When it comes to home defense, there's no messing around. One needs a reliable weapon that won't let them down. That's where shotguns come in.

This article explores the best shotguns for home defense, examining various models and their unique features. Whether you're into pump-action, semi-automatic, or break-action, we've got you covered.

Strap in and discover the perfect shotgun that'll keep you feeling safe and secure in your own home.

Best Shotguns for Home Defense

What are the best home defense shotguns of 2024? When it comes to choosing a reliable home defense shotgun, several models rise to the top. Any of these shotguns is an excellent choice for home defense.

1. Remington 870 Tactical Synthetic

One can't overlook the Remington 870 Tactical Synthetic when discussing the best shotguns for home defense. This shotgun's reliability and versatility make it a top choice. Its pump-action design ensures smooth operation under pressure. 

1. Gauge: 12-gauge (also available in 20-gauge).
2. Action Type: Pump-action.
3. Barrel Length: Typically available in various lengths, with common options including 18.5 inches and 20 inches for the tactical models.
4. Capacity: The standard magazine tube holds 4 rounds, with the option to extend it for additional capacity.
5. Chamber: 3-inch chamber, capable of firing 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.
6. Stock: Synthetic stock with a durable and weather-resistant finish.
7. Sights: Front bead sight, some models may have additional tactical sights or rails.
8. Weight: Varies depending on configuration but generally around 7 to 7.5 pounds.
9. Length: Typically around 39 to 41 inches, depending on the barrel length.
10. Safety: Crossbolt safety located at the rear of the trigger guard for easy access.
11. Additional Features:
    • Tactical models often come with accessory rails for adding optics, lights, and other accessories.
    • Some models may have adjustable stocks for length of pull.
    • Variants of the Remington 870 Tactical may include the Remington 870 Express Tactical, which is another popular choice for home defense.

2. Mossberg 590 12 Gauge 3-inch Pump Action 20-inch

The Mossberg 590 is a formidable option for home defense. With its 12 Gauge 3-inch pump action and 20-inch barrel, it stands as a reliable choice in high pressure situations. 

1. Gauge: 12-gauge.
2. Action Type: Pump-action.
3. Barrel Length: 20 inches.
4. Capacity: Typically 8+1 rounds in the standard magazine tube.
5. Chamber: 3-inch chamber, compatible with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.
6. Stock: Synthetic stock and forend for durability and weather resistance.
7. Sights: Front bead sight, some models may feature ghost ring sights for enhanced target acquisition.
8. Weight: Around 7 to 7.5 pounds.
9. Length: Approximately 41 inches.
10. Safety: Tang-mounted safety located near the receiver for ambidextrous use.
11. Additional Features:
    • Dual extractors and twin action bars for reliable cycling.
    • The Mossberg 590 is known for its robust construction and durability.
    • Some variants may include heat shields on the barrel, bayonet lugs, and other tactical features.
    • The Mossberg 590A1 is a military-grade variant of the 590 known for its ruggedness and features.

3. Benelli M4

One of the best home defense shotguns, the Benelli M4 doesn't just impress with its robust build, but also excels in reliability and performance. This shotgun is featured prominently in the movie "John Wick: Chapter 2."

1. Gauge: 12-gauge.
2. Action Type: Semi-automatic (gas-operated).
3. Barrel Length: Typically available in 18.5 inches.
4. Capacity: Comes with a standard 5+1 round capacity magazine tube, but extensions are available to increase capacity.
5. Chamber: 3-inch chamber, capable of firing 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.
6. Stock: Pistol grip synthetic stock with a telescoping and collapsible buttstock.
7. Sights: Ghost ring rear sight with an adjustable front sight post.
8. Weight: Approximately 7.8 to 8.4 pounds.
9. Length: Adjustable due to the telescoping stock, typically around 34.6 to 37.6 inches.
10. Safety: Crossbolt safety, reversible for left-handed users.
11. Additional Features:
    • Known for its reliability and durability, often used by military and law enforcement.
    • Picatinny accessory rails for mounting optics, lights, and other accessories.
    • Chrome-lined barrel for corrosion resistance.
    • Choke tubes included for versatility.
    • Available in both black and desert camo finishes.
    • Designed for tactical use and well-suited for home defense.

