Best Shotguns: Tactical & Home Defense

For many people, there's still no better home defense gun than a shotgun. We love our rifles and pistols, but scattergun fans aren't wrong!

But with so many tactical, hunting, and sporting shotguns out there, how do you know which one is right for you?

We rounded up our favorite semi-auto and pump-action tactical shotguns for home defense together in one list, so you know exactly what to buy -- and why it's right for you.

Let's dig in!

Shotgun Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Shotguns for Home Defense

The shotguns listed in this article have all been extensively evaluated and hands-on tested by our staff using a testing process that measures reliability, accuracy, handling, durability, and performance.

The metrics we used to evaluate these shotguns include:

• Reliability Across Ammo Types
• Pattern Consistency
• Accuracy
• Recoil Management
• Ergonomics & Controls
• Customization Options
• Value

Reliability

Every shotgun tested for this article underwent a minimum of 250 rounds, with most models exceeding 1,000 rounds. Reviewers tested with birdshot, buckshot, and slugs to evaluate performance across multiple ammo types. Our team logged any failures or malfunctions. 

We also evaluated overall shooting performance using practical shooting drills to assess how the shotgun performs under various conditions. Shot timers are used for all applicable drills. 

Accuracy 

Shotguns are patterned at:

• 7 yards (home defense)
• 15 yards
• 25 yards

Ergonomics 

Ergonomics testing involved assessing the shotgun's fit and comfort, as well as its controls and other features that may impact how the gun behaves during shooting. Our reviewers noted any discomfort or hot spots that occur while shooting and also evaluated recoil impulse (soft or sharp), trigger feel/weight, pump ergonomics, and reloading ease.

A Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge was used to take three trigger measurements to report the average pull weight.  

Customization

Detailed online research and communication with the manufacturer were conducted after range days to evaluate aftermarket components and compatibility. 

Value

All of the above is balanced against the cost of the rifle. We compared pricing among top vendors and used average pricing to determine whether the firearm has a good balance of features/performance and price. 

Best Shotguns: Tactical & Home Defense

1. Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol - Editor's Pick

Editor's Pick

Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

$949

at Bereli

Prices accurate at time of writing

$949 at Bereli

Midway USA (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Chamber: 3"
• Action: Semi-automatic (gas)
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel length: 19.1"
• Overall length: 38"
• Weight: 7.1 lbs

When Beretta announced the A300 Ultima Patrol in 2023, we couldn't get our hands on one fast enough. Long story short, it earned rave reviews in our A300 Ultima Patrol review.

This auto-loading tactical shotgun has a lot of modern features that would usually cost extra, but you can score one of these for less than $1,000.

Beretta makes the A300 Ultima Patrol ready to rock right out of the box.

The ergonomics are solid, with aggressive grip textures where you need it. The controls are nice and big, the front end is optimized for accessories, the magazine tube is extended, and it has a Picatinny rail so you can mount any optic you want.

This Beretta may not have a rotating bolt head or the lightning-fast B-Link gas system found in the 1301, but the performance characteristics are solid. During testing, we experienced zero malfunctions, no matter what kind of ammo we fed it.

Our test shotgun delivered rounds as fast as we could pull the trigger, and the accuracy was great. Recoil mitigation was sound between the gas system and buttpad.

All these features, combined with the price, make the A300 Ultima Patrol a great home defense shotgun -- arguably the best.

2. Mossberg 590A1 - Best Pump-Action

Best Pump-Action

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
• Chamber: 3"
• Action: Pump action
• Capacity: 5+1, 6+1, 8+1
• Barrel length: 14", 18.5", 20"
• Overall length: 33.75", 39.5", 41"
• Weight: 6.75 lbs, 7 lbs, 7.25 lbs

Want a budget-friendly shotgun that's trusted by military and law enforcement professionals around the world?

Enter the Mossberg 590A1.

This home defense shotgun's tactical upgrades include a thicker receiver and barrel, a metal trigger guard, and a durable parkerized finish.

Mossberg offers several configurations of the 590A1 with different features, such as ghost ring, bead, or night sights, fixed or collapsible stocks, and capacities of up to nine rounds (including the one in the chamber).

You can even mount a bayonet if trench warfare is a concern where you live.

Regardless of the features you choose, you'll get one of the most durable pump-action combat shotguns of all time.

There's plenty of aftermarket support, too, so check out our Best Upgrades for the Mossberg 500/590 Series and our Mossberg 590A1 review for more details!

What's your take on the Mossberg 590? Rate it below!

3. Beretta 1301 Tactical - Best Semi-Auto

Best Semi-Auto

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: 12 Gauge
• Chamber: 3"
• Action: Semi-automatic (gas)
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel length: 18.5"
• Overall length: 37.8"
• Weight: 6.4 lbs

Want even more performance than the value-packed A300 Ultima Patrol can offer? The Beretta 1301 is one of the best semi-automatic tactical shotguns of all.

