Shotguns are like any other weapon — if you decide to use one for home defense, you’ll need a light to make it as efficient as possible.
Unfortunately, pairing weapon lights with shotguns isn’t as easy as it is with handguns and rifles.
But that’s why you have us. We’re going to walk you through your options and help you navigate the confusing world that is lights and shotguns.
We’ll give you our top recommendations for the best models for home defense and talk about what makes shotguns troublesome when it comes to lights.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall
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Best Value
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Best Budget
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Best Premium
Table of Contents
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How We Test The Best Shotgun Lights
We do a lot of shooting, and shotguns make regular appearances in the rotation. All that hands-on time helps inform which shotgun lights we like to use, and which ones we’d like to try if we get the chance.
Whether we’ve gotten range time with them or not, there are a few basic criteria that a shotgun light has to meet if it’s going to get a thumbs-up from us.
First, it has to be durable. Shotguns are mighty beasts, especially when you start feeding a 12-gauge heavy defensive ammunition. That means you need something that can handle that recoil.
Gear is only good if you can count on it, so our picks for the best shotgun lights have to be reliable. By that, we mean it needs to operate as intended without hiccups.
Finally, space-age technology and premium materials are only useful if we can afford them, so we shopped for shotgun lights that are affordable for all kinds of budgets.
Best Shotgun Lights
1. Streamlight TLR RM 2 – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Powerful
- Ergonomic and user-friendly
- Mount it however you want
Cons
- A little on the expensive side
- Tube mount sold separately
Specs
- Compatibility: Universal
- Power: 1,000 lumens
- Run time: 1.5 hrs
- Modes: Constant-on, momentary, strobe
- Battery: CR123A lithium
- Weight: 4.7 oz
A 1,000-lumen light, the Streamlight TLR RM 2 brings the power. The design is ergonomic with an awesome rear switch.
Streamlight also has a pressure pad that allows you to mount the light further forward on the gun and still access the on/off switch.
Simply put, the RM series is absolutely fantastic! And I should know, I wrote a whole review about the RM 1 and RM 2.
With a relatively small and lightweight design (especially as long gun lights go), the RM 2 uses the limited space on shotguns and does so well.
The ramped rear design certainly keeps fingers from getting smashed and gives you a little more room on the pump.
These new lights are perfect for shotguns and perfectly matched with the Streamlight rail.
While the TLR RM 2 itself is less than $150, you will need a mounting solution separately. That pushes the price up a little bit.
I suggest using the Streamlight Mag Tube Rail.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
This little device attaches to your shotgun and gives you a short rail to mount almost any light you want.
I use this magazine tube rail on my Benelli M4, and it locks down extremely tight and allows you to mount the light at various angles.
2. Streamlight TL Racker – Best Value
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros
- Fits the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500, 590
- Light is built into the grip
- Momentary and constant-on modes
Cons
- Model-specific
- Somewhat expensive
Specs
- Compatibility: 12 ga. Mossberg 500/590, Remington 870
- Power: 1,000 lumens
- Run time: 1.5 hrs
- Modes: Constant-on, momentary
- Battery: CR123A lithium
- Weight: 12.1 oz
The Streamlight TL Racker is designed to work seamlessly with Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 and 590 shotguns.
Streamlight’s device packs a punch with 1,000 lumens and 20,000 candela.
Powerful enough to work for duty, it makes target identification easy without adding bulk to your shotgun. The TL Racker opts for a massive control pad fitted to both sides of the pumpthat’s easy to use.
The TL Racker also comes in at a lightweight 12 ounces. It’s smaller and sports an aggressive texture granting a sure grip.
It features momentary and constant-on modes, and it’s tough enough to handle slugs.
You can get one in a Shockwave variant or bright orange for less-than-lethal shotguns.
No lie, it’s become my preference for shotgun stuff.
This pump/light combo retails for around $150, which is a pretty good deal considering everything it offers. Dollar for dollar, I don’t know if you can beat it.
