When it comes to home defense, we all want the most effective weapon possible. Our families, lives, and homes deserve that protection.
While many people still prefer handguns or rifles for home defense, some people find shotguns appealing for multiple reasons.
With that being said, we put together a list of some of our favorite tactical shotguns for home defense, both semi-auto and pump-action, together in one list.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Pump-Action
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Best Beginner Shotgun
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Best Combat Shotgun
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Best Modern Tactical Shotgun
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Best Semi-Auto
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Best Out of the Box Tactical Shotgun
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Best Budget Shotgun
Table of Contents
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How We Tested the Best Home Defense Tactical Shotguns
For this article, we gathered a bunch of tactical and home defense shotguns we’ve personally shot, reviewed, and owned here at Pew Pew Tactical. All shotguns that made this list had to have a few things in common to earn a spot in our recommendations:
- Must reliably feed and fire
- Ergonomics must work for most shooters
- Features that make it stand out from other competitors
- Performance in a tactical or home defense environment
- Must have a price tag that the average consumer can stomach. (We might add a few high-end options, but most of our recommendations come in at a reasonable price point).
Each shotgun chosen has at least 1,000 rounds through it over a 6-month time period. Although most are higher in round count and years used.
We’ve had hands-on time with each of the models listed, spending extensive time with them at the range, in competition, and attending classes. The entire Pew Pew Tactical team, as well as freelance writers, contributed to this review to offer different opinions based on body size and experience level.
Every review shotgun undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires shooting with a variety of ammo at 5 yards, 10 yards, 15 yards, and 25 yards to assess accuracy and reliability.
Guns with hands-on reviews have been linked so you can see more details.
Tactical & Home Defense Shotgun Comparison Chart
| Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Action | Capacity | Price |
| Mossberg 590A1 | 12ga | 18.5″ / 20″ | 36.1″ / 39.5″ / 41″ | 7 lbs / 7.25 lbs | Pump-Action | 8 | $594 |
| Remington 870 Tactical | 12ga | 18.5″ | 38.5″ | 7.5 lbs | Pump-Action | 6+1 | $441 |
| Benelli M4 | 12ga | 18.5″ | 40″ | 8.42 lbs | Semi-Auto | 5+1 | $1,999 |
| Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol | 12ga | 19.1″ | 38″ | 7.1 lbs | Semi-Auto | 7 | $899 |
| Beretta 1301 Tactical | 12ga | 18.5″ | 37.8″ | 6.4 lbs | Semi-Auto | 7 | $1,340 |
| Mossberg 940 Tactical | 12ga | 18.5″ | 37″ | 7.5 lbs | Semi-Auto | 9 | $880 |
| Mossberg Maverick 88 | 12ga / 20ga | 20″ / 22″ / 24″ / 26″/ 28″ | 39.8″ / 41″ / 45.3″ / 47.8″ | 6 lbs | Pump-Action | 6 | $220 |
Best Home-Defense Tactical Shotguns
1. Mossberg 590A1 – Best Pump-Action
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Unmatched durability and reliability
- Proven track record
- Simplicity
- Quick change barrels
- Wide aftermarket
Cons
- Heavier than the standard 590
- Notable price bump over the standard 590
Specs
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Action: Pump Action
- Weight: 7 lbs / 7.25 lbs
- Barrel length: 18.5in / 20in
- Overall length: 36.1in / 39.5in / 41in
- Sights: Bead
- Finish: Black / Stainless
- Magazine Capacity: 8rd
- Magazine Type: Fixed
- Stock Material: Polymer / Synthetic / Wood
Features
- Thick-walled barrel
- Sturdier internals
- Bayonet lug
- All metal trigger guard
- Quick change barrel
- Ambidextrous safety
Being so popular also means the Mossberg 500 has one of the largest pools of potential upgrades, including easy-to-swap barrels.
But say you want a gun that is even more durable and designed explicitly for combat and tactical use?
Enter the Mossberg 590A1.
Built specifically to serve as a US military firearm, the Mossberg 590A1 is a solid combat shotgun. Upgrades include a thicker receiver, a thick-walled barrel, a metal trigger guard, and a durable parkerized finish.
Mossberg offers various configurations of the 590A1 with different features, such as ghost ring, bead, or night sights, fixed or collapsible stocks, and capacities of up to nine rounds.
You can even mount a bayonet to it if that floats your boat.
Regardless of the features you choose, you are getting the most durable pump-action combat shotgun ever designed.
Also, be sure to check out our Best Upgrades for the Mossberg 500/590 Series and check out our review of the Mossberg 590A1 for more details!
What’s your take on Mossberg 590? Rate it below!
2. Remington 870 Tactical – Best Beginner Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Smooth action
- Ultra-proven design
- Reliable
- Tons of aftermarket
Cons
- Safety location isn’t our favorite
Specs
- Action: Pump Action
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Capacity: 6+1
- Barrel length: 48.5in
- Overall length: 38.5in
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Sights: Bead
Features
- Solid steel billet machined receiver
- Non-glare matte finish
- Bead front sight
- 3″ chamber
Something can always be said about a classic hardwood stock and pump.
Combined with the classic Remington 870 platform, you get a design that has lasted the test of time.
The Remington 870 gives you 6+1 capacity and an 18.5-inch barrel for maneuverability inside close quarters. You get a front rifle sight, so I would certainly suggest adding a nice adjustable rear sight.
Its design is so well-known and popular that there are tons of different accessories for it available. This includes numerous different designs of sight saddles, lighting options, and even scope mounts for a red dot.
You can swap the barrel with any other 870 barrel without modification as well. Top it off with a solid sling, and you end up with a perfect home defense pump-action shotgun. Check out all the options in our Best Upgrades for the Remington 870!
Got one you need to clean? Or want to see how easily one breaks down? We go over it in our 870 Cleaning & Lubing Guide and video:
We also have a full review of the Remington 870 if you need to get into the details.
Want to get even gun-dorkier? We now have a full hands-on article covering the Remington 870 vs Mossberg 500 in greater detail.
