You have undoubtedly heard numerous individuals, including those with even distant connections, recommend a shotgun for home security. This is one of the rare instances where the majority of people are indeed correct. The data consistently indicates that shotguns are exceptionally effective tools for personal defense within one’s home environment. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive and unbiased guide, assisting you in navigating the options and confidently selecting among the best shotguns for securing your home.
Selecting the appropriate firearm for home defense is a decision that necessitates a considerable amount of deliberation and consideration. It is certainly not a one – size – fits – all situation, as critical factors such as your physical stature, your personal shooting proficiency, your budget, and even the specific layout of your home will all significantly influence which shotgun will best fulfill your needs. Our objective is to equip you with the knowledge to make an informed and highly practical decision.
So, what precisely is the reason for shotguns being so frequently recommended for home defense? A primary factor is their remarkable ammunition versatility. Unlike other firearms, shotguns can employ birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, each of which is optimized for different purposes. While birdshot may not be ideal for neutralizing a human threat due to its limited penetration, buckshot, particularly #1 buckshot, which delivers 16 pellets at a velocity exceeding 1000 feet per second, is overwhelmingly favored by tactical shotgun owners for its proven ability to create significant wound cavities and effectively penetrate vital organs. It also poses a much lower risk of over – penetration through walls compared to slugs or rifle ammunition, rendering it a safer choice in a residential setting.
When we refer to the “best home defense shotgun,” we are specifically talking about what is known as a “tactical shotgun,” rather than a classic hunting model. The most conspicuous difference lies in barrel length; tactical shotguns strive for maximum maneuverability in confined indoor environments, ideally approaching the U.S. federal minimums of an 18 – inch barrel length and a 26 – inch overall length as closely as possible. Action type is another key distinguishing factor, with pump – action and semi – automatic options offering the faster operation required for defensive situations, in contrast to the slower lever – action or bolt – action designs.
Furthermore, data from real – world self – defense encounters strongly corroborate the effectiveness of shotguns. Research analyzing over 1800 armed encounters has revealed that both rifles and shotguns reliably stopped an attacker with less than two rounds fired. While pistols exhibited a smaller range in effectiveness, long guns consistently outperformed them, with shotguns proving to be arguably the most effective. This compelling evidence underscores why a shotgun is a judicious choice for personal security, reinforcing the necessity of selecting a model that can hold at least 4 rounds, ideally 5 – 6, to account for potential multiple attackers, as criminals often operate in pairs.
1. **Remington 870 Express Tactical**: When evaluating the cornerstone of reliable home defense, the Remington 870 Express Tactical unquestionably stands as a preeminent choice, frequently dubbed ‘Old Faithful.’ This shotgun features a time-honored design and offers a broad range of available models, rendering it a versatile option for a multitude of users. Its pump-action design is celebrated for being one of the smoothest and most precise available, which directly results in flawless operation and unwavering reliability in virtually any high-stress situation one might encounter, a testament to decades of proven performance.
The Remington 870 is also available in various tactical configurations, further augmenting its suitability for home defense. Models such as the Remington 870 Tactical Magpul incorporate advanced features, including M-LOK mounting points that facilitate the easy attachment of essential accessories like lights, and ghost sights on the top, often paired with a 1913 rail for the seamless integration of a red dot sight. This adaptability ensures that the 870 can be readily customized to meet individual preferences and tactical requirements, a significant advantage for personalized home security.
One of the greatest appeals of the Remington 870 Express is its very affordable price point, often found around $450. Buyers can also rest assured regarding the quality of this product, as Remington’s manufacturing standards have significantly improved over recent years, ensuring a high-quality product. However, it’s worth noting that the base model doesn’t come with many extras, suggesting that some modifications are highly recommended to optimize it for home security. For instance, the first and most crucial upgrade is installing a weapon-mounted light. The Magpul MOE forend, priced around $28, offers the easiest method to mount the light, as it’s MLOK compatible. This allows you to attach a light like the TLR RM1 (around $145) directly to the forend, ensuring the light remains near your hand during action cycling. Adding a small section of Picatinny rail for the TLR RM1, costing about $16, brings the total setup to approximately $640, making it an incredibly cost-effective yet highly effective home defense solution. This model typically features a 12GA caliber, 5+1 capacity, 38.5″ length, and a 3″ chamber size, cementing its place as an outstanding entry-level option.
