Best Home Defense Shotguns

Choosing a shotgun for home defense is a great way to ensure you have a well-suited, high-quality firearm for your home environment.

With the right selection of shotgun, you’ll be able to protect your home with ease while also enjoying the benefit of a powerful weapon.

When deciding which home defense shotgun is best for you, you’ll want to consider factors like your home environment, recoil sensitivity, and personal preference.

We’ve compiled a guide to help you find the best home defense shotgun for your needs. So, no matter your situation, you can rest easy knowing you have the right shotgun for the job.

10 Best Tactical Shotguns

Remington 870 Express Tactical

The Remington 870 is a great shotgun with its long-standing design and a wide range of available models.

The pump-action design of the 870 is one of the smoothest and tightest around, ensuring slop-free operation and reliability in any situation.

It also comes in various tactical models, such as the Remington 870 Tactical Magpul, which offers added features such as M-LOK mounting points for lights and ghost sights on top with 1913 railing for a red dot sight.

Remington’s quality has improved over recent years so buyers can rest assured they are getting a high-quality product at an affordable price point.

Mossberg 590 Series

The Mossberg 590 Series is well known, and the configuration options from the factory are numerous, so much so that you’ll have plenty of options to pick from.

The receiver is lightweight aluminum alloy instead of steel, making it light and easy to maneuver.

The action lock lever is located behind the trigger guard and can be reached by right-or left-handed shooters without breaking their firing grip.

The safety will take some time because it is on top of the gun above the trigger. If you are used to a Mossberg, you’ll be fine.

There are many different configurations available for the Mossberg 500 series shotguns, including ghost ring sights or night sights, as well as fixed or collapsible stocks with capacities of up to nine rounds, which makes this shotgun ideal for home defense use.

Mossberg Shockwave

The Mossberg Shockwave is one of the most well-known shorty shotguns today.

It is built for CQB operations in tight quarters, and its 11 shells provide an unmatched round count.

This shotgun features a 15″ barrel and a Bird Head pistol grip stock that weighs 6.55 lbs.

The magazine-fed Shockwave almost doubles the loadout from 6 shells to 11 shells. The 590 Shockwave also comes with a forend strap to ensure you maintain control with each shot and an optional wrist strap to hold the shotgun to your firing wrist for extra support.

The recoil can be felt more in this shotgun, and it probably isn’t your go-to range gun, but it can be effective for home defense.

It is important to note that the Shockwave may not be legal in some states, so check your local laws and regulations.

Benelli M4

The Benelli M4 is an excellent choice due to its high-quality construction, gas-operated system, and 1913 rail for mounting a red dot sight.

The M4’s ARGO (Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated) piston system makes it 100% reliable with any ammunition and requires no adjustments.

The 18.5″ barrel and 40″ overall length make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces while providing enough power for effective home defense shots at longer ranges if necessary.

The standard pistol grip stock also provides better control when firing compared to traditional buttstock designs.

The Benelli M4 is the golden standard for tactical shotguns and holds a special place in the shotgun world.

Mossberg 930 Tactical

The Mossberg 930 Tactical is an excellent choice for home defense and is growing quickly in popularity.

Out of the box, it is ready to rock and roll with 7+1 capacity and a Picatinny rail for mounting an optic.

It also has an ambidextrous safety and a wide ejection port for speed reloads. The sights are also top-notch – they feature a rear ghost ring sight and a front fiber optic sight.

Finally, it’s built like a tank with durable construction that reduces recoil to a pleasant thump when shooting.

All these features make the Mossberg 930 Tactical an excellent choice for home defense shotguns!

KelTec KS7

The KelTec KS7 features a 7-round magazine tube in a compact package.

The gun weighs less than 6 pounds, making it maneuverable and easy to handle in stressful situations.

The reloading process is slow, like most bullpups. Still, it’s completely ambidextrous, so lefties don’t have to worry about right-handed shooters getting in their way during a reload or mount lights/slings/extra ammo easily on the rail space provided on the gun without any issues!

Kel-Tec KSG

The Kel-Tec KSG is a good home defense shotgun due to its compact design, large capacity, and versatility.

The pump action sliding behind the trigger gives it a smaller profile than other shotguns while still providing an impressive 14+1 round capacity when using dual magazine tubes.

It has ample picatinny rail space to mount iron sights and red dot optics. Its bullpup design also makes it incredibly maneuverable while still remaining compact enough for left-handed shooters.

Its 13-inch length of pull (LOP) makes it easy to handle in tight-quarters situations like homes or apartments.

Its price tag is relatively low compared to other options, making it affordable for those looking for home defense firepower without breaking the bank.

