When protecting your house—or preparing for the worst—the gun you select can mean everything. If you reside in a suburban area, worried about home invader,s or way out in the count,ry preparing for the worst, you want something reliable, simple to use, and effective at ending an attack quickly. Here are seven great choices, beginning with all-purpose do-everythings and concluding with the best choice for home defense.
7. Gen 5 Glock 19MOS – The Pistol That Does It All
If you need one handgun to do concealed carry, home defense, and duty work, the Gen 5 Glock 19MOS can’t be beaten. Chambered in 9mm, it’s famous for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance. It is shipped with 15-round magazines, accommodates shooters of all abilities, and boasts an almost limitless universe of aftermarket accessories and holsters.
The MOS system allows you to quickly mount a micro red dot sight, which allows you to find your target much quicker in low-light environments. Though not the smallest handgun, its size-to-performance ratio makes it perfectly suited for home defense.
6. Marlin 1894 – The Lever-Action Sleeper Pick
Lever-action rifles aren’t just for the Old West—they still have a place in modern home defense. The Marlin 1894, which comes in .357 Magnum or .38 Special, is fast to cycle, easy to handle, and can hold up to 10 rounds. Its classic design makes it legal in almost all states and won’t attract unwanted attention.
The receiver is drilled and tapped for optics, and with a rail, you can simply add on a red dot and light. It’s quick, potent, and unexpectedly utilitarian—particularly for regions with stringent firearm regulations.
5. Ruger PC Carbine – The Pistol Caliber Upgrade
If you enjoy the concept of a 9mm pistol but desire greater control and distance, the Ruger PC Carbine is a logical next move. This takedown carbine boasts a 16-inch barrel, accepts Glock magazines, and employs blowback action to provide reliable operation. Adjustable ghost ring sights, a threaded barrel, and ample space for optics and lights make it very versatile.
It’s a big convenience to share ammo and magazines with your sidearm—ideal for streamlined defense planning.
4. Mossberg 590A1 – The Classic Pump Shotgun
The pump-action shotgun is still the gold standard of home defense, and the Mossberg 590A1 is constructed to last. It’s chambered in 12 gauge and comes with 8+1 shells, having a hardy 20-inch barrel.
Parkinized finish, synthetic stock, ambidextrous safety, and built-in Picatinny rail make it tolerant of rough handling and tough conditions. M-LOK slots and XS Ghost Ring sights make it easy to add a light or optic. This is the epitome of a no-nonsense defensive shotgun.
3. Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol – The Smooth Semi-Auto
Desire the performance of a shotgun without pumping every shot? Beretta’s A300 Ultima Patrol provides semi-automatic speed with reduced recoil courtesy of its gas system. Its 19.1-inch barrel, 7+1 capacity, and chokes make it versatile, while the big controls are simple to manipulate even under duress.
Combine ghost ring sights, M-LOK slots, and an optics-ready rail, and you’ve got a contemporary defensive shotgun ready for actual use.
2. Taurus Raging Hunter – The Heavy-Hitting Revolver
If you’re a revolver fan, the Taurus Raging Hunter in .357 Magnum/.38 Special brings serious stopping power in a rugged package. Its seven-shot cylinder and ported barrel help control recoil, and the integrated barrel rail makes mounting a red dot straightforward. Revolvers may hold fewer rounds than semi-autos, but they’re famously reliable and easy to operate, especially under stress.
1. Springfield Echelon – The Full-Size Home Guardian
The Springfield Echelon sits atop our list due to its combination of size, capacity, and versatility. This full-size 9mm features a 4.5-inch hammer-forged barrel, grip insert interchangeability, aggressive slide serrations, and an optics-ready slide.
Mags come standard with 17 or 20 rounds, and a threaded barrel version is also available for use with suppressors—useful for guarding your hearing in confined spaces. With its accessory rail, installing a weapon light is a snap. It’s a new generation defensive pistol designed to work when it counts most.
Possessing the proper firearm is only half the battle. Training regularly, testing your ammo, and low-light practice are all a must. When seconds are all that matter, preparation and familiarity with your firearm will be just as important as the firearm itself.