In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share the top 10 picks for home defense firearms, detailing the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Home Defense Firearms
Before diving into the list, it’s crucial to understand what makes a good home defense firearm. The ideal weapon should be:
- Reliable: It must function flawlessly every time you need it.
- Easy to use: In high-stress situations, you want a weapon that’s intuitive and simple to operate.
- Effective: The firearm should have enough stopping power to neutralize threats quickly.
- Manageable: Recoil should be controllable for accurate follow-up shots.
- Safe: It should have features that prevent accidental discharge and allow for secure storage.
With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the top 10 firearms for home defense.
1. Mossberg 500 Tactical
The Mossberg 500 Tactical is a pump-action shotgun that has been a favorite among home defenders for decades. Its reliability is legendary, and the 12-gauge shells it fires deliver devastating stopping power at close range.
Pros:
- Extremely reliable
- Powerful 12-gauge rounds
- Easy to use under stress
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited capacity (typically 5+1 rounds)
- Significant recoil may be challenging for some users
The Mossberg 500’s simplicity is its strength. In a high-stress situation, the pump-action is intuitive and less likely to malfunction compared to semi-automatic firearms.
The spread of the shotgun pellets also increases the likelihood of hitting your target, even if your aim is slightly off because of adrenaline.
One of the key advantages of the Mossberg 500 Tactical is its versatility. You can easily switch between different types of ammunition, such as buckshot for close-range defense or slugs for longer-range precision.
This flexibility allows you to adapt to various home defense scenarios.
The Mossberg 500 also offers a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including tactical lights, side saddles for extra ammunition, and adjustable stocks. These additions can help you customize the shotgun to your specific needs and preferences.
However, the limited capacity of the Mossberg 500 means you’ll need to be judicious with your shots. Regular practice is essential to become proficient in reloading quickly under pressure.
2. Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a compact 9mm semi-automatic pistol that offers an excellent balance of size, capacity, and ease of use. It’s a popular choice for both home defense and concealed carry.
Pros:
- High capacity (15+1 rounds)
- Extremely reliable
- Easy to handle and shoot accurately
- Widely available aftermarket parts and accessories
Cons:
- Requires more practice to master than a shotgun
- Less stopping power compared to larger calibers
The Glock 19’s popularity means that finding holsters, lights, and other accessories is easy. Its polymer frame makes it lightweight, and its striker-fired mechanism provides a consistent trigger pull, which can be crucial in high-stress situations.
One of the Glock 19’s standout features is its simplicity. With no external safety to fumble with, you can quickly draw and fire in an emergency.
However, this also means that proper training and trigger discipline are absolutely essential.
The 9mm ammunition used by the Glock 19 offers a good balance between stopping power and manageable recoil. It’s also widely available and relatively affordable, making regular practice more possible.
For home defense, consider adding a weapon-mounted light to your Glock 19. This allows you to illuminate potential threats while keeping both hands on your firearm, a significant advantage in low-light situations.
3. AR-15 (Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II)
The AR-15 platform, exemplified by the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II, is a versatile semi-automatic rifle that’s become increasingly popular for home defense.
Pros:
- High capacity (30-round magazines are standard)
- Low recoil for easy follow-up shots
- Highly customizable
- Accurate at various distances
Cons:
- Potential for over penetration in residential settings
- May be restricted in some jurisdictions
The AR-15’s light recoil and ergonomic design make it easy to shoot accurately, even for smaller-statured people. The .223/5.56mm rounds it fires are effective against threats while potentially reducing the risk of over penetration compared to larger rifle calibers.
One of the AR-15’s greatest strengths is its modularity. You can easily customize the rifle with different optics, lights, grips, and stocks to suit your specific needs. This adaptability allows you to create a home defense weapon that’s perfectly tailored to your home layout and personal preferences.
The high capacity of the AR-15 provides a significant advantage in a home defense situation, reducing the need for reloading. However, it’s crucial to use suitable ammunition to minimize the risk of overpenetration.
Frangible or hollow-point rounds are often recommended for home defense use with an AR-15.
Despite its effectiveness, the AR-15 may not be legal in all jurisdictions. Always check your local laws before purchasing or modifying an AR-15 for home defense.
4. Remington 870 Express Tactical
Another pump-action shotgun, the Remington 870 Express Tactical, offers similar benefits to the Mossberg 500 but with some unique features of its own.
Pros:
- Robust and reliable design
- Powerful 12-gauge rounds
- Simple to operate
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited capacity (typically 6+1 rounds)
- Heavy recoil
The Remington 870’s solid steel receiver provides durability, and its smooth action allows for quick follow-up shots. Like the Mossberg, it’s an excellent choice for those who want a simple, powerful home defense weapon.
One of the Remington 870’s standout features is its smooth action. Many users find that it cycles more smoothly than other pump-action shotguns, which can translate to faster follow-up shots in a high-stress situation.
The 870 Express Tactical often comes with a shorter barrel (18.5 inches) than standard hunting models, making it more maneuverable in tight spaces. This can be a significant advantage when navigating through your home during a potential threat.