Beretta 1301 Tactical

The Beretta 1301 Tactical is a shotgun I’m dying to add to my collection. While I haven’t gotten my hands on here is what a bonified owner has to say about the 1301 Tactical:

After a full year of trying to decide whether or not I wanted this gun and trying to get my hands on one, I finally was able to pick one up and let me just say that I didn’t even have it for 5 minutes before I shot it. Straight out of the box, not lubed, not taken apart, nothing. Just took it out of the case and shot three boxes of 00 buck with it. It ran flawlessly. This gun is faster than you will be, guaranteed. I went with this over a Benelli almost solely for aftermarket support. There are many companies that manufacture aftermarket parts for these, whether that be handguard and stock conversions, extended mag tubes, enhanced bolt catches, or optic mounts. Not to mention that from the factory these already have picatinny segment for mounting an optic. Overall these are great guns, and if you can get your hands on one now, DO IT!

Nik P @ Sportsmans

Its cold hammer-forged, back-bored barrel ensures accuracy and decreased recoil, while its enlarged controls make it easy to use.

The 1301 has a 7+1 capacity (using 2 ¾” shells), providing plenty of firepower for self-defense.

Beretta’s proven record of making high-quality firearms adds confidence that this good-looking boomstick will last years of reliable use.

Remington Tac 14/Tac 13

The Remington Tac 14 is one of my favorites on this list. The Remington Tac 13 is my go-to in the short shotgun world if you can find them.

It features a 6-round capacity and a bird-head grip, making it reasonably compact without sacrificing grip.

It has the added benefit of mounting a weapon-mounted light directly onto the hand guard without needing an additional adapter or remote pressure pad (like other models).

The Tac 13 is a semi-automatic version of the Remington Tac 14 and is also a great option.

Armscor VR80

The VR80 is a decent choice with a modern design, AR-15 grip, stock compatibility, M-LOK rail system, sights and optic rail options, high magazine capacity of up to 19 rounds, and reliable feeding capability with various loads.

The gas-operated action delivers fast cycling while remaining controllable during use.

Really fun gun. Had a few malfunctions in the first 30 rounds but after that it ran great. Only about 100 rounds through it so far. Got the 19 round mag for it and it makes it look awesome. Not the lightest gun. Not a lot of space inside the handrail so becareful when buying m-lok accessories for it. Awesome looking gun. Definitely worth it.

K Y @ PSA

The presence of an optic rail makes it easy to attach lights or other aiming devices, while the M-LOK rail provides additional versatility when mounting other accessories, such as flashlights or grips.

The 7075 aluminum upper receiver ensures durability in harsh environments while allowing for precise accuracy when shooting at long-range distances with multiple shots from a single loading chamber.

The only downside to the VR80 would be the length of the gun. It may be a bit long to use in close quarters easily.

Choosing a Shotgun

Action type

Shotguns are available in various action types, such as pump-action, semi-automatic, and break-action.

Pump-action shotguns are quick to fire and easy to handle, while semi-automatic shotguns offer increased speed.

Break-action shotguns may be dead simple to operate but are slower to reload and have limited capacity, and they are probably not your best bet for home defense.

Pump action shotguns use the shooter’s manual labor (pumping) to cycle rounds into the chamber for firing. They typically feature a magazine tube that can hold multiple rounds of ammunition, which must be manually loaded into the gun before shooting.

Semi-automatic shotguns automatically cycle rounds into the chamber after each trigger pull without requiring any additional effort from the user.

Break action shotguns utilize a hinge mechanism that allows for single or double-barreled shots with one trigger pull.

Gauge

When choosing a shotgun for, the main considerations should be gauge, action, and barrel length.

12 gauge is the best option for power and recoil balance, while 20 gauge provides a lightweight alternative with lighter recoil than 12 gauge. However, in modern shotguns, recoil mitigation makes the two rounds almost identical.

.410 is the smallest caliber available but has reduced ballistics due to its small size and fewer pellets in each load than other gauges.

In addition to considering caliber when choosing a shotgun, you may also want to consider the ammo capacity of the shotgun you choose.

Barrel Length

The barrel length of a shotgun is an important factor to consider when choosing one for home defense because it affects the weapon’s handling and accuracy.

Longer barrels provide better accuracy and are more suitable for longer-range shooting.

Conversely, shorter barrels are easier to handle and lighter weight, making them ideal for defense situations where maneuverability is key.

However, 18 inches is the shortest legal barrel length without requiring a tax stamp and federal registration – so it is important to consider this factor when choosing a shotgun for home defense purposes.

There are ways to get a shotgun shorter, like the Remington Tac 13 or Tac 14 series of shotguns.

Choke Type

The choke type can be an important consideration when choosing a shotgun but it isn’t as big of a deal for home defense shotguns.

Choke refers to the constriction of the barrel near the muzzle, which affects how much shot disperses after it exits the gun.

The wider the choke, the wider the spread of the shot and, therefore, the greater the chance of hitting your target.

Fixed chokes are permanently installed in the barrel, while interchangeable ones can be switched out depending on ammo and how you want your gun to pattern.

A tighter choke will result in a more concentrated pellet spread but less area of impact at a longer range than a wider one.

This is mainly used for hunting, where you shoot shotguns longer distances. Many duck hunting shotguns have interchangeable chokes.

Ammo Capacity

Ammo capacity can affect the choice of your home defense shotgun.

High-capacity shotguns allow you to carry more rounds, which can be helpful in case of multiple targets.

