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Shotguns are powerful weapons that tend to have a great spread. Using them is relatively more comfortable than other weapons because you don’t need to be quite as accurate. Having said that, firing any gun without having a proper line of sight can be dangerous, let alone a weapon as powerful as a shotgun.
To help improve your gun handling skills at night, we’ve picked out some of the best shotgun flashlights for your consideration. The SureFire X300 Ultra Series LED WeaponLights With TIR Lens is the top choice in this category, according to our research. We’ve also selected some other novel products to help you find exactly what you need.
Click here to read all about the Pros and Cons of a Weapon Mounted Light
Here is our top picklist for the best shotgun flashlight to buy this year:
- SureFire X300 Ultra Series LED WeaponLights With TIR Lens
- Streamlight High Lumen Rail-Mounted Tactical Light
- Feyachi FL11-MB Tactical Flashlight
- Monstrum F51 100 Lumens Flashlight for Shotguns
- Ade Advanced Optics PL200-A-1 Ultra Compact
- Gun Flashlight DefendTek M1X
How to Pick the Best Shotgun Flashlight
When you’re selecting a flashlight for your shotgun, it helps to keep the following pointers in mind.
Lighting Modes
Having various lighting modes in your flashlight is vital to adapt to different circumstances. Make sure you keep a look out for a model that provides you with at least two lighting modes, such as high and low, to keep your options open.
Anything more than that would be a great bonus, especially if you plan on using your shotgun for hunting game. Some models even feature a red light that can be used to preserve battery life or keep a low profile.
The button to change the lighting modes should preferably be placed near the tail switch, as this location works best for large guns. This, of course, is a matter of preference, and it’s best that you find a model that best suits your convenience.
Brightness
The brightness of your flashlight can be determined based on the lumen count of a given product. The general rule of thumb in this department is that anything over 300 lumens of light offers excellent visibility and is considered to be a bright light.
Some models offer 1000 plus lumens of brightness. This is ideal for when you’re trying to light a considerable distance when you’re out in the wild.
If you’re planning on protecting your home or your property with your shotgun, you can aim for the 300 to 500 lumen mark. Anything over 500 lumens of light is considered to be a tactical flashlight and it can even daze your target at short distances.
Our Lumens, Lux, and Candela article is a great resource to learn more about Lumens and light output
Weight
A shotgun is generally quite heavy, and you don’t want to add to the weight of the weapon by carrying a hefty flashlight as well. This might throw off your aim and balance while you’re firing, so make sure to keep a check on the weight of the product you’re considering.
Flashlights that tend to have a fair bit of weight on them usually feature a brighter beam. This is the balance you need to strike in order to find the perfect product for your needs. Consider the weight to brightness ratio and pick your flashlight accordingly.
Mount
Most mounting systems used for shotgun flashlights can be placed in one of two categories: Picatinny rail and Weaver rail.
It’s advisable to pick up a Picatinny rail if you have the option because this type of railing system is also compatible with a Weaver rail. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work the other way round, so if you have a Weaver rail, you’re stuck with a Weaver.
Additional Features
Some modern shotgun flashlights come with additional features, such as featuring a laser pointer to improve your accuracy. You can opt for such models if you’re looking for something a bit fancier, but just know that these flashlights will cost you a tad bit more for these extra features.
Click here to see all of our Weapon Light Reviews!
The Best Shotgun Flashlight Reviews
This is the meat and bones of our roundup, where we review our top six picks for your benefit.
Best Overall Shotgun Flashlight
The SureFire X300 takes top honors on our list because it’s the most well-rounded device on the market today.
It has an LED bulb that’s capable of producing 600 lumens of brightness. This is carefully distributed using a special off-white lamp that’s known to be optimum for human eyesight. This allows you to see clearly without being blinded by the extremely bright light.
A precision TR lens helps create a smooth and focused beam without compromising on dispersion. This lets you see clearly through your peripherals as well.
Its unique design allows you to easily attach this model onto universal and Picatinny accessory rails. You can instantly mount and dismount shotgun lights whenever necessary. The T-mount system that easily sits on most railed handguns and long guns equipped with rails.
This device is waterproof with an IPX7 rating, allowing it to withstand over 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. This means you can take it out with you no matter the weather.
You also have the option of attaching pressure-sensitive switches to this module to improve your precision. The best part is that you can do this without altering the grip of your gun.
Pros
- Powerful 600-lumen beam.
- The LED bulb is set in the yellow-green spectrum for optimum viewing.
- Ergonomic, one-finger switch.
- IPX7 waterproof.
- Flashlight attaches to universal and Picatinny rails.
Cons
- The light toggle switch could be sturdier.
Click here to see the Best Shotgun Grip Lights reviewed!
Streamlight High Lumen Rail-Mounted Tactical Light
If you’re in the market for a quality tactical flashlight that can perfectly complement your shotgun, this Streamlight model is sure to suit your many needs.
This model is armed with a powerful LED light that can shine a beam of 1,000 lumens. It has a wide beam pattern that makes full use of the bright beam to cover the maximum area in front of you.
The bulb itself is a C4 LED, and it offers a lifetime of at least 50,000 hours. It has a peak candela of 15,000 that throws the beam as far as 928 feet. You should be able to sustain this level of intensity for 1.5 hours.
