Sorry…but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the best home defense gun.
Throw the notion away that all you need is a shotgun.
Your final decision will come down to a variety of factors such as:
- What you personally shoot best
- Size and location of your home
- Over-penetration risk
- Family members’ location and skills
But don’t worry…we’re going to walk through all the most popular types of guns for home defense: pistol, rifle, and shotgun.
Then go through some other things you might not have considered yet like ammo, flashlights, quick access safes, suppressors, and self-defense insurance.
By the end, you’ll have a good idea of what type of gun is best for your situation and what accessories you might need. Along with our favorite models for each type.
Summary of Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
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Shotguns
Let’s start off with the ole scattergun…
Intro
The most popular sub-type of shotgun is a pump-action shotgun. That means you manually manipulate the feeding mechanism to get the next shot.
They’re affordable and very reliable.
And based on your ammo choice…they send down the most amount of lead downrange.
You Don’t Need to Aim (FALSE)
But before we go on…let’s dispel the myth that you can simply not aim the shotgun and expect to hit your target.
The most common load for home defense is 00 buckshot which is nine .38 caliber balls of lead.
Roughly you’ll get a fist-sized group at 10 yards and a human torso-sized group at 20 yards.
You still gotta aim…especially at house hallway distances.
Pros of Shotguns
1. We covered this before…they send a lot of lead downrange (provided you aim).
2. They are affordable (around $300 for a good pump action) and reliable.
3. This is debatable…but the familiar *ka-chunk* sound of racking a pump-action shotgun is the universal “get out of my house.”
Cons of Shotguns
1. They are usually heavy and long-ish. The very popular Mossberg 500 in a shorter 18.5-inches barrel is overall 40 inches long and almost 8 pounds loaded.
If your home has lots of tight corners, this might be a big negative.
2. Recoil is harsh in 12 gauge for smaller-framed shooters. Consider this if other family members might need to use the gun.
3. Capacity is limited.
Most stock versions of popular pump shotguns can hold five rounds in the tube and one in the chamber, giving you six total.
Compare that to an AR-15, which usually gives you 30, and most handguns that will give you 15+.
4. Reloading is more difficult compared to magazine-fed guns.
Unless you train a lot.
5. 00 Buck has the tendency to over-penetrate walls.
If you’re in an apartment or condo with thin walls…you want to consider overpenetration since you are responsible for all projectiles leaving your gun.
Shotgun Ammo in Stock
Even if you’re in a house far from other houses, you want to consider where family members are sleeping inside.
We did an Overpenetration Test with a variety of ammo and interior/exterior walls and found that if it’s a big concern…
You can use #4 Buckshot.
Our Favorite Shotguns
Our favorite pump-action shotgun is the Mossberg 590A1. Built like a tank and with an 8+1 capacity…you’ve got the firepower to get whatever needs getting done.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Our runner-up pump-action shotgun pick is the Remington 870, that’s withstood the test of time.
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How about a semi-auto shotgun? Our go-to is the Beretta 1301 (full review).
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Another great option for a home defense shottie comes in the form of the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. It packs a lot of features into a semi-automatic design…all while keeping prices reasonable.
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You can read more in our full review or catch up on the video review below.
More Shotgun Info
Things aren’t looking as rosy for shotguns anymore, right? But really, there are just some more things to consider to see if they are the right gun for you.
Here’s some more info because this is an important decision:
- Best Home Defense Tactical Shotguns
- Best Shotgun Ammo
- Remington 870 vs Mossberg 500 (Our Top 2 Choices)
Let’s take a look at pistols.
Pistols
Tiny compared to shotguns…but what are some other pros and cons of handguns?
Semi-Automatic Handguns vs Revolvers
But first, let’s get some terminology and sub-types out of the way.
Revolvers are the old-school handgun choice with a revolving cylinder that holds all the ammo.
While semi-automatics are newer and take their ammo in magazines.
We’ll include both kinds of handguns in the pros and cons.
Pros of Handguns
1. They are smaller.
This means you can maneuver around tight corners a lot easier. And conceal them easier…but that’s not the point of this home defense article.
Check out Best Concealed Carry Guns if that’s more your thing.
2. Higher capacity and reload speed.
The most popular handgun is probably the Glock 19 (full review). And its normal magazines are 15 rounds.
Plus, reloads are easy.
But revolvers usually only have a capacity of five to six rounds…so keep that in mind. And forget about quick reloads!
