The Best Shotguns for Home Defense

Shotguns are the ultimate home defense guns. Versatile and easy to shoot, you’ll be well prepared for unwanted visitors if you’ve got a shotgun on hand. Because of its versatility, you won’t just keep your shotgun next to your bedside table to keep your family safe, you’ll also be able to get out and have a little fun, whether you hunt, compete, or shoot sporting clays.

Pump action or semi-auto, rest assured your family will be safe and secure should anything unexpected happen at your home – day or night. We’ve taken the guesswork out and listed the best shotguns for home defense.

Table of Contents

Remington 870
Benelli M4 Tactical
Mossberg 500
KelTec KSG and KS7
Beretta 1301 Tactical
Benelli Nova and Supernova
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical

Remington 870

The 870 from Remington is – according to Remington – the best-selling shotgun of all time. A time-honored classic in production since 1950, over 11 million have been sold. With over 30 current models to choose from, the 870 Tactical (shown above) and Express Tactical are ideal choices for home defense.

Like all 870s, the receiver is machined from a single block of solid steel. The tactical models feature a shorter barrel for easy maneuvering, a 6+1 capacity, and adjustable tactical stocks.

Action: Pump
Gauge: 12
Standard Capacity: 4-7 rounds, depending on configuration

Related: Read More About the 870

Benelli M4 Tactical

The Benelli M4 has been called the best shotgun ever made, and it is the epitome of home defense shotguns. Trusted by the U.S. military as well as law enforcement agencies and governments across the globe, the M4 Tactical will serve you reliably as a home defense shotgun.

Featuring a piston-driven Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated (ARGO) system, the M4 has dual stainless steel, self-cleaning pistons. It’s chrome-plated and coated with heavy phosphate to protect it against corrosion under tough conditions in the field (when it’s not by the bedside table keeping you safe). You will be well protected with the M4 by your side!

Action: Semi-auto
Gauge: 12
Standard Capacity: 7

Mossberg 500

This pump-action workhorse is another great choice for a home defense shotgun. While all the Mossberg 500 models will fill the role of a home defense shotgun, two models stand out: the Tactical and Tactical Scorpion.

In production for over 60 years, configurations are endless on these because of the popularity of the 500 line, including pistol grips, multiple stock configurations, barrel lengths, colors and chamberings. Trusted by law enforcement, military and millions of private citizens across the globe, the 500 line from Mossberg is an all-purpose pump-action powerhouse that won’t break the bank.

Action: Pump
Gauge: 12
Standard Capacity: 6

KelTec KSG and KS7

KelTec's KSG (larger photo) and KS7 (inset). (Photos: Paul Peterson and Ben Philippi/Guns.com)

Looking for a great but budget-friendly option for home defense? Don’t look past the KelTec KSG. The KSG is an innovative bullpup pump-action shotgun loaded with features you’d expect to cost more. On the market for well over a decade, the KSG has an excellent reputation for being a reliable option. The KSG holds a staggering capacity of 14 rounds using its dual seven-round tube system, which allows the operator to “reload” with a flick of a switch.

Action: Pump
Gauge: 12
Standard Capacity: 14 (KSG) / 7 (KS7)

If you like what you see with the KSG, be sure to check out the KS7 model, as it is smaller and lighter but an excellent choice as well. Smaller and lighter and easy to carry with its integrated carry handle, it still holds a decent capacity of six rounds.

The controls are ambidextrous. If you’re left-handed, this one is for you. The KS7 was named the 2020 Golden Bullseye Shotgun of the Year by American Rifleman Magazine. As they say on the KelTec website, “This ain’t your grandpa’s shotgun!”

Beretta 1301 Tactical

With its enlarged controls, the Beretta 1301 is easy to operate under any conditions – day or night. Designed for law enforcement and home defense, it’s engineered to be reliable and easy to use while keeping a small footprint for tight-quarters maneuvering.

The 1301 Tactical is gas-operated with the integrated BLINK system (cross-tube gas piston) which cycles 36 percent faster than any other shotgun on the market. The 1913 Picatinny rail allows easy addition of your accessories.

Action: Semi-auto
Gauge: 12
Standard Capacity: 7

Benelli Nova and Supernova

Benelli took the industry by storm with the introduction of the Nova a few years back. They did it again with the reveal of the Supernova. Both are tried-and-true shotgun lines and work seamlessly for home defense. The Nova features a steel skeletal framework, which helped lighten the shotgun. The stocks and receivers are formed as one single unit.

The Supernova features a new modern design with an optional SteadyGrip stock. The tactical version features ghost-ring sights and a pistol grip. Light and strong, it’s also constructed with a steel skeleton. With plenty of variations and options, you won’t go wrong with either of these pump-action Benellis.

Action: Pump
Gauge: 12
Standard Capacity: 4

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical

Looking for something a little swankier than the Mossberg 500? Take a look at the 940 Pro. It’s a serious upgrade and does a serious job as a home defense shotgun. While the 940 line has many great models, the 940 Pro Tactical (pictured above) is the newest tactical choice on the market.

Optics-ready, the 940 Pro Tactical accepts low-profile direct mounting of Shield RMSc-pattern micro dot sights. It features a gas system that allows up to 1,500 rounds between cleanings and offers a host of corrosion-resistant internal parts. The adjustable stock will ensure a great fit.

Action: Semi-auto
Gauge: 12
Standard Capacity: 7

Remington 870

Benelli M4 Tactical

Mossberg 500

KelTec KSG and KS7

Beretta 1301 Tactical

Benelli Nova and Supernova

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical

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