3. Benelli M4 -Best Combat Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ultra reliable
- Soft shooting
- Military-tested and approved
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Weight: 8.42 lbs
- Barrel length: 18.5in
- Overall length: 40in
- Sights: Fiber Optic
- Magazine Capacity: 5+1
- Magazine Type: Fixed
- Stock Material: Polymer
Features
- Fully adjustable ghost-ring rear sight & windage-adjustable front sight
- Standard choke tubes
- 12-gauge
- Pistol grip stock
- Auto-Regulating-Gas-Operated (A.R.G.O.)
- Drilled and tapped receiver
- Picatinny rail
You could put any Benelli on this list, to be honest, but the M4 might be the king of combat shotguns.
When the U.S. Marine Corps needed a semi-auto shotgun, they went to Benelli. And Benelli designed their first gas gun, the M4.
The internal auto-regulating gas-operated system, or ARGO, provides an extremely reliable short-stroke piston system using dual pistons to ensure reliability.
This shotgun beats out Benelli’s inertia guns if you want to strap on optics, lights, and such. Inertia guns are picky when it comes to weight, and when you add weight, you can affect the gun’s reliability.
Gas guns don’t care! Load ’em down and have at it. The Benelli M4, in particular, seems to love just about every load I’ve ever put through it.
From reduced recoil tactical loads to even light buckshot loads. The only ammo I’ve had it cough on was ultra-light skeet loads loaded for 950 feet per second.
Not to mention, the M4 also allows for a good degree of customization. It’s a shotgun with a cult following and decent little aftermarket. It’s soft to shoot and boringly reliable.
If you want the best, be prepared to pay for it, though. This gun and its accessories are far from cheap.
Check out our recommended M4 upgrades and our full review.
4. Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol – Best Modern Tactical Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Reliable
- Easy to manuever
- Enlarged controls
- Easy to mount accessories
Cons
- Loading gate operation can take time to get used to
Specs
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Barrel length: 28 in
- Overall length: 47.6 in
- Finish: Black / Grey
- Magazine Capacity: 7rd
- Magazine Type: Tube
- Stock Material: Synthetic
Features
- Kick-Off recoil reduction system
- Oversized charging handle and bolt release
- Fiber optic front sight for quick target acquisition
- Drilled and tapped for optics mounting
- Enlarged loading port for easier reloading
- Textured grip and forend for enhanced control
The most recent entry from the Italian shotgun giant Beretta, the A300 Ultima Patrol, was announced at SHOT Show 2023. We tried one there and later got one for extensive testing, which we covered in our review.
In short, we loved it. The Ultima Patrol has a lot of modern tactical shotgun features that normally would cost a shooter dearly, but Beretta kept it around (sometimes under) $1,000.
Ergonomics are solid, with aggressive grip textures where you need it. The controls are nice and big, the front end is optimized for accessories, the magazine tube is extended, and it is red dot capable.
These upgraded features would cost a pretty penny if you had to add them in after purchase, as you might have to do for an M4. No, the A300 Ultima Patrol is ready to rock, out of the box.
This Beretta may not have a rotating bolt head or the B-Link gas system found in the 1301, but the performance characteristics were solid. During testing, we experienced zero malfunctions through a variety of ammo.
We delivered rounds as fast as we could pull the trigger, and the accuracy was great, too. Recoil mitigation was sound between the gas system and buttpad.
All these features, combined with the price, make the A300 Ultima Patrol a great option.
5. Beretta 1301 Tactical – Best Semi-Auto
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ultra-fast operating system
- Reliable
- Easy to maneuver
- Balanced
Cons
- $400-600 more than the A300 Ultima Patrol
Specs
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
- Barrel length: 18.5in
- Overall length: 37.8in
- Finish: Black
- Magazine Capacity: 7rd
- Magazine Type: Fixed
- Stock Material: Polymer
It might be a surprise to some, but Beretta has cornered the market on fine combat shotguns. They own both Benelli and Stoeger, both of whom produce some fantastic firearms.
While the M4 might be the king of combat shotguns, the Beretta 1301 is vying for the crown.
The Beretta 1301 powers through with a gas-operated system that utilizes what Beretta calls the BLINK, which integrates a cross-tube gas system.
Beretta claims it cycles 36% faster than any other semi-auto shotgun. I can’t measure that claim, but I can attest that this gun cycles like a maniac.
The 1301 Tactical provides you with a fast cycling, low-recoiling gun with minimal muzzle rise. It spits out lead and plastic hulls rapidly, allowing for excellent control over the gun and making it very easy to get rapid follow-up shots on target.
Beretta wisely includes a stock that allows shooters to shorten or lengthen the length of pull of their stock.
It makes it easy for shooters of all sizes to adapt the gun to their preferred LOP. Like the M4, the 1301 has a cult following, and there are lots of high-quality upgrades available.
You likely won’t need much, but you can improve the gun’s ergonomics and make it a little easier to accessorize.
Check out our full review or watch the video review below!
Honorable Mentions
Mossberg 940 Tactical – Best Out of the Box Tactical Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ultra-fast operating system
- Reliable
- Easy to maneuver
- Balanced
Cons
- $400-600 more than the A300 Ultima Patrol
Specs
- Caliber: 12 Gauge
- Action: Semi-Auto
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Barrel length: 18.5in
- Overall length: 37in
- Finish: Black
- Magazine Capacity: 9rd
- Magazine Type: Fixed
- Stock Material: Polymer
Features
- 7+1 capacity
- Upgraded gas system
- Accu-Choke system
- Optics ready (Shield RMSc pattern)
- Adjustable ergos
- Fiber Optic Sight
While Mossberg has already graced this list with its OG 500/590 models, it’s definitely got chops in the semi-auto realm.
While we had good luck with the 930 SPX Tactical, the gun wasn’t reliable for everyone. Mossberg went back to the drawing board and created the 940 Pro Tactical as a result.
The results are impressive. With a 7+1 capacity and upgraded gas system, the 940 Pro Tactical is competitive out of the box, so you won’t have to spend on upgrades.