3. Easy to add lights.
For the most part, most modern handguns have it easy to add lights with their included rails. But you’re going to have a hard time with revolvers.
(See which lights we recommend for your pistol.)
4. Large choice of ammo.
For home defense, you’ll likely go with expanding hollowpoint ammo that’s great for stopping power and also limits overpenetration through walls.
Again check out our overpenetration article if that’s a big consideration.
5. Large number of calibers to choose from based on your shooting preference.
If all you can handle is a .22 LR, then that’s all good.
And, of course, there’s always the battle of 9mm vs .45 ACP.
6. Price ranges from $200 to sky is the limit.
Although you probably don’t want to get the cheapest gun for reliability’s sake… there are some decent deals on good guns out there.
7. One hand is free to make an emergency phone call.
Although not optimal…you can have one hand free to make a quick 911 call on your cellphone.
Cons of Handguns
1. They are smaller.
This is back to haunt you sometimes!
Since they are smaller, you have less of a sight radius (distance from the rear sight to the front sight), so it’s a little harder to aim and be accurate.
Also, since they are smaller, you might have increased recoil based on your caliber.
That CAN be overcome with proper grip and training, though (for all family members that might need to use it)
2. Reliability and Failures
It depends on the gun…but I’ve definitely had more failures overall on handguns compared to pump shotguns.
And with a semi-auto, you’ll have to practice failure drills to get the next shot.
Revolvers get a little boost here since if one shot fails to fire…all you have to do is pull the trigger again for the cylinder to rotate to the next round.
However…revolvers are not some mythical reliability machine. They can still fail.
Our Favorite Pistols & Revolvers
Our go-to pick and the gold standard of reliability is the Glock 19.
Check out our full review of the Glock 19 to do it justice.
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How about a gun with the nicest out-of-the-box trigger…and that’s ready for a pistol red dot? Check out our full review of the Walther PDP.
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We can’t forget a wheelgun. Our favorite is the Smith & Wesson 686+ which brings 7 rounds of either .38 Special or .357 Magnum.
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More Pistol Info
- Best Beginner Handguns for Home Defense
- Handgun Caliber Guide
- Best 9mm Ammo
- Best Handgun Flashlights
- How to Shoot Handguns More Accurately
Rifles
We’re a little partial to AR-15s since they are America’s rifle and with plenty of other perks.
We’re focusing on them, but most of these pros/cons can mostly hold for other semi-auto rifles.
Pros of Rifles
1. Higher magazine capacity.
The standard AR-15 magazine capacity is 30 rounds.
There are higher capacity ones, but mostly you trade off a little reliability. I’d stick with 30-rounders for home defense purposes.
2. Easier to shoot well.
It’s a combination of the AR-15 ergonomics, caliber, and a rifle in general.
With a rifle, you get a lot more contact points to your body, which makes it easier to control.
The .223 or 5.56 caliber of the standard AR-15 is also very soft shooting.
Long sight radius and ease of adding a red dot sight make it even easier for most to get shots on target.
3. Upgradeability
AR-15s are adult Legos.
And the rail systems make it super easy to add lights and lasers to help in home defense.
4. Lots of ammunition loads.
Got overpenetration concerns…there’s ammo for that.
Want cheap rounds for training/plinking/long-range? There’s tons of that too.
Cons of Rifles
1. Price
A lot less of a concern now because of affordable but still reliable manufacturers like Palmetto State Armory (full review), but ARs can be pricey, depending on what you’re after.
2. Longer length.
It’s a rifle…so there are some laws regarding its length. If you have very tight corners, keep this in mind.
BUT… there are such things as AR-15 pistols that don’t have a traditional buttstock…but instead a brace.
That said, the ATF has added some rules regarding braces, so you might want to check out our article on the ATF and Braces to get caught up.
Our Favorite Rifles
Need an entry-level AR that will always go boom? Check out the Palmetto State Armory series (full review).
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Want something a little higher-end? Our best bang-for-the-buck AR-15 pick is Aero Precision.
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How about our recommendation for high-end AR? That one goes to the Daniel Defense DDM4V7.
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More Rifle Info
We couldn’t come up with more negatives to AR-15 rifles, so if any of the myriads of options fit your specific end-use…go for it!
Here’s a bunch more info for you to read over:
- Best AR-15s [Complete Buyer’s Guide]
- Best AR-15 Ammo
- Best AR-15 Magazines
- Best Rifle Flashlights
- Best Pistol Caliber Carbines
- Best AR-15 Pistols
5.56 and .223 Ammo in Stock
Other Considerations
Gun Safes
You probably want to secure your gun a little…even if you’re living alone.
