Best Home Defense Shotgun Upgrades: Stocks, Lights, Optics, & More
Have a shotgun for home defense? We choose the best 5 upgrades you need to turn your scattergun into an effective home defense weapon.
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
At heart, I’m a shotgunner. I love shotguns; I love the amount of lead they put per trigger pull. I even love the recoil and challenges that come with shotguns.
What I don’t love is the shotgun industry’s decision to desperately cling to the year 1999. We’ve seen handguns and rifles progress into the modern era, but shotguns remain largely ignored.
Attaching accessories can be difficult. The long length-of-pull stocks designed for bird hunting still rule the market, and the acceptance of optics on shotguns has been a slow drag.
Admittedly, a few manufacturers have started doing fantastic things with some of their new guns, but many shotgun owners will still have to do it themselves.
Over the years, I’ve found a few upgrades that I keep going back to on my shotguns to help bring them up to speed. If that sounds interesting to you, then let's dive right in!
The Quick List
- Best Overall Stock: Magpul SGAJump to Details ↓
- Best Ammo Storage Stock: TactaLoad Flash-5 StockJump to Details ↓
- Best Pistol Grip Stock: Mesa Tactical Urbino Pistol Grip StockJump to Details ↓
- Best Integrated Shotgun Light: Streamlight TL-RackerJump to Details ↓
- Best Handguard for Semi-Autos: Mesa Tactical Truckee ForendJump to Details ↓
- Best Standalone Shotgun Light: Streamlight TLR RM 2Jump to Details ↓
- Best Universal Light Mount: Streamlight Mag Tube Rail TLJump to Details ↓
- Best Value Side Saddle: Esstac Shotgun CardJump to Details ↓
- Best Micro Red Dot: Trijicon RMR Type 2Jump to Details ↓
- Best Duty Optic: Aimpoint Micro T-2Jump to Details ↓
- Best Budget Optic: Sig Sauer Romeo5 Gen IIJump to Details ↓
- Best Low Pro Optic Mount: Aridus Industries CROMJump to Details ↓
- Affordable Optic Mount: Monstrum Grimlock Universal Shotgun Red Dot MountJump to Details ↓
- Best Shotgun Sling: Blue Force Gear Vickers SlingJump to Details ↓
- Best Value Sling: Magpul MS1 SlingJump to Details ↓
Table of Contents
Trending: Best AR-15s & ATF Drops NFA for Suppressors & SBRs
Best Stock Upgrades
1. Magpul SGA - Best Overall Stock
Pros
- Affordable
- Easily adjustable for length of pull and cheek height
- Multiple sling attachment points
Cons
- Only available for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870
The Bottom Line
If you have a Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870, the Magpul SGA is a massive ergonomic upgrade that is easily adjustable to fit your body.
The Magpul SGA stock blends an aggressive, pronounced pistol grip with an adjustable traditional-style stock, giving you the benefits of both worlds.
You can easily adjust the length of pull using a series of included spacers. An optional cheek riser allows you to adjust the comb, which is useful for use with taller red dots.
The pistol grip makes it easy to hold the gun up with one hand and to assume a close retention position. Both standard loops and QD cups are included, making attaching slings super easy.
Unfortunately, Magpul only produces the SGA stock for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870. Aridus Industries produced an adapter to fit the stock to a Beretta 1301, and it’s apparently possible to make one fit a Winchester 1300, but that’s about it.
2. TactaLoad Flash 5 - Best Ammo Storage Stock
Pros
- Low profile storage for extra ammo
- Easy to use
- Adjustable for length of pull
Cons
- Only available for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870
- Not adjustable for cheek height
The Bottom Line
The TactaLoad Flash-5 stock allows you to easily store and deploy extra shells without adding unnecessary bulk to the side of your shotgun.
Another stock I’ve become a fan of is the TactaLoad Flash 5.
This stock can be shortened or lengthened via a series of spacers and can also accommodate a fairly large recoil pad. The pistol grip is also a bit more traditional than the SGA.
But the real trick with the Flash 5 is the internal ammo storage built into the stock. It holds five shells and is ambidextrous. Unlike a side saddle, it keeps your gun fairly thin.
