Best Home Defense Gun [Shotguns, Pistols, & Rifles]

We get it; sifting through reviews of home defense shotguns, rifles, and pistols is overwhelming. It's hard to know where to spend your money.

Luckily, you've got us! The Pew Pew Tactical team joined forces to recommend the best home defense guns we've reviewed, used, and owned. We'll also recommend a few other things you might not have considered yet, like ammo, flashlights, safes, and suppressors.

By the end, you'll have a good idea of what type of gun is best for you and what accessories you might want to add.

Home Defense Gun Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Home Defense Guns

The Pew Pew Tactical team brings decades of experience from self-defense, competition, the military, and law enforcement. After tens of thousands of rounds and countless hours at the range, we came up with a list of our top picks.

Every handgun we test undergoes a strict testing protocol that requires a minimum of 500 rounds of both FMJ and JHP ammo through it at 5 and 7 yards.

Every review rifle involves 500 rounds of practice ammo and heavier match-grade ammo at 50 and 100 yards with a 5-25x scope (unless otherwise noted). We require all AR-15s to be tested with at least 3 magazines to assess compatibility, and we use a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge to measure the average trigger pull for all guns.

For guns we have reviews on, we've linked those so you can read more.

Best Home Defense Guns

1. Glock 19 Gen 5 - Best CCW

Best CCW

Glock 19 Gen 5

$540

at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$540 at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

GrabAGun (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-automatic, striker fire
• Capacity: 15+1
• Barrel Length: 4"
• Overall Length: 7.3"
• Weight: 23 oz

Our go-to pick and the gold standard for reliability is the Glock 19. If you want one reasonably-priced gun for concealed carry and home defense, this is it.

This pistol's track record speaks for itself. It's small enough to carry concealed, big enough to shoot accurately, capable of holding 15-round magazines, and practically indestructible.

It's been around with minimal changes for decades, so the aftermarket support for the Glock 19 is massive. If there's anything you want to change (cough cough, trigger) you can do it yourself for a reasonable price.

You can add a pistol light of your choosing, and MOS models let you mount a red dot, too. If that's important to you, just make sure you buy the Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS and the right adapter plate for the optic you prefer.

The Glock 19 feeds everything from training rounds to high-dollar defensive loads without a hiccup. It's not too shabby with a suppressor, either.

There's more to say about this legendary pistol, so check out our full Glock 19 review to make sure you don't miss anything.

2. Walther PDP Full Size 4.5 - Best Full-Size Pistol

Best Full-Size Pistol

Walther PDP

$599

at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

$599 at Brownells

GrabAGun (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-automatic, striker fire
• Capacity: 18+1
• Barrel Length: 4.5"
• Overall Length: 8"
• Weight: 25 oz

We've praised the Walther PDP before and we'll do it again. This is one incredible pistol, complete with the best striker-fire trigger on the market.

The Walther PDP hasn't been around nearly as long as the Glock 19 or Glock 17, but it's established a rock-solid reputation for reliability.

It's inherently accurate, and that gets a boost from the crisp trigger and excellent ergonomics. You even get three backstop inserts to match your hand size.

Walther offers compact and full-size frames made from either polymer or steel. Barrels range from 3.5 inches to 5.2-inches with a threaded muzzle. Our pick for home defense is a full-size PDP with the 4.5-inch barrel. It gets you 18+1 capacity and a manageable slide length. Stick to the more affordable polymer frame unless you have lots of extra cash to spend on the (admittedly delightful) steel frame.

Aftermarket support for the PDP is ramping up, so you'll have mo problem finding lights, optics, holsters, and upgraded components.

We have a ton of experience with this pistol in all its configurations. Check out our long-term Walther PDP review with over 10,000 rounds downrange, and take a peek at some of the Best Walther PDP Upgrades we've tested!

3. Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS - Best State-Compliant Pistol

Best State-Compliant Pistol

Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS

$1037

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1037 at GrabAGun

Brownells (see price)

Guns.com (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-automatic, single action
• Capacity: 8+1
• Barrel Length: 4.25", 5"
• Overall Length: 7.9", 8.6"
• Weight: 31 oz, 42 oz

Hold on, am I recommending a century-old design for home defense in 2025? Maybe. Let's give the Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS a chance.

We typically prefer 9mm over .45 ACP because we can fit way more rounds in a magazine, and defensive 9mm ammunition packs plenty of power.

Some states limit magazine capacity, though, which cancels out that advantage. If we're going to be capped at 10 rounds, we want those rounds to be as powerful as possible.

Springfield's 1911 Operator AOS puts the power of eight .45 ACP hollow-points in your hand. It can also accept a weapon light and a red dot, which keeps it relevant as a fighting pistol.