What do you think of the TL Racker? Rate it below!
3. Axeon Shotlight 120x – Best Budget
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Pros
- Replaces your factory magazine tube cap
- Super affordable
- Easy DIY installation and removal
Cons
- Watch out for barrel shadow
Specs
- Compatibility: 12 ga. Mossberg 500, Remington 870, Winchester SXP
- Power: 120 lumens
- Run time: 30 min
- Modes: Constant-on
- Battery: CR123A
The Axeon Shotlight 120X isn’t going to give you much power but it makes up for that with a very affordable price.
The single CR123A battery will only produce 120 lumens and last 30 minutes.
The light has one mode (constant-on) with a very simple design. There’s only one button and you can position it for right- or left-hand use. That’s simple but not always the most ergonomic since you have to reach so far forward to activate it.
Additionally, the Shotlight adds length to your magazine tube. That could actually be a benefit since the further back it sits, the more barrel shadow you’ll experience.
All that said, it’s priced well below the competition, and that’s important if you’re on a tight budget.
This light ships with adapters to fit the Mossberg 500 series, Remington 870, and the Winchester SXP.
4. Adaptive Tactical Light – Most Innovative
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Specs
- Compatibility: 12 ga. Mossberg 88/500/590, Remington 870
- Power: 300 lumens
- Run time: 3 hrs
- Modes: Constant-on, momentary, strobe
- Battery: 2 AA
The Adaptive Tactical EX Performance Tactical Light Forend is a mouthful, but it packs enough features to make rattling off that name worthwhile.
It replaces the original forend on your 12-gauge Mossberg 88/500/590 or the Remington 870. The light is attached to the end of the pump via a handy rail.
The light housing is detachable, which means you can replace it if it breaks or temporarily remove it to use your home defense shotgun for hunting.
The whole package integrates nicely with the pump-action design. The light’s position at the forward end of the pump won’t smash your hand with recoil.
Controls are ambidextrous, with a switch platform to give you momentary, constant-on, and strobe modes. Two AA batteries power it with a runtime of three hours.
Adaptive Tactical makes some very innovative stuff, especially for shotgunners, and this light system builds on their unique platform.
5. Nightstick SFL – Best Premium
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Specs
- Compatibility: Mossberg 500/590 (SFL-11GL), Remington 870 (SFL-13GL)
- Power: 1,200 lumens
- Run time: 1.5 hrs
- Modes: Constant-on, momentary, strobe, green laser
- Battery: 2 CR123
- Weight: 17.5 oz
Last but certainly not least, we loved the Nightstick SFL-13GL we tested.
Their light is mounted within the housing of the forend. That’s nothing new but Nightstick wanted you to have all the lumens, so they crammed in 1,200 for this model. It has a green laser, too.
The SFL series mounts up easily, and models are available for Remington and Mossberg shotguns. They even include a castle nut wrench for both brands.
Nightstick made this model for the Remington 870/Tac-14s, and Mossberg 500/590s. While most of us will order it in black, law enforcement will appreciate the orange model for less-lethal applications.
We took one to the range to try it out. The light has a great throw, and the green laser is extremely easy to pick up.
The aggressive grip texture provides loads of traction when running the action. The button to activate the light is intuitively placed, though it’s not as large as some other offerings.
With the powerful 1,200-lumen cast, this unit works perfectly well outdoors and is extremely potent for clearing halls and rooms inside. It is a little heavy, coming in at 17.5 ounces, but the brightness outweighs this minor drawback.
SFL-series lights are ruggedly built, IP-X7 waterproof, and impact and chemical-resistant. It runs on two CR123 batteries and at around $200, gives you everything you pay for.
Other Relevant Information
Shotguns make it tough to attach a weapon light. That’s especially true for pump-action shotguns.
When the light is mounted to the pump, it can be hard to keep control of the light and employ the weapon.
Moving the pump back and forth proves tricky when attaching a light. The manual action makes pressure switches a pain because they can get in the way as you work the action if you haven’t practiced enough.
