Best Home Defense Shotguns for Sale

When selecting a shotgun for home defense, it is critical to choose one that is reliable, easy to handle, and capable of delivering enough stopping power to protect your home. With a wide variety of home defense shotguns available, it’s important to consider factors such as gauge, capacity, and the type of action.

Top Features of a Home Defense Shotgun

The ideal home defense shotgun should be easy to operate in high-pressure situations. Features like a short barrel, easy-to-access safety, and customizable options can make a significant difference. Most home defense shotguns come in 12-gauge or 20-gauge options, with 12-gauge being the most popular due to its stopping power.

Types of Home Defense Shotguns

Pump-Action Shotguns

One of the most reliable and easy-to-use options for home defense is the pump-action shotgun. These firearms are famous for their durability and simplicity. The sound of chambering a round alone can act as a deterrent to intruders. The Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are two of the most popular models for home defense, offering a balance of affordability and reliability.

Semi-Automatic Shotguns

For those seeking a faster follow-up shot, semi-automatic shotguns are an excellent choice. These shotguns automatically chamber a new round after each shot, which can be vital in a self-defense situation. The Benelli M4 is one of the most reliable semi-automatic shotguns, favored by law enforcement and military personnel for its performance and dependability.

Affordable Home Defense Shotguns

Not all home defense shotguns come with a hefty price tag. There are several options under $500 that provide excellent protection without breaking the bank. The Maverick 88 is a budget-friendly version of the Mossberg 500 and is known for its reliability and ease of use. For those looking for a semi-automatic option, the Stoeger M3000 is a solid choice under $600.

Choosing the Right Gauge for Home Defense

When it comes to home defense shotguns, the most common gauges are 12 and 20 gauge. While 12-gauge shotguns are known for their stopping power, they also come with more recoil, which may be a concern for some users. A 20-gauge shotgun, like the Mossberg 500, offers less recoil while still delivering adequate power for home defense situations.

Best Home Defense Shotgun Ammo

Choosing the right ammunition for your home defense shotgun is just as important as the firearm itself. Buckshot is the preferred choice for most home defense scenarios due to its effectiveness at close range. Slugs are another option, providing more penetration but requiring more accuracy. Many home defense experts recommend 00 buckshot, which offers a balance between power and spread.

Additional Features to Consider

• Sights: Tactical shotguns often come equipped with ghost ring sights or red dot optics to enhance accuracy in low-light conditions.
• Extended Magazine Tubes: Increasing the ammunition capacity of your shotgun can be beneficial in a home defense scenario, allowing you to fire more rounds without reloading.
• Customizable Stocks: Adjustable or collapsible stocks can improve comfort and handling, especially in tight spaces.

Top Home Defense Shotgun Brands

Mossberg

Mossberg shotguns, particularly the Mossberg 590 and 500 models, are renowned for their ruggedness and reliability. Both models are pump-action shotguns that offer extensive customization options, including different stock types and extended magazine tubes.

Remington

The Remington 870 is another top contender for home defense. Its steel receiver and dual action bars provide durability, while its wide range of available accessories allows for customization to suit any user’s needs.

Benelli

For those looking for a semi-automatic option, the Benelli M4 is one of the best tactical shotguns on the market. Used by military and law enforcement around the world, the M4 offers unmatched reliability and performance.

Stoeger

For those on a budget, Stoeger offers affordable yet reliable shotguns such as the Stoeger P3000, a pump-action shotgun that performs well in home defense scenarios.

Home Defense Shotgun Accessories

Upgrading your shotgun with tactical accessories can improve its functionality in a home defense situation. Popular accessories include:

• Tactical lights: A mounted flashlight can help you identify threats in the dark.
• Sling: A sling allows you to carry your shotgun hands-free, which is helpful during extended use.
• Side Saddle: This accessory provides additional storage for shotgun shells, allowing you to quickly reload when necessary.

Best Shotguns for Beginners

For those new to firearms, the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are both excellent choices due to their ease of use and reliability. These shotguns are straightforward to operate and have a long-standing reputation for dependability.

Compact and Lightweight Shotguns

If you prefer a more compact option, the Mossberg Shockwave is a popular choice. This non-NFA firearm is small enough to be maneuvered easily in tight spaces while still offering the stopping power of a 12-gauge shotgun.

Conclusion

When selecting the best home defense shotgun, it’s important to consider the features that matter most to you, such as capacity, reliability, and ease of use. Whether you choose a pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun, make sure to practice regularly and familiarize yourself with your firearm to ensure you’re prepared to defend your home if necessary.