When it comes to home defense, the “best” gun can mean a lot of different things depending on who you ask. But for most of us, it boils down to what will keep you and your family safe within the walls of your home. With about 80 percent of Americans living in urban or suburban areas, we’re talking about short-range distances—think down-the-hallway kind of encounters. Even in a SHTF situation, protecting your property and loved ones will most likely involve short-range, tight-space defense. So, what are the best guns for this type of defense? Well, luckily, there’s a solid range of options to choose from.
How I Chose These Home Defense Guns
I didn’t just throw darts at a list. I based my choices on a few key factors: the type of gun, how reliable they are, and my own experience using them. I also considered something many don’t think about—home defense guns often don’t get the same level of attention or maintenance as your favorite range gun. So, they need to be able to sit around, ready to go, without demanding much love and care.
You’ll notice none of these guns come with fancy, exotic calibers. You’ve got your solid performers: 9mm, .357 Magnum/.38 Special, and 12-gauge. These are common rounds, easy to find, and perfect for personal defense. Lastly, I kept value in mind. Sure, you can spend a small fortune on a firearm, but I focused on guns that strike a balance between quality and affordability. I stayed clear of the cheap, unreliable ones that may fail you when it matters most.
Mossberg 590 Cruiser
The Mossberg 590 Cruiser is a well-known workhorse in the world of home defense shotguns. Chambered in 12-gauge, it holds 5+1 rounds and features an 18.5-inch barrel. This pump-action shotgun is designed for quick maneuvering indoors, thanks to its pistol grip and overall length of just 31 inches. At 5.75 pounds, it’s lightweight, making it easy to handle during stressful situations.
It’s part of the Mossberg 500 series, one of the most popular shotgun lines in the world, and for good reason. The 590 Cruiser is reliable, customizable, and comes with plenty of accessory options, from rails to upgraded stocks. While it’s slightly more complicated to operate than the Remington 870, it’s still simple to disassemble and clean. You can also find super-short models from Serbu Firearms, but those versions require a special ATF stamp.
Springfield Echelon
The Springfield Echelon is one of my go-to picks for a home defense pistol. It’s a full-size gun, measuring 8 inches long, with a 4.5-inch hammer-forged barrel finished in Melonite for durability. It’s lightweight for a full-size pistol at 23.9 ounces, and has a slim 1.2-inch grip width. This makes it less than ideal for carrying, but perfect for keeping at home. Why? Because you get more rounds, better handling, and the ability to easily attach accessories like lights and optics.
One standout feature is how simple it is to mount a red dot sight, thanks to its optics-ready, billet-machined slide. The gun’s grip is customizable with inserts, so you can adjust it to fit your hand like a glove. The slide serrations are pronounced, which makes it easier to handle under stress. It also has an accessory rail for a weapon-mounted light, which is essential for low-light situations. With both a red dot and a light, you’re set to handle whatever may come your way in the dark.
You get a 20-round and a 17-round magazine with it, and there’s even a version with a threaded barrel if you want to use a suppressor. That can help save your hearing in tight quarters, which is no small thing if you ever have to fire indoors. Some people might prefer revolvers, thinking they’re more reliable, but modern pistols like the Echelon are rugged and reliable enough for home defense, with the added bonus of higher capacity and more flexibility for accessories.
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol
When it comes to shotguns for home defense, I reach for the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol. This semi-automatic 12-gauge has a 19.1-inch barrel, making it easy to handle in tighter spaces like hallways. With removable chokes and a full-length magazine tube, it offers a solid 7+1 round capacity, giving you more than enough firepower for most home defense scenarios.
Being gas-operated, this shotgun weighs 7.1 pounds, which means it’s easier on the shoulder compared to a pump-action, so follow-up shots are quicker and less punishing. The adjustable ghost ring rear sight and robust front blade make aiming straightforward, but for serious low-light shooting, I suggest mounting a red dot on the included Picatinny rail. Add a light on the M-LOK slots on the fore-end, and you’ve got yourself a solid home defense setup.
Measuring 38 inches overall, it’s not too bulky to maneuver in tight spaces, and it comes with an adjustable length-of-pull (LOP) at 13 inches, making it comfortable to shoulder. If you’re looking for reliable firepower that won’t tire you out after a few rounds, this shotgun is an excellent choice.
