The Best Rifle and Gun Cameras for Shooting
If you're serious about your time on the range or out in the woods, you already know the value of precision. Not just in your shots, but in the way you train, review, and remember. That’s where a solid gun camera comes in—something more than a gimmick. Over time on the range and in the field, I’ve seen how rifle cameras evolved from casual gadgets to practical tools.
I started using them to check positioning and spot issues I missed in the moment—now, I don’t head to the range without one. So let me walk you through the ones that matter—the gear you’ll want to trust when recoil is punching and conditions get rough.
Why Use a Rifle or Gun Camera?
Gun and rifle cameras aren’t just for YouTubers flexing their groupings or hunters recording kill shots (though that’s part of the fun). They’re legit tools for a wide range of shooters. Footage doesn’t lie—whether you’re lining up shots at the range or tracking movement in the field. A good camera lets you see your shooting the way it really happened, without the noise of memory or the adrenaline haze. It becomes a teacher, helping you spot patterns, correct errors, and build habits over time.
- Training Aid: Reviewing your footage can help you catch small habits—good or bad—that you might miss in real time. It’s a simple way to tighten up your fundamentals.
- Hunting Footage: Sometimes it’s the calm before the shot that tells the best story. Capturing those moments adds perspective to the experience.
- Content Creation: If you’ve ever wanted to show off that perfect 600-yard hit with real footage—well, now you can, without hiring a film crew.
- Safety and Review: For competitors and instructors, having a camera rolling can provide crucial feedback. It’s also your insurance policy when someone questions a call.
What to Look for in a Gun or Rifle Camera
Before you throw money at the first 4K camera you see, know this: not all "action cams" survive the range. I’ve seen plenty that looked good on paper but couldn’t take a few rounds of .308 without shifting or shutting down. Shooting environments are hard on gear—heat, recoil, dust, and rough handling aren’t exactly gentle. So here’s what you need to look for, from someone who’s fried a few units in the name of testing.
- Recoil Resistance: Your fancy 4K video isn’t worth squat if the camera skips out of position after a single round. You want something that can take a beating.
- Mounting Options: Whether you’re running optics on a bolt gun or iron sights on a scattergun, the right mount can make or break your footage.
- Video Quality: 1080p might cut it for casuals, but if you're looking to catch your shot placement or show a hit at distance, 4K with a decent frame rate and stabilization is key.
- Durability: Dust, mud, sleet, and maybe blood if you're lucky. The camera better survive it.
- Battery Life: Long sessions or long hikes—battery needs to keep up.
- Trigger Activation: I like cameras that only record the action. Recoil-activated recording is a blessing when you don’t want to sift through hours of boring footage.
Top Gun and Rifle Cameras
Tactacam 6.0
- Resolution:
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)150Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppNo
Users are reporting that the Tactacam 6.0 has some areas of concern. Straight out of the box, some are finding that excessive vibration affects the video quality.
Tactacam 5.0
- Resolution:
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)150Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppYes
Right out of the gate, the Tactacam 5.0 establishes itself as a versatile camera for both bows and guns, with users generally reporting good quality.
Tactacam 4.0
- Resolution:
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppNo
Insta360 Go 3
- Resolution:
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)45Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppYes
Based on initial feedback, the Insta360 Go 3 is making waves as an action camera. Right off the bat, people are talking about the camera itself, and it's compact portability.
DJI Osmo Action 4
- Resolution:
Image Resolution10MP
- Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
Rec Time (1080p)160Min
- Mobile App Compatibility:
Mobile AppYes
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is making waves, and users are definitely taking notice. Drawing comparisons to GoPro right off the bat, this action cam is turning heads with its user-friendly DJI app and straightforward setup.
1. Tactacam 6.0
If I had to recommend one camera for most shooters, this is it. The Tactacam 6.0 is built like it’s ready for a season in the Rockies. The 4K 60fps resolution captures everything from tight groupings at the range to heart-racing hunts. The 8x zoom is digital but does the job when you’re trying to review a hit without walking 300 yards. The stabilization? Surprisingly solid, even when mounted on my .30-06.
- Mounting: Barrel, under-scope, and universal mounts
- Trigger Activation: Yes (recoil sensor is dialed in nicely)
- MSRP: $299–$349
Why it ranks #1:
- Delivers 4K at 60fps with 8x digital zoom and strong stabilization, making it ideal for hunting and range shooting.
- Features a recoil-activated trigger and a waterproof design.
- Includes a touchscreen for quick settings adjustments.
- Waterproof and durable construction.
- User-friendly interface with a built-in screen.
- Some users reported audio issues in certain units.
- The barrel mount could benefit from design improvements.
2. Tactacam 5.0
I’ve run Tactacam 5.0 on everything from my AR-15 to a buddy’s turkey shotgun. It’s got enough muscle to keep up without breaking the bank. You still get 4K video, reliable zoom, and all the core features that make the 6.0 shine. If you’re building a gear setup on a budget, or just want a second camera angle, this is a killer choice.
- Mounting: Barrel, scope, universal
- Trigger Activation: Yes
- MSRP: ~$279
Why it ranks #2:
- Offers 4K video, 8x zoom, and reliable stabilization at a more affordable price point.
- Compatible with the Film Through Scope (FTS) package for recording through rifle scopes.
