More Americans than ever want to defend their property, family and home. In an effort to protect themselves, they visit the closest big box store to see what gun can get the job done. Big box stores are fine, but no one there can answer their questions. With the knowledge you gain here, you can visit a local gun shop for a more hands-on demonstration of the gun and its capabilities. Let’s discuss some of the best guns for home defense.
A local gun shop especially will take the time to introduce you to the gun’s features, discuss
holsters and accessories that fit your needs, and be there if you have questions after you buy.
Now let’s look at a few of our favorites.
Before You Buy
There are some important things to consider before you decide on the best gun for your home defense. Here are a few thoughts to ponder:
- It is important to remember that using a gun should be the last resort.
- Every person and home are different, so every home defense strategy is different.
- Every person in the home who is capable should know how to use your home defense gun.
- You should know how easy it is to navigate your home with a gun. If you’re investigating a break-in, can you quietly and safely walk through the house with a long gun, or is a handgun a better option?
- Where are the most likely places a break-in might occur? Most experts agree it is the front door, but you should conduct your own home security audit. Conduct one audit during the day and another at night.
- Avoid high-caliber weapons to prevent injuring an unintended target.
A Word About Lights
In a home invasion situation, you don’t want to give away your position by turning on the lights. That said, you still have to properly identify your target before pulling the trigger. Tactical lights are highly recommended regardless of the home defense gun you choose. One drawback to a bright light on your gun is the light also gives away your position.
The best option is a tactical light that allows you to strobe, illuminate and provides a laser. If a critter breaks in, you may simply illuminate that area in question and simultaneously use the laser to aim at your target.
If it is a home invasion, the strobe is a better option. The strobing light is bright and confusing. It’s also hard for the intruder to pinpoint its location. Since you are behind the strobing light, the light does not have the same effect on you. You can simultaneously use the laser to aim at your target. You can safely identify your target before you pull the trigger.
Best Home Defense Shotgun
Many homeowners chose to use a shotgun to defend their homes. Shotguns are a solid choice. You don’t have to be as accurate with a shotgun to get the job done. With a shotgun, you just have to be close. Even experienced gun owners can get rattled in an extreme situation like a home invasion. Homeowners who are great shots at the range can’t hit the broadside of a barn when the target is a home invader. You can be a few inches off with a shotgun and still eliminate the threat. Here are a few shotgun options for self-defense.
The Mossberg 590A1 Pump-Action Defensive Shotgun
Pro’s
- The 590 is 7 or 9-Shot
- 12 Gauge
- MIL-SPEC Construction
- Heavy-Walled barrel
- Metal trigger guard and safety button
- Standard pump-action features include dual extractors, steel-to-steel lockup, top-mounted safety, twin action bars and anti-jam elevator.
Affordable
Con’s
- Not everyone in the house can absorb the kick of a shotgun.
- Shooter must be able to fire and use pump action to chamber another round.
- You will need room to maneuver with a longer-profile shotgun than a handgun.
The Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun
Pro’s
- It comes with a modified choke.
- It has a front and rear sight, with a Picatinny rail in front of the rear sight.
- Comes with a 3-position pistol grip
Semi-automatic, no need to learn a pump-action - 18.5-inch Barrel and 3-inch chamber
Con’s
- Only holds five rounds plus one in the chamber.
- Expensive
- Not everyone in the house can absorb the kick of a shotgun.
- You will need room to maneuver with a longer-profile shotgun than a handgun.
Best Handguns for Self-Defense
A handgun is a good choice for home defense since home defense weapons are only good if readily available. Unlike handguns used for concealed carry, a handgun used for home defense can be large and in charge. You want your home defense handgun to be semi-automatic with a high-capacity magazine and a light. Many homeowners also choose to put optics on their home defense handguns. Here are a few options:
Sig Sauer P322 BAS
Pro’s
- You wouldn’t normally think of a 22LR pistol as a home defense gun, but anyone in your home can use the P322 effectively.
- Little recoil
- Holds 20 rounds in the magazine
- Semi-auto
- Optics ready
- Suppressor ready
- Very light weight to hold and carry
- Magazine loader included
Con’s
- It can be finicky to load the magazine, it must be loaded correctly or you run the risk of a jam.
- Older ammo can cause jams and misfeeds. You are better off with ammo like CCI Min-Mag 40gr .22LR.
Glock 20 SF
Pro’s
- A total opposite handgun from the Sig Sauer P322. The Glock 20 SF is a stud of large caliber handgun chambered in 10mm.
- The Glock 20 is a hit them anywhere and stop them in their track’s kind of handgun.
- The short frame (SF) model is easier for those with small hands to handle
- Semi-auto
- 15-round magazine capacity
- Optics ready
Con’s
- More recoil than a 9mm
- With a fully loaded magazine, it weighs 2.5 lbs.
Best Rifles for Home Defense
Any rifle can be a home defense rifle, but not every rifle is a great choice for a home defense rifle. Your grandfather’s ole 30.06 will work in a pinch, but it is troubling to think that you might have to use it to defend yourself in a home invasion. There are modern-day rifles specially designed for home defense and tactical situations. Let’s look at a few.
Kel-Tec Sub-2000
Pro’s
- Sub-2000 is semi-auto chambered in 9mm Luger or .40 S&W
- Light recoil
- Overpenetration is less of a worry in case a loved one is in another room.
- Can also use standard Glock magazines too
- You can interchange with your handgun ammo.
- AR-15 -style collapsible stock
- Top and bottom Picatinny rail handguard for accessories
Con’s
- It comes bare-bones from the factory. You will want a tactical light, optics and a sling.
- Fully loaded, it may be heavy for some homeowners.
- More recoil than you would think
- Trigger is stiff
- Not legal in every state. Check your state regulations.
Springfield Armory SAINT Victor 9mm
Pro’s
- Overpenetration is less of a worry in case a loved one is in another room.
- The SAINT is a Semi-auto
- 30-round magazine
Optics ready - Ready to bolt on a variety of aftermarket lights and accessories
- Easy to shoot with moderate recoil
Con’s
- It comes bare-bones from the factory. You will want a tactical light, optics and sling.
- Fully loaded, it may be heavy for some homeowners
- Not legal in every state. Check your state regulations.
Choose Wisely
Americans across the country are choosing to defend their homes. Local gun shops can help you make a choice that is legal in your state, recommend tactical lights for your home defense gun, and demonstrate the features of your new home defense gun. It’s time for you to visit a local gun shop like Dutch Mountain Armory and check out some of the options we have listed firsthand. While there, you can stock up on ammo and find a place to practice. Hopefully, you will never need a gun to defend your home, but your family will be glad you have it if the time comes.