High-capacity shotguns are generally heavier and have larger magazine tubes than standard shotguns, which may make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces such as hallways and bedrooms.

Higher-capacity shotguns tend to have longer reload times due to their larger magazines or tubes which hold more rounds.

This can put you at a disadvantage if you are facing an intruder with a smaller caliber weapon who can reload faster than you can with your high-capacity shotgun.

Weight and Overall Length

Managing weight and overall shotgun length is important for two reasons: your stamina for holding the gun, sometimes for long periods, and your maneuverability in tight spaces.

For example, a Glock 21 isn’t very heavy for short periods, but I had a situation once where I was in a standoff with a person and had to hold the Glock 21 at the ready for nearly an hour and a half.

Any gun becomes heavy if you have to hold it elevated long enough so keep that in mind, even if you think the situation will never arise, you never know and always prepare for the worst.

Sights and Optics

Your shotgun’s sights and/or optic will allow you to get on target quickly and accurately.

Red dot sights are one option that provides quick target acquisition, while weapon lights provide additional illumination in dark environments, but you’ll need to make sure a mounting option is available on your shotgun; most red dots are attached to a 1913 Picatinny rail.

While red dot sights offer faster target acquisition than traditional iron sights, they may not be as durable or reliable as traditional sights.

It’s also important to consider a weapon light as they can help illuminate your target in dark environments but may add extra weight to the gun or require batteries that must be replaced over time.

Gas/Piston System

When choosing a shotgun, it is important to consider the system of the weapon.

Shotguns will run on either a gas or gas-piston-based system. Both have their pros and cons.

The gas system determines how efficiently the gun operates and how much recoil it generates.

A semi-automatic piston-driven gas system will provide more reliability, efficiency, and less recoil than other types of shotguns with other gas systems.

Side Saddles

Side saddles on a shotgun offer several advantages. They allow the user to quickly and easily switch between different types of ammunition, such as buckshot or birdshot.

The main disadvantage of side saddles on a shotgun for is that they can make it harder to maneuver in tight spaces due to their extra bulkiness.

Some side saddles may not be compatible with certain types of ammunition or require additional modifications before use.

Stocks

Shotguns are available in various configurations, including pump action, semi-automatic, and single-shot models.

Stocks can be made from wood, polymer, or metal and feature recoil reducers, shell holders, and caddies. All of the shotguns we recommend are synthetic or polymer stocks.

FAQ

What action type is best for home defense?

There are two main types to consider: semi-automatic and pump action.

Semi-automatic shotguns are more popular as they are easier to use, have faster firing rates, and typically have less recoil than pump action shotguns.

Pump action shotguns may be less popular than semi-automatics, but they do offer some advantages, such as being more durable, having fewer moving parts that can malfunction, and being cheaper than their semi-automatic counterparts.

What shotgun gauge is best for home defense?

12 gauge is the best and most popular gauge of shotgun.

20 gauge can also work well, providing a lightweight alternative with lighter recoil than 12 gauge.

12 gauge 2 ¾-inch #00 buckshot loads generally contain eight or nine .33 caliber pellets per shell, providing excellent range and firepower.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a shotgun for home defense?

The advantages of using a shotgun include its short-range effectiveness and widespread projectiles, which can help to neutralize multiple attackers or threats quickly and efficiently.

It is also easy to use and maneuver due to its lightweight design and smoothbore barrel. Additionally, shotguns are widely available in many different types, sizes, and gauges, so one will likely suit your needs.

The main disadvantage of using a shotgun is its limited ballistic performance; while it may be effective at close range against multiple targets or threats, it becomes less effective as distance increases due to decreased accuracy and power.

Additionally, the loud noise associated with firing a shotgun can also be considered a disadvantage as it may startle those inside the home who are not expecting an intruder or attack.

What type of ammunition should I use in a self-defense shotgun?

When choosing ammunition for your shotgun, you should consider factors such as gauge, range, the effectiveness of the ammunition, availability of different types of shells, and cost.

Regarding gauges, you should look for shells that are effective enough to stop an attacker quickly but over-penetration, which could lead to unintended injuries or damage in your home.

In terms of range and effectiveness, it is important that your chosen ammo can reach out far enough to hit your target without putting yourself in danger while still being powerful enough to stop an assailant quickly.

When considering the availability of different types of shells, consider what type best meets your needs or what would be most accessible in a crisis.

What type of recoil should I expect when using a shotgun?

You should expect moderate to heavy recoil when using a shotgun.

Generally speaking, 12 gauge shotguns will have heavier recoil than 20 gauge shotguns due to their larger shells and higher ammunition velocity.

However, many factors can influence the amount of recoil experienced when shooting a shotgun, such as the type of shell used (buckshot vs slugs), choke type (fixed vs interchangeable), and weight of the firearm itself.

Shooters with less experience may find that semi-automatic shotguns have increased recoil compared to pump or lever action models due to actions absorbing some of the recoils.

Regardless of which model you choose for your shotgun, be prepared for some significant kickback when firing it!