Like the Mossberg 500, the Remington 870 offers a wide range of aftermarket accessories. You can easily add extended magazine tubes to increase capacity, tactical lights for low-light situations, and adjustable stocks for improved ergonomics.
However, the heavy recoil of the 12-gauge rounds can be challenging for some users, especially in rapid-fire situations. Regular practice is essential to manage this recoil effectively.
5. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
The M&P Shield is a compact 9mm pistol that’s ideal for those who want a smaller, more easily concealed firearm that can still serve for home defense.
Pros:
- Compact and easy to maneuver in tight spaces
- Good balance of size and capacity
- Available with or without manual safety
- Comfortable to shoot despite it’s small size
Cons:
- Lower capacity than full-size pistols (typically 7+1 or 8+1 rounds)
- Shorter sight radius may make accurate shooting more challenging for beginners
The Shield’s slim profile makes it easy to store securely and quickly access in an emergency. It’s smaller size also makes it a good option for household members with smaller hands.
One of the M&P Shield’s key advantages is its versatility. While it excels as a concealed carry weapon, it’s also perfectly suitable for home defense.
This dual-purpose nature makes it an excellent choice for those who want one firearm for both roles.
The Shield’s compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, which can be a significant advantage in a home defense situation. However, this smaller size does come with trade-offs, including reduced capacity and potentially increased felt recoil compared to larger pistols.
Smith & Wesson offers the Shield with or without a manual safety, allowing you to choose based on your personal preferences and training. If you opt for the model with a manual safety, be sure to train regularly to confirm you can disengage it quickly under stress.
6. Ruger PC Carbine
The Ruger PC Carbine is a 9mm pistol-caliber carbine that offers the ease of use of a rifle with the lower recoil and reduced risk of over penetration of a pistol round.
Pros:
- Uses common 9mm ammunition
- Compatible with Ruger and Glock magazines
- Low recoil and easy to shoot accurately
- Takedown design for easy storage
Cons:
- Larger and heavier than a handgun
- May be less maneuverable in tight spaces than a pistol
The PC Carbine’s compatibility with Glock magazines is a significant advantage if you already own a Glock pistol. Its longer barrel provides improved accuracy and velocity compared to a pistol firing the same ammunition.
One of the PC Carbine’s standout features is its takedown design. This allows you to easily break the firearm down into two compact pieces for storage, which can be a significant advantage if you’re concerned about secure storage or live in a smaller space.
The use of 9mm ammunition in a carbine-length barrel results in increased velocity and energy compared to the same round fired from a pistol. This can potentially improve stopping power while still maintaining manageable recoil and reducing the risk of over penetration compared to rifle calibers.
The PC Carbine’s rifle-style ergonomics and longer sight radius make it easier to shoot accurately than a pistol, especially for less experienced shooters. However, its larger size may make it more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces compared to a handgun.
7. Benelli M4
The Benelli M4 is a semi-automatic shotgun that offers faster follow-up shots compared to pump-action models.
Pros:
- Fast-firing semi-automatic action
- Reliable gas system
- Excellent ergonomics
- Used by military and law enforcement
Cons:
- Expensive
- More complex mechanism than pump-action shotguns
The M4’s semi-automatic action allows for quicker follow-up shots, which can be crucial in a defensive situation. Its gas system is designed to function reliably with a wide range of ammunition, from light target loads to heavy buckshot.
The Benelli M4 is renowned for its reliability, even in harsh conditions. Its self-cleaning gas system, known as the Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated (ARGO) system, ensures consistent performance with a wide range of loads.
This reliability can provide peace of mind in a home defense situation.
One of the M4’s standout features is its ergonomics. The pistol grip and adjustable stock allow for comfortable shooting and easy manipulation, even in high-stress situations.
The controls are also designed to be intuitive and easy to operate under pressure.
However, the M4’s advanced features come at a price. It’s significantly more expensive than many other shotguns on this list, which may put it out of reach for some users.
Additionally, it’s more complex mechanism may need more maintenance than simpler pump-action shotguns.
8. SIG Sauer P365
The SIG Sauer P365 is a micro-compact 9mm pistol that offers impressive capacity for it’s size.
Pros:
- Extremely compact yet high capacity (10+1 rounds standard, with 12 and 15-round magazines available)
- Easy to conceal and maneuver
- Excellent ergonomics and shootability for its size
- Night sights come standard
Cons:
- Small size may make it harder to shoot accurately for some users
- Limited accessory compatibility because of it’s proprietary rail
The P365’s remarkable capacity-to-size ratio makes it an excellent option for those who want a highly concealable firearm that can still serve well for home defense. Its standard night sights are a valuable feature for low-light situations.
One of the P365’s most impressive features is its capacity. Despite its small size, it can hold 10+1 rounds in its flush-fit magazine, with extended magazines offering even higher capacities.
This provides a significant advantage over many other pistols in its size class.
