For those looking for a reliable and effective way to protect their home, a shotgun is an excellent choice. Generally known as one of the best home defense weapons available, shotguns come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. From semi-automatics to pump action, be sure to consider all the options when finding the best home defense shotgun for your unique needs. So what are the best home defense shotguns?
In this article we will take a look at some of the most popular types so you can make an informed decision that is right for you. if you’re curious, see this article about if you should use a shotgun or a handgun for home defense.
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Why use a shotgun for home defense?
One of the primary benefits of using a shotgun for home defense is that it has an extremely high stopping power. Shotguns fire either large buckshot or slugs in order to more powerfully penetrate through walls and other surfaces since they are designed with wider spread patterns.
Furthermore, shotguns typically have a tighter spread pattern when used indoors at closer range defending against intruders providing efficient targets while reducing collateral damage risks compared with handguns or rifles. This makes shotguns especially useful during home invasion scenarios as they allow more precise and reliable fire accuracy against an intruder even in low-light conditions due to the slower projectile velocity.
Another great advantage of using a shotgun for home defense is its versatility feature which enables you to customize your firearm specifically tailored towards your own needs and preferences. With additional parts like choke tubes, sights, slings, rails/mounts and butt stocks; you can experience infinitely different shooting configurations whether you’re shooting trap at long distances or close quarters combat inside your home for self-defense purposes.
Shotguns also tend to be easy to operate and maintain making them suitable both for entry-level users who require simple operation as well as advanced users who want greater control and customization options when handling their gun.
Ultimately, having a reliable shotgun by your side provides much needed confidence when entering into unknown dangerous situations whether in outdoor or indoor environments like your own home. The combination of extreme stopping power, versatile customizability, ease of use and maintenance make it the preferred firearm choice among shooters everywhere when picking up arms in order to protect themselves and their families efficiently and securely.
What are the best shotguns for home defense?
There are many choices when it comes to shotguns. Some are better for hunting, while the design of others make them a great option for home defense. Here are some of the top shotguns for home defense.
Remington 870 Express – reliable and affordable
The Remington 870 Express is one of the most popular and widely used home defense shotguns because it is dependable and reliable. Its simple design consists of an easy-to-use action, twin action bars for smooth operation, and a 20” barrel which makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces like hallways or staircases. Plus, with its adjustable stock it can grow with the user as their arm length increases.
This affordably priced shotgun can also use both 2 3/4” and 3” ammunition making it versatile enough to tackle a variety of situations. For all these reasons and more, the Remington 870 Express is an obvious choice for anyone looking for an effective home defense shotgun.
Mossberg 500 Home Security – many customization options
The Mossberg 500 Home Security is an excellent choice for a home defense shotgun due to its reliability and versatile design. The durable construction of the shotgun means that it can withstand any environment, and its low weight makes it easy to handle in tactical situations.
It also comes with a variety of useful accessories such as adjustable stocks, pistol grips, side saddles and ghost ring sights which make it easy to tailor the gun to fit your specific needs. The 500 Home Security also features dual action bars and external hammers which give you added safety when loading, firing and unloading the weapon.
Overall, the Mossberg 500 Home Security is an ideal home defense shotgun due to its reliability, durability, and versatility in customization.
Benelli M4 Super 90 – excellent reliability and proven performance track record
The Benelli M4 Super 90 is an ideal shotgun for home defense. It is reliable, durable and accurate thanks to its robust inertia-driven recoiling system. Its ghost-ring sights allow for quick target acquisition, while the high capacity magazine gives it an edge in firepower over many competing home defense shotguns.
Moreover, the lightweight design makes it easy to handle and manipulate in a stressful situation, and its 18-inch barrel provides better maneuverability when navigating tight spaces. All in all, these features make the Benelli M4 Super 90 a great option for home defense application.
Kel-Tec KSG Shotguns – lightweight, compact design for close quarters operation
The Kel-Tec KSG Shotguns are one of the best home defense shotguns on the market. This shotgun provides users with a compact, lightweight design that packs plenty of power thanks to its robust 12 gauge ammunition capabilities. The cylinder-bore style barrel is perfect for pellets or buckshot and it has an innovative magazine system that allows users to load two separate tubes of up to seven rounds each.