4. Beretta 1301 Tactical

Beretta's 1301 Tactical shotgun isn't just a high-capacity powerhouse, but it's also compact and lightweight for easy maneuverability in a home defense scenario. Its semi-automatic action ensures rapid follow-up shots, giving homeowners an edge in high-stress situations.

1. Gauge: 12-gauge.
2. Action Type: Semi-automatic (gas-operated).
3. Barrel Length: Typically available in 18.5 inches.
4. Capacity: Standard 4+1 round capacity magazine tube.
5. Chamber: 3-inch chamber, compatible with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.
6. Stock: Synthetic stock with a pistol grip and adjustable length of pull.
7. Sights: Low-profile adjustable ghost ring rear sight with a protected front sight post.
8. Weight: Approximately 6.7 to 7.6 pounds.
9. Length: Adjustable due to the collapsible stock, typically around 38 to 41 inches.
10. Safety: Crossbolt safety, reversible for left-handed users.
11. Additional Features:
    • Designed for fast and reliable cycling, making it well-suited for tactical applications.
    • Oversized charging handle and bolt release for ease of operation.
    • Picatinny accessory rail for mounting optics or other accessories.
    • Available with a variety of stock and sight configurations.
    • Known for its smooth and quick action, making it popular among competitive shooters and for home defense.

5. Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical

Incorporating a fast cycling system and top-tier features, Mossberg's 940 Pro Tactical stands out as a premier shotgun for home defense purposes. This shotgun's gas-operated system provides consistent performance and decreased recoil, making it a reliable choice for high-stress situations.

1. Gauge: 12
2. Action: Gas-operated semi-auto
3. Chamber: 3-inch
4. Capacity: 7+1 (2¾-inch shotshells)
5. Barrel length: 18½ inches
6. Overall length: 37½ inches
7. Trigger pull: 4½ pounds
8. Weight: 7½ pounds
9. LOP: Adjustable (12½ to 14¼ inches)
10. Stock: Black synthetic
11. Barrel finish: Matte blue
12. Sights: Fiber-optic front, Shield RSMc-style optic-ready
13. Choke: Accu-Choke system (Cylinder Bore tube installed)

6. Mossberg Shockwave

The Mossberg Shockwave is a unique firearm that combines shotgun-like characteristics with a compact design, making it a popular choice for personal defense.

• Gauge: 12-gauge or 20-gauge.
• Action Type: Pump-action.
• Barrel Length: Typically available in 14 inches.
• Capacity: Standard models have a 5+1 round capacity.
• Chamber: 3-inch chamber, compatible with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.
• Stock: The Shockwave features a Raptor pistol grip, and it does not have a traditional shoulder stock.
• Sights: Front bead sight.
• Length: Approximately 26.37 inches.
• Weight: Typically around 5.3 to 5.5 pounds.
• Safety: Ambidextrous safety located on the top of the receiver.
• Additional Features:
  • Classified as a "firearm" rather than a shotgun, making it subject to different regulations.
  • Compact size and unique design make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
  • Available in various configurations and finishes, including wood and synthetic.
  • Suitable for home defense and as a compact truck or camping firearm.

7. KelTec KS7

The KelTec KS7 is a compact, bullpup-style shotgun designed for tactical and home defense applications.

• Gauge: 12-gauge.
• Action Type: Pump-action.
• Barrel Length: Typically available in 18.5 inches.
• Capacity: Standard models have a 6+1 round capacity, with a total of 7 rounds.
• Chamber: 3-inch chamber, compatible with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.
• Stock: Bullpup design with a synthetic stock and a pistol grip.
• Sights: Front and rear flip-up sights with a Picatinny top rail for optics.
• Length: Approximately 26.1 inches.
• Weight: Typically around 5.9 pounds.
• Safety: Crossbolt safety located above the trigger.
• Additional Features:
  • Compact and lightweight design with a top-mounted magazine tube.
  • Ambidextrous operation, including the ejection port and safety.
  • Picatinny accessory rails for mounting optics, lights, or other accessories.
  • Dual-tube magazine system for increased capacity compared to traditional pump-action shotguns.
  • Suitable for close-quarters engagements and home defense scenarios.

8. Kel-Tec KSG

The Kel-Tec KSG is a bullpup shotgun known for its unique dual-magazine tube design and compact profile, making it an innovative choice for various applications.

