When it comes to home protection, the stakes are as extreme as they come. Home defense for most of us means protecting loved ones nearby, more hallway space than stand-off distances. The gun you select can make a big difference, but with so many available, choosing one can be daunting. Here’s a rundown on seven great options for home defense, from the handy pistol to the heavy hitter shotgun, and why each is an excellent pick.
7. Gen 5 Glock 19 MOS – The All-Rounder
The Glock 19 MOS has built a rock-solid reputation across law enforcement and civilian shooters. Chambered in 9mm, it gets the best of size, capacity, and reliability. The 15-round standard magazine offers sufficient firepower while the pistol remains compact enough to be handled with ease.
The MOS design simplifies mounting a red dot—a luxury when seconds count, particularly at night. For the person who desires one firearm that serves both home protection and everyday carry, the Glock 19 MOS is difficult to beat.
6. Marlin 1894 – The Lever Action With Bite
Lever guns do not always come to mind when considering home defense, but the Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum/.38 Special is a strong argument. It operates rapidly, naturally points, and is fairly legal everywhere. It has a 9+1 capacity and a cold hammer-forged barrel, making it rugged and simple to operate. The receiver is optics-capable, and after-market rails enable attachment of a red dot sight or light. It’s an old-school design with new possibilities—a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
5. Ruger PC Carbine – Rifle Control With Pistol Ammo
If you enjoy the controllability of a rifle but prefer the familiarity of a pistol cartridge, the Ruger PC Carbine is an ideal choice. This semi-automatic 9mm carbine has a 17-round magazine, a 16-inch threaded barrel, and Glock magazine compatibility.
Its take-down architecture simplifies storage and transport, with adjustable ghost ring sights that help you stay on target. Modular design in the PC Carbine allows quick addition of optics, lights, and magazine wells for other platforms.
4. Mossberg 590A1 – For Hard Use
The Mossberg 590A1 is a legend within police and military communities for good reason. This 12-gauge pump-action is about as rugged as they get with its parkerized finish, synthetic stock, and 8+1 capacity. Its 20-inch barrel cylinder bore choke proves effective with tactical loads, and the XS ghost ring sights are fast and accurate.
The forend M-LOK slots provide a simple way to attach a light, and the ambidextrous safety is a nice feature for left- and right-handed users.
3. Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol – Semi-Auto Speed
For shooters who like the speed capability of a semi-auto shotgun, the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol does not disappoint. Chambered in 12 gauge, it features a 19.1-inch barrel, 7+1 capacity, and a gas action designed to control recoil. Adjustable ghost ring sights and a Picatinny rail make optics mounting a snap. Oversized controls, M-LOK mounting slots, and a flared loading port make this shotgun fast, intuitive, and purpose-designed for home defense situations.
2. Taurus Raging Hunter – A New Twist on the Revolver
Revolvers continue to be a popular choice for many due to their unparalleled dependability, and the Taurus Raging Hunter .357 Magnum/.38 Special brings contemporary innovations to the timeless design. It has a seven-round capacity, ported barrel to minimize muzzle flip, and even a factory-installed rail for adding optics—something not often found on revolvers. It weighs in at slightly more than three pounds and absorbs recoil without being too heavy, making it a serious home-defense solution for wheelgun enthusiasts.
1. Springfield Echelon – The Pistol With Purpose
Topping the list is the Springfield Echelon, a full-size 9mm pistol specifically engineered for defense. It has a 4.5-inch hammer-forged barrel, one’s own grip inserts, and a pre-cut-for-optics slide. Fast target acquisition in low light is made possible by the tritium/luminescent front sight and a tactical U-Dot rear sight.
It comes with 20- and 17-round magazines, and a threaded barrel version is offered for suppressor use. The accessory rail is ideal for a weapon light, and deep slide serrations provide easy manipulation in stress situations.
Beyond the Gun: Training, Storage, and Legal Know-How
Having a gun is just half the battle—proper training is what makes ownership capability. Get used to shooting with your selected gun and ammunition in the real world to gain confidence. Proper storage is also important; a good-quality gun safe is the best, and in most states, separating ammo for storage is advisable or mandatory.
Laws vary widely between states, covering everything from licensing to storage rules, so check your local regulations before purchasing or storing a firearm.
The “best” home-defense firearm is the one you’re confident and competent with. With the right choice, good training, and a commitment to safe handling, you’ll be ready to protect what matters most.