The Beretta 1301 powers through all kinds of ammo with Beretta's famously quick B-Link gas system. It'll rattle off shots as fast as you can wiggle your trigger finger.

Beretta claims it cycles 36% faster than any other semi-auto shotgun. I can't measure that claim, but I can attest that this gun cycles like a maniac.

This low-recoiling tactical shotgun is also easy to keep on target thanks to minimal muzzle rise, so you can take advantage of all that speed with rapid follow-up shots.

Beretta includes a stock that allows shooters to shorten or lengthen the length of pull for optimal ergonomics. That makes it easy for shooters of all sizes to get a great fit.

Like the M4, the 1301 has a cult following, and there are lots of high-quality upgrades available -- not that you need them.

Check out our full Beretta 1301 review and watch the video!

4. Remington 870 Tactical - Best Beginner Shotgun

Best Beginner Shotgun

Remington 870 Express Tactical

$449

at Guns.com

Prices accurate at time of writing

$449 at Guns.com

GrabAGun (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Chamber: 3"
• Action: Pump action
• Capacity: 4+1, 6+1
• Barrel length: 18.5"
• Overall length: 38.5"
• Weight: 7.5 lbs

There's something timeless about a pump-action shotgun with a hardwood stock. With the Remington 870 platform, you get a design that has stood the test of time.

This home defense version of the Remington 870 gives you 4+1 or 6+1 capacity and an 18.5-inch barrel for maneuverability in close quarters. It comes with a rifle-style front sight, so I would certainly suggest adding a nice adjustable rear sight.

Its design is so well-known and popular that there are tons of different accessories for it. This includes sight saddles, lights, slings, and even scope mounts. You can swap the barrel with any other 870 barrel without modification, as well.

Check out all the options in our guide to the Best Upgrades for the Remington 870!

Got one you need to clean? Or want to see how easily one breaks down? We go over it in our 870 Cleaning & Lubing Guide and video:

We also have a full Remington 870 review if you want to get into the weeds.

Not sure which pump gun you prefer? We have a hands-on comparison covering the Remington 870 vs Mossberg 500 in greater detail.

5. Benelli M4 - Most Reliable Semi-Auto

Most Reliable Semi-Auto

Benelli M4

$1952

at Guns.com

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1952 at Guns.com

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Chamber: 3"
• Action: Semi-automatic (gas)
• Capacity: 5+1
• Barrel length: 18.5"
• Overall length: 40"
• Weight: 7.8 lbs

Is the Benelli M4 the king of combat shotguns? Probably. It's definitely made a name for itself in the U.S. military.

When the U.S. Marine Corps needed a semi-auto shotgun, they went to Benelli. And Benelli designed the company's first gas gun, the M4.

The internal auto-regulating gas-operated system (ARGO, in Benelli speak) provides an extremely reliable short-stroke, dual-piston system to ensure maximum reliability and minimal recoil.

This shotgun beats out Benelli's inertia guns if you want to strap on optics, lights, and such. Inertia guns are super picky when it comes to weight, but that's not an issue with gas guns.

The Benelli M4 seems to love just about every load I've ever put through it, from reduced-recoil tactical loads to buckshot. The only ammo I've had it cough on was ultra-light skeet loads loaded for 950 feet per second.

The M4 also allows for a good degree of customization. Its cult following results in a decent little aftermarket.

If you want the best, be prepared to pay for it! This is the most expensive home defense shotgun here by a wide margin.

Check out our favorite M4 upgrades and read more in our Benelli M4 review.

6. Mossberg 940 Tactical - Best Features

Best Features

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical

$884

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$884 at GrabAGun

Midway USA (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Chamber: 3"
• Action: Semi-automatic (gas)
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel length: 18.5"
• Overall length: 37"
• Weight: 7.25 lbs

Mossberg already graced this list with its pump-action 590, but it's definitely got chops in the semi-auto realm, too.

While we had good luck with the 930 SPX Tactical, the gun had some reliability issues. Mossberg went back to the drawing board with the 940 Pro Tactical and made things right.

The results are impressive. With a 7+1 capacity and improved gas system, the 940 Pro Tactical is competitive with other tactical home defense shotguns out of the box, so you won’t have to spend money on upgrades.

The 940 Pro Tactical runs exceedingly well, and you can get full details in our review here.

It's red dot capable, and you can order yours with a Holosun 507k already installed. The mount is clean, too, going straight to the receiver with no Picatinny rail.

This means co-witnessing between the fiber optic front sight and the red dot is possible while letting you keep your normal cheek weld.

Other perks include QD sling mounts, M-LOK for a light, oversized controls, and redesigned ergonomics that should help you shoot faster and more accurately than you could with the previous model.