• Gauge: 12-gauge.
• Action Type: Pump-action.
• Barrel Length: Typically available in 18.5 inches.
• Capacity: Dual-magazine tubes with a total capacity of 6+6 rounds (12 rounds in total), with the option to select which tube to feed from.
• Chamber: 3-inch chamber, compatible with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.
• Stock: Bullpup design with a synthetic stock and pistol grip.
• Sights: Front and rear flip-up sights with a Picatinny top rail for optics.
• Length: Approximately 26.1 inches.
• Weight: Typically around 6.9 to 7.2 pounds.
• Safety: Crossbolt safety located above the trigger.
• Additional Features:
  • Ambidextrous operation, including the ejection port and safety.
  • Picatinny accessory rails for mounting optics, lights, or other accessories.
  • Compact size and dual-magazine system for versatility in loadout.
  • Suitable for close-quarters engagements, home defense, and tactical use.

9. Remington Tac 14/Tac 13

The Remington Tac 14 and Tac 13 are compact, non-NFA firearms inspired by the Remington 870 shotgun design. These two shotguns are compact and maneuverable home defense weapons.

• Gauge: 12-gauge (Tac 14) or 20-gauge (Tac 13).
• Action Type: Pump-action.
• Barrel Length: Typically available in 14 inches (Tac 14) or 13 inches (Tac 13).
• Capacity: Standard models have a 4+1 round capacity.
• Chamber: 3-inch chamber, compatible with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.
• Stock: The Tac 14 and Tac 13 feature a Raptor pistol grip and do not have a traditional shoulder stock.
• Sights: Front bead sight.
• Length: Approximately 26.3 inches (Tac 14) or 24.3 inches (Tac 13).
• Weight: Typically around 5.6 to 5.8 pounds.
• Safety: Ambidextrous safety located on the top of the receiver.
• Additional Features:
  • Classified as "firearms" rather than shotguns, making them subject to different regulations.
  • Compact size and unique design make them easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
  • Available in various configurations and finishes, including wood and synthetic.
  • Suitable for home defense, as a compact truck or camping firearm, or as a recreational shooting platform.

10. Armscor VR80

The Armscor VR80 is a semi-automatic shotgun designed to combine modern features with the reliability and versatility of a shotgun platform, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting purposes.

• Gauge: 12-gauge.
• Action Type: Semi-automatic (gas-operated).
• Barrel Length: Typically available in 20 inches.
• Capacity: Detachable box magazine with various capacity options, such as 5, 9, 10, 19, or higher rounds, depending on the magazine used.
• Chamber: 3-inch chamber, compatible with 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells.
• Stock: Synthetic stock with a thumbhole grip and adjustable cheek rest.
• Sights: Front and rear flip-up sights with a Picatinny top rail for mounting optics.
• Length: Adjustable due to the collapsible stock, typically around 40 to 43 inches.
• Weight: Typically around 8.27 to 8.57 pounds.
• Safety: Ambidextrous safety.
• Additional Features:
  • Picatinny accessory rails for mounting optics, lights, or other accessories.
  • Detachable box magazine for quick reloads.
  • AR-15-style controls for familiarity with users of the AR platform.
  • Muzzle brake for reduced recoil and muzzle rise.
  • Suitable for various shooting sports, including 3-gun competition, and can be adapted for home defense.

What is a Shotgun

A shotgun is a type of firearm that is designed to fire a spread of small projectiles, typically called "shot," from a smoothbore barrel. Shotguns are versatile firearms that are used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, sport shooting, and home defense.

1. Smoothbore Barrel: Unlike rifles, which have rifled barrels designed to impart spin to bullets for accuracy, shotguns typically have smoothbore barrels. This smooth barrel allows for the shot pellets to spread out as they exit the barrel.
2. Ammunition Variety: Shotguns can fire a wide range of ammunition types, including birdshot (small pellets for hunting birds and small game), buckshot (larger pellets for self-defense and hunting medium-sized game), and slugs (a single large projectile for hunting large game).
3. Versatility: Shotguns are versatile. Depending on the type of ammunition used, they can be effective at short ranges for self-defense or home defense as well as for longer ranges when hunting various types of game.
4. Gauge System: Shotguns are categorized by their gauge. This refers to the internal diameter of the shotgun's bore. Common shotgun gauges include 12-gauge and 20-gauge. A lower gauge number indicates a larger bore size.

The short-range effectiveness and broad spread of the shot make it less likely to miss the target in a high-stress situation. It's also less likely to over-penetrate walls and risk collateral damage.

