At Cloudster Pillow, we understand the importance of protecting your loved ones and property. Selecting the best home defense firearm is a critical decision that requires careful consideration.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 guns for safeguarding your family, covering their pros, cons, and key features. We’ll also discuss crucial factors to consider when choosing the right weapon for your specific needs.

1. Mossberg 590 Shockwave Compact Shotgun

The Mossberg 590 Shockwave stands out as a powerful home defense weapon. This compact shotgun delivers devastating close-range effectiveness with its 12-gauge shells. Its 14-inch barrel and 26.37-inch overall length provide excellent maneuverability in tight spaces, a key advantage during home invasions. The Shockwave’s Raptor grip is much more natural to hold and allows for improved recoil management compared to a cruiser grip, offering superior control and allowing quick target acquisition in high-stress situations.

For optimal home defense, the Shockwave excels with both buckshot and slugs. We recommend using 00 buckshot, which typically contains nine pellets per shell, delivering multiple projectiles for increased hit probability. The Shockwave’s 5+1 round capacity ensures sufficient firepower to handle multiple threats. However, the compact design can increase recoil, requiring proper training and practice for effective use. Regular range sessions will help you master this powerful tool and prepare you to protect your family when it counts.

The Mossberg 590 Shockwave’s compact size and powerful performance make it an excellent choice for home defense. However, for those seeking a more traditional option with similar effectiveness, the Remington 870 pump-action shotgun offers a classic design and proven reliability (which we’ll discuss in detail later).

2. Glock 19 Semi-Automatic Pistol for Home Defense

The Glock 19 excels as a top choice for home defense with its compact size, reliability, and versatility. Its simple design means fewer parts to worry about, making it easy to handle for most shooters. This 9mm handgun offers a 15+1 round capacity, providing ample firepower for most defensive situations. Its polymer frame and striker-fired mechanism contribute to durability and low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent option for both novice and experienced shooters. The Glock 19’s manageable recoil and consistent trigger pull enhance accuracy, which proves vital in high-stress scenarios.

For optimal home defense use, we suggest installing night sights and a weapon-mounted light on your Glock 19. These additions significantly improve target identification and accuracy in low-light conditions (often encountered during home invasions). Regular practice at the range is essential to maintain proficiency. Focus on these key skills:

• Drawing from concealment
• Engaging multiple targets
• One-handed shooting

Proper maintenance is straightforward – clean and lubricate your Glock 19 regularly. This simple routine ensures your firearm remains reliable when you need it most. As we move on to discuss the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II, consider how its features compare to the Glock 19’s compact design and ease of use.

3. AR-15 Style Rifle: Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II for Home Defense

The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II excels as a home defense weapon. This AR-15 style rifle comes in two configurations: one with iron sights and another featuring a Crimson Trace red-dot optic. It offers superior accuracy, low recoil, and a 30-round magazine capacity, which provides ample firepower for multiple-threat scenarios. Its lightweight design and adjustable stock allow easy maneuverability in tight spaces. The M-LOK system is generally lighter than Picatinny rails, enabling customization with optics, lights, and other accessories to enhance its effectiveness.

For optimal home defense setup, add a red dot sight (like the Sig Sauer Romeo5) and a weapon-mounted light (such as the Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 2). These additions improve target acquisition and threat identification in low-light conditions. However, you must know local laws regarding AR-15 style rifles and high-capacity magazines, as regulations vary by state. Store the rifle in a quick-access gun safe that stands 4.5 feet tall, 16 inches deep, and 14 inches wide, offering easy access to its contents. Train regularly at the range, focusing on:

• Close-quarters shooting
• Transitioning between targets
• Proper weapon manipulation

While the M&P15 Sport II offers impressive capabilities, some users prefer the simplicity and reliability of revolvers for home defense. The Ruger GP100, our next topic, provides these qualities in a compact package.

4. Ruger GP100 Revolver for Reliable Home Defense

The Ruger GP100 revolver excels as a home defense weapon due to its simplicity and reliability in high-stress situations. This .357 Magnum revolver features a robust stainless steel construction, which ensures durability and minimal maintenance. The GP100’s double-action trigger allows for quick, instinctive shooting, while its adjustable rear sight enhances accuracy for follow-up shots. With a 7-round capacity and an overall length of 8.5″, the GP100 provides sufficient firepower for most home defense scenarios without the risk of magazine-related malfunctions.

For optimal home defense use, we suggest loading the GP100 with .38 Special +P ammunition. This choice offers accurate, low-recoil defense rounds that are proven to stop threats at close range. The .38 Special +P ammunition provides consistent performance, making it an excellent choice for home defense. To enhance low-light performance, the addition of night sights provides a clear sight picture in dark conditions. While the GP100’s capacity is lower than some semi-automatic options, its reliability and ease of use make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize simplicity in their home defense strategy.

The GP100’s straightforward operation and dependability contrast with the versatility and higher capacity of pump-action shotguns. Our next section explores the Remington 870, a classic design that has proven its effectiveness in home defense scenarios for decades.

5. Remington 870 Pump-Action Shotgun

The Remington Model 870 stands as a time-tested icon in home defense. Its rugged design and 12-gauge stopping power create a formidable deterrent against intruders. The 870’s 18.5-inch barrel and 7+1 capacity provide ample firepower while maintaining maneuverability in tight spaces. For optimal home defense, we recommend 00 buckshot, which is proven in wound ballistics, though No. 1 buckshot offers consistent penetration, good patterning, and less recoil.

The 870’s pump-action mechanism ensures reliable cycling with various ammunition types, reducing the risk of malfunctions in high-stress situations. Its simplicity also makes it easier to train with and maintain compared to more complex firearms. To enhance its effectiveness, consider these additions:

• Tactical light for improved visibility
• Ghost ring sights for better target acquisition and an excellent balance between speed and accuracy
• Extended magazine tube for increased capacity (where legal)

Regular practice at the range will help you maximize the 870’s potential as a home defense tool. Focus on quick target transitions and reloading drills to build muscle memory and confidence. While the Remington 870 offers proven reliability, some users prefer the versatility of semi-automatic options. Let’s explore how these compare in terms of speed and ease of use.

Final Thoughts

The best home defense firearm depends on your specific circumstances and comfort level. You must consider factors such as your living situation, family dynamics, and experience when selecting a weapon. Proper training, safe storage, and knowledge of local laws are essential components of responsible firearm ownership for home protection.

At Cloudster Pillow, we recognize the importance of comfort and concealment for those who carry firearms. Our adjustable concealed carry pillow enhances comfort and reduces printing, making it an excellent accessory for everyday carry. While designed for on-body carry, the principles of comfort and concealment apply to home defense as well.

The ideal home defense firearm is one you can operate proficiently and access quickly when needed. You should commit to ongoing training, maintain your equipment, and prioritize safety at all times. This approach will help you protect what matters most – your family and home.