Of course, you'll also get a steel frame and one of the nicest handgun triggers ever designed. It's heavy, which makes recoil no big deal.

The Operator series fits nicely between Springfield's more cost-effective Garrison series and top-shelf TRP series. When it comes to home defense, it's the Goldilocks of the bunch.

Want to learn more about the 1911? Take a look at our guide to the Best 1911 Pistols!

4. Mossberg 590A1 - Best Pump-Action Shotgun

Best Pump-Action Shotgun

Mossberg 590A1

$576

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$576 at Palmetto State Armory

GrabAGun (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Pump-action
• Capacity: 5+1, 6+1, 8+1
• Barrel Length: 14", 18.5", 20"
• Overall Length: 36.1" 39.5" 41"
• Weight: 6.75 lbs, 7 lbs, 7.25 lbs

Our favorite pump-action shotgun is the Mossberg 590A1.

It's built like a tank and with optional 8+1 capacity, you've got firepower to match.

Recoil is harsh compared to rifles or pistols but nothing gets more lead downrange in a single shot than a shotgun.

As long as you properly stroke the pump-action of the 590A1 it will keep on chugging. These take some practice to master but they're supremely reliable. We've never had a malfunction with ours and the value is good for a firearm.

See our Mossberg 590A1 review for more.

5. Beretta 1301 - Best Semi-Auto Shotgun

Best Semi-Auto Shotgun

Beretta 1301 Tactical Mod 2

$1549

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1549 at Palmetto State Armory

GrabAGun (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Semi-automatic, gas-operated
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel Length: 18.5"
• Overall Length: 37.8"
• Weight: 6.4 lbs

As much as people love pump-action shotguns (and that's a lot), autoloaders like the Beretta 1301 are better for home defense.

The 1301 is Beretta's top-of-the-line combat shotgun and it's what we recommend if you have the money to buy one. As much as we dig the more affordable A300 Ultima Patrol, its big brother is just too fast and smooth to leave off this list.

The 1301 is relatively light but it still soaks up enough recoil to make rapid strings of fire surprisingly manageable.

The advanced gas system runs super fast, so you'll never find yourself waiting for it to cycle between shots. The ergonomics are great and you can ad an optic to the Picatinny rail if you don't like using the iron sights.

Our test unit (which we liked so much we ended up buying it) has eaten every type of ammo we've fed it.

See it in action in our Beretta 1301 review!

6. Palmetto State Armory AR-15 Pistols - Best Value AR-15

Best Value AR-15

Palmetto State Armory AR-15 Pistols

$459

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$459 at Palmetto State Armory

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK
• Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 6" - 12"
• Overall Length: N/A
• Weight: N/A

Need an entry-level AR that will always go boom? We're big fans of Palmetto State Armory AR-15 pistols for home defense.

Palmetto State Armory's in-house AR-15s are super affordable and they get the job done.

Like other AR-15 variants, they offer 30+1 capacity, good ergonomics, and endless room for customization. If you want to upgrade your trigger or bolt carrier group later on, you absolutely can.

Compared to an AR-15 carbine (think 16-inch barrel and a buttstock), an AR pistol is far more maneuverable in close quarters. Throw a red dot on it and you're in business.

Sure, you'll give up some muzzle velocity and accuracy at longer ranges, but those aren't big sacrifices in the confines of your home.

Check out our full Palmetto State Armory AR-15 review for all the details!

7. Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 - Best Premium AR-15

Best Premium AR-15

Daniel Defense DDM4 V7

$1349

at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1349 at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Rainier Arms (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Daniel Defense (see price)

Show all prices

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 16"
• Overall Length: 32.25" - 36"
• Weight: 6.2 lbs

Looking for a more premium AR-15? Allow us to introduce the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7.

This AR-15 has everything you need in a home defense rifle, and it can hone your marksmanship skills by training at longer ranges, too.

People love the DDM4 series because these rifles are reliable, accurate, and not too heavy. They aren't cheap but, then again, there isn't much to upgrade.

Give it a red dot, upgrade to an LPVO, or kick it old school with iron sights. This thing can do it all.

If you're still curious, head over to our full DDM4 V7 review.

How to Pick the Best Home Defense Gun

You've seen our recommendations, but how do you pick just one? Let's figure out some of the reasons you'd choose a shotgun, rifle, or pistol instead of something else.

Home Defense Pistol Pros & Cons

If you've read up on the Pew Pew Tactical crew's personal home defense guns, you know we're big fans of pistols. Why is that?

For starters, they're small enough to maneuver around tight corners a lot easier than long guns. With one hand free, you can lock doors, use the phone, and silently direct family members to safety. Concealing them is easier, and that can be an advantage.

Modern pistols do well in terms of capacity, too. Even compact pistols typically have 15 or more rounds per magazine, and some of us have 20 or more on tap on our home defense setups. On top of that, reloads take no time at all with a pistol.

It's also easy to add accessories that make your pistol way more effective. Check out which lights and optics we recommend to get the most out of your pistol.

The downside of using a pistol for home defense is power. Pistol rounds just can't compete with rifle and shotgun loads. Whether you choose to shoot 9mm, .45 ACP, or something else, it's important to use quality defensive ammunition. Save ball rounds for the range.

Home Defense Shotgun Pros & Cons

Shotguns might be a little overrated when it comes to home defense but they're not obsolete by any means. You just have to understand their capabilities and limitations. Pattern your shotgun to make sure you understand its maximum effective range.

Shotguns send a lot of lead downrange with each shot. They are reliable and super affordable (you can pay less than $300 for a decent pump gun).

Some people argue that the familiar *ka-chunk* sound of racking a pump-action shotgun is the ultimate deterrent. There's some merit to that, but it's also a great way to give away your position and tell an intruder you probably only have seven or eight shots in the hopper.

On the flip side, shotguns are usually long and heavy. The Mossberg 500, which we're big fans of, is 40 inches long and almost 8 pounds when loaded.

With great power comes great recoil, especially with a pump-action shotgun that doesn't bleed off any power to run a gas system. Buckshot and slugs are also notorious for passing through walls, which can be a huge problem if you have family members or neighbors nearby.

Finally, shotguns suffer from limited capacity and slow reload times compared to modern carbines and pistols.

Home Defense Rifle Pros & Cons

For home defense, we're talking about modern sporting rifles like the AR-15. This versatile platform isn't just great for home defense, it's what the police will be carrying when they respond to your 911 call.

The standard AR-15 magazine holds 30 rounds of 5.56 NATO, .223 Rem, or .300 BLK. They have minimal recoil, are easy to aim, and have user-friendly ergonomics.

Rail systems make it super easy to add lights and other accessories. With unlimited aftermarket support, you can customize your AR-15 or even build one from scratch!

Prices run the gamut, but there are plenty of great ARs that won't break the bank. The same goes for accessories. Check out our AR-15 Ultimate Resource for all the info.

There are some drawbacks to this platform, though. Even an AR pistol is going to be longer and heavier than a handgun. Moving around indoors with one of these takes a lot of skill, so consider investing in a tactical carbine course if this is the home defense gun you choose.

Home Defense Gun Safety

Regardless of which home defense gun you buy, you might want to lock it up with a gun safe. We've tested and reviewed a bunch of safes that you can access in a flash.

Quick-access pistol safes and long-gun safes make it possible to secure a firearm without letting a lengthy unlocking process get in the way.

In some states, this is a personal choice. In others, it might be required. Brush up on your state and local laws before throwing a home defense gun under the bed and calling it a day.

Shooting indoors is extremely loud and will almost certainly cause hearing damage, so it might be worth buying a suppressor (where they're allowed).

Cans are a great safety upgrade but they're also expensive, and knowing how to buy a suppressor is more complicated than buying one over the counter. If you have the means and patience, check out our guides to the Best 9mm & .45 ACP Suppressors and Best AR-15 Suppressors.

Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical

This article comes to you from Pew Pew Tactical Founder and CEO Eric Hung. In addition to everything he does here at PPT, Eric is an NRA-certified pistol instructor and a USPSA, 3-Gun, and NRL22 competitive shooter. He has researched and written over 250 articles on firearms and gear. He brings this expertise to this article, offering his perspective on home defense guns.

Editing and adding to this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.

Final Thoughts

That's a lot of information to digest. Congratulations, you made it! You should be well on your way to improving your home defense plan now.

If you're still undecided, that's ok. We have even more helpful resources to offer.

Dive in and learn even more with our guides to the Best Home Defense Tactical Shotguns, Best Beginner Home Defense Pistols, and Best AR-15s!

What's your living situation, and which type of firearm did you go with? Let us know in the comments. If you've made your choice, learn How To Stage Guns for Home Defense to make sure you get the most out of it.

LATEST UPDATES

• January 2025: Removed the Smith & Wesson 686+ and Palmetto State Armory AR-15 carbine. Added the Palmetto State Armory AR-15 pistol and Springfield Armory 1911 Operator. Updated supporting content.
• April 2024: Updated How We Test and added more hands-on experiences & information to each selection. Also removed some selections that were in the same category.