The 940 Pro Tactical runs exceedingly well, and you can get full details in our review here.
Although it is red dot capable, newer versions even come equipped with a Holosun 507k. The mount is clean, too, going straight to the receiver with no Picatinny rail needed.
This means co-witness between the fiber optic front sight and the red dot is possible while letting you keep your normal cheek weld.
Mossberg Maverick 88 – Best Budget Home Defense Shotgun
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Super affordable
- Takes most Mossberg 500 accessories
- Easy to find
- Extremely reliable
Cons
- Lighter weight can lead to harsher recoil
- Safety position isn’t ideal
Specs
- Caliber: 12 Gauge / 20 Gauge
- Action: Pump Action
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Barrel length: 20in / 22in / 24in / 26in / 28in
- Overall length: 39.8in / 41in / 45.3in / 47.8in
- Finish: Black / Blue
- Magazine Capacity: 6rd
- Magazine Type: Removable
- Stock Material: Polymer
Features
- 5+1 or 7+1 capacity
- Twin action bars
- Cross-bolt safety
- 3″ chamber
- Dual extractors
- Accu-choke tubes available in certain models
We know, we know. Mossberg makes the list again. What can we say? Shotguns are kind of their thing…
But this time, we have a true budget option in the form of the Maverick 88.
The Maverick 88 is made by Mossberg and, for all intents and purposes, is the same as their 500 series shotguns.
The primary difference between the Maverick 88 and the Mossberg 500 is that its safety is not on top, but at the front of the trigger guard.
If you blindfolded most people and had them shoot that or a “real” Mossberg 500 and a Maverick 88 side by side, they wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
The external finish is not quite as nice, but this cuts down the price drastically. A Maverick 88 can be had for around $200 if you look around.
But because it’s essentially a 500, it fits (almost) all the upgrades. For us, we put on a nice recoil-reducing and folding Fab Defense buttstock and a side saddle.
The 18.5-inch version has a 5+1 capacity and can accept most standard Mossberg 500 barrels. The 20-inch version has a longer tube and 7+1 capacity, but you are pretty much stuck with that barrel length if pick that model.
We also have a full-on review of the 88.
Shotgun Ammo in Stock
Semi-Auto or Pump-Action?
When it comes to home defense shotguns, only two actions matter — pump-action and the semi-auto. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
I’ve become a big fan of the semi-auto design, but most of my shotguns are pump-actions.
Why? Pump-actions offer unbeatable reliability.
They can function with any ammunition. Not to mention, the manual cycling action allows it to eat super light recoiling loads.
This style also tends to be quite affordable.
It’s hard to mess up a pump-action shotgun. Even the cheapest ones typically work with little issue.
Higher-end pump shotguns like the Mossberg 500 series and Remington 870 series can often be had for less than $350.
The downside is that they open up room for human error. Short stroking can cause jams, and racking the pump fast and hard requires a little extra training.
There’s also the fact they typically fire slower than most semi-autos. Semi-autos offer a faster firing rate and allow for rapid follow-up shots.
These gas or inertia-operated guns fire quite rapidly and have much lighter recoil than pump actions — the simpler manual of arms makes them more intuitive in the heat of the moment.
Semi-auto shotguns tend to be pricier, especially good semi-autos. A half-decent semi-auto costs twice what a good pump gun does.
And a premium grade, like the Benelli series, will fetch well above the $1000 mark.
Semi-autos tend to be pickier about ammo, so you have to ensure the gun works with your preferred brand. But if your semi-auto can handle reduced recoil loads, then you’ll have a super soft shooting shotgun.
For an in-depth analysis of what to look for in a home defense shotgun and how to set one up, check out our comprehensive Guide to Home Defense Shotguns.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
This article builds on an original one from Pew Pew Tactical Author Travis Pike. Travis has spent thousands of hours at the range testing and evaluating gear as well as researching the best models available on the market. His experience as a Marine Corps machine gunner, NRA-certified instructor, concealed carry trainer, and 3-Gun competitor gives him unique insight into a wide variety of guns, including shotguns. Not to mention, he’s a self-proclaimed “shotgun guy” with thousands of hours behind shotguns.
Editing and adding to this article is PPT Content Producer Sean Curtis. Sean has been shooting since childhood but began to delve into guns during his law enforcement career. He spent over two decades in law enforcement, where he became a POST-certified handgun instructor and NLEFIA Red Dot Instructor and received CLEFIA Advanced Firearms Instructor Training and AR-15 armorer training. He has since attended a variety of training, including Tactical Performance Center Handgun Mastery & Carbine Mastery, and earned USCCA rifle instructor certification. Aside from training and prior to joining the Pew Pew Tactical team full-time, Sean wrote for several gun publications evaluating and testing guns and gear and has written hundreds of articles. Sean owns and has trained with a variety of shotguns over the course of his adult life and brings that experience to this article.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical. She also owns a Remington 870 as her personal home-defense shotgun.
Final Thoughts
A tactical shotgun represents the absolute power a shoulder-fired weapon can have.
If you go the tactical shotgun route, remember that, like every weapon, you need to train with it to be effective. A shotgun is only as good as the shotgunner holding it.
What shottie did you end up getting? Let us know in the comments! Need some gun food for your new scattergun? Check out the Best Shotgun Ammo for Home Defense, Hunting, & Plinking. Looking for upgrades? Check out our article on the Best Home Defense Shotgun Upgrades.
Latest Updates
November 2024: Swapped Mossberg 500/590 for Mossberg 590A1. Added comparison chart.
462 Leave a Reply
I have a Mossberg 930 Tactical. It'll eat ammo that would make a Benelli gag, and it's almost as fast.
Not if your a lefty :)
Also the sound of that slide closing will put the fear of god into a intruder ! No one wants to be shot with a scattergun ! You may not have to fire a shot !
Why no pistol grip ones ?? a lot quicker in a limited movement area such as in the home My old 12 gauge Mossberg 500 with a door breacher barrel is in a push button release bed frame rack beside me . Im single/widowed no kids in the house and the button is hidden
I love the Maverick 88, inexpensive, low maintenance and accurate. My only complaint is she kicks like a mule, even with the long barrel. I found a nice fat recoil pad which helps a whole bunch. For home defense, where you just want to grab aim and shoot you can’t beat the Maverick.