- Lacks the touchscreen interface found in the 6.0 model.
- Some users experienced fragility upon impact.
- Initial app connectivity may require troubleshooting.
3. Tactacam 4.0
Alright, she’s not the youngest buck in the herd, but Tactacam 4.0 still holds her own. I slapped one of these on a .22 just for fun and ended up getting clearer footage than expected. It’s simple, sturdy, and doesn’t whine under recoil. You won’t get 4K, but for close-range training or casual hunting, it’s more than enough.
- Mounting: Universal (barrel and scope)
- Trigger Activation: Manual
- MSRP: ~$199
Why it ranks #3:
- Provides 2.7K video, 5x zoom, and solid low-light performance at an entry-level price.
- Features manual trigger activation and lacks advanced stabilization.
- Ideal for close-range training or casual hunting.
- Affordable price point.
- Sturdy and water-resistant construction.
- Lacks 4K recording capability.
- Manual trigger activation only.
4. Insta360 GO 3
Insta360 GO 3 is a little magnetic nugget for those who like to keep it light. I usually run it on my ball cap during drills or attach it to a side rail for behind-the-shoulder shots. It's not recoil-resistant per se, but with a bit of ingenuity and some decent mounts, it gives you a sweet POV without the bulk. Plus, the stabilization is borderline wizardry.
- Mounting: Head, helmet, side mount (custom for guns)
- Trigger Activation: Manual
- MSRP: $379
Why it ranks #4:
- Ultra-compact and lightweight.
- Magnetic mounting for versatile placement.
- Effective stabilization for smooth footage.
- Not specifically designed for firearm recoil.
- Limited battery life in standalone mode.
5. DJI Osmo Action 4
DJI’s camera game is no joke. The DJI Osmo Action 4 has incredible color profiles and dynamic range—it’s the camera I use when I want B-roll that doesn’t look like shaky security footage. Mounting it to a rifle takes some creativity, but once it's dialed in, the results are clean. Just know it’s more filmmaker than field gear.
- Mounting: Helmet, shoulder, rail (custom mounts required)
- Trigger Activation: Manual
- MSRP: $399
Why it ranks #5:
- Exceptional video quality with advanced color grading options.
- Robust stabilization and low-light performance.
- Magnetic quick-release mounting system.
- Requires custom mounts for firearm use.
- Higher price point compared to other options
Accessories for Gun and Rifle Action Cameras
To get the most out of your rifle camera setup, the right accessories make a big difference. Mounts, stabilizers, and lens protectors aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential for capturing clean, reliable footage session after session. We've covered some of our favorite must-have GoPro hunting accessories in a separate guide, but here are the three no-miss ones:
The Best Rifle and Gun Camera Accessories
Choosing the Right Camera for You
Here’s the straight talk: not every rifle camera needs the same setup, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Think about how often you shoot, what kind of environments you're in, and how much video quality really matters for your use. Some folks want full-on cinematic footage; others just need a reliable view of their shots to fine-tune technique.
- For Hunters: Tactacam 6.0 if you want reliability in the backcountry. The 5.0 will do the job too, and save you a few bucks.
- For Sport Shooters: Want recoil resistance without going broke? Grab the 4.0 or the 5.0. They hold up on the line and give you what you need.
- For Content Creators: Insta360 and DJI are your jam—smooth footage, clean edits, and a ton of mounting options (if you’re creative).
Final Thoughts
I’ve tried enough gear over the years to know what fails under pressure and what earns a permanent spot in my range bag. These rifle and gun cameras? They've earned it. Whether you're out chasing elk, zeroing at 100 yards, or filming your latest 3-gun run, the right camera won't just document—it'll elevate.
Take the shot, and make it count—on video too.
Featured image by Myko Makhlai.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Cameras
What is the best camera for recording rifle shooting?
For rifle shooting, cameras like the Tactacam 6.0 and 5.0 offer excellent stabilization, recoil resistance, and mounting options that make them top picks for both hunting and range use.
Can I use a regular GoPro as a gun camera?
Yes, but you’ll need third-party mounts, and GoPros aren't built to handle recoil like purpose-designed gun cams. They're best used for POV-style footage from a helmet or chest rig rather than barrel or scope mounting.
Is it legal to mount a camera on a firearm?
In most places, yes, but local laws vary. Always check your state or country's regulations—especially when it comes to using cameras while hunting or carrying firearms in public.
How do I mount a camera on my rifle or shotgun?
There are several options: barrel clamps, scope mounts, and rail adapters are the most common. Choose a mount that matches your firearm’s configuration and make sure it can handle recoil.
Do gun cameras affect accuracy?
When properly mounted, most gun cameras have minimal effect on accuracy. However, heavier setups or poorly balanced mounts can shift your handling slightly. It’s always good to zero your weapon with any accessory attached if you’re concerned.
What kind of memory card should I use with an action camera for shooting?
Look for high-speed (U3-rated) microSD cards with at least 128GB of capacity, especially if recording in 4K. Brands like SanDisk Extreme or Lexar Professional are trusted for reliability.
Can I use these cameras for archery or fishing too?
Absolutely. Most of the cameras listed are versatile enough to work for bowhunting and rod mounting with the right accessories. Tactacam and Insta360 models, in particular, have accessories tailored for bows and rods.