered very bright.

Moreover, any shotgun light that can output 500 lumens or more can be used as a tactical flashlight as the light is so bright that it can easily dazzle your opponent.

4. Size

Most shotgun lights are fairly compact and small. You do not want your shotgun light to overpower your gun in terms of size, especially when it is mounted on a smaller weapon like a Glock or Magnum.

If it is to be mounted on the shotgun, then you can choose a longer shotgun light because the shotgun is generally a long weapon.

However, when it comes to shotgun lights, length does not generally equate to power and a small shotgun light can still output a lot of lumens. In fact, some of the brightest models in this shotgun light review are also some of the smallest on the market.

5. Weight

Moreover, you do not want your shotgun light to add extra weight to your weapon, especially if your gun is on the heavy side.

Of course, you should never sacrifice brightness or functionality because of weight.

If your shotgun light of choice is a little bit longer than other models but has features that you need, we don't see anything wrong with you choosing this model. Even if it weighs a little more than others.

6. Mount

There are 2 main types of mounting rail systems when it comes to the shotgun light. The Picatinny rail and the Weaver rail.

The Picatinny rail is the more versatile of the 2 because a shotgun light made for the Picatinny rail will easily mount on the weaver rail as well. The reverse is not true.

Additionally, take into account the mounting position of the shotgun light. Some guns have the rail to the side while others, like a shotgun, will amount the shotgun light on top.

7. Additional Features

If you want something fancier, then there are some home defense shotgun lights that come equipped with an inbuilt laser pointer for better accuracy.

You may want to go with this type of shotgun light but keep in mind that it may cost a little bit extra when compared to other models with similar specs.

Conclusion

The shotgun weapon light is a practical and easy to use illumination tool. Simply point in the direction you want a light and switch it on with your finger. That's how easy it is.

Best, we've seen in this shotgun light review that there are many models that have additional light modes that make it even more versatile. They should easily mount on any type of weapon, regardless of the gun model you have.

With that said, we hope that we have helped you find the best shotgun light for the money. If not, we recommend that you read through this shotgun light review one more time.

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