Choosing the best gun for home security isn’t necessarily about the model or caliber. It’s about what will work in your home, feel comfortable to you, and fit your needs. In most cases, you’ll need a gun when things are up close, such as in hallways or near doors. So, you want a gun that is simple, trusted, and performs well. Here’s a presentation on what I believe to be the top seven options—from all-purpose pistols to guns designed for tight spaces.
7. Gen 5 Glock 19 MOS (Crossover/EDC Pistol)
The Gen 5 Glock 19 MOS is one of those firearms that does not attempt to draw attention to itself—it just works. With a 15-round mag, straight-out-of-the-box optics compatibility, and an ergonomic balance of compact size and shootability, it is little surprise that it is popular. Add in the ease of adding a weapon light, and it is a rock-solid, reliable choice—no corners cut, just functionality you can count on under stress.
6. Marlin 1894 (Lever-Action)
You might not automatically consider a lever gun as making it to the top of a home defense list, but the Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum/.38 Special provides speed, agility, and lower over-penetration risk.
It’s 9+1 rounds, simple handling, and being available to get optics or lights mounted make it unexpectedly useful. In a small cabin or in the confines of city life, a low-profile, fast-handling lever gun can be a sneaky star at close range.
5. Ruger PC Carbine (Pistol Caliber Carbine)
A 9mm carbine brings a longer sight radius, less recoil, and better accuracy than a handgun, yet uses the same magazines and ammo as your pistol. The Ruger PC Carbine is a great example: it breaks down for storage, works with Glock magazines, and has rails for accessories. Whether you’re a new shooter or someone who values consistency, this carbine makes training and transitioning easier.
4. Mossberg 590A1 (Pump-Action Shotgun)
For something with ruggedness, psychological presence, and pure reliability, few gadgets can hold a candle to a pump-action shotgun. The Mossberg 590A1 has an 8+1 capacity, ambidextrous safety, a lightweight but rugged build, and great accessory options. It’s the sort of gadget that is loaded and left sitting until you actually need it, and then it must work. And in good hands, it’s a serious intimidator.
3. Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol (Semi-Auto Shotgun)
Want shotgun power with easier follow-up shots and less recoil? The A300 Ultima Patrol delivers it. Silky-cycle, gas-operated, 7+1 capacity, ghost-ring sights, and rail-capable for lights or optics—this gun is designed for speed and control. Oversized controls and ergonomic design cut fumbling in times of stress. It bridges the gap between user-friendly design and martial power.
2. Taurus Raging Hunter (Revolver)
For raw simplicity and reliability, a revolver can’t be beat. The Raging Hunter in .357 Magnum/.38 Special modernizes that concept with a ported barrel for recoil reduction, roughly 7 rounds of capacity, and a rail for adding optics. It’s heavier and more robust than most pistols—built to handle hot loads, and once you’re practiced up, you can shoot it very accurately. It’s old-fashioned power with new usability.
1. Springfield Echelon (Full-Size Pistol)
If you want a high-capacity pistol with perfect ergonomics and adaptability, the Springfield Echelon is the best. An optics-ready slide, interchangeable grip inserts, sharp control surfaces, and 17- and 20-round mags make it designed for defense. Accessory rails, a threaded barrel option, and quick setup give it an edge. You want fast hits, confident handling, and no frustration when it matters—that’s what this gun delivers.
Across the board, you need a rifle known to be reliable, stored, and fired. If you prefer a pistol, shotgun, or lever gun, shoot it regularly and know how it will function. Ammunition is involved too—standard pressure defensive ammo like 9mm Federal HST (124 gr) is widely trusted for performance and reliability.
Choose a firearm that you’re comfortable bringing to the target, that feels good in your hands, and that you’ve practiced with enough to operate effectively in a high-pressure situation. The best home-defense gun isn’t just a tool—it’s a combination of your environment, training, and confidence. Make those elements work together, and that firearm becomes a true force multiplier.