That's cold.
I grew up in an area where the first day of dove season was a major social event. My junior year of high school, my lottery ticket put me in a stand next to an elderly retired gentleman who was toting a worn Winchester Model 412. I was using my father's Model 12 in 12 gauge. The 412 was a scaled down version of the Model 12 in .410.
On the way out to our stands, I noticed Mr. C was only carrying one box of shells and it rattled like it was only partially full.
"Mr. C," I asked, "how many shells you got?"
"Twelve," he replied.
"You think that's enough?"
He replied, "Well son, the legal limit is twelve birds."
At the end of the day, he had twelve birds in his bag. I did too, but it took me 39 rounds to do it.
That's when I realized that it ain't the gun, it's the shooter.
The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical is certainly NOT reliable. I bought one new. It has frequent failure to feed issues with many different ammo types that 2 reputable gunsmiths in Atlanta area could not work out. They said it should go back to Mossberg. That happened but Mossberg did nothing, said it was fine, and sent it back to me. This thing now sits in the back of my gun safe, I would never reach for it when it mattered.
Speaking from my experience, if I had to choose between a pump limited to 5 rounds or a semiautomatic limited to 3 rounds, I would choose the pump shotgun for home defense.
In my opinion, the manual of arms to load a pump shotgun "under fire" can be done with the gun still against your shoulder. Loading a semiautomatic under the same conditions typically requires you to actuate the carrier latch (to close the beach) which is one more operation, and can be less instinctive unless you get a lot of practice.
Would love to see one more category added to this article: Best Bullpup Shotgun
Couple of months back a home owner tried to defend his family with a pump against three armed invaders. The home owner got one but was killed while racking a shell. I keep my Moss 930, it's paid for.
My late wife once told me that I didn’t know what it is like to be a woman… so I rushed out of the house and bought a .410 shotgun.
Where is the KelTec KS7? I absolutely love mine: light, small, simple.
For the Baretta A300 Ultima the Specs say:
Barrel length: 19.1 in
But the Features say:
18.5-inch barrel
Are those measured differently or something?
I'm looking for the same beast. I played football in college - the real Big Ten (Go Hawks!). My shoulders are beat to hell, and I need to have the left one replaced.
What make? Is the recoil less with a bullpup?
For us old fart arthritic types, are there any tactical .410 bore shotguns anyone can recommend?!
Had my Mossberg 500 persuader 12 gauge shotgun since 2016. Haven't had to use it for home defense yet. Sure put some shells through it. Would like to get a semi auto shotgun. Benelli and Beretta shotguns expensive. Stuck with my Mossberg 500.
Mossberg 940 pro tactical. I live in Canada and nothing in my mind outperforms a semi auto shotgun. For our limitations count on it.
No Benelli supernova love? The mag tube disconnect is a pretty rad feature- ya you have to add a mag extension rite out of the box but it should have totally made the list.
I purchased a Beretta TX 4 Storm about 13 yesrs ago. It is the precursor to the 1301 Tactical. This is the most accurate and reliable shotgun I have ever owned. The blink operating system is as fast as advertised. I do not plan to ever part with this firearm.
Hello Pew pew Tactical,
I have a question from France. In France, all of this shotguns are disponibles. I have, personnaly a R870 and a 1301 (using for hunting only). But in France, all pump Shtgun are limited to 5 rounds (4 shells on magazine), and semi-auto are limited to 3 rounds (2 shells on magazine). It's the law. Knowing these limits, what would be your choice between pumps and semi-autos?
Krieghoff is the highest quality over/under shotgun maker in the world and has been family owned since 1886. Krieghoff is also one of the most expensive shotguns that many aspire to own. Krieghoff uses the world’s top shotgun engravers who are highly desirable and Krieghoff engraved shotguns bring a financial premium when they are resold on the secondhand market. They are a good investment and a store of value, like high-end collectible cars. The top Krieghoff engraver is G. Stoegner (aka G. Stogner). G. Stoegner has created 7 Krieghoff “Guns of the Year,” more than any engraver, and uses deep detailed expert German engraving excellence. Stoegner is no longer working, and G. Stoegner guns have become rare, collectible and expensive - selling for above $100,000.00 when they appear on the market. The #2 Kreighoff engraver is Jana Schilling and then 3. Goeser, 4. Reich, 4. Nonn (tie), and 5. Creative Arts. These are the ”names” to own.
Tokarev TX3. Cost to quality is great. You guys should do a review
The Standard Arms DP12 belongs way up on that list. 16 rounds and completely reliable. That's my choice for home defense.
How do you know when firearm columnists hit the X-ring? By the number of comments. As of now over 427 replies. The total replies on the linked (and also well worth reading) articles? Not even close.
As a retired SoCal cop the Remington 870 was law enforcement’s go-to patrol shotgun when I hired on in 1990, and still cruising the streets taking command of felony stops nationwide 23+ years later. (Want to get a crook’s undivided attention? Rack that shotgun.) And now living in rural Wyoming the 870 would certainly suffice and the some. But a Benelli will be my next shotgun purchase. Why? Just because it looks so much fun. The Remington is a utilitarian rockstar, but sometimes geezers revert to their teen years and want to be the cool kid on the block.
Great article!
870: Hi from Nevada! I got my ‘870 on retirement (24y), it was my issue in the 80s, one of the few things left from when I started! It has lots of patrol time then I brought it with me to use for trainees at academies, literally thousands of rounds and it still works fine, probably better than when new! Looking seriously at Wyoming now because we’ve been californicated! Stay Safe.
I personally don't want to spend over $1,000 for a Benelli or Beretta when I can get the same result from a Mossberg 500 or Maverick 88. The question for the purchaser to ask themselves is: "How often will I have to use the shotgun to defend my home?" I have a Mav 88 dedicated to home defense and have not had to use it in the 30 years I've owned it. BTW, I also have a 28" Bernelli ETHOS 12 ga shotgun for birds and clays. Just my opinion.
Why are there never any mentions of Winchester shotguns? Are they just not as good as they used to be?
It's hard to take this Home-Defense list seriously when it's missing the Kel-tec KSG. No other pump even comes close to its compact size at 26.1" overall length (including the 18.5" barrel. It's dual magazines boast a 7-round 2.75" shell capacity each (or 6x 3" shells each), +1 in the chamber, and the magazines are selectable with a switch allowing for different types of shot or slugs on the fly. It is also tactical-ready with Picatinny rails and sling mounts.
The M4 stock looks like it will get caught on anything passing by. Seems like that would be a major con.
How about the Remington 877 nitro mag it will hold a 3 1/2 at the time I bought mine they didn’t have a lot of accessories for it like a pistol grip anything really, but I understand they have stuff for it now what are your thoughts? but I do want a semi auto home defense, tactical shotgun, A3 hundred how do you like that one? Let me know. Thank you.
A recent introduction worth choosing is the MAC 1014. It's a clone of the Benelli M4 and the cost is less than half. Versions have all wood stocks or composite with pistol grip. US mag tubes increase capacity and are 922r compliant. Agency Arms is doing a tactical package on these. After market rails are available to mount a light. My buddy recently used one to burn 1200 rounds through with barely a bobble. There is a 200 round break-in suggested. I'm waiting arrival of my 1014 with wood stock and will put it through the paces. My advice - buy two!
How do the authors feel about the newish boom sticks (Remington TAC and Mossberg Shockwave) series? As a newbie they look hella dangerous, but also very maneuverable.
Beat me to it. If the XM177 was preferred for CQB - tunnels, shipboarding, urban warfare, and the Keltec is remarkably short and handles well, then the Shockwave type firearm would meet that same length and handling, too. A 26" is demonstrably easier to work with than a 34" firearm in hallways or constricted quarters. It's the whole point why submachine guns were also used in similar circumstances.
As for it's firepower, yes, its very much shell dependent, but slugging it out in stick built or furnished living quarters - ie "home defense", penetration is a goal, not an obstacle. The sooner the intruder stops firing the sooner their bullets stop whizzing thru walls to endanger people in other rooms or even across the street. If you live in that house, you can easily figure out which direction in which room is going to be the more likely lane of fire - in both directions. Don't put your family downrange behind you.
It's not a theory I intend to prove anytime soon, but some testing in a shoot house with paintball guns of equal lengths, long and short, would demonstrate it.
Regarding shotgun ammunition, my Department fields the Speer Lawman slug and 00 Buck. December 2022, three units responded to a domestic violence call where male half was armed with a semiautomatic handgun. Long story short, one of the responding Officers put the armed male down with two slugs (from department 870) from ten feet. Neither slug exited the body.
When I was assigned to the firearms lab, we had a 10 yard indoor range. Typically, we would use bird shot, when test firing shotguns, as we just needed the shot shell for the NIBIN entry. Every once in a while I'd grab some Fiocchi slugs. Fiocchi is better, in my opinion, for pump and semiautomatic shotguns than our department duty issue. My VR80 really likes this ammunition. Especially the slug! As your experts state, introduce your pump / semi to various brands, then practice with what works. My VR80 by the night stand.
Pew Pew Tactical, you are now my go to site for all items firearms!
Thanks for reading!
Anybody tried the Iver Johnson tactical Benelli M4 lookalike? Curious.
$500, compared to the M4, $1700-2000 range…
What about the IWI Tavor TS12? It's a very potent tactical shotgun! It's a bullpup design with an 18.5" barrel and an OAL of 28.34" which makes it easily maneuverable inside the home. It has a full-length pic rail on top for sights, and M-LOK on the sides for lights. It takes standard Berretta/Bennelli Choke tubes; is chambered for 3" shells, and has a rotary magazine configuration of 3 tubes, each having a capcity of four 3" or five 2 3/4" shells. Using 2 3/4" shells, the 3 tubes combined hold 15, plus one in the chamber, and one on the carrier/lifter for a total loaded capacity of 17. You could load buckshot in one tube, slugs in the second, and birdshot in the third or any combination in each tube; and by rotating the active tube, you could quickly go between buckshot, slugs, birdshot, or whichever combo you preferred. It also has 4 QD sling attachment points (2 on each side) to complete it's tactical profile. Initially, there were some issues with ammo, but that's been cured, and I think the IWI Tavor TS12 would be an excellent candidate for the Best Tactical Shotgun in the Home Defense category!
I have a Mossie 590A1, which I bought new in late 1970s. I keep it just inside my front door, loaded with alternating 00 Buck and rifled slugs. My thinking is if an intruder is spotted in my front yard, the buck shot would be fired at his feet. If he doesn't retreat, then the slug will drop him in his tracks. I live in a very rural area, and my house is pretty far from the street. I have never had a salesman approach my house, so I would be highly suspicious of anyone who gets within 30 or so yards from my front door. Of course, if the intruder is brandishing a firearm of any kind, he will not get a "warning shot"; he will get the 00buck, then the slug.
Vietnam veteran - Unless I missed it - you did not cover the use of a "Shot spreader", which expands shot bolus. Some times called a "Duckbill" - on the end of a short BBL 12 gage. My home, hall way to front door is 25 feet (8 yards +/-). Duckbill gives me an ovel (Horizontal) of 12 to 16" X 4" on average. This is with #4 shot ( NO "00" or slugs permitted). Lots of 12ga Shorty's on the market today. Remington makes "Shorty" pump and semi auto to choose from. I modified an old Rem 11 and the shot spreader is the GATOR available from Paradigm SRP. This approach is worthy of mention>
America. So You dont have access to Fabarm. STF 12 beat-up all other pump action.
I'd love a Benelli M4 but prices are ridculous. So, my goto shotguns are Remington 870 Police and Mossberg 590 Special Purpose. Both are great.