We’ve tested a bunch of safes, from quick-access pistol safes to larger long-gun safes.
And even hidden and biometric ones.
Suppressors
Guns are loud…so if you’re at the range, make sure you have one of our Best Hearing Protection on.
Chances are you won’t have time to put on something in a home defense situation.
In that case, you’ll likely wish you had a suppressor.
However, they are expensive, annoying to get, and take some time.
But if you have the means and patience…check out our Best 9mm & .45 ACP Suppressors and Best AR-15 Suppressors.
Liability Insurance
Fingers crossed that you never have to actually use a firearm in a home defense situation…but it can still happen.
That’s why you’re preparing by reading this article.
And sometimes, the aftermath of the police and court system can be even worse.
That’s why there are memberships like the USCCA that give you tons of education to:
- Not get into bad situations in the first place
- Know what to do when you’re needing to protect yourself or others
- What to do afterwards
Plus, all memberships come with personal liability insurance as a perk that’s commonly (wrongly) known as “concealed carry insurance.”
I’ve been a paid member since 2017, and here’s my full review of everything they offer and a free gift from me.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot of stuff to digest…and a lot of questions to ask yourself about your particular home defense situation.
You found that shotguns are not the be-all-end-all of home defense…they have some cons, such as length, recoil, and capacity. Plus, you’ve actually got to aim!
If you and your family members have the training and can benefit from a smaller firearm…pistols might be the way to go.
AR-15s and other rifles are starting to have a big advantage with the advent of pistol caliber carbines and AR-15 pistols. These lower the cons of length and ammo considerations. Plus, now there are a lot of affordable yet reliable manufacturers.
If you are looking for a rundown on the best rifles you can buy in general, we have a whole list dedicated to long guns.
What’s your particular situation, and which type of firearm did you go with? Any pros/cons that we missed? If you’ve chosen a platform, do you know the best place to store it? If not, check How To Stage Guns for Home Defense.
103 Leave a Reply
I depend on Federal 12ga 2 3/4” 8 pellet -00 buck with flitecontrol wad. Low recoil (1145 fps). Shoots like a dream out of my Remington 870 with a tight pattern to 30 yards.
Beretta CX4 Storm, 30 rounds of 147gr 9mm HP's, small light, nimble and reliable. Sitting next to my 92FS same mags, just to mention something different, but yes, sitting ready in my bedroom every night.
I just managed to "do the math".. It seems to be common knowledge that 12 gauge 00 buckshot shells send 9 pellets the size of a .38 round downrange each time the trigger is pulled. Again, the common knowledge claims most shotguns carry 5 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber for a total of six.
Common AR-15 magazines hold 30 rounds, California and other states are limited to 10 rounds. Common revolvers hold 15 rounds.
So here's my version of the "magic math" why a shotgun makes sense as a self-defense weapon...
Six total rounds, launching nine .38 pellets per trigger pull... sounds like 54 total .38 pellets in relatively small patterns. More total projectiles than 2 AR-15 magazines (that are firing .223 rounds) in less trigger pulls making for less margin for error.
Pretty substantial for self-defense inside a 30 yard radius.
Plus there's the "Clack-clack-snap" signature sound of a pump...
I would put the new Colt Pythons and King Cobras over the 686, despite the 7 round capacity of the 686+. S&W has been really slipping in recent years, check out The Yankee Marshall on YouTube, he did a video about it recently
I own the S&W 686 plus (7 shot). Quality slipping? I have no idea what that means. Mine is fine. Far as utube reviews realize they must say something. As far as Colt Python, they are 40% more money. Home invasion? Laws, guns. Castle law etc. As I understand it you cannot simply shoot someone for entering your home even if they are carrying out your TV etc. You need to fear for your safety-your LIFE. Hold on buddy, I need to load my gun and remove the trigger lock. Which caliber would you prefer I shoot you with? Oh and what brand do you prefer ammo and pistol? May we never need to but I am prepared.
Sorry but I much prefer my SIG 229 or my 365 to any Glocks I’ve held and fired for any significant number of rounds.
I do agree with your 2 pump shot guns but only at my cabin. In my option they’re Too long and too dangerous inside a city home
I have several styles of AR15’s but too long for a typical home interior
Just a thought
Why no one even mentioned the Beretta 92,15 shot mags one in and 15 behind is not a bad choice, also the ar15 300 blackout shooting the 110 grain hornady is a pretty good choice for home defense and if your worried about over penatration don't, that 110 grain pill will do its job and won't leave an exit hole, I no this for a fact I've taken enough critters with this load to no what that bullet does on flesh!!!! 556 green tip very bad choice for home defense!!!
