Flashlights for Guns
A gun-mounted light puts the beam wherever your muzzle points, so you can identify what you're aiming at before you shoot. These lights are built for night hunting and predator calling where it's legal, and they hold up to recoil. When you compare them, check the mount type against your rail and pick a lumen rating that fits how far you'll be shooting.
Keep going
shooting supplies · light bearing holsters · firearm accessories · red dot sights · handheld flashlights · predator calls · gun safe accessories
Pistol lights and how they fit
Most pistol lights clamp to the accessory rail under the barrel, and the rail size on your frame decides what fits. Streamlight makes up most of this shelf, with the TLR-1, TLR-3, TLR-6, TLR-7 and TLR-8 families in several versions. Many TLR-6 and TLR-8 listings are named for a specific pistol (Glock 48, Springfield Hellcat and S&W models among them), while "Sub" and "Flex" versions are separate listings with their own fit notes. Olight's Baldr and PL-series lights, NightStick compact and full-size handgun lights and the Glock OEM Tactical Light II give you alternatives.
Some lights pair with a laser. The TLR-4 and TLR-6 light/laser models combine both, the TLR RM 1 and RM 2 come in laser versions for long guns, and green versions such as the TLR-8XG Flex Green are listed separately. Once a light goes on, your holster has to match the light too, so finish the setup at light bearing holsters. Glock carriers can cross-check Glock 19 holsters as well.
Rifle lights, mounts and pressure switches
A rifle light usually rides on a handguard slot or rail through a mount. Streamlight's TLR RM 1 and RM 2, the Pro-Tac Rail Mount series and the TLR-1 HP Long Gun are built for that job. If your handguard is M-LOK or KeyMod, look at the BCM light mounts, Odin Works and Streamlight M-LOK mounts, the Daniel Defense offset flashlight mount and the Mission First Tactical Torch mount. Remote pressure switches (including door, dual and contoured versions) put the on switch where your hand already sits.
Plan mount positions alongside your optic. A light that sits in front of a scope bell or a red dot mount can block the view or the switch, so lay everything out before you tighten anything.
Shotgun forend lights
For pump shotguns, the Streamlight TL-Racker is a forend light listed for Mossberg and Remington models, and NightStick has a shotgun forend light too. Check the model on the product page, since forend lights are built for specific guns.
Hunting lights and batteries
Predator hunters will find the Predator Tactics Coyote Reaper and Eradicator lights here. Rules on night hunting and artificial light vary by state and species, so check with your state agency first, then pair the light with predator calls. Hunters who would rather skip the light entirely can look at thermal scopes.
Keep spares on hand. The shelf carries CR123A batteries from Streamlight and PSP, CR2 cells, Predator Tactics 18650 batteries and Streamlight SL-B series USB rechargeable batteries with a charge kit. For a light you carry in a pocket instead of on a gun, see USB rechargeable flashlights and headlamps.
Gun Lights FAQs
Will this pistol light fit my gun?
Check the rail on your frame and the model named in the title. Several TLR listings are made for one pistol, and others are universal rail lights. The product page lists the fit.
Do I need a new holster for a weapon light?
Yes, in nearly every case. A standard holster will not accept the light, so look for one cut for your pistol and that exact light model.
What batteries do gun lights use?
Many use CR123A or CR2 cells, and some USB versions run on rechargeable packs such as Streamlight's SL-B9. The product page lists the battery for each light.