Key Points: Shotguns remain among the best weapons for home defense due to their firepower and versatility.
-Popular models include the military-proven semi-auto Benelli M-4, the affordable and reliable Remington 870 Tactical, the highly regarded Mossberg 590 Thunder Ranch, the fast-loading Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical, and the user-friendly Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2.
-While shotguns offer immense stopping power and effective close-range defense, they’re not without challenges, including handling length, maneuverability indoors, and potential complexities in operation.
-Proper training, practice, and thoughtful accessories, such as tactical lights, ensure shotguns perform optimally as dependable self-defense weapons.
Self-Defense Shotguns, Only The Best Need Apply
Many people, including professionals, agree that a shotgun is an excellent weapon for self-defense and home defense. Now, if you’re carrying a shotgun around town, you’d probably get the police called on you. There are only a few scenarios where you would carry a shotgun out in the open.
So, for this scenario, we’re mainly talking about a home defense shotgun, which is an excellent weapon choice. However, shotguns aren’t perfect home defense weapons; they have pros and cons.
A shotgun isn’t a panacea for removing intruders from your home. The end user must still practice and, if untrained, take a tactical shotgun course. The old “rack it, and they will run” mantra isn’t always true. Yes, some will run like the devil to get the heck out of Dodge. What if they didn’t hear it, or worse, don’t give a s—? That’s where the training comes in.
Something to keep in mind: This isn’t Hollywood, and an attacker 5-10 feet away isn’t going to have a spread pattern across his body. However, a 12-gauge shotgun firing 00 buckshot will have seven projectiles with a lot of power behind them.
Shotguns are required to have at least an 18-inch barrel, so their overall length will be much longer, which could make maneuvering around the home difficult. Some tactical shotguns have folding stocks, which negates the length issue, but it is something to be aware of.
Using a pump-action shotgun requires a lot of dexterity and practice to master reloading. Semi-automatic shotguns are much faster but are much more expensive. Top semi-auto tactical shotguns will run about $1,500 or more.
Meet the 5 Best Shotguns for Defending Your Home
Enough of this. You’re committed to buying a shotgun for home defense. Here are some great options.
Benelli M-4:
Many consider the Benelli the best tactical shotgun. The United States Marine Corps has purchased the semi-automatic M-4, which is a pretty good recommendation. However, it is one of the most expensive, at $1,800+ on the open market.
Of course, when in Rome, see the Sommelier for the upgraded TTI M4 Upgrade Package. I’m just kidding. It is semi-automatic, 12-gauge, and has a 5+1 ammunition capacity. The barrel is 18.5 inches, while the overall length is 40 inches. The weight is only 7.8 pounds.
This weapon has plenty of aftermarket options and shoots like a dream. If you want the very best and can afford it, go for it. You won’t be sorry you did. This is an awesome weapon.
Remington 870 Tactical:
The 870 has always been and still is an excellent weapon. The company makes several variations of the 870 Tactical shotgun. I’m going with the Model 870 Tactical Magpul for our purposes here.
This model comes with an 18.5-inch barrel and a robust 38-inch overall length. The magazine holds 6+1 shells and has a black Magpul stock and fore-end. The price of the 870 fluctuates, but you can find one (sometimes) online in the $600 range.
The Magpul stock is outstanding and is arguably “the best factory shotgun stock on the market today. It grips well, it shoulders easily, and the adjustable risers really do allow you to change the cheek weld if you’re using optics or some other kind of sights. It really is pretty awesome.”
Mossberg 590 Thunder Ranch:
The 590 Thunder Ranch is an excellent 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and an outstanding home defense choice. It sports an 18.5-inch barrel, an overall length of 38.5 inches, and a very good length of pull (LOP) of 13 inches.
The magazine capacity is 6 +1; it is optics-ready if you choose. Optics are a nice feature but not a necessity, in my opinion. However, a light should be added to help identify a target or a friend in the dark. They retail for $679 from the factory, and you can order them online.
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical:
Mossberg has a really nice tactical semi-automatic shotgun for about $1,100. It features an enlarged, beveled loading port and an elongated, pinch-free elevator, which allows for speed loading.
The 940 Pro Tactical possesses a 7+1 magazine capacity (with 2.75-inch shells) and can handle up to 3-inch shells. The enlarged bolt handle and bolt release make loading operations easy and intuitive for the user in any condition.
Plus, the bright orange aluminum follower allows the shooter to see that the magazine is empty. The knurled, top tang-mounted safety allows for a natural hand position when engaging or disengaging it.
It has an 18.5-inch barrel and an overall length of 37.5 inches. Mossberg has redesigned the gas system, and they claim that the weapon will fire 1,500 rounds before it needs cleaning.
Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2:
I’ve heard nothing but great things about this Beretta, but I have not yet had the opportunity to shoot this one weapon. As I’ve mentioned in the past, I love the reviews and articles from the good folks at PewPew Tactical. They had some great stuff to say about the Beretta Mod 2.
Lightweight yet soaks up recoil
Will shoot faster than you ever can
Large and easy-to-manipulate controls
Reliable with all ammo tested
Optic-ready with integrated Picatinny rail
Easy to extend capacity
“The 1301’s elongated handguard runs almost the length of the entire barrel. It also features some pretty aggressive texturing, which gives you positive retention while running the gun.”
Field Ethos also had an excellent review of the Beretta. “The 1301 is now an ultra-reliable, soft-recoiling tactical shotgun on which buyers do not have to spend additional money for flashlight rails and a mag extension. With its removable choke tubes and ghost ring sights … the world’s oldest gun company knocked it out of the park—and into my bedroom—with its 1301 Tactical Mod 2.
About the Author
Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications
