We should all feel safe in our own homes. For this reason, many people choose to purchase a reliable firearm for personal protection. But what are the best home defense guns?
“Best” is, in many ways, subjective, of course. What works well for one person may not be the right fit for another.
Still, there are some criteria we can use to determine what’s “best” for most gun owners looking to protect their homes and properties. We’ll go into some of those considerations later in this blog piece. For now, let’s get right to the list of best home defense guns.
If you have any questions about this or any other content on our website, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help with any questions related to home defense firearms, the pros and cons of each, and other factors that will assist you in your buying decision.
Home Defense Guns: The Best of the Best
One of the best ways to ensure your family and property are protected is by owning a reliable firearm. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs.
We think the following 10 firearms are the best home defense guns available.
Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a timeless classic. This compact pistol is versatile and easy to use, making it ideal for both experienced gun owners and beginners. The 9mm rounds it uses are powerful enough to stop an intruder, but also low-recoil, so you can maintain accuracy while shooting. Additionally, the Glock 19 is known for its reliability and durability, making it a favorite among law enforcement officers and military personnel.
Remington 870
If you’re looking for a shotgun, the Remington 870 is a great option. This pump-action shotgun is both powerful and easy to handle. It’s popular among hunters, but also a great choice for home defense. The 12-gauge ammo it uses is known for its ability to stop an intruder instantly. Another benefit of the Remington 870 is the variety of modifications available, allowing you to customize your firearm according to your needs.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
For those who prefer a compact firearm, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a great choice. This pistol is lightweight and has a slim design, making it easy to conceal. Despite its small size, it’s still powerful enough to stop an intruder in their tracks. One of the unique features of the M&P Shield is its grip, which is designed to fit securely in your hand, even during rapid fire.
AR-15
The AR-15 is a popular choice for those who want a rifle for home defense. This firearm is highly customizable and can be adapted to match your exact needs. The .223 rounds it uses are effective at stopping an intruder, but also have low recoil, making it easier to stay on target. One of the benefits of owning an AR-15 is that the parts are interchangeable, meaning you can upgrade or change specific components without having to buy a completely new rifle.
Sig Sauer P320
The Sig Sauer P320 is a handgun that’s easy to use and highly accurate. This pistol has a modular design, allowing you to easily change the size and caliber of the gun. Additionally, it’s known for its low recoil, making it easier to stay on target while shooting. The P320 is used by both law enforcement and the military, so you can trust that it’s reliable and durable.
Mossberg 590 Shockwave
The Mossberg 590 Shockwave boasts a 14-inch barrel and a 6-round magazine, making it an excellent option for close-quarter defense. The compact size and pump-action mechanism make it easy to maneuver in narrow spaces, while the reliable performance assures quick shots when you need them the most.
Ruger PC Carbine
For those who don’t want the recoil of a shotgun or a pistol, the Ruger PC Cragine can be an ideal alternative. This semi-auto rifle has a 16.12-inch barrel and is chambered in 9mm, giving you more shots than a typical shotgun or a pistol. Moreover, the gun’s adjustable stock and Picatinny rail make it easy to customize the gun to your preferences.
Kel-Tec KSG
If you’re looking for a shotgun for home defense that is innovative and effective, look no further than the Kel-Tec KSG. This 12-gauge shotgun comes equipped with not one but two magazine tubes that allow you to alternate between rounds, giving you up to 12 shots without having to reload. It’s also extremely compact, at just 26 inches in overall length, making it a great option for cramped spaces.
CZ P-10 C
For those who prefer a handgun, the CZ P-10 C is a perfect choice. This polymer-framed handgun has a 15-round capacity 9mm magazine and a striker-fired system that offers quick and reliable firing. The gun also features a comfortable grip and excellent ergonomics, allowing for an easy draw and precise accuracy.
AR-10
The AR-10 can be just as effective as the AR-15 for home defense with its .308 Winchester round that packs more power than the AR-15’s typical 5.56 rounds. It also offers a longer barrel and better accuracy, making it a more versatile option. Additionally, upgrading the gun with LED lights and sights can give you an added advantage.
Those are our Top 10 picks for best home defense guns. However, based on your specific circumstances, we can almost certainly suggest alternatives to those listed above.
Overall, as long as you consider factors like maneuverability, accuracy, and magazine capacity, you can make a smart purchase that suits your personal preferences and gives you the peace of mind that you and your family are well-protected.
After all, choosing the right home defense gun is an important decision. It’s crucial to find a firearm that you’re comfortable using and that you can rely on to protect your family and property.
Whether you prefer a pistol, shotgun, or rifle, the options listed in this blog are all highly rated, reliable, and effective.