Mossberg 590A1 – 9 Shot
If you prefer the manual control of a pump-action shotgun, the Mossberg 590A1 is a classic. This 12-gauge has a 20-inch barrel and holds 8+1 rounds. Weighing 7 pounds, it’s rugged, reliable, and ready to go right out of the box. The barrel features a fixed cylinder bore choke, the most common constriction for tactical shotshells, and it’s chambered for 3-inch shells for added versatility.
It’s not the lightest, but it’s well-balanced and easy to handle. The sights are top-notch, featuring XS ghost rings with the rear sight integrated into a Picatinny rail, making it easy to mount a red dot for quick target acquisition. The M-LOK slots on the fore-end make attaching a light simple, and the ambidextrous top-tang safety is a nice touch for both right and left-handed shooters. With an overall length of 41 inches, this pump-action is long but manageable for home defense, offering solid firepower and reliability.
Ruger PC Carbine
The Ruger PC Carbine is a great option if you want a rifle but prefer to stick with 9mm. This carbine offers the convenience of a 9mm, but with the stability and control of a rifle. The 16.12-inch barrel is fluted for reduced weight and threaded for suppressor use, offering flexibility for different shooting needs. It uses a blowback action with an aluminum receiver and integrated Picatinny rail, making it easy to mount optics or other accessories.
This takedown design makes it a breeze to transport and store, while the iron sights—a ghost ring rear and a shielded blade front—are mounted on the barrel, ensuring the rifle stays zeroed after reassembly. It also comes ready to accept Glock magazines, making it a versatile choice if you already own a compatible handgun. Weighing 6.8 pounds and measuring 34.37 inches overall, it’s compact enough for maneuvering inside your home, while still providing the accuracy and control of a rifle.
Gen 5 Glock 19 MOS
If you want a pistol that can do it all—home defense and concealed carry—then the Gen 5 Glock 19 MOS is a solid pick. This 9mm handgun is known for its reliability and has a 15-round capacity, which strikes a good balance between concealability and firepower. The 4.02-inch barrel and the gun’s overall length of 7.28 inches make it compact enough to carry, yet big enough to handle comfortably in high-stress situations.
The MOS version allows you to easily mount a red dot sight on the slide, and there’s an accessory rail for adding a light. Weighing 23.63 ounces unloaded, it’s light enough to carry all day but heavy enough to provide solid control during shooting. With a height of just over 5 inches, it’s a great crossover pistol that can serve double duty as your everyday carry and home defense firearm.
Taurus Raging Hunter
I couldn’t leave revolvers out. If you’re leaning toward a revolver for home defense, the Taurus Raging Hunter in .357 Magnum/.38 Special is a strong contender. This revolver is designed for serious power, with a 7-round capacity and a double-action/single-action trigger. Its barrel measures 5.12 inches and is made from stainless steel, helping to handle the recoil from its powerful rounds.
This is a beefy gun, weighing 49 ounces unloaded, which helps soak up some of the recoil. It’s not as heavy as some hunting revolvers, but it has enough weight to keep things manageable, even when shooting full-power .357 Magnum rounds. The ported barrel also helps with muzzle flip.
What makes this revolver stand out is the rail on top of the barrel shroud. This lets you easily attach a red dot sight, which can improve your aim under pressure. With an overall length of 11.5 inches, it’s certainly not the most compact option, but its seven-shot capacity and recoil control make it a solid choice for defending your home. While it’s on the larger side, the weight and control more than make up for it in high-stress situations.
Beretta 1301 Tactical
The Beretta 1301 Tactical is a gas-operated semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun known for its fast cycling action. With an 18.7-inch barrel and a 7+1 round capacity, it’s designed for quick follow-up shots, ideal for home defense. Weighing 6.4 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. It features ghost ring sights and a top rail for optics, providing versatile customization. The oversized controls make operation simple, even under stress, making the Beretta 1301 a reliable choice for protecting your home.
Remington 870 Hardwood Home Defense
The Remington 870 is another staple in the world of home defense shotguns. This model, chambered in 12-gauge with a 6+1 round capacity, is known for its rugged simplicity. With fewer moving parts than the Mossberg 590, it’s easier to maintain and less prone to malfunctions. It features an 18.5-inch barrel and weighs 7.5 pounds, giving it a more substantial feel in the hands, perfect for stability during home defense scenarios.
