Here Are the Four Best Shotguns for Home Defense

The decision to use deadly force in self-defense is always complex. On the other hand, shotguns are chosen by most experts since they are popular and easy to learn for home defense. But if we were to distill that further, we’d say […]

Mossberg 590A1 Tactical Shotgun.

Home or property defense with a firearm is a serious decision. On the other hand, shotguns are widely used because they are simple to operate. Most professionals agree that shotguns are the best option for home defense. For the sake of elaboration, let’s pretend that a “tactical shotgun” is the greatest weapon for home defense.

Most tactical shotguns can be purchased for under $100 and are dependable, simple to operate, and effective. The ideal home defense weapon for you will depend on various criteria and your preferences, just like any other purchase.

The founder of Coursen Security Company and a nationally recognized expert in threat management, Spencer Courson and I did a podcast together last year. Another thing he told me that rings true when thinking about home defense is that “when they come in the day, they are coming for your goods; when they come in the night, they are coming for you.”

To bring this discussion full circle, why do you prefer tactical shotguns to hunt shotguns? In most cases, a is preferred over other options. A 12-gauge shotgun uses a tube-fed magazine instead of a box magazine and is less likely to jam. Armed forces and law enforcement agencies both use them for a good reason. Shotguns with a 12-gauge pellet are the most efficient.

In addition, it’s crucial to have the proper ammunition. Instead of birdshot, you should use anything larger than a 00 buckshot pellet or a slug. Again, the shotgun’s performance will depend on the type and brand of ammunition used.

Here are a few more things we need to think.

A long barrel may be ideal for hunting geese, but it might be cumbersome in a home defense situation.

According to federal law, shotguns can be no shorter than 26 inches in length or have a barrel no faster than 18 inches in length. While some weapons are smaller than that, the appropriate federal license comes into play, so the ideal home defense shotgun should be as close to those minimums as possible.

A tactical shotgun has a shorter barrel, making it more manageable in confined spaces like a home.

Semi-Automatic, Pump, or Actions Fire –

Tactical shotguns typically operate in either a pump or semi-automatic mode. A semi-automatic firearm is faster than any other type, although well-trained individuals can get excellent results with a pump-action shotgun.

Even though semi-automatics have less felt recoil than full automatics, they are more prone to jamming; therefore, careful ammo selection and plenty of practice are necessary.

Pistol grips and stocks may add to a shotgun’s aesthetic appeal but also improve its handling in the face of recoil. The ability to accurately aim and a ready supply is crucial in a crisis.

Lighter and more durable synthetic stocks are standard on tactical shotguns, and while it’s a matter of taste, I prefer shotguns equipped with pistol grips. But they’re not mandatory.

A red-dot optic, which may be attached to a rail, is a valuable accessory for quickly obtaining and re-acquiring a target after firing. As you’ll likely be working in the dark, it’s wise to equip the shotgun with a light.

Thus, here are our top four shotguns for home defense without further ado.

Benelli’s design and sale to the US Marine Corps should do the trick if you’re seeking instant street cred.

The Benelli M4 has a lightning-fast fire rate and can pinpoint accuracy, and recoil is weak. A well-trained shooter can quickly deplete a 5-round magazine. Length-wise, it measures 40 inches overall, with a barrel that’s 18.5 inches long—the item clocks in at 7.8 lbs. Unique among shotguns, the trigger pull is comparable to a rifle.

The Benelli is my go-to since it is accurate and comfortable for extended periods due to its battle shotgun construction. It can mount Red-dot optics, lighting, and other accessories on the Picatinny rails. It’s a great weapon, but the price is prohibitive for most people. The price tag on a Benelli ranges from $1,500 to $1,800—a large sum of money.

Another excellent firearm for protecting one’s home is the Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun. Because of its spinning bolt and proprietary “Blink” gas system, the Beretta’s small weight (6.4 pounds unloaded) does not translate into increased recoil. Even though a.001 buckshot had higher recoil than other firearms, it was still manageable.

The Beretta has a total length of 37.5 inches and a barrel length of 18.5 inches. It’s perfectly balanced and easy to hold. Factory literature claims 1301 has a 36 percent faster cycling rate than competing automatic shotguns.

It fires reliably with both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells. The bolt handle and release are large enough to be used quickly and efficiently while wearing gloves. The synthetic stock is textured for a secure grip without causing hand damage. It has a Picatinny rail for attaching a red-dot scope; however, light isn’t integrated into the design. The tube magazine only has room for 4+1 bullets, which is low. Like many other shotguns, this one requires experience before it is used effectively for home defense.

The Remington 870 is a famous pump-action shotgun in the world. It’s sturdy, reliable, precise, and serves its intended purpose. The steel receiver adds to its longevity but also its heft. Also, the price tag is reasonable at around $450 to $500.

With a total length of 38.5″, the barrel measures 18.5″; weight-wise, the 870 clocks in at a manageable 7.5 pounds. The pistol grip and stock of the tactical model are synthetic and matte black. Plenty of ammo is available as a home defense alternative since the tube magazine can contain 6 plus 1 rounds and is compatible with 2.75- and 3-inch shells.

The 870 has a length of pull of 14 inches, which is a tad on the long side, but it is a lot of fun to shoot thanks to its XS Ghost Ring rear sight and XS front blade sight. The sights’ windage and elevation adjustments are simple to make. The rail allows for the attachment of a red dot optical.