The gun’s recoil can also give your thumb a nice smack against the light with every shot.
Semi-auto shotguns are a little more polite due to fewer external moving pieces.
Luckily, if you still love shotguns and want a weapon light, you have options and a means to properly outfit your weapon for defensive use.
Why You Should Trust Us
Though I served as a Marine machine gunner and now teach pistol and concealed carry classes as an NRA-certified instructor, there’s just something about shotguns that speaks to me.
I have written many articles about shotguns and their accessories for Pew Pew Tactical and other publications. I spend countless hours researching and testing firearms and gear to ensure I bring the Pew Pew Tactical audience the best of the best.
FAQs
What is the best shotgun light attachment?
We're big fans of shotgun lights that are built into the forend but the more universal Streamlight TLR RM 2 is a great option, too.
What is the best lightweight 12-gauge shotgun light?
We sound like a broken record -- a Streamlight TLR RM2 will only add a few ounces to your shotgun.
Do I need a shotgun light for home defense?
Weapon lights are incredibly effective. You can't shoot what you can't see, and this is a lot better than running around reaching for light switches on the wall.
Final Thoughts
Like any other firearm used for defensive purposes, shotguns are better with a weapon light. Identification of a threat is vital and without a light, you’re flying blind.
The above options should get you started in the world of lights and help illuminate whatever comes at you.
What do you have on your shotgun? Let us know in the comments below. Looking for another shotgun to add to your home-defense strategy? We’ve got you covered with our round-up of the Best Home-Defense Tactical Shotguns.
13 Leave a Reply
I have the Mossburg 590 pistol grip, and purchased the NIGHTSTICK.....
IT DOES NOT FIT
Did you guys try the axion? It does not attach to a 500 Mosberg, as it claims to and the light is too weak. Why would you include such an inferior product when we are seeking honest reporting?
I have the Streamlight TL Racker for my 870. My only complaint is that it seems to catch whenever I try and cycle shells it gets hung up below I can pull open the breach. I can wiggle it to make it work, but it still isn't as smooth as the original
Will this fit Winchester 1300 Defender? If so, which option do I purchase, Mossberg or Remington since I don’t see a Winchester call out. Thank you in advance.
I have the Streamlite TL Racker on my Mossberg 590 Shockwave and I love its ergonomics, improved the forend rack for my hands and the 1000 lumen light can light up my entire backyard. Great Accessory!
I’m looking for a light set up for a Smith& Wesson M& P 12 .. something on the forward pump grip is what I’d prefer. Are you aware of anything. ?
How is the Streamlight TLR RM2 mounted onto the shotgun? When I go to the product site it looks like there's not attachment for the shotgun magazine. Is there another mount that I can order from Streamline or another company that will allow me to attach it to a shotgun? Sorry if this is common knowledge. I'm a new shotgun owner. Thanks in advance!
I used the Streamlight mag tube rail mentioned later in the article. It was a really tight fit on my M4 but is a clean look in the end. Hoping it doesn’t squeeze the mag tube enough to cause binding, bc I really like the setup.
If you're not totally attached a pump action or traditional semi-auto, an AR-12 type magazine-fed semi-auto with a picatinny rail where you can use the hundreds of readily available and cheap lights is an economical option for home defense. (And because 10, 15, 20, or drum magazine :))
Could not agree more I have an ATI Bullpup 10 round mag it caught a light anywhere cheaper than most shotguns
High output.End cap switch. Rail mount. To fit my Stoeger 12g side by side Double Defender?
Thanks for the insight. Looking for a light system for my Maverick 88. The Adaptive tech may be my choice.
I’ve got a Streamlight TLR2 on my KSG. I keep contemplating swapping it out for the RM2 because it seems more “appropriate”, but the rearward controls just work really well for me as is, especially with my hand placement on the foregrip. Just have to wince and hope nobody notices the laser because that’s just silly on a shotty
¯\_(ツ)_/¯