Product on Amazon: Streamlight 69601 TL-Racker 1000 Lumen Forend Light for Remington Selected 870 Models with CR123A Lithium Batteries, Black
Brand: Streamlight
Binding: Tools & Home Improvement Product Group: Tools
Price: 133.44 USD
Features:
1. The 69601 TL-Racker is designed exclusively and solely for Remington 870 and Tac 14 as long as the chambering is 2 3/4″ or 3″
2. Not compatible with any other Remington models or Mossberg FLEX models regardless of action slide length or Remington 870 Super Magnum models
3. Features 20000 candelas, 1000 lumens, a beam distance of 283 meters and a run time of 1.5 on high mode
4. Ergonomic design for maximum grip and easy switch access; elongated switch pad accommodates virtually any hand size
5. Ambidextrous switch with momentary and constant on functionality; Easily replaces original factory forend
Shopping on Amazon >>
2. **Mossberg 590 Series**: For those who prioritize a broad array of factory – configured options and outstanding maneuverability, the Mossberg 590 Series, encompassing the Mossberg 500, emerges as a formidable contender. This series enjoys an exceptionally high reputation within the firearms community, and for well – founded reasons: the extensive number of configurations available directly from the factory implies that you will have a wealth of options to precisely customize it to meet your specific home – defense requirements.
A prominent design characteristic is its receiver, which is fabricated from lightweight aluminum alloy instead of steel. This selection substantially reduces the overall weight of the shotgun, rendering it remarkably lightweight and easy to maneuver, particularly in the cramped spaces commonly encountered in a home setting. The user – friendly design extends to the action lock lever, which is conveniently positioned behind the trigger guard, enabling both right – and left – handed shooters to activate it effortlessly without having to release their firing grip.
Although the safety mechanism, situated on the top of the gun above the trigger, may necessitate some familiarization for new users, those who are accustomed to Mossberg firearms will find it entirely natural and effective. The adaptability of the Mossberg 500 series is further underscored by the numerous different configurations available, including options for ghost ring sights or night sights, as well as fixed or collapsible stocks. With capacities extending up to nine rounds, these features collectively establish the Mossberg 590 Series as an ideal and highly versatile option for home – defense applications, delivering a potent 12GA impact with a 5 + 1 capacity, a length of 36.37 inches, and a 3 – inch chamber size.
Product on Amazon: Mossberg 500/590 Series Shotgun Picatinny Rail Mount
Brand: Monstrum
Binding: Sports Product Group: Sports
Price: 9.99 USD
Features:
1. Picatinny rail mount for Mossberg 500 and 590 Series and equivalent shotguns
2. Allows for the mounting of Picatinny or Weaver standard scopes, red dots, magnifiers, or other optics
3. Installs via included set screws into the Mossberg factory mounting holes
4. Crafted from lightweight aluminum, 5.4 inches in length and 1.4 ounces in weight
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3. **Mossberg Shockwave**: The Mossberg Shockwave has swiftly solidified its standing as one of the most renowned short – barrel shotguns currently available, and for well – founded reasons. It is specifically designed for Close Quarters Battle (CQB) operations, demonstrating exceptional performance in confined spaces where conventional long guns may prove cumbersome. Its compact design is coupled with an impressive capacity, as the magazine – fed Shockwave can nearly double the ammunition load from 6 rounds to an unparalleled 11 rounds, offering a substantial advantage in prolonged defensive scenarios.
This shotgun features a 15 – inch barrel and is equipped with a distinctive Bird’s Head pistol grip stock, which contributes to its maneuverability and compact form factor, weighing a mere 6.55 pounds. To ensure optimal control during firing, the 590 Shockwave is also outfitted with a forend strap, engineered to assist in maintaining a firm grip with each shot. An optional wrist strap further enhances support by securely attaching the shotgun to your firing wrist, a well – considered addition for managing its power within a smaller package.
It is imperative for prospective owners to be cognizant of the fact that while the Shockwave is highly effective for home defense, the recoil generated by it can be more keenly felt owing to its lighter weight and compact design, rendering it less suitable as a ‘go – to’ range gun for extended shooting sessions. Moreover, its unique classification as a ‘firearm’ rather than a ‘shotgun’ under federal law, due to the absence of a traditional stock, implies that its legality can vary significantly from state to state. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to verify your local laws and regulations prior to considering the acquisition of a Mossberg Shockwave, which typically comes in 12 – gauge with a capacity of 5 + 1 or 7 + 1 and an overall length of 30.75 inches, chambered for 3 – inch shells.