While the 870 is longer overall at 38.5 inches, this extra length contributes to its control. If you’re looking for something more compact, there’s also a shorter, custom version available from Serbu Firearms. In general, whether you choose the Mossberg 590 or the Remington 870 often comes down to your personal preferences in weight, size, and ease of handling.
Mossberg Maverick 88
If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable pump-action shotgun, the Mossberg Maverick 88 is a great option. It’s nearly identical to the Mossberg 500 series, sharing many interchangeable parts, but at a much more affordable price point. This 12-gauge shotgun holds 5+1 rounds, with an 18.5-inch barrel, and weighs around 7 pounds.
While the Maverick 88 lacks some of the premium features of the 500 series—like swivel mounts and a pre-drilled receiver for optics—it’s a rock-solid option for under $250. It’s a little longer at 47.75 inches, but if you’re looking for basic home defense without breaking the bank, it’s hard to beat.
Benelli M4
If you’re in the market for a premium, semi-automatic shotgun, the Benelli M4 should be on your list. This 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun is known for its incredible reliability and performance in high-stress situations. With a 5+1 capacity, an 18.5-inch barrel, and a weight of 7.8 pounds, it’s easy to handle but heavy enough to absorb recoil.
What sets the Benelli M4 apart is its gas-operated system, which delivers a faster rate of fire compared to pump-action shotguns. This can be especially useful in situations where you need to engage multiple targets quickly. Its ability to maintain reliability during rapid firing, combined with its reputation in the competitive shooting world, makes it a top-tier choice for home defense.
Heckler & Koch VP9
The HK VP9 is a well-designed, full-sized 9mm pistol, offering a comfortable and highly controllable shooting experience. It has a 15+1 capacity, weighs 25.56 ounces, and features a 4.09-inch barrel. One of its standout features is its low muzzle flip, which allows for accurate follow-up shots, especially for those who might not be seasoned shooters.
Additionally, it comes with fully ambidextrous controls, making it easy to operate whether you’re right- or left-handed. While the 9mm round might require multiple shots to stop an intruder, the VP9’s accuracy and ease of handling make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable nightstand gun.
Walther PDP
The Walther PDP stands out with its exceptional out-of-the-box trigger and modularity. This 9mm handgun offers a 15+1 or 18+1 capacity, making it a powerful choice for home defense. It’s red-dot ready, allowing you to mount optics with ease. With a barrel length of 4 or 5 inches and a comfortable grip, the PDP offers great accuracy and control. Weighing around 26 ounces, it’s light enough for quick handling but provides the power needed to protect your home efficiently.
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) AR-15
The PSA AR-15 is a fantastic choice for those looking for an affordable, reliable rifle for home defense. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, it comes with a 16-inch barrel and a standard 30-round magazine. Weighing around 6.5 pounds, this rifle is easy to handle and provides excellent control, especially in high-stress situations. Its build quality and customization options make it a great entry-level AR-15, allowing you to add optics, lights, and other accessories to suit your needs.
Taurus Model 66
Looking for affordable stopping power? The Taurus Model 66 delivers with its .357 Magnum chambering and 7-shot capacity. This revolver features a 6-inch barrel and weighs 40 ounces, making it large enough to control recoil but still easy to maneuver in tight spaces. It’s designed with a smooth double-action trigger and comes with textured grips for better handling.
Many .357 revolvers under $600 are smaller, but the Model 66’s larger frame is better suited for home defense, where the extra size helps soak up recoil and maintain control. If you want a powerful revolver without breaking the bank, this is a solid choice.
Glock 21
The Glock 21, chambered in .45 ACP, offers serious stopping power with a 13+1 round capacity. At 26.28 ounces unloaded, with a barrel length of 4.61 inches, it’s a bit larger and bulkier than some other handguns, but it makes up for that with its formidable firepower. The .45 ACP round is ideal for close-quarters defense, where its larger size helps stop threats quickly.
Although the grip might be a bit wide for smaller hands, it’s built to accommodate the double-stack magazine, and like other Glocks, it’s known for being supremely reliable. With a reputation for firing thousands of rounds without a hitch, the Glock 21 is a great option if you’re looking for a trusted home defense handgun.
FN Five-Seven
The FN Five-Seven stands out for its 20+1 capacity and lightweight design. Chambered in 5.7mm, it was originally designed for armor-piercing rounds, although civilian versions use different ammunition. The 5.7mm round has a higher chance of overpenetration, but with the right ammo, the Five-Seven’s light recoil, ease of handling, and ambidextrous controls make it a great choice for home defense.