7. Mossberg Maverick 88 - Best Budget

Best Budget

Mossberg Maverick 88

$234

at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$234 at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

GrabAGun (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Specs

• Gauge: 20ga, 12ga
• Chamber: 3"
• Action: Pump action
• Capacity: 5+1, 7+1
• Barrel length: 18.5", 20", 22", 26", 28"
• Overall length: 39.5", 41", 45.25", 47.75"
• Weight: 5.25 lbs, 6.25 lbs, 6.5 lbs, 7 lbs

We know, we know -- Mossberg makes the list again. What can we say? Shotguns are kind of their thing!

Time, we have a true budget option in the form of the Maverick 88.

The primary difference between the Maverick 88 and the Mossberg 500 is that its safety is not on top, but at the front of the trigger guard.

If you blindfolded most people and had them shoot the two side by side, they wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

The external finish is not quite as nice, but this cuts down the price drastically. A Maverick 88 can be had for less than $250!

Since it's essentially a 500, it's compatible with all kinds of upgrades. We mounted a nice Fab Defense folding buttstock and a side saddle to keep more ammo handy.

The 18.5-inch version has a 5+1 capacity and can accept most standard Mossberg 500 barrels. The 20-inch version has a longer tube and 7+1 capacity, but you are pretty much stuck with that barrel length if pick that model.

This home defense shotgun is available in 12ga and 20ga. We prefer the big fella, but 20ga can be nice for recoil-sensitive shooters.

We also have a full review of the Maverick 88.

How to Pick the Best Home Defense Shotgun

These are all great choices, but there are a few factors that will help you find the best home defense shotgun for you.

12 Gauge is King

Did you notice anything about our selections? They're all chambered for 12-gauge. Some are available in other versions as well, but 12ga is our go-to for home defense.

It packs a serious punch, enjoys lots of support from the ammunition industry, and it's available just about everywhere.

For home defense, we stick to 2-3/4-inch shells. You can step up in power with longer loads, but you'll sacrifice capacity, and the extra recoil is unpleasant.

Remember, nobody ever complained about a 2-3/4-inch shell loaded with a slug or 00 buckshot being underpowered.

Pump-Action vs. Semi-automatic

When it comes to home defense shotguns, only two actions matter: pump-action and semi-auto. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Pump actions offer unbeatable reliability. They work well with any ammunition, partly because the manual action allows them to cycle super light recoiling loads that don't generate enough gas to drive a semi-auto shotgun.

This style also tends to be quite affordable, and it's hard to mess up. Even the cheapest ones typically work great. Popular pump guns like the Mossberg 500 series and Remington 870 series often sell for less than $350.

The downside is that they open up room for human error because short-stroking the action causes jams.

The rate of fire is also slower than you'd get from an auto-loader since you have to run the pump in between shots rather than just resetting the trigger.

There are big upsides to semi-automatic shotguns, too.

Gas and inertia systems absorb a lot of energy, so Semi-automatic shotguns have much lighter recoil than pump-action guns. Your shoulder will thank you!

These systems can be picky about ammo, so you might need to try a few loads to find the best one for your particular shotgun. If your semi-auto can handle reduced recoil loads, you'll have a super soft-shooting shotgun.

Semi-auto shotguns tend to be expensive. Expect to pay double what a good pump gun costs.

For an in-depth analysis of what to look for in a home defense shotgun and how to set one up, check out our comprehensive Guide to Home Defense Shotguns.

Meet the Experts

This article builds on the work of Pew Pew Tactical Writer and Review Analyst Travis Pike.

Pew Pew Tactical Content Producer & Sr. Review Analyst Sean Curtis contributed to this article and has been shooting since childhood, but began to delve into guns more during his law enforcement career. He spent over two decades in law enforcement, where he underwent a slew of training to become proficient in a variety of firearms, including shotguns. Sean handles the testing for most of PPT's shotgun reviews and owns several for home-defense. He leverages his tactical and defensive experience to bring quality shotgun recommendations to PPT readers.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings edited and fact-checked this article prior to publication. Jacki sports a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications and is an active member in good standing with the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: The Society of Editing, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. This unique blend of journalism and editing experience with firearms enables her to efficiently proofread articles, like this one, before they go live. When it comes to shotguns, Jacki owns a Remington 870 that she uses for home defense.

Final Thoughts

Shotguns represent the absolute power that a shoulder-fired weapon can have.

Remember that, like every weapon, you need to train with it to be effective. No matter which one you choose, a shotgun is only as effective as the person holding it.

Latest Updates

• December 2025: Additional data was added after more testing.
• June 2025: Replaced Remington 870 Hardwood Tactical (discontinued) with synthetic model.
• January 2025: Updated supporting content.
• November 2024: Swapped Mossberg 500/590 for Mossberg 590A1.