The P365’s ergonomics are excellent for a pistol of its size. The grip is designed to fit comfortably in a wide range of hand sizes, and the controls are easy to reach and manipulate.
This can be crucial in a high-stress situation where fine motor skills may be compromised.
However, the P365’s small size can be a double-edged sword. While it makes the pistol easy to conceal and maneuver in tight spaces, it can also make it more challenging to shoot accurately, especially for people who have larger hands.
Regular practice is essential to overcome this potential drawback.
9. Kel-Tec KSG
The Kel-Tec KSG is a unique pump-action shotgun with a bullpup design and dual magazine tubes.
Pros:
- High capacity for a shotgun (14+1 rounds of 2.75″ shells)
- Compact overall length because of bullpup design
- Ability to switch between two different types of loads
Cons:
- More complex to operate under stress than traditional shotguns
- Heavy when fully loaded
- May be less reliable than simpler designs
The KSG’s high capacity and compact size make it an intriguing option for home defense. The ability to switch between magazine tubes allows for the use of different ammunition types (e.g., buckshot and slugs) in the same firearm.
One of the KSG’s most unique features is its dual magazine tube design. This provides an impressive 14+1 capacity and allows you to load two different types of ammunition and switch between them as needed. For example, you could have one tube loaded with buckshot for close-range defense and the other with slugs for longer-range precision.
The bullpup design of the KSG results in a compact overall length while maintaining a full-length barrel. This can be a significant advantage when maneuvering through tight spaces in a home defense situation.
However, the KSG’s unique design also comes with some drawbacks. The controls are different from traditional shotguns, which can make operation under stress more challenging without extensive practice.
The shotgun is also quite heavy when fully loaded, which may be an issue for some users.
10. Beretta 1301 Tactical
The Beretta 1301 Tactical is a semi-automatic shotgun designed specifically for defensive use.
Pros:
- Fast-cycling semi-automatic action
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Oversized controls for ease of use under stress
- Reliable with various ammunition types
Cons:
- More expensive than pump-action choices
- May be less reliable with very light loads
The 1301 Tactical’s lightweight design and responsive gas system make it easy to handle and quick to get on target. Its oversized charging handle and bolt release are designed for positive manipulation even with gloves or under stress.
One of the 1301 Tactical’s standout features is its Blink gas operating system. This system allows for incredibly fast cycling, potentially allowing for faster follow-up shots compared to other semi-automatic shotguns.
In a defensive situation, this speed could be a crucial advantage.
The 1301 Tactical is also designed with user-friendliness in mind. The oversized charging handle, bolt release, and safety are easy to manipulate even under stress or while wearing gloves.
This can be a significant advantage in a high-stress home defense situation.
Despite its semi-automatic action, the 1301 Tactical is known for its reliability with a wide range of ammunition. However, like many semi-automatic shotguns, it may be less reliable with very light loads.
For home defense use, this is unlikely to be an issue, but it’s something to be aware of during practice sessions.
People Also Asked
What is the best caliber for home defense?
The best caliber for home defense depends on various factors, including your skill level, home layout, and personal preferences. Common effective choices include 9mm, .45 ACP, and 12-gauge shotgun shells.
Are shotguns or handguns better for home defense?
Both shotguns and handguns have their advantages for home defense. Shotguns offer more stopping power and are easier to aim under stress, while handguns are more maneuverable in tight spaces and often have higher capacity.
How much should I expect to spend on a home defense firearm?
The cost of a home defense firearm can vary widely, from around $300 for budget options to over $1000 for high-end models. A reliable firearm for home defense can typically be found in the $500-$800 range.
Do I need special ammunition for home defense?
While not strictly necessary, specialized defensive ammunition can offer advantages such as reduced overpenetration risk and improved stopping power. Hollow point bullets for handguns and buckshot for shotguns are common choices.
How often should I practice with my home defense firearm?
Regular practice is crucial for effective home defense. Aim to practice at least once a month, focusing on safe handling, accuracy, and speed. More frequent practice can further improve your skills and confidence.
What are the legal considerations for using a firearm for home defense?
Legal considerations vary by jurisdiction but often include concepts like the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws. It’s crucial to understand your local laws regarding self-defense and firearm use.
Can I use my concealed carry weapon for home defense?
Yes, many people use their concealed carry weapon for home defense as well. This can be useful as you’ll be familiar with the firearm from regular carry and practice.
How do I safely store a home defense firearm?
Safe storage is crucial to prevent accidents and unauthorized access. Options include gun safes, lockboxes, and trigger locks.
The storage method should balance security with quick access in an emergency.
What accessories should I consider for my home defense firearm?
Common useful accessories include weapon-mounted lights, night sights, and spare magazines. For long guns, adjustable stocks can improve ergonomics.
How do I choose between a semi-automatic and a pump-action shotgun for home defense?
Semi-automatic shotguns offer faster follow-up shots but are more complex and potentially less reliable. Pump-action shotguns are simpler and more reliable but need manual cycling between shots.
Your choice should depend on your comfort level and training commitment.