Best home defense shotgun

Jon Bean Sep 01, 2025

When choosing the best home defense shotgun, several factors come into play, including reliability, ease of use, capacity, and how manageable the recoil is in stressful situations. Shotguns are excellent for home defense because of their stopping power, wide shot spread, and effectiveness at close range. Here are some of the best options to consider, with their strengths and features:

1. Mossberg 500 / 590

Caliber: 12 Gauge (with various barrel lengths)
Capacity: 5+1 (standard models); 8+1 (for tactical models)
Action: Pump-action
Barrel Length: 18.5 to 20 inches
Why it's great:
- Reliability: The Mossberg 500 and 590 are among the most popular and trusted pump-action shotguns for home defense. They are known for their toughness and dependability in any conditions.
- Customization: Available in a variety of models, including the Mossberg 590A1, which is military-grade and features a heavy-duty barrel and mil-spec finish. It's also compatible with a variety of stocks and accessories.
- Ergonomics: The cross-bolt safety on the Mossberg is easy to operate with your thumb while keeping your shooting hand in place. Its synthetic stock also makes it easier to handle in various environments (cold, wet, etc.).

2. Remington 870

Caliber: 12 Gauge (also available in 20 Gauge)
Capacity: 4+1 (standard); up to 7+1 (with extended magazine)
Action: Pump-action
Barrel Length: 18.5 to 20 inches
Why it's great:
- Legendary Reliability: The Remington 870 is one of the most iconic and reliable pump-action shotguns in the world. It has been a favorite for police, military, and civilian use for decades.
- Versatility: It’s very customizable with various aftermarket parts and accessories, such as different stocks, forends, and sights. Whether you want a tactical or traditional setup, the 870 can handle it.
- Ease of Use: The controls, including the safety and slide release, are simple and intuitive. Its ergonomicsare well-suited for quick handling, which is vital in a home defense scenario.

3. Benelli M4

Caliber: 12 Gauge
Capacity: 5+1
Action: Semi-automatic (gas-operated)
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Why it's great:
- Tactical Excellence: The Benelli M4 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun, designed for military and law enforcement use, so it has exceptional reliability and speed. This makes it a top contender if you want fast follow-up shots.
- Low Recoil: Benelli's Inertia Driven system ensures that the shotgun cycles smoothly, even with heavier loads. It's much easier to handle compared to most other 12-gauge shotguns with similar power.
- Durability: This shotgun is built to last, with a chrome-lined barrel and tough construction designed for harsh environments. Its dual-purpose sights (ghost ring rear and blade front) are also great for quick target acquisition.

4. Winchester SXP Defender

Caliber: 12 Gauge
Capacity: 5+1
Action: Pump-action
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Why it's great:
- Affordable and Reliable: The Winchester SXP Defender is a budget-friendly pump-action shotgun that doesn't compromise on reliability or performance. It cycles quickly with a super-fast action that allows for rapid follow-up shots.
- User-Friendly: The shotgun is built with ergonomics in mind, offering a textured grip that enhances handling. The easy-to-use safety and smooth action make it great for shooters of all experience levels.
- Tactical Features: Its black synthetic stock and short barrel make it ideal for close-quarters defense. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide range of tactical accessories.

5. Stoeger M3K

Caliber: 12 Gauge
Capacity: 5+1 (with extended tube)
Action: Semi-automatic (inertia-driven)
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Why it's great:
- Great Value for Semi-Auto: The Stoeger M3K offers a semi-automatic design at a very reasonable price. It’s a solid choice for those who want the advantage of semi-auto fire but don’t want to break the bank.
- Low Recoil: Its Inertia Driven system helps keep the recoil manageable, making it easier to control during rapid shots.
- Tactical Performance: This shotgun features an 18.5-inch barrel for easy handling in confined spaces, as well as a fixed stock that’s well-suited for defense.

6. Keltec KSG

Caliber: 12 Gauge
Capacity: 14+1 (dual tube magazines)
Action: Pump-action
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Why it's great:
- High Capacity: The Keltec KSG is a bullpup-style pump-action shotgun with a dual magazine tube system, allowing it to hold 14+1 rounds, which is exceptional for a shotgun of its size.
- Compact Size: Despite its high capacity, the KSG is surprisingly compact, making it a great choice for tight spaces or close-quarters combat inside a home.
- Versatility: The dual mag tubes let you load different types of ammo into each tube, offering flexibility in your choice of defense ammo (e.g., buckshot in one, slugs in the other).

Important Considerations for Home Defense Shotguns:

Capacity: Shotgun capacity varies, with typical home defense models offering anywhere from 4+1 to 8+1 rounds. Consider the capacity you need, but remember that more rounds can also increase the shotgun's overall size and weight.
Action Type: There are two main action types:
- Pump-action shotguns (like the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870) are generally considered more reliable and require manual operation after each shot.
- Semi-automatic shotguns (like the Benelli M4 or Stoeger M3K) allow for faster follow-up shots since the gun automatically cycles after firing.
Barrel Length: Shorter barrels (around 18 to 20 inches) are ideal for home defense because they are easier to maneuver in tight spaces (hallways, doorways, etc.). Longer barrels offer greater range but are harder to manage indoors.
Recoil: Since most home defense shotguns are 12-gauge, the recoil can be intense, especially for smaller-framed shooters. Some semi-automatic models like the Benelli M4 or Stoeger M3K are designed to mitigate recoil, making them easier to handle in stressful situations.
Ergonomics: A good home defense shotgun should feel comfortable in your hands and be easy to operate under stress. Look for one with ergonomic controls, like a smooth pump action or a semi-auto system that works with minimal recoil.

Final Thoughts:

If you're looking for an affordable, reliable pump-action shotgun with a track record of success, both the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are excellent choices.
For those who want a semi-auto shotgun with less recoil and quick follow-up shots, the Benelli M4 or Stoeger M3K will serve you well.
If you want high capacity in a compact package, the Keltec KSG with its dual-tube magazine system is a game-changer.

Ultimately, the best shotgun for you will depend on how much comfort, capacity, and reliability matter to you, along with your experience with firearms and how much recoil you're comfortable handling. If possible, test out a few models at a local range to see what fits your needs and preferences best.