Additionally, the dual tube design means that users can alternate between loads quickly, allowing them to decide at-will which type of ammunition they would like their weapon to fire. Along with these great features, this shotgun also comes with some other quality assets such as its low price and durability which makes it a great choice for any defensive need.
Saiga 12 Gauge IZ109– semi-automatic shotgun with over 30 rounds per mag capacity
The Saiga 12 Gauge IZ109 is a great home defense shotgun for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it has very low recoil, making it easy to handle and fire quickly with minimal training.
Furthermore, it holds up to 8 rounds in the magazine tube and 1 round in the chamber for quick reloading when under duress. Additionally, its semi-automatic capabilities allow for rapid firing and follow-up shots with very little down time.
Lastly, the saiga is highly reliable and durable; this makes it an ideal choice for those who are concerned about being able to count on their firearm if they ever need to use it in an emergency. As such, the Saiga 12 Gauge IZ109 is an excellent choice as a home defense shotgun.
Maverick 88 Security Special– inexpensive yet effective and reliable
The Maverick 88 Security Special shotgun is the perfect home defense shotgun. This reliable and well-built firearm has a long standing reputation for dependability and performance. It has a shorter 18.5” barrel length which makes it easier to maneuver in a home setting, while still providing plenty of power with its 3″ chamber.
The easy pump-action also aids in quick shooting and simple follow up shots, while it’s rugged construction ensures that it can handle any situation you may come across. The Maverick 88 Security Special is a great choice if you are looking for an affordable gun that will give you peace of mind when it comes to protecting your home and family.
Winchester SXP Defender Series– good balance between price, functionality and quality
The Winchester SXP Defender Series is an excellent choice for home defense, as it offers both a dependable design and excellent performance. The pump-action operation allows the user to quickly and accurately provide multiple rounds of ammo without having to reload after each shot.
The hardwood stock gives the weapon a classic look that blends in nicely with many different environments. Additionally, its 18.5 inch barrel gives it incredible accuracy and makes shots up to 30 feet away relatively easy.
Finally, the durability of this gun allows you to use it confidently knowing that it will stand up well in tough environments. All in all, the Winchester SXP Defender Series is an ideal choice for home defense due to its performance, reliability, and versatility
FN SLP MK1– a terrific choice for home defense pistol grip shotgun
The FN SLP MK1 is an excellent home defense shotgun. This shotgun is highly reliable and accurate, giving you the confidence you need to take action in dangerous situations. It’s recoil-operated system gives less recoil allowing for more shots without worrying about being knocked off your aim.
Additionally, it features a comfortable controls, a large capacity magazine, and impressive tactical features like ghost ring sights. All of these elements come together to make the SLP MK1 an incredibly effective and reliable home defense shotgun that offers superior performance even in high-stress scenarios.
Stoeger M3000 Defense Combo– notable features include an adjustable stock and ghost ring sights
The Stoeger M300 Defense Combo is an excellent choice for a home defense shotgun due to its reliability, low recoil and adjustable features. It includes both a 28″ ventilated rib barrel for hunting and an 18.5″ cylinder bore barrel fore home defense, making it versatile for multiple uses.
The durable stock is made from weather-resistant synthetic material, allowing it to withstand all types of environmental conditions. With its ghost ring sights, forward mounted Picatinny rail and integrated trigger guard safety, the Stoeger M3000 offers shooters a reliable and accurate solution for defending one’s home. Its ergonomically designed grip angle and Schockwave buttpad reduce felt recoil while increasing comfort when shooting.
Available in many popular shotgun gauges such as 12, 16 or 20 gauge, the Stoeger M3000 Defense Combo offers plenty of power and versatility at an affordable price point – making it a great option for any homeowner looking to protect their family and property.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a home defense shotgun is a great option for anyone looking to protect their home and loved ones. There are many different models and brands on the market, each offering unique features that may suit your need. Do your research to determine which model is right for you and ensure that you use it responsibly and in accordance with local safety laws.
With proper training, practice, and appropriate ammunition choices, a home defense shotgun can be an effective tool for self-defense–producing significant stopping power at close range.