At 21 ounces and an overall length of 8.2 inches, the Five-Seven is compact but packs a punch. If you want a similar design for less money, Ruger also makes a budget-friendly version, the Ruger 57, which shares many of the same benefits.
Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II
The Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II is an excellent budget-friendly AR-15 option for home defense. Chambered in 5.56/.223, this rifle comes with a 30-round capacity and features a 16-inch barrel, making it a bit more maneuverable in tight spaces compared to standard AR-15s. Weighing just 6.4 pounds, it’s lightweight but powerful, and the 5.56 round has proven itself in countless defensive situations.
Designed to also handle the more affordable .223 rounds, this rifle is a great choice if you’re looking to save on ammunition without sacrificing performance. With a solid reputation for reliability and a price point under $1,000, it’s one of the best entry-level AR-15s for home defense.
Century Arms C39V2
Chambered in the powerful 7.62mm round, the Century Arms C39V2 is a hard-hitting option for home defense. This AK-47 style rifle has a 30+1 capacity and a 16.5-inch barrel, making it easier to handle in tight quarters. Weighing 8.1 pounds, it’s a little heavier, but that helps with controlling recoil, especially with the 7.62 round’s kick.
The C39V2 is compatible with most aftermarket AKM parts and comes with flip-up sights, giving it a customizable edge. It also features a proprietary side rail, designed to help keep your optics in place even after repeated recoil. If you’re looking for an AK-47 for home defense, the C39V2 offers great value for the price.
Aero Precision AR-15
The Aero Precision AR-15 is a well-balanced rifle for home defense. Known for its reliability and ease of use, this AR-15 comes chambered in 5.56 NATO and features a 16-inch barrel with a standard 30-round magazine capacity. Weighing just 6.14 pounds and with an adjustable stock, it’s highly adaptable for any shooter. It’s optics and weapon-light ready, making it perfect for defending your home in low-light conditions. This rifle is also customizable, allowing for a range of accessories to enhance your setup.
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P
The Daniel Defense DDM4 V7P, chambered in .300 Blackout, is a standout option for home defense, particularly when paired with a suppressor. Its 10.3-inch barrel and compact size make it perfect for close-quarters engagements. Weighing just 5.5 pounds, it’s light yet highly effective. Designed for high-performance in tactical scenarios, the DDM4 V7P is built for reliability, with superior ergonomics and the ability to mount optics and lights. This AR-15 variant is ideal for those seeking a powerful, versatile home defense option.
Marlin 1894
Lever actions aren’t the first guns that come to mind for home defense, but the Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum/.38 Special is worth considering. This classic lever action rifle has a 9+1 capacity in .357 Magnum, offering a lot of stopping power in a relatively small package. The 18.63-inch cold hammer-forged barrel is made from alloy steel, and the gun weighs just 6.2 pounds, making it light and quick to handle.
At 36 inches long, it’s a bit longer than a typical home defense gun, but lever actions are known for their speed and reliability. With an American black walnut stock and brass bead front sight, the Marlin 1894 has a timeless look that’s as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. It’s also drilled and tapped for a scope or red dot sight, making it easy to upgrade for home defense needs. With practice, a lever action can be surprisingly fast, and its legal standing in most places makes it a solid choice for those looking for something different.
FNX 45 Tactical
The FNX 45 Tactical is a full-featured .45 ACP handgun built for reliability and stopping power. It comes with a 15-round capacity and features a threaded barrel for suppressors, an optic-ready slide, and ambidextrous controls. Weighing 33 ounces and with a 5.3-inch barrel, it’s designed for comfort and control, even with the powerful .45 ACP round. The suppressor height night sights and aggressive grip texture make it easy to handle in high-stress situations, making it a top-tier choice for home defense.
Smith & Wesson 686+
If you’re a revolver fan, the Smith & Wesson 686+ is a solid pick. This .357 Magnum/.38 Special revolver offers a 7-round capacity and features a 4- or 6-inch barrel. Weighing 39.7 ounces, it’s heavy enough to manage recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately. The robust frame and smooth trigger pull, especially in single-action mode, ensure reliable performance. Whether you load it with .38 Special for less recoil or full-power .357 Magnum, it delivers stopping power when you need it.