Product on Amazon: Streamlight 69602 TL-Racker 1000 Lumen Forend Light for Mossberg 590 Shockwave with Strap and CR123A Lithium Batteries, Black
Brand: Streamlight
Binding: Tools & Home Improvement Product Group: Tools
Price: 135.75 USD
Features:
1. The 69602 TL-Racker is designed exclusively and solely for Mossberg Shockwave 12 Gauge and Mossberg 501 ATI Tatical Models with 6 3/4″ action slide only
2. Not compatible with Shockwave models with Picatinny rails due to the mag tube being a different size
3. Features 20000 candelas, 1000 lumens, a beam distance of 283 meters and a run time of 1.5 on high mode
4. Ergonomic design for maximum grip and easy switch access; elongated switch pad accommodates virtually any hand size
5. Ambidextrous switch with momentary and constant on functionality; Easily replaces original factory forend
Shopping on Amazon >>
4. **Benelli M4**: When the discourse shifts to the ‘gold standard’ for tactical shotguns, the Benelli M4 invariably assumes the central position, occupying a truly distinctive place in the realm of shotguns. This constitutes an outstanding option for serious home defense owing to its exceptionally high – caliber construction and, most notably, its highly reliable gas – operated system. Its performance is so highly regarded that it frequently incorporates a 1913 rail as a standard feature, which is ideal for mounting a red dot sight straight out of the box, thereby ensuring rapid target acquisition.
The cornerstone of the Benelli M4’s legendary reliability resides in its ARGO (Auto – Regulating Gas – Operated) piston system. This innovative system renders the M4 100% reliable with virtually any type of ammunition you supply it with, demanding absolutely no manual adjustments, a crucial advantage in high – stress situations where reliability is of utmost importance. This robust self – regulating mechanism implies that you can rely on it to perform impeccably when it matters most, irrespective of the load.
Combining an 18.5 – inch barrel with a 40 – inch overall length, the Benelli M4 achieves an optimal equilibrium, rendering it remarkably easy to maneuver in the confined spaces typical of a home environment, while still delivering sufficient power for effective home defense shots, even at slightly extended ranges if the situation necessitates. The standard pistol grip stock further augments control during firing in comparison to more conventional buttstock designs, contributing to its exceptional handling. This semi – automatic 12 – gauge masterpiece typically offers a capacity of 5 + 2 or 7 + 2 rounds, cementing its reputation as a top – tier home defense firearm.
Product on Amazon: Case Club Tactical Shotgun Pre-Cut Waterproof Case with Accessory Box and Silica Gel to Help Prevent Gun Rust (Gen 2)
Brand: Case Club
Binding: Apparel Product Group: Sports
Price: 219.95 USD
Features:
1. Waterproof case comes with precut foam to hold almost any Tactical Shotgun
2. Also holds pistol, magazines, silica gel canister, waterproof box, & various accessories
3. Moisture removing silica gel canister & waterproof accessory box are included
4. Foam insert is (closed cell) military grade polyethylene which can be wiped clean
5. Case is Airline Approved for checked luggage, padlockable, fully shippable & dustproof
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5. **Mossberg 930 Tactical**: The Mossberg 930 Tactical is swiftly garnering attention as an exceptional option for home defense, rapidly increasing in popularity among discerning firearm owners. This semi-automatic shotgun truly stands out by being fully prepared for immediate use straight out of the box, obviating the need for prompt modifications. It comes equipped with a sturdy 7 + 1 capacity as a standard feature and incorporates an integrated Picatinny rail for effortless optic mounting, providing you with an instant advantage in terms of aiming and target acquisition.
Designed with user – convenience and rapid operation in mind, the 930 Tactical is equipped with an ambidextrous safety, rendering it accessible and efficient for both right – and left – handed shooters under pressure. Furthermore, its wide ejection port is a well – considered design choice aimed at facilitating rapid reloads, a crucial capability in dynamic defensive scenarios. The sights are also of the highest quality, featuring a rear ghost ring sight paired with a front fiber optic sight, ensuring clear and swift sight pictures.
