The Best Rifle and Gun Cameras for Shooting

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Durability: Dust, mud, sleet, and maybe blood if you're lucky. The camera better survive it.
5. Battery Life: Long sessions or long hikes—battery needs to keep up.
6. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s the straight talk: not every shooter 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).

To get the most out of your 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: