What shotgun works best for home defense?

[Alan]

I'm in the market for a shotgun for home defense and would love to hear what others recommend. I'm weighing my options between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge. I know the 12-gauge packs more of a punch, but I’ve heard the 20-gauge has less recoil, which might be better for close quarters. What do you guys think?

What about barrel length? I assume something around 18 to 20 inches would be ideal for maneuverability. And what features should I focus on? I'm looking for reliability and ease of use in stressful situations.

Also, any recommendations on specific models or brands? I’m all about keeping it simple.

Lastly, I'm curious about training. I've shot before, but more for fun than anything serious. If I'm going to use a shotgun for home defense, what kind of practice should I consider to really be ready?

 

[Indigo22]

I am currently without a shotgun myself also. I am leaning toward a Mossberg 20ga or 410 with an 18" barrel. My previous shotgun was a single shot 410 loaded with the critical home defense rounds. Plenty potent for close quarter use. A 20ga would be able to do double duty as a hunting arm for large game too.

 

[BadgerFishX2]

Mossberg 500/590 with 18.5" barrel is hard to go wrong. Controls are simple, parts everywhere, runs forever.

 

[specs]

Remington 12 ga. 870 Express, 18 inch barrel, 2shot extension = 7 shots. Add a Limbsaver buttpad and sidesaddle for extra rounds. Good for anything.

 

[Tabby]

I'm in the market for a shotgun for home defense and would love to hear what others recommend. I'm weighing my options between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge. I know the 12-gauge packs more of a punch, but I've heard the 20-gauge has less recoil, which might be better for close quarters. What do you guys think?

What about barrel length? I assume something around 18 to 20 inches would be ideal for maneuverability. And what features should I focus on? I'm looking for reliability and ease of use in stressful situations.

Also, any recommendations on specific models or brands? I'm all about keeping it simple.

Lastly, I'm curious about training. I've shot before, but more for fun than anything serious. If I'm going to use a shotgun for home defense, what kind of practice should I consider to really be ready?

I am an advocate for shotguns for home defense, primarily because of the limited wall penetration of a wayward shot. Don't get me wrong, pellets at close range will definitely go through most walls, but unlike a single bullet they will not penetrate as many walls nor in most cases outside of apartment living cause issues with a neighbor. In some respects all shotguns are created equal. The muzzle velocity is going to range between 1100 and 1300 feet per second. Doesn't matter if it's a 410 or a 12 gauge. The difference between a 410 and a 12 gauge is simply the number of pellets in the shell. Since we do not want to be shooting buckshot in a home or business due to the wall penetration issues, An ideal self defense load will be a shell loaded for trap or skeet shooting with #8 or #9 shot. A 410 will average around 200 #9 pellets in each shell, a 12 ga will average around 450 pellets. For self defense purposes if you hit your target at close range the 410 is just as deadly as the 12 ga. Now let's talk about the type of shotgun. Most people think that a pump action is the best for home defense. I have to disagree. Unless the person shooting the shotgun is well versed in the use of the shotgun where pumping the action in a high stress situation where the muzzle flash in a darkened room as well as the noise is going to be be somewhat debilitating. It's effect will be similar to a Flash/Bang grenade used by police. The muzzle flash will adversely affect night vision. This will result in the chance of an average person getting confused and not operating the action to reload after the first shot is quite high. In tight situations where a short barrel is going to be an advantage a 21 or 22 inch slug barrel on a semi automatic shotgun like a Remington 1100 is an advantage over a 28 inch barrel on a standard shotgun. The semi automatic will load the next shell into the chamber no matter whether someone is shocked or disoriented, a definite plus. In my humble opinion a 20 ga Remington 1100 or similar shotgun, with a short slug barrel loaded with #8 trap loads would be the optimum home defense weapon. Let the discussion begin.

 

[Indigo22]

You have several good points there Tabby. The auto over pump angle is a thought I hadn't considered. Another thought is that like cars you cannot out shift an automatic transmission.

 

[Tom L]

Have Remington 870 12 gauge loaded with 3" mag and a Savage 20 gauge double barrel. The 20 is lighter and plenty of gun. The 12 has that satisfying racking sound that anyone else isn't wanting to hear if the are in my house without invitation. They are both under the bed in a gun safe. Must admit, for ease, speed and simplicity the 20 is coming out in the dark. If I can't take care of business with 2 barrels, I am likely in a lot more trouble in any event. Just pray I can live my life never needing to find out.