It’s surprisingly easy to use and fairly fast. I’ve had one on my Mossberg 590 for years and have yet to encounter any issues.
3. Mesa Tactical Urbino Stock - Best Pistol Grip Stock
Pros
- Offers a traditional pistol grip option
- Limbsaver pad helps to reduce recoil
- Available for a wide range of shotgun models
- Includes a removable cheek riser
Cons
- Grip shape isn't the most comfortable
The Bottom Line
If you prefer a pistol grip on your shotgun, the Mesa Tactical Urbino gives you just that, along with a ton of other great features.
The best upgrade I ever made to my Benelli SuperNova is the Mesa Tactical Urbino Stock.
These stocks integrate a stock and pistol grip and offer shooters a shorter length of pull for a variety of shotguns.
You get a 12.5-inch length of pull, sling ports, and the ability to add a cheek riser for optics use.
Mesa Tactical makes the Urbino Stock for the following shotguns:
- Benelli Supernova
- Benelli M1/M2/SBE3
- Benelli M4
- Beretta A300
- Beretta 1301
- Remington 1100/11-87
- Remington 870
- Mossberg 930/940
Best Shotgun Lights and Mounts
4. Streamlight TL-Racker – Best Integrated Shotgun Light
Pros
- Large buttons are easy to actuate
- Great beam throw
- Doesn't require any special mounting
Cons
- Bottom of the magazine tube can interfere with the beam
- Only available for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870
The Bottom Line
The Streamlight TL-Racker is the de-facto go-to pump/light combo for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870 shotguns. It is durable, easy to use, and intuitive.
Weapon lights that are integrated into the pump are typically easier to actuate than separately attached lights, and the Streamlight TL-Racker is the go-to option for that setup.
These lights have a 1,000-lumen and 20,000-candela output. Making for a nice high-out beam with a long throw.
Each side of the TL-Racker sports a large single button that is extremely easy to press, and the pump itself is aggressively textured for good grip.
Streamlight only makes the TL-Racker for the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500/590 shotguns.
You can read more about the Streamlight TL-Racker in our hands-on review!
5. Nightstick SFL – Brightest Integrated Shotgun Light
Pros
- High lumen output
- Available with integrated lasers
- Buttons are easy to press
Cons
- Texture could be better
- Only about half the candela output of the TL-Racker
The Bottom Line
The Nightstick SFL is a great combination pump/light option for anyone looking for a higher output light or something with an integrated laser.
The Nightstick SFL is another pump-and-light combo that offers 1,200 lumens and 10,315 candela. You can also get a model that includes an integrated green laser.
While it is brighter than the TL Racker, it doesn’t have as much throw. However, if you are using it indoors, the throw tends to matter less.
It has a rubberized texture that is okay, but I’d prefer something more aggressive. However, the SFL includes an optional hand strap that can secure your hand and make the push/pull recoil method easier.
If you are looking for a few more lumens, the Nightstick SFL is a great alternative to the TL Racker at a similar price.
6. Mesa Tactical Truckee Handguard – Best Handguard for Semi-Autos
Pros
- Tons of M-LOK slots for easy accessory mounting
- Durable aluminum construction
- Available for a wide range of shotguns
Cons
- Lacks surface texture and grip
The Bottom Line
The Truckee forend is a perfect addition to any semi-auto shotgun. Its generous amount of M-LOK slots allows you to mount just about any accessory you could think of.
The Mesa Tactical Truckee is a semi-auto-specific aluminum handguard with M-LOK mounting slots that is available in a wide variety of lengths.
These handguards make it easy to attach all manner of accessories, including lights. I have the Truckee on my Benelli M4 and Mossberg 940, and I recently added one to my Mossberg 990 Aftershock.
Mesa Tactical makes the Truckee for the following shotguns:
- Beretta 1301
- Benelli M4
- Benelli M1/M2
- Remington TAC-13/V3
- Remington 870
- Mossberg 930
- Mossberg 940/990
- Mossberg 500/590
They are a little slick, so it might be wise to add M-LOK scales or an angled grip to improve your overall control.