Beyond its functional attributes, the Mossberg 930 Tactical is constructed with the robustness of a tank, demonstrating durable construction that instills confidence in its longevity and reliability. This sturdy build also contributes to a significant reduction in felt recoil, transforming what could be a harsh recoil into a more manageable and pleasant experience when shooting. All these well – conceived features combine to make the Mossberg 930 Tactical an outstanding and increasingly sought – after option for home defense, offering a 12 – Gauge caliber with a 7 + 1 capacity and semi – automatic action.
The first half of our guide delved into the fundamental characteristics that render a shotgun an indispensable tool for home defense, along with an in – depth examination of five formidable models. Now, we are prepared to expand our scope, exploring more elite tactical shotguns and analyzing the advanced considerations that will empower you to create a truly customized home security solution. From nuanced features such as ammunition capacity to the strategic significance of sights and gas systems, we are covering all aspects to ensure your choice is as well – informed as it is effective.
6. **KEL-TEC KSG**: For those in pursuit of unparalleled capacity and a compact form, the Kel – Tec KSG emerges as a truly innovative alternative in the realm of home defense. Its distinctive bullpup design, wherein the pump – action mechanism slides behind the trigger, endows it with a significantly smaller profile compared to numerous other shotguns, while remarkably retaining an outstanding 14 + 1 round capacity, owing to its dual magazine tubes. This design ingenuity renders it extremely maneuverable, particularly within the cramped quarters of a home or apartment, where every inch can be decisive.
The KSG is not merely characterized by its compact size and high capacity; it is also engineered with versatility in mind. It features ample Picatinny rail space, enabling users to effortlessly mount a diverse range of accessories, from fundamental iron sights to advanced red – dot optics, ensuring rapid target acquisition when every second is crucial. This adaptability positions it as a formidable contender for those who value customization and aim to optimize their firearm for specific defensive scenarios.
Enhancing its attractiveness is its relatively modest price point in comparison to other high – performance options available in the market. This renders the Kel – Tec KSG an accessible option for individuals seeking to acquire substantial home defense firepower without incurring an exorbitant financial outlay. Its 13 – inch length of pull (LOP) further facilitates its ease of handling, especially in close – quarters situations, cementing its status as a compelling choice for personal security. It typically boasts a 12 – Ga caliber with a 7 – round magazine (per tube) and weighs 6.9 lbs.
7. **KelTec KS7**: Building upon the heritage of innovative design, the KelTec KS7 presents another highly attractive option for home defense, especially for those who place a premium on extreme maneuverability and lightweight handling. This shotgun is equipped with a 7 – round magazine tube within an exceptionally compact frame, weighing less than 6 pounds. This lightweight feature renders it remarkably easy to handle, even in high – stress scenarios, mitigating fatigue and enabling swift, unimpeded movement within one’s home.
While its bullpup design substantially contributes to its compactness, it is noteworthy that the reloading procedure for the KS7 may be slower in comparison to some other action types. However, this potential compromise is frequently deemed acceptable in light of the advantages of its size and the fact that it is fully ambidextrous. This implies that left – handed shooters can operate it with the same efficiency as right – handed shooters, without concerns regarding ergonomics or obstruction during reloads or accessory mounting.
The KS7 is also engineered with practical functionality in mind, offering sufficient rail space for the effortless attachment of essential accessories such as lights, slings, or additional ammunition carriers without any hindrance. Its emphasis on being lightweight and highly controllable in close quarters, coupled with its ambidextrous characteristic, positions the KelTec KS7 as a formidable candidate for anyone who prioritizes agility and ease of management in their home defense configuration. It employs a 12 Ga caliber and has a 6 – round magazine.
8. **Beretta 1301 Tactical**: The Beretta 1301 Tactical has swiftly garnered an outstanding reputation as a premier home – defense shotgun, with numerous discerning owners keen to incorporate it into their collections. Its performance straight out of the box is consistently praised; evidence of its reliability lies in reports of it operating flawlessly without any prior lubrication or disassembly, even after firing multiple boxes of buckshot immediately following acquisition. This degree of immediate, assured reliability is a crucial factor for a firearm intended for defensive purposes.