Advantages of Using a Shotgun for Home Defense

Among the multitude of options for home defense, shotguns stand out due to their versatility, power, and the range of types available, from pump-action to semi-automatic models.

1. Stopping Power: Shotguns are known for their significant stopping power, especially at close range. When loaded with buckshot (large pellets), they can incapacitate or deter an intruder with a single shot, making them highly effective for self-defense.
2. Wide Spread: Shotguns fire a spread of pellets, which can increase the chances of hitting a target in high-stress situations where accuracy may be compromised. This can be particularly valuable in low-light or close-quarters home defense scenarios.
3. Versatility: Shotguns can use a variety of ammunition types, including birdshot for less-lethal options, buckshot for self-defense, and slugs for more precise shots at longer distances. This versatility allows homeowners to tailor their ammunition choice to the specific threat level and situation.
4. Intimidation Factor: The sound of a shotgun being chambered or fired can be intimidating to potential intruders. The mere presence of a shotgun can deter some criminals, potentially preventing a confrontation altogether.
5. Ease of Use: Shotguns are generally considered easier to use for individuals with limited firearms experience compared to handguns or rifles. The simplicity of operation, such as the point-and-shoot nature of shotguns, can be an advantage in high-stress situations.
6. Reduced Over-Penetration: Depending on the ammunition used, shotguns can be less likely to over-penetrate walls and barriers, reducing the risk of injuring innocent bystanders or damaging property in a home defense scenario.
7. Shorter Barrel Options: Shotguns are available in various barrel lengths, including shorter models designed specifically for home defense. These shorter barrels are easier to maneuver in tight spaces, such as hallways or bedrooms.
8. Legal Considerations: In some jurisdictions, shotguns may have fewer legal restrictions or regulations compared to certain handguns or rifles, making them a more accessible choice for home defense.

Disadvantages of Using a Shotgun for Home Defense

While shotguns offer significant advantages for home defense, they're not without their drawbacks.

1. Limited Ammunition Capacity: Shotguns typically have a lower ammunition capacity compared to semi-automatic handguns or rifles. Most shotguns have a tube magazine that holds a limited number of rounds (usually 4 to 7 rounds). You may need to reload more frequently in a high-stress situation.
2. Longer Reload Times: Reloading a shotgun can be slower and more cumbersome compared to reloading a semi-automatic handgun or rifle. It requires manually inserting individual shells into the magazine tube.
3. Recoil: Shotguns can produce significant recoil, especially with more powerful loads. This recoil can be difficult to manage for some individuals, leading to reduced accuracy in follow-up shots.
4. Noise and Recoil: The noise and recoil generated by a shotgun indoors can be disorienting and may cause discomfort. This can potentially affecting your ability to maintain situational awareness during a home defense situation.
5. Limited Effective Range: Shotguns are primarily effective at close to intermediate ranges. Beyond a certain distance, the spread of shot pellets becomes less accurate.
6. Muzzle Flash: Shotguns can produce a significant muzzle flash, which can temporarily impair your vision in low-light situations, such as during a nighttime home invasion. The flash can also show your position in the dark.
7. Over-Penetration: Shotguns are generally less likely to over-penetrate walls and barriers compared to certain rifle rounds. However, the risk of over-penetration still exists, depending on the ammunition used.
8. Length and Maneuverability: Some shotguns, especially those with longer barrels, may be less maneuverable in tight spaces like hallways and corners. Shorter-barreled shotguns are available, but pistols or submachineguns are better suited for close-quarters engagements.
9. Limited Sights and Optics: Shotguns designed for hunting may not come equipped with sights or optics suitable for home defense. Adding accessories like red dot sights or tactical lights may even be unnecessary.
10. Training Required: Shooting a shotgun effectively and safely is important. Without proper training and practice, users may struggle to operate the shotgun under stress inside the home.

Types of Shotguns

Shotguns come in various types, each with its own design, action mechanism, and intended use. 