7. Streamlight TLR RM 2 – Best Standalone Shotgun Light
Pros
- Extremely ergonomic ramped button design
- 1,000 lumen output
- Not overly large
Cons
- Model that includes the pressure pad costs significantly more
The Bottom Line
The ramped rear button, high lumen output, and relatively small footprint make the TLR RM 2 an excellent weapon light for just about any tactical shotgun.
The Streamlight TLR RM 2 is a 1,000-lumen light with excellent ergonomics.
It features a ramped rear button that is intuitive to use and helps prevent you from smashing your thumb when running a pump.
Streamlight also includes a remote on/off pressure pad that allows you to mount the light just about anywhere on the gun while still being able to activate it.
These lights are sturdy, lightweight, and great for the limited mounting space on shotguns.
You can check out more in my hands-on review of the Streamlight RM 1 and RM 2!
The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds
Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.
8. Streamlight Mag Tube Rail – Best Universal Light Mount
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Mounts to almost any shotgun
- Small footprint
Cons
- Polymer construction isn't as durable as aluminum
- May be a tight or difficult fit on certain shotguns
The Bottom Line
At right around $20-$30, the Streamlight Mag Tube Rail Mount is the a simple, cost-effective mount that allows you to easily attach any Picatinny weapon light to your shotgun.
If you don’t want to spring for a dedicated handguard to mount your light, or you’re working with something outside of the Mossberg and Remington world, there is another option.
The Streamlight 69901 mag tube clamp is a simple polymer mount with a Picatinny rail that clamps directly to your magazine tube.
It is cheap and simple to install. Buy one, clamp it on, then add your weapon light of choice. It is about as universal and easy as it gets!
Best Side Saddles
9. Esstac Shotgun Cards – Best Value Side Saddle
Pros
- Super affordable
- Non-permanent installation with no tools required
- Stitching and elastic holds up surprisingly well
Cons
- Elastic can wear out after very prolonged use
The Bottom Line
There is no easier or faster way to modify your shotgun to carry spare shells than the Esstac shotgun cards. These are cheap, effective, and shockingly durable.
Shotgun cards are the current hotness when it comes to spare ammo storage on your shotgun.
These side saddles use a base velcro patch that attaches to the side of the gun’s receiver with sticky tape. The card itself attaches to the base with hook-and-loop velcro and holds anywhere from 2 to 7 rounds of ammunition.
Spare cards can be loaded and placed in pouches or bags, so you can snap a fresh one on if you empty the one on the side of the gun.
Esstac is the OG when it comes to shotgun cards. They are available in a multitude of sizes and camo patterns. They also have a handy little loop for drawing, removing, and even loading with.
These cards are cheap and effective. Once the elastic no longer retains the shell, toss it and buy a new one.
10. The Aridus Industries QD-C – High End Side Saddle
Pros
- Extremely secure mounting solution
- Can fast detach the entire shell carrier from the side mount
- Shell carriers fit neatly into most AR magazine pouches
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulkier than Esstac cards
The Bottom Line
The Aridus QD-C side saddle is ideal for anyone wants the ability to carry multiple quick-swap shell carriers on a chest rig or plate carrier.
Whereas the Esstac cards are cheap and simple, the Aridus Industries QD-C is a ridiculously over-engineered, but awesome, side saddle.
The QD-C is made to last and provides fantastic retention — it is the Cadillac of side saddles.
Aridus makes a few different options, but the universal is the way to go. It attaches via a super-strong adhesive panel. Once the carrier is attached, it’s loaded with the loops. You can change the loops rapidly, and they're held securely.
The QD-C is crazy nice, super easy to use, and they even fit most AR magazine pouches, making it easy to carry spares.
Best Shotgun Optics
11. Trijicon RMR Type 2 – Best Micro Red Dot
Pros
- Bomb-proof design
- Four year battery life
- Only weighs 1.2 ounces
- Industry standard mounting footprint
Cons
- Bottom-mounted battery
- Small viewing window
The Bottom Line
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the gold-standard when it comes to micro dots thanks to its extremely rugged design, quality emitter, and excellent battery life.
The Trijicon RMR has long been the gold standard for micro red dots.
They are proven combat optics that are tough as nails. Weighing in at just 1.2 ounces, the RMR adds almost no bulk or weight to your gun when you use the right mount.
12. Holosun EPS – Best Enclosed Micro Dot
Pros
- Enclosed emitter is great for harsher weather conditions
- Multi-reticle system has a great reticle option for shotguns
- Shake-awake technology
- Side-mounted battery
Cons
- QC misses can result in a distorted reticle on occasion
The Bottom Line
The Multi-Reticle System allows for you to select a circle-only reticle that is perfect for defensive shotgun usage. That reticle, combined with a slick enclosed emitter design and shake-awake tech make this an excellent choice for tactical shotguns.
If you want an enclosed emitter optic but still want the smaller pistol dot footprint, the Holosun EPS is your guy.
The Multi-Reticle System (MRS) version allows you to swap between three different reticle styles, including an awesome circle-only option that pairs well with buckshot patterns on most shotguns.
Holosun also has a motion-activated auto-on/off feature that helps bring the battery life to 50,000 hours.
13. Aimpoint Micro T-2 – Best Duty Optic
Pros
- One of the most durable red dots on the planet
- Crystal clear glass and dot
- T-2 mounting footprint has become the standard
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Needs a separate low-profile mount for best results on shotguns
The Bottom Line
If you want the most combat-proven red dot on the market, look no further than the Aimpoint T-2. Clear glass, a perfectly crisp red dot, and tank-like construction are par for the course here.
When it comes to standard red dots, the Aimpoint T-2 is the ultimate duty red dot. These are bomb-proof optics, with crystal-clear glass and a crisp red dot.
They pair especially well with ultra low-profile mounts (more on that in a bit).
But beware, the best doesn’t come cheap. The T-2 is notably more expensive than other red dots in its class.
14. Sig ROMEO5 Gen 2 – Best Budget Optic
Pros
- Affordable
- Uses the common T-2 mounting footprint
- 40,000-hour run time
- Shake-awake
Cons
- Only available with a 2 MOA dot reticle
- Notch filter gives a slight blue tint to the glass
The Bottom Line
The Sig ROMEO5 has firmly cemented itself as the best budget rifle and shotgun red dot on the market. Nothing else touches the quality and features at the same price point.
If the Aimpoint T2 is a little rich for your blood, then let me suggest the Sig ROMEO5 Gen 2.
It may not be battle-proven like the T2, but it is a sturdy, well-built optic with good glass, shake-awake tech, and a great battery life.
The ROMEO5 also shares the T2 footprint, making it compatible with a variety of mounts. Not bad for around $120!
Our Most Popular Posts
Best Optic Mounts
15. Aridus Industries CROM – Best Low Pro Optic Mount
Pros
- Integrated ghost ring sight for cowitnessing
- Allows the optic to be mounted extremely low
- Available for a reasonable amount of shotguns
Cons
- Limited to Aimpoint Micro (T-2) and RMR footprint optics
The Bottom Line
An ultra-low profile direct mount setup and the ability to cowitness with iron sights makes the Aridus CROM one of the most premium shotgun optic mounts.
Some shotguns can mount Picatinny rails on top, then an optic on those rails.
However, those setups can lead to the optic sitting too high, resulting in a poor cheek weld. Bad cheek welds can lead to bad sight pictures and compromised recoil control.
The Aridus CROM mount fixes this issue by attaching directly to the receiver and allowing you to directly mount your optic to it rather than using a Picatinny adapter.
It is compatible with RMR and Aimpoint Micro footprint optics. The CROM also includes an integrated rear ghost ring or open sight for cowitnessing purposes.
16. Monstrum Tactical Grimlock Universal Shotgun Mount – Affordable Optic Mount
Pros
- Universal system allows it to be mounted to a wide range of shotguns
- Inexpensive
- Extremely low optic height
Cons
- Only mounts RMR or RMSc footprint optics
The Bottom Line
If you are looking to add a pistol-sized micro red dot to your shotgun, the Monstrum Grimlock mount is a budget-minded direct mount that fits a wide range of shotguns.