Great review Travis. I've used my 18" fully modified Saiga 12 for many years. I utilize a CSS quad rail for mounting a Fab Defense 6V 500 lumen flashlight, and a Double Ace tactical stock to keep it light.
I’m a fan of my bullpup semi auto 12ga.
10 rd mags of buck shot.
I need Airgun number 3
Need airgun number 3 please
I had to have surgery to both shoulders and just can't handle heavy recoil anymore, so I'm looking for a good 20 gauge that won't dent my fixed income too badly. So far, no luck. All I've run across are North of $500.
One would think a .410 would lend itself as a norm for an AR style shotgun, but so far nothing affordable has passed by.
Lots of good tips and advice Travis.
)
I think you have mentioned some very interesting points, thankyou for the post.
Let’s not overlook the Stevens Model 320. It’s a Winchester 1200 clone. Works very well and inexpensive.
nice respond
"In materials, the 870 has the upper hand since its receiver is made out of steel while the Mossberg is alloy. "
Small correction;
Mossberg's receiver is made out of an aluminum alloy. Remington's receiver is made out of steel (an alloy of iron and carbon).
I got the Maverick 88, threw some new furniture and a few accessories on it and now I have a lean mean fighting machi...er, weapon!
Be careful about advertising for Kygunco aka Kentucky gun shop who have long histories of suspected online gun scams.
After two surgeries to repair damaged shoulders (from years of working overhead), I discovered I could no longer tolerate heavy recoil. Two or three shots and the joint is screaming Ave Maria in high C and both were Semi-Autos. Whole reason I went to the AR platform was due to the light recoil.
Thought about trying a 20 ga, but no one in my area owns one that I'm aware of. I won't buy one until I can try one.
So for now, I'll stick with my .300 AAC AR an my PPQ backup.
That’s a pretty weak response. First of all, the Mossberg 940 Pro Tac is a shotgun. Second, while the Shockwave & Tac 14 aren’t classified as shotguns by our all-knowing overlords at aft, the majority of folks reading this article probably don’t know that. You, as the author, and supposedly informed industry “expert” using that as an excuse is kinda lame. All of the firearms I mentioned use shotgun shells as ammo and launch either birdshot, buckshot or slugs from their muzzle.
Words matter and if you call me an industry expert but expect me to use the wrong term then that seems like an odd oxymoron.
Any thoughts on a true takedown model that will store and transport like an AR-7 or Chiappa LA322?
Thanks.
Any thoughts on the Mossberg 940 Tactical?
My current HD shotguns are both in 20 gauge: a Stoeger M3020 Tactical (a Benelli M2 clone), loaded with (3) #3 buckshot and (2) W-W Defender segmented slugs, and an RIA VR82 with 10-rd mags loaded with #3 buckshot.
The 1301 is in a class by itself. That being said, not sure how the Remington 870 Tac 14 and/or the Mossberg Shockwave were omitted from this list. The Mossberg 940 Pro Tac should have been mentioned too.
They arent shotguns but firearms
Well, let's see. I've been using an Ithaca M-37 M&P 12ga. with 18.5" barrel for the last 40 years and only paid $100 for it. Got into a big argument with older brother who maintained that a Mossy 500 was the way to go 'cause it had a bayonet lug. He was a Marine, so go figure. And when I was Young and Dumb, I had a sawed off double barrel 12 ga. Greener. Blew up several pumpkins with it and scared the crap out the family dog. Be realistic, why don't ya. Virtually any relatively short barreled shotgun will do for repelling boarders in a "goes thump in the night". There are very few critters or varmits that are going to do much of anything other than bleed when they catch a ounce or more of lead or steel shot moving at 1100-1300 fps. Cape Buffalo and Elephants for example. Zombies, gremlins, possums not so much.
I have an Ithaca 20” 7+1 great shotgun
As a Boomer boomer, I once again yield to the wisdom of Col. Cooper, who noted that in his shotgun classes, autos actually went "bang" much more reliably than pumps. This was mainly due to operator error, and that was amongst gun folk who were presumably at least semi-skilled before they got to the class. And that was decades ago, when the makes, models and off the shelf reliability with autos was much more limited than today.
I picked up the Beretta 1301 about a year ago, and absolutely love it. Best bedside gun. Thinking of going to mini-shells. Any opinions on them?
Good luck getting them to cycle. Mini shells are pump gun ammo.
Standard Manufacturing DP-12 Double Barrel Shotgun
I always thought that 410 was enough to stop somebody but after reading your article it seems like 410 gauge is not acceptable and you don't think that it could stop someone? I skimmed the article so I might have missed that. And also the shorter shells for more capacity? I missed the recommendations on that if it was there?
For shits and giggles and for under 150$ at sportsmans guide try the GFORCE ARMS GF2P its a 12ga pump w/20" brl holds 5 three inch (also fires 2 3/4 " shells) synth stock,handguard and gotta pistol grip to boot I knicknamed it kinda likka hi point -lil phuggly, kinda heavyish, but sunnyofabeach it works and well
How about the Benelli Nova or Super Nova tactical pumps. $399-$599 for Italian made quality!
Just one point, all these fancy 12's seem to (there are exceptions) have one flaw. I am talking tactical now, no magazine that is detachable, to me that is very important if for instance you were in a firefight and your gun runs out of ammo and you are reloading BANG your dead. get my point? With a mag your time to reload is tiny by comparison . just my take.
Tube magazine? You’re never going to lose a tube magazine. If you still have the gun in your hands, you still have the magazine. It isn’t likely to ever get damaged from rough handling. It does not provide a right angle surface to snag on door frames or on brush if outdoors. It does not provide a convenient handle for yanking the gun out of your hands. It is 100 percent reliable. Should something go bump in the night, I can toss a 25 round bandaleer over my shoulder as I’m grabbing my shotgun. Are you going to stuff a spare box magazine under the elastic waist band of your BVD’s??? I’m afraid most of us have seen too many living dead movies. I prefer a 4 or 5 round tube magazine to keep my shotgun as light and lively in my hands as possible. That is more important to me than having 10 rounds on board.
