Protecting Your Castle: The Best Home Defense Shotguns

We think that you'll agree that the 2A community loves a good gun debate. Whether that is the famed AR vs AK or 1911 vs. Glock, the gun community will argue about everything right down to the individual grain count of a round. The debate for the best shotgun for home defense is no exception. 

Here at MIRA Safety, we don't mind those debates as within the debate every new reader learns something new. The truth is that there are countless individuals that are passionate about their family's safety, but a little timid to weigh in on these debates. 

They don't want to use the wrong terminology or seem like a novice in front of more experienced voices. If that's you, you're in the right place. We're going to run through our take on home-defense shotguns and do it in a casual manner that welcomes all. From top to bottom, we are not here to win this debate.

Rather, we are here to inform the reader as best we know how. Your family's safety is paramount to us and not our pride. We're going to go piece by piece and if at the end of this debate the average person walks out more informed or asks questions they wouldn't otherwise, we'll call that a win. Let's jump right in. 

Why Choose a Shotgun for Home Defense 

There is not unanimous consent that the shotgun is the best firearm for home defense. However, it does have a majority in parliament to that end. Even anti-gun politicians will acknowledge its function and utility in defending the average household, especially in close quarters. 

The argument for the shotgun goes something like this. The sound of racking the round in the chamber lets the intruder know you are armed (use a pump-action shotgun for added effect). The power of the shotgun is often such that one shotgun shell is enough to disable an aggressor. The spread of the shotgun fire means accuracy under duress is less important. A home defense battle will often be conducted in close quarters. 

Pistols and rifles require accuracy. Shotguns live within the realm of close enough is good enough. However, that is an oversimplification of the debate. We're just telling you why people love them in mass numbers. The best tactical shotguns often have specific features that really elevate them to another level.

Types of Shotguns for Home Defense 

Let's kick off with a few basic choices up front. Those are choosing between a pump action shotgun and a semi automatic shotgun. Then, let's examine the pros and cons of the pistol grip shotgun. These are choices with both aesthetic and operational functions. 

Pump-Action vs. Semi-Auto: Choosing Your Defense Firearm

In this article, we're not going to debate which shotgun is better in general. We're going to focus on home defense. The first point to consider is that, in general, pump action shotguns are cheaper than semi auto. We'll say it time and time again, the best firearm for you is the one you can actually afford. 

That being said, semi-auto shotguns are quicker for multiple fire action and often bring less recoil, making them best for home use. This also means that you can shoot quicker and more on target than the average person operating a pump. Variables matter such as whether you are shooting a 12 gauge or a 20 gauge  and the ammo you use with each style of shotgun. 

In a high stress situation, quicker and more accurate matters. For the experienced shooter, the difference may be negligible. However, for the novice this could be the difference when someone tries to kick down your door.

Most gun debates will center around whether guns like the Mossberg 500 or the Beretta 1301 Tactical reigns supreme to that end. However, much of that debate revolves around how they handle the elements in the mud or ice. Remember, this is home defense. Either will do and will gift a permanent dirt nap to the bad guy who decided to test your resolve in your own home. 

The Pistol Grip Shotgun Debate

The straight grip is often preferred by hunters for its quick target acquisition. Meanwhile, the pistol caliber carbine, or the general pistol grip, has found a following among tactical lovers for its increased control in close quarters combat. 

You also have to consider the various legal implications at play with a pistol grip. In some states, depending on the length of the shotgun and whether it is semi auto or not could mean your preferred firearm is illegal. We encourage you to research the laws in your own state before you purchase a long gun, whether it's pump or semi-auto. 

At the end of the day, the choice really boils down to which version you are most comfortable with. Which style makes you feel most confident in a fight. Train like you intend to fight and pick what comes natural to you. Don't let some yahoo on an internet gun forum make you feel like an idiot for picking one or the other. They are both great for home defense. 

Best Home Defense Shotgun Models 

For time's sake, we can't walk through every single shotgun available on the market. We will say that there are a good number of Turkish made shotguns out there and we wouldn't recommend any of them over the three we are going to review below. For this article, we are going to focus on the big three. That is Mossberg, Benelli, and Beretta. 

Mossberg: The King of Home Defense

Mossberg has been making amazing shotguns longer than most people have been alive. The Mossberg 500 has been around since 1961 and its continued fan base demonstrates that it is a reliable and classic choice. It's affordable, trustworthy and you simply can't go wrong. 

Meanwhile, the Mossberg 590 offers some tactical upgrades for serious defenders. It is perhaps the most durable shotgun of the Mossberg line and meets MIL-SPEC standards that can hold up in a serious fight. 

With the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical, you have a semi-auto option that is going to put a serious hurt on the intruder when you pull the trigger. The gas operated system means you can fire round after round and can handle hundreds of rounds before you need to do any serious cleaning. It is an excellent option, but you'll pay a premium price to add it to your arsenal. 

Benelli M4: The Premium Tactical Shotgun

If you don't mind grabbing a shotgun from across the pond, Benelli offers some serious shotguns made for some serious work. Benelli is known for its famous inertia driven system that leverages the recoil of the shotgun to eject the old round and place the new round into the chamber. 

You'll pay a premium price to pick up a Benelli, but when you realize that it is prized by law enforcement agencies around the world, you'll feel good about paying the price for home defense. Law enforcement love its unmatched reliability as it shows up time and time again in high-stress situations like your home when it's being attacked and you need it most. 