A special rail grip clamp system allows you to easily mount and dismount the attachment whenever you want without the need for additional tools. You can control the beam of light with the help of a pressure door remote switch.
The flashlight is measured at IPX7 waterproof, meaning it can be submerged in 3.2 feet of water for up to 30 minutes without damage.
Pros
- C4 LED bulb with 800 lumens of brightness.
- IPX7 waterproof.
- The high beam runs for 1.5 hours.
- Ambidextrous steady/momentary on-off switch.
- The battery latch mechanism prevents battery loss during idle time.
Cons
- The pressure pad could be sturdier.
Most Powerful Shotgun Flashlight
Feyachi FL11-MB Tactical Flashlight
This model by Feyachi offers a peak lumen count of 1200, making this product the most powerful flashlight in our selection.
The LED used to power this incredible device is nearly indestructible and recoil-proof. You can use the high beam for up to 4 hours using this device, and this runtime is truly impressive. Add to this the fact that the beam covers a distance of 656 feet, and you have a true tactical flashlight in your hands.
Utilizing the full power of the beam is also easy with the help of a versatile switch system. This allows you to toggle between keeping the shotgun light permanently on or momentarily on.
Feyachi has opted for aircraft-grade aluminum while creating the exterior of the product, making it both lightweight and durable. The black anodized finish helps improve the performance of this product and adds to its shockproof properties.
You can easily mount and dismount this attachment with the help of an offset mount system that’s equipped with a QD cam lock.
Pros
- Recoil-proof LED bulb with 1200 lumens.
- The light runs for 4 hours and covers a distance of 656 feet.
- The exterior is made using aircraft-grade anodized aluminum.
- The offset mount system allows easy installation.
Cons
- The tape switch is fragile and of poor quality.
Click here to see the Best Shotgun Rail Mount Flashlights reviewed!
Best Budget Shotgun Flashlight
Monstrum F51 Shotgun Flashlight
Budget tactical flashlights tend to be flimsy and feature nothing more than dollar-store LEDs. This is where the Monstrum F51 really stands out, offering a quality product despite a diminished price tag.
This lightweight flashlight is compatible with most full-length shotgun models. It offers a modest but effective performance with its 100-lumen LED bulb. You can activate the light with the help of a detachable remote pressure switch, and the intensity of the brightness makes it ideal for indoor or close-range usage.
You also have the option of attaching this model to the barrel with the included barrel mount system. The torch sits neatly between the barrel and magazine tube and won’t add much weight to your weapon as you use it.
The truly great part about this product is that despite being a budget selection, Monstrum offers a lifetime warranty on all its products. Thus, you can safely make this purchase without worrying about sub-par performance.
Pros
- Lightweight model that attaches to rail and barrel.
- 100-lumen light suitable for indoor or close range use.
- Compatible with most shotgun models.
- Powered using just one CR2 battery that is also included.
Cons
- Doesn’t include instructions.
Best Compact Shotgun Flashlight
Ade Advanced Optics PL200-A-1 Ultra Compact
You don’t want to burden an already large weapon such as a shotgun with hefty accessories. This is why a compact torch such as this particular model by Ade Advanced Optics will work wonders if you’re trying to keep the load light.
An anodized aviation-grade aluminum exterior helps this product last a considerable period of time. This is ably assisted with the help of a weather-proof body design.
An anodized aviation-grade aluminum exterior helps this product last a considerable period of time. This is ably assisted with the help of a weather-proof body design.
Pros
- Compatible with Picatinny and Weaver-style accessory rail.
- Extremely lightweight and durable.
- Made using aviation-grade anodized aluminum.
- Powerful 400-lumen LED bulb.
Cons
- Can be tough to fit on plastic mag-pull rails.
Best Rechargeable Shotgun Flashlight
Since a flashlight is a near-indispensable accessory to have handy during night-time adventures, it’s always a great idea to have a model handy that’s rechargeable. Keeping this in mind, we present the DefendTek M1X, a powerful 600-lumen flashlight that’s includes rechargeable batteries.
It’s powered using two CR123A batteries that are rechargeable, and the purchase also includes the charger for this set as well.
The light itself can be switched between steady and strobe mode in order to give you a variation in output if necessary. This purchase comes with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer, so you can rest easy knowing that your money is well-spent on a quality purchase.
Pros
- Powerful 600 lumen LED.
- Rechargeable light.
- Powered by two CR123A batteries that are included.
- Light can be switched between steady and strobe modes.
Cons
- Product design could have been streamlined.
The Final Buckshot
You can never be too careful when you’re armed with a weapon as powerful as a shotgun. Even the most experienced gun owners are wary of the impact of this model, which is why it’s never a good idea to use it without having proper visibility.
All six selections featured above would work really well based on your needs and usage. If you’re looking for a well-rounded product that covers all bases, then our choice of the Best Shotgun Flashlight—the SureFire X300 Ultra Series LED WeaponLight With TIR Lens – will undoubtedly serve the purpose.
This is an incredible device that has a 600-lumen LED and a precision TR lens capable of producing compact, far-reaching, but widespread beams. It uses a color spectrum that’s ideal for the human eye and is extremely easy to mount and dismount.
You can safely rack that double-barrel without any worries when you have this bad boy shedding some light for you.