While topping off the tube magazine as opportunity presents itself, there is a shell in the chamber standing guard to instantly deal with an unexpected threat
The article is about HD guns, not run-n-gun matches or fighting a war. I'm thinking if you anticipate multiple armed invaders who are hardened and determined to the point they don't scatter at the first sound of gunfire (like maybe you live w/in ten miles of the border), you probably need a rifle, or at least a 5.56 carbine.
I’ve heard tell that even the most hardened of these characters don’t like hearing the sound of racking a round into the chamber makes, especially near them. In the dark.
A shotgun loaded with #6 birdshot puts a softball-sized impact area of 2-300 steel (lead, or bismuth) shot pellets which no team of surgeons can repair: at 7 yards, it will pick a 200-pound man off his feet and slam him against the deck (or wall). That, and being savaged by police dogs, are stuff these tough buys are reluctant to take on..
You have to know how reload on the fly. Once you learn it, you can shoot almost as fast as you can with rounds in the magazine. Hint: have a “side-saddle” on the shotgun, and a wrist-magazine (rounds loaded in elastic loops in a garment that fits over your forearms). A bandolier helps, too: there’s the kind that fits over your chest, and one that serves as a sling for your shotgun.
Think this article on shotguns is very informative with right on info. Would like to see something about the pro's and con's of mini-shells and regular 2 3/4, 3 in shells. Also am concerned about the issue of over pennetration feel that is an important issue that is underrated. Thanks for your educational articles.
Thanks for reading!
Hi Guy,
You are absolutely spot-on about the Shotgun's 'most devastating load delivery'.
In close quarters there's little else that can compete.
While all these are fine defensive shotguns, I'm glad to see you at at least mentioned one bullpup. I know its hard when you are not used to them,,,,,but,,,
I've had most all of these shown here at one time or another, also the KS7, DP12, the Turkish Semis, and the KSG.
I've settled into old age and retirement with the S&W M&P 12 for inside the house.
All I can add to your excellent writing is that the semi-autos might not feed 'just any' shotshell, and the 'pumps' and 'bullpumps' might not cycle undersize shells like the minis. exception being KSG, KS7 and M&P 12. Those three will cycle broken glass.
What it really boils down too, especially in a shotgun, is fit, comfort and ability (simply put, can you handle it).
There's enough of each model floating around that between borrowing and/or renting one should be able to try out at least a few different models at the range.
Hmmm. I have been a big fan of the Combat Shotgun for many years. I went through many different shotguns and configurations and have come to some basic conclusions. First, buy quality. I love my old 870 with the top folding police stock - but mag extensions are iffy for reliability and, like you, I don't like the safety location. Mossberg does build a good shotgun, even though it uses an aluminum receiver, the lockup is steel to steel - the bolt locks into the barrel, not the receiver. They also offer such excellent options such as Ghost Ring sights - amazingly fast, perhaps on a par with red dots - and full length mag tubes. And no batteries - ever. When training with the late Great Louis Awerbuck, I became enamored with the Benelli. Particularly the M1 Super 90. With Ghost Ring sights, of course. Much less punishing when you are firing hundreds of rounds daily! That shotgun followed me into combat. Even with the disadvantages of safety location and speed of reloading it was great! As far as accessorizing, I find less to be best. The more crap you hang of a combat shotgun, the more mass you have to deal with! Slows down your reaction response. All those addons make the gun less responsive and upsets the balance of a otherwise really good fighting platform. Secondarily, all that "stuff" is more likely to get hung up on lord knows what, clothing, gear, vegetation or anything in your surroundings that can possibly reach out and grab your firearm! (a Murphy enabler) I do believe in lots of extra ammo, but prefer to have it on my belt or on my gear (in a fashion that won't get caught on "stuff") There are some really cool spring loaded shotgun shell carriers/dispensers out there, but they do have a short learning curve. Very effective.
As far as home defense goes, there are a few things I feel must be taken into consideration. ) buck is great - but unless you live in a more remote/rural area, you really have to think about which neighbor you like or don't like. Buckshot, similar to but not as drastic as, slugs, will exit most houses. I did a video on home defense ammo a number of years ago using constructed walls at average home room sizes. The grand finale was 12 ga. The slugs and buck, even #4 went through several walls and exited the "house". Heavy bird shot - #4 - was not so bad, only going through 1 1/2 walls. You may pooh pooh birdshot, but I have seen it (#6 birdshot) take a foot off above the ankle at about ten feet. I certainly would not want to get shot with it. Unless you live in a house with huge rooms - say 25 feet or so - and the intruder stays far away (which they generally don't) #4 birdshot or even #2 would most likely be a fairly safe choice! Concerning shotgun reloads in a home defense situation. I sincerely hope that a home defense situation can be handled in five to nine shots with a shotgun! If not, I hope you have another gun handy, like on your hip! "The quickest reload is another gun " I don't know who said that, but it really applies to a tube mag shotgun! If you don't have another gun, the shotgun can be used as a great club if empty (see military use of a long gun as a striking weapon for examples) you are not going to be able to do a "tactical" or "speed" reload in a CQB situation! Be fast. Be vicious. Never quit. Win. Walk away.
Just some observations over a lifetime of weapons use and training. (I am 75 and been in waaay too many gunfights/battles)
Excellent. Thanks for the valuable info!!
Good advice Art. Thanks. Reloading is much more dangerous with shaking hands in the heat of battle than a "New York reload" (backup weapon).
I’m with you: almost all my shotguns are loaded with #6 birdshot; those closest to doors are loaded with slugs. There’s no one-true-way answer to what you equip yourself with, but I find that a pump shotgun works best for me. The exception: I have a Citadel Boss 25 auto-loading 12-gauge that is loaded with #6 birdshot: 225 bits of steel pellets hitting someone at ~1350 ft/sec is devastating.
Regarding reloads: i have my pump shotguns equipped with a side-saddle — which gives me 4 more cartridges; and a wrist holster for my support hand which gives me another four. One of the things I picked up years ago is a sling which does double-duty as a bandolier; here’s also a similar model that fits over the strong hand forearm which holds 10-11 12-gauge cartridges. With practice, I can feed a shell into the action almost as fast as I can cycle the fore end.
