When it comes to protecting your homestead, few weapons command as much respect as the double-barrel shotgun. These classic firearms have stood the test of time, offering unmatched simplicity and devastating close-range power. In an emergency, you want a weapon that’s reliable, easy to use, and packs a serious punch. That’s why many preppers and homesteaders still swear by the trusty double barrel. I’ve got more than one scattergun in my arsenal because they’re so reliable, especially as a defensive weapon that’ll keep your family safe when the chips are down.
Browning Citori 725 Field
The Browning Citori 725 Field is the Cadillac of double-barrel shotguns. This over/under 12-gauge masterpiece weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces and sports 28-inch barrels. What sets the Citori 725 apart is its low-profile receiver, which brings the shooter’s eye closer to the bore for improved accuracy and faster target acquisition. The mechanical trigger system ensures a crisp, consistent pull for both barrels, even if the first shot doesn’t fire. While it’s on the pricier side, the Citori 725’s build quality and performance make it a lifetime investment for serious preppers.
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I
Rounding out our list is the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I, an over/under that represents the pinnacle of Italian shotgun craftsmanship. This 12-gauge marvel weighs 7.3 pounds and comes with 28-inch barrels. The 686 Silver Pigeon I features Beretta’s time-tested boxlock action, known for its strength and reliability. Optima Bore HP choke tubes come standard, allowing you to fine-tune your shot pattern for different defensive scenarios. While it may seem extravagant for home defense, the Silver Pigeon’s quality and versatility make it a top contender for preppers who demand the best.
CZ Bobwhite G2
Don’t let the CZ Bobwhite G2’s longer 28-inch barrels fool you – this 12-gauge side-by-side is a versatile defender. Weighing in at 7.30 pounds, it’s substantial enough to manage recoil but not so heavy that it’s cumbersome. The Bobwhite G2 features a single selective trigger, making follow-up shots a breeze. Its classic styling hides modern internals, ensuring reliability when it counts. As a bonus, this shotgun doubles as an excellent bird hunting tool when you’re not on defense duty.
Franchi Instinct L
Bringing Italian craftsmanship to the world of home defense, the Franchi Instinct L is a 12-gauge over/under that weighs a mere 6.40 pounds. Its 28-inch barrels provide excellent sight alignment for precision shots, while the over/under design offers a sleeker profile than traditional side-by-sides. The Instinct L features auto-ejectors for faster reloads in high-pressure situations and can handle both 2-3/4″ and 3″ shells, giving you flexibility in your ammunition choices.
Stevens 555 Enhanced
The Stevens 555 Enhanced is a sleek over/under that punches well above its weight class. This 12-gauge beauty tips the scales at a mere 6 pounds, making it one of the lightest options available. With 28-inch barrels, it offers excellent balance and pointability. The 555 Enhanced features a Turkish walnut stock and fore-end, along with an elegant silver receiver adorned with tasteful engraving. But don’t let its good looks fool you – this shotgun means business with its chrome-lined barrels and single selective trigger.
Stoeger Double Defense
Purpose-built for home defense, the Stoeger Double Defense is available in both 12 and 20 gauge configurations. Weighing 6.50 pounds and featuring 20-inch barrels, this side-by-side is nimble and quick-pointing. What sets the Double Defense apart are its Picatinny rails, allowing you to mount optics or lights for low-light situations. This modern take on the classic design bridges the gap between old-school reliability and new-school tactical adaptability.
CZ Sharp-Tail
The CZ Sharp-Tail takes the best features of its Bobwhite cousin and packs them into a more compact package. This 12-gauge side-by-side weighs just 6.70 pounds and sports 20-inch barrels, making it quick-handling and ideal for home defense scenarios. The Sharp-Tail’s reduced weight and shorter barrels make it perfect for maneuvering through doorways and around corners. Despite its smaller size, it still packs a punch with its ability to handle 3-inch shells.
Savage Arms Fox A Grade Series
Savage Arms revives the classic Fox shotgun with their A Grade Series side-by-side. This 12-gauge beauty weighs 7 pounds and features 26-inch barrels, striking a balance between home defense maneuverability and sporting clays capability. The Fox A Grade boasts double triggers, allowing for instant barrel selection – a potential game-changer in dynamic defense scenarios. Its case-hardened receiver not only looks stunning but also provides additional durability for years of reliable service.
TriStar Hunter EX
TriStar’s Hunter EX over/under brings affordability and reliability to the table. This 12-gauge workhorse weighs in at 6.8 pounds, providing a stable platform for quick follow-up shots. Its 28-inch barrels are chrome-lined for durability and easy maintenance – a crucial factor for preppers who demand longevity from their gear. The Hunter EX features automatic ejectors, a single selective trigger, and a top tang safety, making it both user-friendly and fast-handling in high-stress situations.
Mossberg Silver Reserve II Field
Mossberg’s reputation for reliability shines through in their Silver Reserve II Field over/under. This 12-gauge shotgun tips the scales at just 6.25 pounds, making it one of the lightest options on our list. The 28-inch barrels provide good balance and pointability, while still being manageable in close quarters. Mossberg’s attention to detail ensures that the Silver Reserve II will serve you well for both defense and hunting, making it a versatile addition to your firearm collection.
Century Arms JW-2000 Coach Gun
The Century Arms JW-2000 Coach Gun is a no-frills 12-gauge side-by-side that’s built like a tank. With its 20-inch barrels and 7.84-pound weight, this shotgun is maneuverable in tight spaces, perfect for clearing your cabin or defending the homestead. The JW-2000 accepts 3-inch shells, giving you plenty of firepower when you need it most. Its simple design means fewer potential failure points, making it a reliable choice for when things go south.
Pedersoli Wyatt Earp
Channel your inner lawman with the Pedersoli Wyatt Earp, a reproduction of the famous marshal’s shotgun. This 12-gauge side-by-side weighs 7.05 pounds and features 20-inch barrels, striking a balance between maneuverability and heft. The Wyatt Earp’s classic styling isn’t just for show – its time-tested design has proven effective for over a century. The external hammers provide an additional level of safety and that unmistakable “click-click” warning that often sends intruders running.
Taylor’s & Co. 1878 Coach Gun
Another nod to the Old West, Taylor’s & Co. 1878 Coach Gun combines classic looks with modern manufacturing. This 12-gauge side-by-side weighs 6.70 pounds and features 20-inch barrels, making it ideal for home defense. The external hammers provide an extra level of safety and that distinctive “click-click” warning. The 1878 Coach Gun’s simple design means less can go wrong when you need it most, and its short barrels make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Ithaca Model 500
The Ithaca Model 500 is a well-regarded over/under shotgun known for its reliability and solid build quality. This 12-gauge shotgun features 28-inch barrels and weighs approximately 7.5 pounds, offering great balance for both home defense and sporting use. Its smooth break-action, single selective trigger, and automatic ejectors make it easy to operate under pressure. The Model 500 has a reputation for being a durable, no-frills shotgun that delivers consistent performance. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile, dependable over/under shotgun for their homestead defense needs.
Stoeger Coach Gun
The Stoeger Coach Gun is a popular, budget-friendly side-by-side option for home defense and cowboy action shooting. This 12-gauge shotgun features short, 20-inch barrels and weighs around 6.5 pounds, making it highly maneuverable in tight spaces. Its simple break-action design and robust construction ensure reliability when you need it most. With external hammers and a classic, no-nonsense look, the Stoeger Coach Gun is a solid choice for preppers looking for an affordable, dependable double-barrel shotgun. It can chamber both 2-3/4″ and 3″ shells, giving you flexibility in your ammunition choices.