You left out the 12 gauge #4 buckshot for home defense. Many SWAT teams, including the one I commanded, went to that round for entry teams years ago. Slightly more hit liklihood due to more pelllets and less unneeded wall penetration.
If you are under attack by the zombie apocalypse I would take a big 12 guage or an AR. But for a home invader coming at me I will rely on the best combat pistol of all time, the Sig Sauer P226 Navy with red dot attached. Ask a Seal.
The Sig Sauer P226, probably one of the best guns Sig ever made. I love mine.
I am a 22 year Marine combat veteran. The stupidity of writers that are allegedly "experts" regarding firearms, self-defense, and know it all regarding firearms is astounding. After my time as a Marine I served as a Deputy Sheriff, City Cop, and Prison Warden. Add to this, 27 years of Martial Arts training in various styles; as well as being born and raised in the South Bronx in NYC; and most of your experts are a laughingstock and far from experts at anything. If that wasn't enough, I am a certified NRA Law Enforcement Instructor with a handgun, Rifle and Shotgun. Individually I have trained 1,754 students, without incident within two states. I am subscribed to various gun magazines to stay up with the latest firearm developments. I pay little attention to what the experts say.
I'll take lots of sh** that never happened for $1000 Alex
Eric Hung didn’t present himself as an expert, so I know you aren’t talking about him. (Well written article, Eric.) All you did was criticize, so apparently you aren’t an expert either.
Yeah, I wasn't sure where Edgardo's comment was aimed, so-to-speak.
I'm not an expert, so I read a lot, and ask questions of people who have 'been there.'
the internet 'expert' Ed forgot to mention that he accidentally shot himself once upon a time.... so there's that
Care to enlighten us on the shortcomings in Mr. Hung's recommendations, Mr. Gierbolini?
What a total waste of a post. Are we supposed to be impressed? Start your own website, then, and give real "expert" advice. Talk is cheap, and empty criticism with no content even cheaper.
Whoa, clear a path everybody, here comes the big impressive NRA Instructor!
Got a question about your test set up for penetration on 2 3/4 .00 buck. Did you test with exterior walls of concrete block? My target area would be through a book case full of paperbacks then sheet rock, 2x4, sheet rock, across the interior of the garage and into concrete block. To my left would be a 2" thick solid wood door. Range about seven yards. How would the .00 do on that? Thanks
Most discussions of home defense miss a few points, 1, that overpenetration is always bad, which it is not. Blasting away where it can be is bad - knowing your lines of fire is important and certainly knowing what is behind you getting sprayed in lead would be too - like, your family. Theres a lot more to it than OMG I dont want to kill the neighbors kid then setting up your own to be killed.
You can prevent that by having enough gun - to stop the opponent no matter what he's hiding behind and at that point the firefight is over. There's no guarantee they will pick an underperforming or low penetration gun - you are better off defending to stop sooner than they stop you.
2 is that long guns will get you into some bad situations - which is why few in police or military use them. When corridors and hallways are 36" you don't bring a 30" + firearm, you go much shorter. This is why the XM177 became a Naval boarding and clearing firearm under their type numbering - at 26". An AR pistol or SBR does that job, 30 round magazine offers plenty of ammo, and if you are already familiar with it then there are less handling errors.
The Mossberg Shockwave does the same thing in la egal version of the old pistol grip Witness Protection shotgun - short and effective. Using 1 3/4" shells it holds ten and that provides more firepower than a blocked duck season three shooter. A short firearm is much more maneuverable in tight confines and can work getting around corners, under furniture etc where a longer field gun is at a disadvantage.
As for the penetration thing? Once inside the house, an intruder isn't a guessing game, if you move the family back to a bedroom behind good cover away from the line of fire, once they start banging on the door, do you want bullets to bounce off your side? Or do you need them to stop that attacker? Can't be done until it penetrates not only the door but them, too.
Don't let the interwebs warriors tell you different.
I got one of those Shockwaves. I'm gonna have to take a course to find out how to aim it without breaking my nose.
If you want to learn about home defense, seek the advice of a professional. LOL, anyone who would take the advice of someone who writes random web articles is destine for failure. See a profession if you are serious about self defense and practice constantly.
