In the realm of home defense, selecting the right firearm is a critical decision that demands careful consideration.
With a myriad of options available, ranging from handguns to shotguns, finding the best-suited firearm for protecting one's home can be overwhelming.
However, by examining factors such as reliability, ease of use, and stopping power, it's possible to identify the top contenders in the realm of home defense firearms.
In this article, we'll explore the top five best guns for home defense, each offering unique features and capabilities to meet the diverse needs of homeowners seeking to safeguard their families and property.
#1 The Glock 19 Gen5 Pistol
Topping our list is the gun generally considered to be the world’s most popular pistol - The Glock 19 (all generations).
The favored sidearm of soldiers and law enforcement officers alike, the Glock 19’s popularity has also soared as a home defense weapon since its introduction as a police firearm in 1988.
The gun has a standard magazine of 15 with one in the chamber and takes 9mm ammunition, meaning there’s plenty of readily affordable rounds available in its caliber.
You’ll also see Glock Firearms (and 9mms in general) showing up on many shortlists for female-friendly firearms due to the guns’ generally lighter weight, smaller size, and gentler recoil.
Ladies can take advantage of a new 2021 course designed for them by Glock Professional (more details on their site).
The Glock 19’s globally positive reputation has allowed for a massive selection of after-market accessories and parts, including optics and barrel and trigger augments.
This highly customizable aspect is important when it comes to making a home defense weapon truly “yours.”
The Glock 19 can also be relied on to stop an aggressor without endangering people or property behind them due to its easy handling and relatively low penetration (depending on the ammo used).
DESCRIPTION
The Glock 19 Gen5 is a compact and versatile handgun that combines reliability, accuracy, and ease of use in a single package.
The G19 Gen5 features a durable polymer frame, interchangeable backstraps, and Glock's signature Safe Action System.
With a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds and compatibility with Glock's extensive line of accessories, this pistol is suitable for a variety of applications, including self-defense, concealed carry, and recreational shooting.
#2 The AR15 Rifle Platform
Being the favored rifle of the U.S. military is enough to land any model on a Top 5 Gun List!
Tried and tested in diverse environmental conditions, it will be more than capable of performing in the cozy confines of a house, however, it’s the AR15 Rifle’s history of successful use in urban warfare that marks it as a solid option for home defense.
This is another highly customizable weapon; so much so that it can be trimmed down to 9mm size.
According to the NSSF in an article titled Modern Sporting Rifle: The Facts, "AR-15-platform rifles are among the most popular firearms being sold, they are today’s modern sporting rifle."
There is one caveat that must be noted: The AR15 fires 5.56/.223 rounds.
The power of these two cartridges must be understood before committing because some rounds (like FMJ) may not stop when they hit the target and continue through any object or individual behind them.
NOTE: There are also plenty of options out there closely resembling the AR15, such as the Sig Sauer M400 and the Smith and Wesson M&P 15 Sport II.
DESCRIPTIONS
The RTAC RT15 16" AR15 Rifle uses a lightweight Poly RTAC Lower Receiver and a mil-spec ATI upper, creating a lightweight and rugged AR platform.
The RT15 includes flip-up sights, a collapsable 6-position stock, 15” free-float MLOK handguard, an integrated oversized trigger guard, a low-profile gas block, a flash hider, and upper receiver assembly that is ready for range time!
The Ruger AR-15 Rifle embodies reliability, precision, and versatility, making it a top choice for shooters seeking a high-performance firearm.
Engineered by one of the most trusted names in the industry, this rifle features a rugged construction and ergonomic design for optimal handling and control.
With a semi-automatic action and compatibility with a wide range of accessories, including optics, lights, and grips, the Ruger AR-15 offers users unparalleled customization options to suit their specific needs and preferences.
#3 The Mossberg 590 Shotgun
Shotguns are synonymous with stopping power, and the 12-gauge Mossberg 590 is among the finest.
This is another design favored by the U.S. military and one that can be extensively customized for function, grip, and tactical advantage.
Shotguns are commonly associated with a low shell capacity that can lead to the belief that it’s best-suited to experienced shooters who need fewer shots.
The Mossberg 590 houses six shells with one in the 3-inch chamber, meaning there’s ample opportunity to fire again.
It weighs in at 6.3 pounds and, like the AR15 Rifle, comes with the potential drawback of advanced penetration.
The Mossberg must also be considered in terms of its spread pattern and the damage this might cause along with the greater recoil of a shotgun, although the latter concern can be addressed by aftermarket additions to reduce the effect.
DESCRIPTIONS
The Mossberg 590 Shotgun is a rugged and reliable pump-action firearm designed for versatility and durability.