Great stuff, Art!
IMHO, you are giving inertia-driven semi-autos short shrift. After owning several 870s, I finally coughed up the cash to purchase a semi-auto Benelli M-2 SBS with a 14” barrel. Benelli calls their M2 SBS the “Entry” because the short barrel is intended to assist with forced-entry situations. I bought it because it is lightweight and maneuverable while still retaining the characteristics of a “traditional” shotgun. It holds 5+1 and comes with ghost ring sights. True, you can’t hang as much stuff on it, but that just forces me to choose what I REALLY need: a side-saddle (so I always have at least 12 rounds on hand, even if I don’t have time to grab anything else) and a simple Streamlight TLR-3 (so I can identify my target before touching-off a load of #4 buckshot inside my house). The Benelli has never failed to cycle with this set-up and any type of regular or reduced-recoil buckshot. The advantages of inertia-driven shotguns are their light weight, simplicity, and speed when compared to a pump in most people’s hands. I LOVE the lightening-fast speed with which the M2 can push buckshot down range. Final thought: I am not refuting ANYTHING you said, “just sayin” that folks should give the M2 a second look for home defense. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for reading!
How do Benelli M2s rate compared to other semiautos? Benelli Supernova? I used a Benelli M2 Tactical to score the only "possible" at a Roger's Shooting School shotgun class. Others in the class were using Benelli M4s, Berettas, etc. What I appreciated about my M2 was how fast I could transition to targets and put EVERY pellet on 8" steel targets from 7-20 yards (improved cylinder choke). I used Winchester Defender and Hornady TAP low recoil shells with no failures. Much of the course was shot with target/clay shells with no failures to feed/fire. In short, I trust my Benelli with my life.
If you are young, no shoulder issues like rotator cuff issues, and ONLY need the rounds inside the tube and chamber, a pump is fine.
Full on Zombie attack, when you empty your shotgun you are done using it as you could never reload it in time to save your bacon.
I'll take a mag fed semi-auto all day, you fire your 5 or 10 rds, stuff a new full mag in and go. Can have slugs in one and 00 the other, too. #4 for close in that won't also go into the neighbors house.
The Turks DO made functional, working mag fed shotguns and do a good job on them. BE SURE>>>!!!!>>> you use HIGH BRASS the first 50 rounds to help break in a lot of moving parts in the Turk semi-auto shotguns!! This is key.
Vast majority of so-so reviews from those not happy with their Turkish semi-auto did not use high brass that's "necessary" during break-in.
Some like the Akdal MKA 1919 v2 Pro Match come with two gas rings, one for birds and one for Zombies and high-brass heavier rounds. Many come with different chokes, included. And, the price is impressive. BMP12 is a nice bullpup to check out too and are under $350.
Those rounds fed through the Turk semi-autos need to be 1350 ft.sec loads or the auto won’t function.
Would rather use a rifle for home defense. I can configure it shorter than a shotgun with no tax stamp necessary, I have more capacity, and with the right ammo I don't have to worry about over penetration. Due to a lighter round I can also have faster follow up shots. Even a good pistol will have higher capacity, more maneuverability, faster follow ups and the same lack of over penetration. And any "tactical" rifle will have a place to put any number of attachments, like a light so you don't accidentally shoot your teenager that's trying to sneak back in, optics, laser sighting, that will make it a better choice for home defense, same for a pistol. Typically once you start getting the kinds of shotguns with those same capabilities they can cost as much or more than a rifle or pistol that has that option from the start.
This and several of your other articles have been very effective at making me want a 590A1 Retrograde. Fortunately for my wallet, Mossberg doesn't seem to be producing enough of them to make that possible.
The fastest and most difficult (and adrenaline pumping) shotgun shooting I've done is on the back of an old farm truck going 30-40 kph down dirt tracks after feral animals - rabbits, cats, dogs, pigs etc. I used a Mossberg 500 ATP8 and 12 gauge 00 buck with roughly 100 rounds in a side pouch so I could reach in and grab rounds on the go. There was little time to think about anything except shooting, loading and holding on at rough sections of track. My 100 rounds was soon never enough and I would have to take extra rounds in a box at my feet. The other guys I was with also switched from semi auto rifles to shotguns as well since they couldn't hit moving targets from a moving vehicle with a rifle.
I estimate I've put over 10,000 rounds through that Mossberg and never had it jam - not ever. I had to start reloading we went through so much ammo. The only time the truck would stop was when we were out of ammo, needed a break or if the farmer wanted to collect meat for his dogs.
Those fancy two and four round top ups are great if you are standing still like Keanu Reeves is doing. Try that on a speeding bumping vehicle. My technique was to lay the gun on the cab roof and top it up since sometimes I had to hold on with one hand and could not afford to drop any rounds. Sights were never used except when we were doing target practice with slugs.
But since this article is geared at home self defense and not multiple targets from a moving vehicle some of that is not relevant. However, it did teach us fast reflex shooting and fast loading as we never knew when or where the targets would appear.
What is your opinion regarding box mag-fed, semi-auto bullpups, like ATI's "Bulldog? "
I own that, a KSG, and a Stevens 320. And I'm finding the semi-auto bullpup (Bulldog) to be likely the most versatile for self defense over the other types. Due to its small size and ease of reload with multiple prepped magazines. And no malfunctions so far, after ~200 shells. Despite running cheap shells, and not cleaning it (on-purpose testing) and just keeping it "wet."
In the early '90's I picked up a Mossberg 590 'Mariner' and have found that this Swedish beauty is 'armored' with a marine environment protective coating and is quite a quality shotgun. It eats anything 12 gage - can carry 8+1 2 3/4 shells (more or less with 3" mags or "shorties"). Over the years I've replace the plastic safety with a better steel one (Brownell's). put on a red dot, small laser, light, and keep it next to my bed -
I prefer semi's for birds (Brownings) but for a positive, reliable pump gun... my money and experience with Mossberg is solid. Built and 'coated' to last and preform on demand.