Be sure to consider your specific needs and preferences when making your decision, and don’t forget to invest in proper training and safety measures before using your firearm.
By choosing the best home defense gun for you and your family, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared to protect what matters most.
How to Choose the Best Home Defense Gun
Now let’s talk about how one might go about choosing the best home defense gun for oneself. If someone breaks into your home, protecting your family should be your top priority, and having a reliable firearm for self-defense is crucial.
When it comes to finding the best home defense gun, there are several criteria you should consider. Let’s go over the different types of guns available, the features to look for, and the considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase.
Type of Gun
There are several types of guns available, such as handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
- Handguns are the easiest to handle, carry, and store, making them a popular choice for home defense.
- Rifles offer more accuracy and stopping power, but they can be challenging to use in close quarters.
- Shotguns are the most versatile and powerful option, suitable for both short-range and long-range shooting.
The first thing to consider is the type of gun that suits your needs. When it comes to choosing the right type of firearm for home defense, you need to consider many factors.
Most experts agree that a shotgun is an excellent choice for home defense because it is easy to use and has a high success rate.
However, a handgun may also be a good choice depending on your level of experience and skill.
You should also evaluate which type of firearm would be best based on the layout of your home.
Size and Weight
Gun buyers should also take into account the size and weight of the gun. A gun that is too big or heavy can be difficult to handle and maneuver, especially during a high-stress situation. A gun that is too small may lack stopping power. Choose a gun that feels comfortable and easy to use for you.
Ammunition
Choosing the right ammunition is another crucial factor in determining the effectiveness of your home defense gun.
When selecting the ammunition for your gun, you need to consider stopping power and penetration.
It’s critical to choose a bullet that will cause significant tissue damage to an attacker while minimizing the risk of collateral damage to anything behind the attacker.
It’s also wise to conduct some field testing of different brands and types of ammunition to determine the best match for your firearm.
Hollow-point bullets are best for self-defense as they expand upon impact, causing more damage to the attacker. Additionally, choosing ammunition with low recoil makes it easier to control your shots in a high-pressure scenario.
Safety Features
A gun’s safety features are also important to consider. Look for a gun with a simple manual safety, or even a feature built into the grip itself, which prevents an accidental discharge. Guns with less restrictive trigger-pull-likelihood are also safer, as they require less pressure to fire and prevent delays in critical situations.
Training and Practice:
Training and practice are necessary to become proficient in gun handling and shooting techniques to accurately aim and react fast in a real-life situation. Regular practice sessions also help maintain muscle memory and familiarity with your firearm.
Owning a firearm for self-defense is pointless if you don’t know how to use it. Properly training yourself and regularly practicing shooting is essential when owning a firearm, especially for home defense. Practice scenarios in different lighting and at different times of day. Learn how to shoot from a crouched position, from behind cover, and from other defensive positions.
Choosing the right home defense gun is a personal decision that requires a thorough understanding of your needs and the options available. Consider the type of gun, size and weight, ammunition, safety features, and training and practice when evaluating options.
Ultimately, your gun should be a reliable tool to defend your home and family in case of an emergency.
More to Know When Purchasing a Gun for Home Defense
When it comes to home defense, many people believe that owning a firearm is the ultimate protection. A gun can certainly be a powerful tool to have in your possession, but it’s important to remember that owning a gun for self-defense can be a huge responsibility.
This is why as a potential gun owner, you need to take extra precautions and careful consideration before making a purchase. Let’s take a closer look at some things you need to think about when purchasing a gun for home defense.
Keeping Your Firearm Secure
Proper storage of firearms is an essential and often overlooked aspect of safe gun ownership. Make sure your firearm is kept in a secure location, such as a locked gun safe.
A hidden gun safe, out of sight and locked away from children, is an excellent place to keep your firearm in case of an emergency.
Remember, if you are ever forced to use your firearm, it’s important that the attacker doesn’t take it from you and use it against you.
Consulting With Professionals
Consulting with a professional before purchasing a gun can save you a lot of time and money. Reach out to a credible firearm retailer in your area or seek guidance from certified firearm instructors. A good retailer will have the experience and knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
Buying a gun for home defense is a serious responsibility. You have to be sure you’re comfortable handling and using your firearm and that it’s the right choice for your specific situation.
If you’re thinking of purchasing a gun for self-defense, make sure that you take the time to educate yourself fully to make an informed decision.
By following these few simple steps, you can achieve a greater level of safety and security in your home environment without putting yourself at undue risk.
Remember, owning a firearm is a major decision, but it can also provide peace of mind, knowing that you are prepared to protect yourself and your family in a crisis.
