According to the Pew Research Center, more than 70% of American gun owners say they own a firearm for protection. Home defense is a common concern, and choosing the right home defense gun can provide peace of mind.

Today, we’re taking a closer look into top-rated home defense guns, discussing types, specific recommendations, and essential safety tips to help you make an informed choice for home security.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Defense Firearm

Selecting a firearm for home defense goes beyond finding something powerful. A reliable home defense gun needs to suit your home environment, personal preferences, and family’s safety needs.

There are three core factors to consider when choosing a home defense firearm:

  • Ease of Handling and Comfort
  • Reliability and Maintenance
  • Storage and Accessibility

Ease of Handling and Comfort

The gun should feel comfortable in your hands and be easy to maneuver. Smaller or lighter options may be better if multiple family members might use it.

Comfort is essential since handling a gun in a high-stress situation requires confidence and familiarity. Many people find that handguns and shorter-barrel options provide better control and accessibility in close spaces.

Reliability and Maintenance

A good home defense gun should work consistently, even with minimal maintenance. In emergencies, you need a gun that won’t jam or misfire.

Guns known for reliability, such as certain models of shotguns and handguns, are often recommended for home defense. Routine cleaning and simple maintenance can also help ensure your firearm is always in working condition.

Storage and Accessibility

For home defense, the firearm should be stored securely yet be accessible if an emergency arises. Consider options like quick-access safes or secured lockboxes that allow authorized users to reach the firearm quickly. Balancing security and accessibility is critical, especially in households with children or multiple occupants.

Top Guns For Home Safety

When selecting a firearm for home defense, there are several popular options to consider. Each type of firearm offers its own advantages, depending on your home environment and comfort with handling.

There are three main types often recommended for home defense:

  • Handguns
  • Shotguns
  • Rifles

Handguns

Handguns are one of the most popular choices for home defense due to their compact size and ease of use. A handgun is small, making it easier to handle in confined spaces like hallways or doorways.

They are often lightweight, which is helpful if multiple people in the household may need to use one. With advancements in design, many handguns now have reduced recoil, making them more manageable for those who may be newer to firearms.

Models like the Glock 19 or Smith & Wesson M&P Shield are known for their reliability and user-friendly features, making them strong candidates for home defense. Handguns are also easier to secure in small safes, allowing for quick access without compromising safety.

Shotguns

Shotguns are widely recognized as powerful home defense weapons, particularly for their stopping power at close range. A shotgun’s spread pattern can cover more area, making it less dependent on pinpoint accuracy, which can be beneficial in high-stress situations.

Models like the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 are popular choices because of their durability and relatively simple operation. While shotguns are larger than handguns, they’re still manageable within a home setting, and many homeowners appreciate the confidence that comes from having a powerful option available for protection.

Rifles

Rifles, particularly those with shorter barrels, are another option for home defense. They provide high accuracy and greater power, which can be important for some homeowners, especially in larger properties.

Models like the AR-15 are commonly recommended because they offer precision, speed, and manageable recoil. However, rifles may be less practical for tighter spaces and can require more training to use effectively. While a rifle may offer more power and range than a handgun or shotgun, the decision to choose a rifle should take into account space, storage needs, and personal comfort with the firearm.

Recommended Home Security Weapons

When selecting a specific firearm for home defense, some models stand out for their reputation, reliability, and ease of use. For handguns, reliable and accessible options like the Glock 19 or Smith & Wesson M&P Shield are highly regarded for home defense.

The Glock 19 is compact, easy to handle, and known for its low recoil, making it a solid choice for households with varying levels of firearm experience. Its design allows for quick use in high-stress situations.

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, another excellent option, offers similar benefits with a slightly smaller size, making it ideal for secure and convenient storage.

Shotguns

When it comes to powerful, close-range home defense, the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are frequently recommended. Both models are pump-action shotguns, providing a high level of stopping power that can neutralize a threat effectively in confined spaces.

The Remington 870 is celebrated for its sturdy build and consistent performance, while the Mossberg 500 is known for its ease of use and simple design. These shotguns are also versatile, allowing for customization with different barrels or stocks if desired. Many people find that the stopping power of a shotgun makes it an excellent choice for home security.

Rifles

Though less common in home defense, some rifles, like the AR-15, have earned a place among preferred home defense firearms. The AR-15 is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and offers considerable accuracy, which is valuable in larger spaces. Its design makes it relatively simple to handle, even for those with limited experience.

Although not ideal for close quarters, the AR-15 is a suitable option for those who prioritize precision and stopping power in larger areas. Its popularity in self-defense circles stems from its balance of power and control, as well as the availability of training resources.

Best Home Defense Firearms

A well-chosen home defense gun can offer security and peace of mind for you and your family.

At S&S Sales, we’re committed to offering fair, competitive prices on firearms, ammunition, optics, and reloading supplies for all shooting needs. Founded in 2010 by a father-and-son team of lifelong hunters, we strive to serve everyday shooters with personalized service and quality products, without “big box” prices.

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