Choosing the Best Firearm for Home Defense: Expert Picks, Stats, and Strategy

Summary Table: Best Firearms for Home Defense by Category

Firearm Type	Top Pick	Caliber	Pros	Cons
Handgun	Glock 19 Gen5 MOS	9mm	Compact, reliable, optics-ready	Less stopping power than rifle or shotgun
Shotgun	Mossberg 590A1	12 gauge	Devastating stopping power, intimidation factor	Heavy recoil, overpenetration risk
Rifle (AR Platform)	Daniel Defense DDM4 V7	5.56 NATO	High capacity, low recoil, precision	More expensive, louder indoors
Pistol-Caliber Carbine	Ruger PC Carbine	9mm	Low recoil, ammo compatibility with pistols	Less stopping power than rifle rounds
Non-lethal Backup	PepperBall TCP Launcher	.68 caliber PAVA	Legal in most states, non-lethal deterrent	Not effective on determined intruders

When it comes to defending your home, choosing the right firearm is as personal as it is practical. Whether you live in a rural farmhouse or a high-rise apartment, your needs vary—but the fundamentals remain the same: stopping power, reliability, ease of use, and safety.

This guide doesn't just summarize types of firearms—we name names, compare top-tier models, break down tactics, and deliver deep insights from industry experts. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to firearms, you'll leave with a clear idea of what's best for your situation.

The Big Picture: What Makes a Good Home Defense Gun?

Before getting into specific models, it’s worth outlining what a home defense firearm must do:

• Quickly neutralize a threat inside close quarters (often <10 yards).
• Be reliable under stress — no stovepipes, failures to feed, or fragile parts.
• Operate safely but quickly — think night-time wake-up scenarios.
• Minimize risk to bystanders (i.e., family, neighbors).
• Offer high confidence through training and familiarity.

1. Handguns: Versatility, Control, and Accessibility

Top Pick: Glock 19 Gen5 MOS

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 15+1
• Street Price: ~$630
• Link: Buy at SCHEELS.com

“The Glock 19 is the Toyota of pistols: reliable, widely supported, and easy to customize.” — Larry Vickers, Former Delta Force Operator

Pros:

• Easy to store in safes, nightstands, or even quick-access biometric safes.
• Lightweight and maneuverable in tight spaces.
• High aftermarket support: lights, optics, suppressors, holsters.
• Low recoil, especially with modern defensive 9mm loads like Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot.

Cons:

• Requires more precise shot placement than a shotgun.
• Less intimidating visually than a shotgun or AR.
• Higher risk of overpenetration in poorly constructed homes.

🔧 Runner-Ups:

• Sig Sauer P320 XCarry – great trigger, modular fire control unit.
• Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 Compact – ergonomic, optics-ready.

2. Shotguns: Devastating Force and Immediate Stopping Power

Top Pick: Mossberg 590A1

• Caliber: 12 gauge
• Capacity: 8+1
• Street Price: ~$630
• Link: Buy at SCHEELS.com

“If I could only have one gun for home defense, it’s a pump-action 12-gauge.” — Massad Ayoob, Firearms Trainer

Pros:

• Massive stopping power—a single shell of Federal FliteControl buckshot can neutralize threats instantly.
• Psychological deterrent—the sound of racking a shell often ends fights before they start.
• Extremely reliable, especially pump actions.

Cons:

• Heavy recoil, especially for smaller shooters.
• Longer length makes maneuvering indoors harder.
• Potential overpenetration, especially with slugs or cheap buckshot.

🔧 Runner-Ups:

• Beretta 1301 Tactical (semi-auto) – soft recoil, ultra-fast cycling.
• Remington 870 Tactical – rugged and budget-friendly (~$500).

