When it comes to shotguns you don’t get a ton of lighting options. We’ve recently highlighted Streamlight’s TL Racker as one of the best options. If you are looking for a lighter option then give the Mk7 from Steiner a peek because they are currently on clearance. This is going to be your only chance to get a high-quality weapon light for $50 as they originally retailed for $213.
The Mk7 Battle Light is an ingenious solution to the shotgun light problem. The Mk7 replaces the endcap of your shotgun magazine tube. The light is superbly lightweight and remains independent of a shotgun’s pump action. In my opinion, the lighter a shotgun is the better. And this gives you a lightweight option that keeps your shotgun very sleek and minimalist. I purchased one for my Remington 870 figuring if it was a bad shotgun light, it would at least be a great handheld light. Of course, the design makes it an awkward handheld light, but it will work in a pinch. Luckily, I was quite pleased with the Steiner Mk7’s performance.
By the Numbers
The Steiner Mk7 weighs 4.1 ounces and is 3.5 inches long. The Mk7 Battle Light is a 350 lumen light. It’s not the brightest, but bright enough for a shotgun’s effective range. It’s a two-piece system that consists of a base and the actual light. Powered by a single CR123A battery, the Mk7 has a 1 hour burn time.
The Mk7 in Action
Installation is simple. The base replaces the actual nut that keeps your tube spring in place. This end cap is threaded to accept the light portion of the system. The two-piece system allows you to remove the light body from the shotgun without compromising the shotgun’s magazine. So you can swap batteries or better yet, remove the light for handheld use and still have a perfectly operational shotgun. I personally love the idea of being able to remove the weapon light and have a handheld option. You don’t always want to be pointing your gun everywhere just because to need a light.
The Mk7 has a very white light without any yellow tint to it. It looks amazing as most Steiner lights do. It also casts more of a spotlight pattern rather than a tightly focused beam. In home distances allow it to illuminate an entire room. The light’s configuration is perfect for a shotgun.
The Control Issue
As most of you have wondered how exactly do you turn it on? Is there a pressure switch? Unfortunately, there isn’t a pressure switch option. The Mk7 has two buttons, one on each side of the unit. These two buttons are quick and easy to activate and push in very nicely and give nice tactile feedback.
The entire unit is forward of the pump and that does make reaching it harder on shotguns with extended tubes. On my Remington 870’s stock 4 round tube it’s actually perfect. I imagine trying to run this unit on a Mossberg 500 7 round tube, or Remington 6 round tube would be difficult.
There is also no momentary mode, it’s just always on. This doesn’t allow for a lot of modern light discipline techniques. With the TL Racker and Streamlight pumps, you get momentary modes as well as easy on and off switches. Turning this light on and off isn’t as intuitive and the ergonomics are certainly a step behind a pump-action option.
I’ve made up my own method of making things work with my hand half on the light and half on the pump. In a flash, I can turn it on or off and quickly operate my shotgun. Admittedly it’s still slower and less intuitive than using a pump mounted light. Also, be aware you cannot use a magazine extension with the Mk7.
Final Thoughts
I like the Mk7 Battle Light. It’s powerful, bright, and easy to use. However, it’s far from ergonomic compared to other options. The main benefit is its low overall weight. Keeping the weapon more balanced than the aforementioned pump lights. The Mk7 is also much cheaper at $50 with free shipping.
It’s not perfect, and at the original price of $213, it would be a hard sell. I personally would have no issues using this light for home defense, or even hunting. I feel it would shine in both roles. To me, this proved that Steiner’s are awesome lights and I’m looking at a Mk3 Battle Light for one of my 80 lower receiver rifles.
For police and military use the Surefire and Streamlight options are a bit more ergonomic and easier to use but the Mk7 is a professional grade battle light at one helluva discount.
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