Eric. I see from my reading in the gun articles and blogs that no matter what you opine there is always the critic that is almost personal in replies. "Why are you so stupid to always chose Glock, S&W, SIG, OR whatever". The are always prepared to take the other side. These people are called "trolls" in the political realm. They are naysayers in all endeavors. Most of us like and enjoy reading your efforts to broaden our experiences. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
My EDC is a Glock G30 my night time home defense choice Glock G21 with a 13+1 configuration and (at home) an AR15 in 300 blackout. no optics. Longest sight picture in my house is less than seven yards. I shoot (rapid fire) a fist sized group at this distance by pointing and shooting.
Why do you push that striker fired trash Glock when for less money you can have a higher quality more dependable pistol such as the IWI jericho enhanced. It has a real safety, second strike capability, interchangeable grip components allowing you to customize the grips and a built in rail for the gear junkies. For a little more money you can have an H&K P30. I am expecting you to start pushing Hi-Points next.
Hey Joel, there are plenty of great options for home defense guns. If the Jericho is it for you, then awesome! For others, they like the simplicity, price, and availability of Glock. We do our best to cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences but we can't include everything. Nevertheless, thanks for reading!
It seems that you didn't read the pros that I laid out in my post.
Don't feed the Glock trolls. They're just mad that Glock is by far the most widely used handgun in the Western world instead of their pet pistol. As if the manual safety is an advantage, lol. I guess they run trash ammo if they think the "second strike capability" is worth having to learn two different trigger pulls and an exposed hammer that can be fouled by debris
Not mentioned but important is cost and availability of ammo. Right now a constantly changing fact. I just bought a 686 plus. Ammo, none of the dealers around here have it in stock and if they do the price is out of sight the same is true for 380. Right now you/we can get 9mm and 22. Mail order? Yes, you can find all of it BUT, for a gun you will likely need to pay an FFL fee, shipping and tax on ammo you also face shipping charges. Of course that is all required but you pay the delivered to you price.
The 'best' gun for home defense if the ONE YOU HAVE!!.
So the best is a shotgun then! A Bullpup shotgun.
update the info of these articles. Other wise they are a complete waste of time. The $729 revolvers are $930 and are never in stock.
Hey Bill. We get your frustration but it's incredibly tough for us to keep up with current pricing as it changes frequently. We do the best we can! Thanks for reading!
I personally own a Remington 870. When you were discussing the pros and cons of shotguns, your comparison was between the “standard style” of the pump or semi auto feeding long barrel shotgun. What about the bull pup style to move freer unconfined spaces?
Can we please stop with the glock "reliability" crap.. It's no more reliable than a Walther, or Smith and Wesson or even the g series Taurus.. Or any other striker fired pistol nowadays..
My choice is Pistol. Conditions are not optimal for long guns. I wouldn't mind having something like the Extar for HD, though. I love shotguns, but I wouldn't personally make one my primary for HD. Same for revolvers.
Anyone who lives in any sort of neighborhood or urban environment that is using anything other than a shotgun is asking for trouble. It's that simple. Your handgun/rifle round is going to go through 15 walls and end up in one of your neighbors cabinets 4 houses away. So, yeah, if you live in a city then there is only one choice, a shotgun. To argue against this very basic physics experiment is almost ridiculous.
Making blanket statement without considering those pesky physic's facts is almost ridiculous. Want to argue? First go get yourself some 2x4's, 1/2" drywall, some insulation, some plywood, an exterior coating like stucco, wood, or vinyl. Then build 2 walls, set them 50 yards apart (your 4 houses down) and shoot through them. Use something like Hornady 115 gr. Critical Defense or similar. Take a photo and post the results. Facts too much trouble or do you want to have real results to argue with?
This has to be one of the most uninformed comments i've read on this site in a while. The low mass in a 5.56 results in walls taking all the energy out of a round much faster than you can imagine. The homes where i live are wood frame construction, sheet rock, tar paper, plywood, chickenwire mesh, and stucco (inside to outside) and just about any location in my home where you'd put yourself while defending would result in a minimum of 3 walls to get through in order for a round to become a risk to a neighbor. I can pretty much guarantee that 00 buck would pose more risk to neighbors than my 5.56. Of course, it could be problematic if you skipped one out an open window, but that applies to any firearm.
Silly at best.
Kimber loaded with 220 grain plus P. I shoot more than most law enforcement. Wife has a smith 2.0. She’s trained. Going to ad a 45 acp carbine rated for plus P.