1. Pump-Action Shotguns
   • Action Mechanism: Pump-action shotguns are manually operated. To chamber a round and eject spent shells, the user must manually slide the forend backward and then forward.
   • Advantages: Reliability, versatility, relatively simple operation, and they can cycle a wide range of ammunition types.
   • Popular Models: Remington 870, Mossberg 500/590, Winchester SXP.
2. Semi-Automatic Shotguns
   • Action Mechanism: Semi-automatic shotguns automatically eject spent shells and chamber a new round with each trigger pull. They use the energy from the fired round to cycle the action.
   • Advantages: Faster follow-up shots, reduced recoil, and ease of use. Ideal for those who want a faster rate of fire.
   • Popular Models: Benelli M4, Remington VersaMax, Beretta 1301.
3. Break-Action Shotguns
   • Action Mechanism: Break-action shotguns have a hinge at the receiver, allowing the firearm to be "broken" open for loading and unloading. They can have single or double barrels.
   • Advantages: Simplicity, ease of maintenance, and quick access to the chambers for loading or unloading.
   • Popular Models: Stoeger Coach Gun, CZ-USA Bobwhite, Browning Citori.
4. Bolt-Action Shotguns
   • Action Mechanism: Bolt-action shotguns require the shooter to manually operate a bolt to chamber a new round and eject spent shells.
   • Advantages: Simplicity and reliability, but they are less common for shotgun use compared to rifles.
   • Popular Models: Savage Model 212, Mossberg Maverick Bolt, and older surplus military shotguns.
5. Lever-Action Shotguns
   • Action Mechanism: Lever-action shotguns have a lever beneath the receiver that is cycled to chamber a round and eject spent shells.
   • Advantages: Classic design, quick follow-up shots. Ideal for recreational shooting.
   • Popular Models: Winchester Model 1887, Browning BLR 81, Chiappa 1887.
6. Single-Shot Shotguns
   • Action Mechanism: As the name implies, these shotguns hold only one round at a time and require manual reloading after each shot.
   • Advantages: Simplicity, affordability, and they are often used for training and teaching firearm safety.
   • Popular Models: Various single-shot shotguns from brands like H&R, New England Firearms, and Rossi.
7. Bolt-Action Magazine-Fed Shotguns
   • Action Mechanism: These shotguns combine a bolt-action mechanism with a detachable magazine, allowing for multiple shots before reloading.
   • Advantages: Increased ammunition capacity compared to traditional bolt-action shotguns. Suitable for some sport shooting and hunting.
   • Popular Models: Mossberg MVP, Savage Model 212/220.

How to Choose a Shotgun

Choosing a home defense firearm is an important decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you select the right home shotgun that is ideal for home defense:

1. What's the purpose of buying a shotgun?
   • Understand your primary reason for owning a home defense shotgun. Is it for protection against intruders, or do you have other specific needs like hunting or sport shooting?
2. Consider action type.
   • Decide on the action type that suits your preferences and needs. Pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns are common choices for home defense due to their reliability and effectiveness.
3. Think about the gauge.
   • Choose an appropriate shotgun gauge. For home defense, 12-gauge and 20-gauge are the most common choices. The 12-gauge offers more power, while the 20-gauge has less recoil, which may be more manageable for some users.
4. Consider the barrel length.
   • Select a barrel length that balances maneuverability and effectiveness. Shorter barrels (18 to 20 inches) are often preferred for home defense as they are easier to handle indoors.
5. Choose the right ammunition.
   • Decide on the type of ammunition suitable for home defense. Buckshot is a common choice, but make sure it complies with local laws and regulations. Familiarize yourself with different shotgun loads and their performance characteristics.
6. Check the shotgun's ammo capacity.
   • Determine the shotgun's ammo capacity. Higher capacity shotguns are desirable, but consider your local laws and whether you can legally own a shotgun with an extended magazine.
7. Can you handle the recoil?
   • Consider your ability to manage recoil. Shotguns can produce significant recoil, especially with powerful loads. Factors such as your size, strength, and experience will affect your comfort with recoil.
8. What about accessories and modifications?
   • Assess any desired accessories or modifications such as optics, tactical stocks, forends with rails for mounting accessories, weapon-mounted lights, and recoil-reducing accessories.
9. Try before you buy.
   • Whenever possible, try out different shotgun models at a shooting range or gun store to assess how they feel in your hands, how they handle, and how you manage recoil.
10. Safety first.
    • Prioritize safety and training. Invest in proper firearm safety training, and regularly practice with your chosen shotgun to become proficient in its use.
11. Legal considerations
    • Understand the legal regulations and requirements for owning a shotgun in your jurisdiction. Ensure compliance with all laws regarding firearms ownership and storage.
12. Look for expert advice.
    • Consult with knowledgeable professionals, such as firearm instructors or experienced gun store personnel, for guidance and recommendations based on your specific needs.