Featuring a 20-inch barrel and a capacity of up to 8 rounds, this shotgun offers formidable firepower for home defense and tactical applications.
With its ergonomic synthetic stock and dual extractors, the Mossberg 590 ensures smooth and reliable operation in any conditions.
Equipped with Mossberg's renowned tang safety and a durable matte black finish, this shotgun provides users with confidence and peace of mind in high-stress situations.
The Mossberg 590 Tactical Shotgun is a purpose-built firearm designed for self-defense and law enforcement applications.
Featuring a shorter 18.5-inch barrel and a capacity of up to 9 rounds, this shotgun is optimized for close-quarters engagements and rapid target acquisition.
Equipped with a durable synthetic stock, an extended magazine tube, and a tactical forend with integrated Picatinny rails, the Mossberg 590 Tactical offers users unmatched versatility and customization options.
With its reliable pump-action mechanism and Mossberg's patented tang safety, this shotgun ensures dependable performance and peace of mind in high-stress situations.
#4 The Sig Sauer P226 Pistol
Handguns have the built-in bonuses of being portable and easy to conceal when navigating corners in a home.
The Sig Sauer P226 is a 9mm caliber handgun, meaning it provides the stopping power necessary to handle an aggressor with a high number of rounds in the magazine.
The highly accurate P226 comes with SIGLITE night sighting as standard and can be further tactically customized with aftermarket add-ons.
This ergonomic gun weighs in at 34 ounces, has low recoil, and boasts an impressive variety of product models with the potential drawback of a higher price tag.
It also accepts other ammo in .357 SIG and .40 Cal rounds.
The Navy SEALS have been using this design for decades, which marks it as a very reliable gun.
DESCRIPTION
The Sig Sauer P226 is a legendary semi-automatic handgun known for its exceptional accuracy, reliability, and versatility.
Featuring a full-size frame and a capacity of up to 15 rounds, this pistol offers users ample firepower for a wide range of applications, including self-defense, duty use, and competition shooting.
With its ergonomic design, crisp trigger, and Sig Sauer's proprietary X-Ray3 sights, the Sig P226 delivers unparalleled accuracy and precision out of the box.
#5 The Remington 870 Shotgun
The second shotgun on our list and with good reason, the Remington 870 holds as many shells as the Mossberg 590 and can be customized with many aftermarket additions like tactical lights, pistol grips, and adjustable stocks.
Indoor maneuverability is aided by the Remington’s short barrel, and powerful optics help keep targets sighted clearly.
The pump-action 870 is a durable, dependable choice that’s typically on the more affordable end of the shotgun scale.
Users also commend the 870 for its thick butt pad, which delivers more comfortable shooting and reduces the effects of recoil.
It isn’t the lightest choice depending on your build, weighing in at 7.5 pounds.
DESCRIPTIONS
The Remington 870 Shotgun is an iconic and reliable choice for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
Renowned for its rugged construction and smooth action, the 870 has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable pump-action shotguns on the market.
With a variety of configurations available, including barrel lengths, stock options, and chamber sizes, the Remington 870 can be tailored to suit individual preferences and shooting needs.
Whether used for protecting your home or pursuing game in the field, the Remington 870 delivers the reliability and performance you can trust.
The Remington 870 Express Tactical Shotgun is a purpose-built firearm designed for self-defense and tactical applications.
Featuring a shorter barrel length and specialized tactical accessories, including a pistol grip stock and extended magazine tube, the 870 Tactical is optimized for close-quarters engagements and rapid target acquisition.
With its durable construction and proven reliability, this pump-action shotgun offers users confidence and peace of mind in high-stress situations.
Whether used by law enforcement professionals or homeowners seeking to protect their families, the Remington 870 Tactical delivers the firepower and versatility needed to handle any scenario with ease.
Summary / Saved Rounds
Key Takeaways:
- Pistols, handguns, rifles, and shotguns can all be ideal for home defense depending on your situation
- Ample aftermarket customization defines many of our top 5 choices
- The “best” gun also depends on user skill and their wider home defense strategy
Home Defense Considerations
The mechanics of firearm performance matter, but they’re only part of the “best gun” equation.
There are other aspects to consider, such as how smoothly it can become a part of your three-tiered home defense strategy.
Another important element is if it can be successfully stored to allow quick access during an incident and maximum safety against accidental discharge (or theft by an intruder).
The next question is if the gun is a good fit for you and whether or not you are skilled enough to use it.
Our blog on concealed carry criteria will teach you the core concerns when selecting a weapon that can effectively become part of your life, while our guide to shooting locations will help you increase firearm competency.