Beretta 1301 Tactical: Speed Meets Reliability

In a gunfight, a split fraction of a second can make the difference between coming in second place. Pro tip, gunfights are notoriously unkind to the second place finisher. You'll likely encounter one gun fight in your entire life and it is essential that you win the day. 

This shotgun uses a gas operated system that can be around 1/3rd faster than many other shotguns. It is reliable, trustworthy, and shows up big in a fight. It's a very good option for a defensive shotgun and we can't really say anything bad about it. 

Shotgun Customization for Home Defense 

Keep in mind that there is a difference between "tactical" and "tacti-cool". Not every gadget that you can add to your shotgun will enhance your ability to fight when it matters most. The Remington 870 is a classic, highly proven shotgun. Start adding all the lasers, lights, and gadgets to it and you absolutely ruin it.

Essential Upgrades for Your Defense Firearm

The keyword here is essential. Nothing is essential, regardless of what the internet forums will tell you. Take the cheapest pump shotgun you can find, point it towards the enemy, fire, and the job gets done. However, when well considered, you can make some upgrades. 

We're not a fan of lasers on shotguns. To each their own, but we're not fans. When it comes to home defense, the attack is likely going to come at night and unless you have a set of NVGs next to your bed, seeing at night matters. A laser will take up space that a good tactical light should occupy. 

We're also not a fan of slings on shotguns for home defense. Again, the split fraction of a second matters. You hear the door kicked in and you go. Worrying about the sling should not take up that split fraction of a second. It would not be a good idea for the bad guy to find you trying to put on the sling like you are trying to put on your pants.

Finally, it is the same with magazine extensions. If you are firing more than 5 rounds in defense of your home, you are not in a home defense situation. You are in an assault. Extending the magazine tube can reduce the accuracy by adding weight to the front of the shotgun. If the battle for your home is that intense you need a short barreled rifled and more rounds. 

When it comes to accessories, optics is where we will say that any optic can be an improvement. It is a myth that with a shotgun that you don't have to aim. Why wouldn't you aim? An optic or sight helps you focus that aim. Particularly if you find yourself firing in a CBRN environment through a gas mask, any assistance in accuracy matters. 

Even at a short range, a red dot or ghost ring sight can help you put the spread of the buckshot center mass. Even if this is your first shotgun, you understand the concept of a sight and if it keeps you from trying to shoot from the hip, we call that a win. The most important thing is that if you are going to put a sight on your firearm, train with it. We can't say it enough, train like you intend to fight. 

Ammunition Choices for Home Defense Shotguns 

Quickly, let's talk about your ammunition choices for a home situation. You can choose birdshot, buckshot or slugs. Birdshot is designed for what it sounds like. Small game like birds. The benefit to considering birdshot is that the likelihood that it is going to penetrate your kid's bedroom is low. 

Buckshot, is designed for medium sized gain. If you are worried about hitting an intruder on meth with birdshot only to see him still coming at you, then up your game with buckshot. Still less of a chance of wall penetration, but comes with some risk considering drywall is paper thin. 

Finally, slugs are designed for large game. If you put a slug center mass on a bad guy and he is not wearing our Level 4 body armor, he's going to have a really bad day. If they are wearing it, you're in trouble because it is great armor. For most threats to your home, if you fire a shotgun with one shotgun slug round into the chest of the intruder he will stop. 

Training with Your Home Defense Shotgun 

Regardless of what shotgun you choose, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of training. If you do not train, you will fail when it matters most. Most people like to think that they will rise to the occasion when it matters most. You will not. Rather, you will fall to the highest level of your training and preparation. 

Practice moving around your house and its components. Practice moving around your house at night. Understand where your natural cover and concealment elements exist. Pro tip, behind drywall is concealment, but it is not covered. Train, train, train, and then train some more with your home defense weapons. 

Part 7: Legal Considerations for Shotgun Home Defense 

Finally, understand the laws of your state as it pertains to the castle doctrine. You do have a right to personal defense in your home. However, pumping round after round from your M2 tactical shotgun into the back of a retreating intruder is going to land you in hot water. 

Home security is all about you and your family surviving the day. It is not about punishment or retribution. Keep your shotgun loaded and ready for the day that you need it. However, the perfect home defense is to understand that you don't use it if you don't need it. Stand your ground. Defend your castle. Know the applicable laws in your state. 

Conclusion - Choosing Your Best Home Defense Shotgun 

So, let's recap on what elements are key for defending your family during a home invasion. The best shotgun for you is the one you can afford. Pumps are cheaper. If that's all you can afford, grab a pump for your home defense shotgun. 

Do not over accessorize. We like sights and optics for a combat shotgun. We don't like anything that takes you off target during what is likely to be a quick fight. You don't need to fire thousands of rounds. Make the few that you do fire accurate and on target. 

Finally, train, train, train. Train yourself, train your spouse, train your kids. If you think your spouse or significant other can't handle the power of a Mossberg 930, grab a youth shotgun for them and train. Any home defense firearm is better than none. 

Please, if you are a first time gun owner, do not let this subject intimidate you. Shotguns are easy to load, effective, and you don't need the baddest tactical shotgun in the land to defend your family. Read this article and take action now. You've got this and the team here at MIRA Safety is behind you.