What genuinely distinguishes the Beretta 1301 Tactical, beyond its inherent dependability, is its exceptional swiftness and responsiveness, frequently characterized as ‘faster than you will be.’ This is supplemented by robust after – market support, providing a plethora of customization options. A multitude of companies manufacture components ranging from handguard and stock conversions to extended magazine tubes, enhanced bolt catches, and various optic mounts, enabling extensive personalization to cater to individual tactical preferences. Moreover, it comes factory – fitted with a Picatinny segment, facilitating the straightforward mounting of an optic straight out of the box.
The technical specifications of the 1301 underscore its superior design. Its cold – hammer – forged, back – bored barrel guarantees remarkable accuracy while simultaneously contributing to reduced felt recoil, rendering it more manageable during rapid firing. Enlarged controls are a well – thought – out design feature, ensuring ease of use even under stress. With a substantial 7 + 1 capacity using 2 ¾” shells, it offers ample firepower, and Beretta’s long – established record of producing high – quality firearms instills confidence that this shotgun will provide years of reliable service. It features a 12 Ga caliber and has a length of 37.8 inches.
9. **Remington Tac 14/Tac 13**: For individuals who demand the utmost in compact maneuverability without compromising defensive capability, the Remington Tac 14 and its semi – automatic counterpart, the Tac 13, constitute truly exceptional choices. These firearms are frequently cited as preferred options among short – shotgun aficionados and are the primary selections for operations in confined spaces. The Tac 14, in particular, attains its remarkably compact profile with a 14 – inch barrel, which, owing to specific federal regulations, does not necessitate special authorization, rendering it an accessible and formidable defensive tool.
Despite its diminutive size, the Tac 14 preserves practical ergonomics and capacity. It typically features a 6 – round capacity, which admirably fulfills the necessary requirements for effective home defense. Its distinctive bird – head grip provides a comfortable and secure hold, ensuring control without introducing unnecessary bulk. This design selection significantly contributes to its overall compactness, enabling highly maneuverable operation in hallways, doorways, and other confined spaces often encountered within a domestic environment.
A significant practical advantage of the Tac 14 lies in its design that facilitates the direct attachment of a weapon – mounted light onto the handguard. This obviates the need for additional adapters or remote pressure pads, streamlining your setup and ensuring that your illumination is always precisely where you require it—near your hand as you operate the firearm. The Tac 13 expands upon these benefits with its semi – automatic action, offering faster cycling and reduced felt recoil, presenting an alternative for those who favor an auto – loader in a similarly compact configuration. These models offer a 5 + 2 or 7 + 2 capacity with S/A D/A action in 12 Gauge.
10. **Armscor VR80**: The Armscor VR80 stands out as a highly compelling and contemporary option for home defense, especially for those who value a tactical aesthetic integrated with superior functionality. This semi – automatic shotgun features a design reminiscent of the AR – 15 platform, incorporating AR – 15 grip and stock compatibility, thereby enabling familiar handling and a wide range of customization possibilities. Its M – LOK rail system, in conjunction with integrated sights and optic rail options, offers substantial versatility for mounting an extensive array of accessories, ranging from tactical lights to various aiming devices.
One of the VR80’s most remarkable attributes is its exceptionally high magazine capacity, capable of accommodating up to 19 rounds. This significant firepower ensures extended engagement capability, which can constitute a decisive advantage in a multi – threat scenario. Coupled with its gas – operated action, the VR80 delivers rapid cycling and maintains impressive controllability during operation, facilitating rapid follow – up shots while reducing felt recoil, thus contributing to a more comfortable and accurate shooting experience.
The construction of the VR80 further enhances its attractiveness; its 7075 aluminum upper receiver guarantees outstanding durability, rendering it robust enough to withstand harsh environments while also ensuring precise accuracy, even during rapid fire. Although the VR80 is a highly capable and engaging firearm, its primary limitation for dedicated home defense is its overall length. Measuring 40 inches, it can be somewhat long for optimal maneuverability in extremely confined spaces, such as narrow hallways or bedrooms, which is a crucial consideration for a home security firearm. It employs a 12 Ga caliber and a 5 – round magazine as standard.
Navigating the realm of home defense shotguns may seem like a formidable task, but with the comprehensive insights we have provided, you are now well – equipped to select your ultimate defender. Keep in mind that the best shotgun is not solely about brute force; it is about achieving the perfect combination of maneuverability, reliability, and the appropriate accessories tailored to your specific home environment and personal preparedness. May your choice bring you not only security but also profound peace of mind, knowing that you have made an informed and empowering decision.
