Best Home Defense Guns: Top Picks for Protection

At Cloudster Pillow, we understand the importance of feeling safe in your own home. Choosing the right firearm for home defense is a critical decision that requires careful consideration.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best home defense guns, examining factors like ease of use, stopping power, and legal considerations. We’ll also break down top handgun, shotgun, and rifle options to help you make an informed choice for protecting your household.

What Makes a Good Home Defense Gun?

Ease of Use: Your First Line of Defense

A good home defense gun must be easy to operate in high-stress situations. The National Shooting Sports Foundation reports that 40% of new gun owners in 2020 were women. This statistic highlights the need for firearms that users of all sizes and strengths can manage. Semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 19 or Smith & Wesson M&P Shield are popular due to their simple operation and low recoil.

Stopping Power: Effectiveness Meets Safety

An effective home defense firearm stops threats without excessive risk. The FBI found that 9mm ammunition must penetrate at least 12 inches but not exceed 18 inches for optimal effectiveness while minimizing risks. Experts recommend hollow point ammunition for home defense. It expands upon impact, which reduces the risk of passing through walls.

Minimizing Collateral Damage

Over-penetration is a serious concern in home defense scenarios. The Department of Justice reports that approximately 50% of homes in the United States have at least one shared wall with a neighbor. This fact underscores the importance of choosing ammunition that minimizes the risk to innocent bystanders. Frangible ammunition or lighter buckshot loads for shotguns can be effective while reducing over-penetration risks.

Navigating Legal Considerations

Gun laws vary significantly by state and even by city. Some states have magazine capacity restrictions or prohibit certain types of firearms for home defense. It’s essential to check your local laws before making a purchase. (The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence provides up-to-date information on local firearm regulations.)

Matching Your Living Situation

Your home defense gun should fit your specific living situation. Factors to consider include:

1. Home layout (apartment vs. house)
2. Presence of children or other household members
3. Your physical capabilities
4. Storage options

The best home defense gun is one you can use effectively and safely. Regular training and familiarity with your chosen firearm are just as important as its specifications. (This applies to all firearms, including those used with the Cloudster Pillow for concealed carry.)

As we move forward, let’s examine specific firearm options for home defense, starting with handguns.

Which Handguns Excel for Home Defense?

Semi-Automatic Pistols: Reliability Meets Capacity

The Glock 19 stands out as a popular choice for home defense. Its 15-round capacity provides ample firepower, while its polymer frame keeps weight manageable at 23.63 ounces. The National Shooting Sports Foundation reports that Glock pistols account for 65% of law enforcement handguns in the United States, which speaks to their reliability.

Another strong contender is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. This compact pistol offers a slimmer profile, making it easier to handle for those with smaller hands. It features a polymer frame, metal slide, and standard adjustable sights. The Shield comes with a 7 and 8 capacity single stack magazine, striking a balance between concealability and firepower.

Revolvers: Simplicity and Power

For those who prefer simplicity, the Ruger GP100 in .357 Magnum offers substantial stopping power. Its six-round capacity might seem limited compared to semi-automatics, but the reliability of a revolver can reassure in high-stress situations.

The Smith & Wesson Model 642 is an excellent choice for those who prioritize ease of use. This lightweight, hammerless revolver eliminates the risk of snagging and allows for a smooth draw. Its .38 Special chambering provides adequate power for home defense while remaining manageable for most shooters.

Pros and Cons of Handguns for Home Defense

Handguns excel in maneuverability, which allows you to navigate tight spaces in your home while keeping one hand free for tasks like opening doors or calling 911. They’re also easier to store securely in quick-access safes (which is crucial for homes with children).

However, handguns require more skill to shoot accurately under stress compared to long guns. A study shows that police departments rarely achieve a 50% hit rate in officer-involved shootings. This statistic underscores the importance of regular training with your chosen firearm.

Semi-automatic pistols offer higher capacity and faster reloads but may be more prone to malfunctions if not maintained properly. Revolvers, while limited in capacity, are incredibly simple to operate and less likely to jam.

The Department of Homeland Security recommends at least quarterly practice sessions for those who carry firearms professionally. For home defenders, monthly range visits can significantly improve your skills and confidence.

The best home defense gun is one you can access quickly, operate confidently, and shoot accurately under stress. Consider factors like your home layout, physical capabilities, and local laws when making your choice.

Now that we’ve explored handguns, let’s turn our attention to shotguns and rifles, which offer different advantages for home protection.

Long Guns for Home Defense

Shotguns: Powerful Close-Range Protection

Shotguns excel in home defense due to their effectiveness at close range. The Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 stand out as top pump-action choices.

The Mossberg 500 boasts reliability and versatility. With over 10 million units sold, it has proven its worth. This shotgun typically holds 5+1 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition, providing substantial firepower. Its shorter 18.5-inch barrel (common in home defense models) allows for easy maneuvering in tight spaces.

Remington’s 870, with more than 11 million units produced, offers smooth action and durability. It matches the Mossberg’s 5+1 capacity but weighs slightly more, which can help reduce felt recoil.

For home defense, 00 buckshot is a popular choice. Each shell contains nine .33 caliber pellets, creating a devastating pattern at close range. At 7 yards, the typical spread measures about 4 inches, increasing hit probability under stress.

Rifles: Accuracy and High Capacity

The AR-15 platform has gained popularity for home defense. It offers modularity, allowing you to choose sights/optics, muzzle devices, lights, lasers, barrels, calibers, and furniture to fit your needs. The .223/5.56mm round used in most AR-15s effectively stops threats while potentially reducing over-penetration risks compared to handgun rounds.

For those in states with AR-15 restrictions, the Ruger PC Carbine serves as an excellent alternative. This 9mm rifle uses common pistol magazines, simplifying ammunition compatibility if you own a 9mm handgun. Its takedown feature allows for compact storage, beneficial in urban environments.

Advantages of Long Guns

Long guns offer superior accuracy and stopping power compared to handguns. However, it’s worth noting that a shotgun, a pistol-caliber carbine, or a simple full-size handgun could be as good or better for home defense.

However, long guns require two hands to operate effectively, which can limit your ability to perform other tasks like opening doors or calling for help. They also present challenges in tight spaces, a consideration for smaller homes or apartments.

Training and Storage Considerations

Training becomes essential with any firearm, especially long guns. We recommend at least 500 rounds of practice ammunition for initial familiarization, followed by regular training sessions. Many shooting ranges offer specific courses for home defense with shotguns and rifles.

Proper storage remains a priority. A quick-access gun safe can provide security while allowing rapid deployment in an emergency. (The Cloudster Pillow can complement your long gun setup, offering comfort and concealment for backup handguns carried on your person.)

Choosing the Right Long Gun

The best home defense firearm is one you can operate effectively under stress. Consider your living situation, physical capabilities, and local laws when making your choice. (Regular training and a comprehensive home defense plan hold equal importance to the firearm itself.)

Final Thoughts

The best home defense guns combine effectiveness with user comfort and proficiency. Regular training enhances your ability to respond in high-stress situations, making your chosen firearm an extension of yourself. A comprehensive home defense strategy incorporates layered security measures, clear communication protocols, and a well-planned evacuation strategy.

Safety and responsible gun ownership form the foundation of any home defense plan. Proper storage, maintenance, and adherence to local laws prevent accidents and ensure your strategy doesn’t create new risks. Educating family members about gun safety is an essential step in responsible firearm ownership.

For those who carry concealed firearms, comfort and concealment are paramount. The Cloudster Pillow offers an innovative solution to enhance both aspects of concealed carry. Its ergonomic design provides comfort during extended wear while reducing printing and ensuring snug concealment.