Shotgun Ammo for Home Defense

For home defense, the type of shotgun you pick is important, but it's the ammo that can really make a difference. When choosing shotgun ammo, one must consider factors like gauge, range, and effectiveness.

The ideal shotgun ammunition for home defense typically depends on various factors, including your specific needs, the layout of your home, and personal preferences. However, there are some common types of shotgun ammunition that are often recommended for home defense scenarios:

1. 00 Buckshot: This is one of the most popular choices for home defense shotgun ammunition. 00 buckshot shells contain multiple large pellets (usually eight or nine) that can deliver a devastating impact on a threat at close range. The spread pattern is relatively tight at typical home defense distances, increasing the likelihood of hitting the target while minimizing the risk of over-penetration.
2. #1 Buckshot: Similar to 00 buckshot, #1 buckshot loads contain smaller pellets, typically around 16 to 18. These pellets still provide effective stopping power while offering slightly more pellets in each shot, potentially increasing the chances of hitting the target.
3. Reduced Recoil Loads: Some manufacturers offer reduced recoil versions of buckshot ammunition. These loads are designed to generate less felt recoil, which can be advantageous for those who are recoil-sensitive or looking for faster follow-up shots.
4. Slugs: While not as common as buckshot for home defense, slugs are large, single-projectile rounds that can be highly effective in close-quarters situations. Slugs offer excellent penetration and accuracy but may pose a higher risk of over-penetration compared to buckshot.
5. Birdshot: Birdshot, with its smaller pellets, is generally not recommended for home defense. While it may be less likely to over-penetrate walls and barriers, it lacks the stopping power needed to incapacitate a threat effectively.

Pump or Semi-Auto Shotgun

In the realm of home defense, understanding the distinction between pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns can greatly enhance one's ability to make an informed decision.

Pump shotguns are reliable, less complex, and often less expensive. They require the user to manually cycle each round, which can be a disadvantage in high-stress situations.

Semi-automatic shotguns, on the other hand, automatically eject spent shells and load the next round, providing a faster rate of fire. They're generally more expensive and may require more maintenance. However, their ease of use might be worth the additional cost.

FAQs

Let's tackle some common questions about using modern shotguns for home defense.

Is a 12 gauge too much for home defense?

Understanding whether a 12 gauge shotgun is too powerful for home defense often involves a balance of knowledge about power, recoil, and personal comfort.

With its significant stopping power, a 12 gauge certainly can halt a threat. However, its heavy recoil may be challenging for some individuals, potentially affecting their accuracy and speed. The blast and flash can also be disorienting in a dark, enclosed space.

Personal comfort, including one's ability to manage the shotgun's size and recoil, is crucial. In terms of over-penetration, it's a concern, but can be mitigated with the right ammunition.

Which is better for home defense, a shotgun or AR-15?

Both are powerful, but they've key differences. Shotguns, with their wide spread, can stop an intruder quickly even if the user's aim isn't perfect. However, they're bulky and can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

Conversely, AR-15s are lightweight and easier to handle. They offer greater capacity, allowing for more shots without reloading. However, their high velocity rounds can over-penetrate, potentially causing collateral damage.

Therefore, the best choice depends on the individual's comfort and proficiency with the firearm, the home's layout, and local laws.

Are shotguns effective for home defense?

There's a lot of debate over whether shotguns are effective for home defense, but five key factors typically come into play:

• Power: A shotgun's power is undeniable; even the sound of racking one can deter potential intruders.

• Spread: The spread of a shotgun, while not as wide as some believe, can increase the chances of hitting a target in a high-stress situation.

• Maneuverability: Maneuverability is a concern in tight spaces, but training can mitigate this.

• Intimidation factor: The intimidation factor of a shotgun is subjective, but it's certainly a force to be reckoned with.

• Simplicity of use: Lastly, shotguns are straightforward to operate, making them a viable option for those new to firearms.

Conclusion

Choosing the right home defense shotgun is a critical decision. For first time gun owners, it's essential to understand the different types, their unique features, and how to handle them.

Whether it's a Mossberg, Remington, or Benelli, each of these home defense shotguns on the market offers distinct advantages. It's about finding one that fits your personal needs and comfort.

This guide has hopefully shed some light on the best options, aiding you in making an informed choice for a shotgun that is suited for home defense.