If you are considering running a pistol-sized micro dot and are looking for an affordable mount, check out the Monstrum Tactical Grimlock.
The Grimlock uses a three-slot universal mounting system that allows it to be mounted to a wide variety of shotguns.
As for the optic mounting itself, you can choose between either a direct-mount RMR or RMSc footprint option.
Best Slings
17. Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling - Best Shotgun Sling
Pros
- Quick adjust pull tab
- High-quality materials and stitching
- Comfortable
Cons
- Padded versions and QD mount versions cost more
The Bottom Line
The BFG Vickers sling is a near-unanimous favorite of ours thanks to its simple quick-adjustment tab and durable construction.
I have piles of Blue Force Gear Vicker slings, many of which have found their way onto numerous shotguns of mine.
They are tough, strong, comfortable, and among the easiest slings to adjust. The only downside is they tend to get a little stiff over time and with exposure to the elements.
18. Magpul MS1 Sling - Best Value Sling
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Durable
- Rapid-adjustment slider operates smoothly
Cons
- Optional QD swivels, Paraclips, and other mounting hardware is sold separately
The Bottom Line
At just around $25-$35, the Magpul MS1 sling is not only accessible to everyone, it is durable, slick, and easy to customize to your needs.
The Magpul MS1 is a budget-friendly tactical two-point with a quick-adjust tab.
I use these on my “totally not a shotgun” firearms. They are easy to adjust, relatively comfortable, and hold up well.
19. Arbor Arms Dual Adjust Sling - Most Adjustable Sling
Pros
- Closed-loop slider is extremely easy to operate
- Cam slider allows you to quickly over-tighten the sling for hands-free use
- Straight filament webbing won't stiffen after exposure to elements or over time
Cons
- QD swivels are not included in the base price
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a sling with the most adjustment capability, the Dual Adjust system is your ticket.
Arbor Arms makes one of the most underrated premier tactical two-point slings — the Dual Adjust Weapon Sling.
This sling’s name comes from the advanced slider at the front that combines the benefits of a closed-loop slider sling and a cam sling.
The closed-loop slider sling allows you to easily tighten or loosen the sling on the fly. Meanwhile, the cam slider lets you overtighten the sling to press the gun extremely close to your body, allowing you to keep the gun well out of the way if you need to use both hands for something else.
The Arbor Arms Dual Adjust sling may be slept on, but it is reasonably priced and a fantastic choice overall.
Other Considerations
There are two things I often swap out on the majority of my tactical shotguns. Both are small performance improvements that enhance reliability in tubular magazine-fed shotguns.
The first thing is the magazine spring. Most OEM springs are fine, but tend to be a little weak. I typically drop an extra-power Wolff spring in the magazine tube. Doing this is extra important if you add a magazine extension to your gun.
I also like to add a low-friction follower in place of the usually cheap polymer follower included with the shotgun. Typically made of anodized aluminum, these low-friction followers help reduce drag in the magazine tube and improve feeding.
There are tons of aftermarket follower options, but I like the Aridus SMRT follower the best.
Meet the Experts
Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike wrote this article. Travis spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps, where he spent five years as an infantryman. His experience as a machinegunner, recreational and competitive shooter, hunter, and concealed carry instructor has given him unique insight into various weapon platforms.
Additionally, Travis has thousands of articles to his name across a variety of publications and has tested countless guns and other firearm accessories, with shotguns being his passion and specialty.
Final Thoughts
Shotguns are usually simple designs that tend to work well out of the box, but the industry has been slow to bring them into the modern age.
However, with just a few little fixes and upgrades, you can turn your shotgun into a better, faster, more reliable, and easier-to-use firearm.
What are your thoughts on these shotgun upgrades? Is there anything we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
And if you’re new to the good ol' scattergun, check out our comprehensive Shotgun Reviews page to explore different models, learn about more upgrades and gear options, and read detailed ammo comparison reports!