3. AR-15 Rifles: Precision, Capacity, and Modularity

Top Pick: Daniel Defense DDM4 V7

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Capacity: 30+1
• Street Price: ~$1,900
• Link: Buy at SCHEELS.com

“A high-quality AR-15 gives you accuracy, control, and the ability to make fast, repeatable hits on target.” — Kyle Defoor, Former Navy SEAL

Pros:

• Minimal recoil, even in rapid fire.
• High magazine capacity.
• 5.56 NATO tumbles on impact, which often results in less penetration than handgun rounds (contrary to myth).
• Mount lights, red dots, IR lasers for low-light superiority.

Cons:

• Louder and more concussive indoors—hearing protection is essential.
• Higher cost of premium models.
• Can appear "militaristic" to jurors in a self-defense shooting.

Runner-Ups:

• Bravo Company RECCE-16 – ~$1,500, superb quality.
• FN 15 Tactical Carbine II – $1,200+, rock-solid.

4. Pistol-Caliber Carbines (PCCs): The Overlooked Middle Ground

Top Pick: Ruger PC Carbine

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capacity: 17+1 (Glock mag compatible)
• Street Price: ~$700
• Link: Buy at SCHEELS.com

“A PCC gives you the control of a rifle with the familiarity of a pistol caliber. They’re perfect for urban dwellers.” — Ken Hackathorn, Firearms Instructor

Pros:

• Uses same ammo and mags as your handgun (especially if it’s a Glock).
• Low recoil, fast follow-ups.
• Shorter overall length for maneuverability.
• Reduced overpenetration risk vs. 5.56 or 12ga.

Cons:

• Less stopping power than rifle-caliber options.
• Longer than a pistol, less maneuverable than SBRs or braced pistols.
• Not as commonplace in training courses or tactics discussions.

🔧 Runner-Ups:

• CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 – 9mm, reliable, modular.
• KelTec Sub2000 – folds for storage, uses Glock mags.

Smart Tactics: Weapon Lights, Ammo, and Storage

Must-Have: Weapon Light

• Being able to positively identify a target is non-negotiable in home defense.
• Top Picks:
• SureFire X300U (for pistols)
• Streamlight ProTac HL-X (for long guns)

Ammo: Choose Defense-Specific Rounds

• Handgun: Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Duty
• Shotgun: Federal FliteControl 00 Buck
• Rifle: Hornady TAP, Black Hills 77gr OTM
• Avoid cheap FMJs—risk of overpenetration is higher.

Storage: Fast Access, Tamper-Proof

• Top Picks:
• Vaultek Smart Station – sleek, biometric, app-controlled
• Hornady RAPiD Safe AR Gunlocker – fits under a bed, spring-loaded

Don’t Overlook: Less-Lethal Backup Options

Even if you’re armed, non-lethal options can de-escalate situations where lethal force would be legally or ethically murky.

🧂 Top Pick: PepperBall TCP Launcher

• Fires non-lethal PAVA powder projectiles at 280-300 fps.
• Legal in most states and effective from 30+ feet.
• Link: Buy at PepperBall.com

Real-World Scenarios: What to Consider

• Multi-story homes: Keep a pistol upstairs, shotgun or rifle downstairs.
• Apartments with thin walls: Lean toward PCCs or frangible 9mm ammo.
• Rural settings: Consider a rifle with a weapon light and sling for movement.
• Children in the home: Prioritize fast-access safes with biometrics or RFID.

Legal, Training & Mindset

• Take a concealed carry or home defense course from a reputable source like Gunsite or Sig Sauer Academy.
• Understand local laws—castle doctrine, stand your ground, storage mandates.
• Practice dry fire, movement drills, and light usage regularly.

TL;DR for Skimmers

• Best Pistol: Glock 19 Gen5 MOS – reliability, capacity, optics-ready.
• Best Shotgun: Mossberg 590A1 – brutal power, dead simple.
• Best AR Rifle: Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 – premium performance.
• Best PCC: Ruger PC Carbine – soft-shooting, mag compatibility.
• Don’t forget: Lights, safes, and training matter just as much as the gun.

Ready to Buy?

Click here to browse top-rated home defense firearms at SCHEELS.com.