 

[Deleted member 93]

I have a Benelli M4 Super 90 and I extended the cartridge capacity. Semi-automatic gas fire. The old Italian classic.

Regarding home defense ammunition.

Honestly, if no body armor was involved I would use magnum bird shot. You could neutralize *more people with less shots. You might have the choice to give them a chance at survival if desired. Less chance of missing.
You could neutralize a group at distance with a head shot and 3 foot spread. Close range you could take somebodies head off to get your point across.

I also have Herter’s multi-defense rounds consisting of a slug with buck shot.

 

[Tom L]

I have a Benelli M4 Super 90 and I extended the cartridge capacity. Semi-automatic gas fire. The old Italian classic.
Regarding home defense ammunition.

Honestly, if no body armor was involved I would use magnum bird shot. You could neutralize fewer people with less shots. You might have the choice to give them a chance at survival if desired. Less chance of missing.
You could neutralize a group at distance with a head shot and 3 foot spread. Close range you could take somebodies head off to get your point acr

 

[Tom L]

Welcome @Harry Reems . Happy to have you here.

 

[Tabby]

I have a Benelli M4 Super 90 and I extended the cartridge capacity. Semi-automatic gas fire. The old Italian classic.

Regarding home defense ammunition.

Honestly, if no body armor was involved I would use magnum bird shot. You could neutralize *more people with less shots. You might have the choice to give them a chance at survival if desired. Less chance of missing.
You could neutralize a group at distance with a head shot and 3 foot spread. Close range you could take somebodies head off to get your point across.

I also have Herter’s multi-defense rounds consisting of a slug with buck shot.

Harry, Very much overkill. You don't need a 12 ga magnum nor magnum rounds at ranges found in a home. A 20 ga with #8 birdshot in a trap load at 15 or 20 feet or less will do a quite adequate job of cutting someone in half. A semi auto is preferred due to one less thing to think about. With the plug removed most semi auto shotguns will hold 4 or 5 rounds. A short barrel is preferred as it is easier to maneuver around inside close quarters. My choice is a Remington 1100 skeet gun with the plug removed, a 20 inch slug barrel or 24 inch skeet barrel and trap loads. If someone is in my house with a firearm there is no chance for survival. They aren't carrying a firearm to be nice, neither am I. It's one of us or the other and my Daddy once told me many years ago when it comes to them or me, its gonna be them. In regard to body armor, head or crotch shots are preferred, but a close range load of pellets into the body armor is going to knock the bad person on their butt where finishing the issue becomes non problematical. When you mention neutralizing a group at a distance, you are not talking about home invasion which is up close and personal. You are not a cop, you are obviously not a soldier. Those are the people who take care of groups of dissidents at longer ranges. If it's you against a group, you are going to lose, you may get one or two, but the rest will get you.

 

[Deleted member 93]

Harry, Very much overkill. You don't need a 12 ga magnum nor magnum rounds at ranges found in a home. A 20 ga with #8 birdshot in a trap load at 15 or 20 feet or less will do a quite adequate job of cutting someone in half. A semi auto is preferred due to one less thing to think about. With the plug removed most semi auto shotguns will hold 4 or 5 rounds. A short barrel is preferred as it is easier to maneuver around inside close quarters. My choice is a Remington 1100 skeet gun with the plug removed, a 20 inch slug barrel or 24 inch skeet barrel and trap loads. If someone is in my house with a firearm there is no chance for survival. They aren't carrying a firearm to be nice, neither am I. It's one of us or the other and my Daddy once told me many years ago when it comes to them or me, its gonna be them. In regard to body armor, head or crotch shots are preferred, but a close range load of pellets into the body armor is going to knock the bad person on their butt where finishing the issue becomes non problematical. When you mention neutralizing a group at a distance, you are not talking about home invasion which is up close and personal. You are not a cop, you are obviously not a soldier. Those are the people who take care of groups of dissidents at longer ranges. If it's you against a group, you are going to lose, you may get one or two, but the rest will get

Well if you’re a mind reader or fortune teller don’t give up your day job. My M4 holds 7-8 shells. I disagree with everything you’ve said with all due respect.
A home invasion may indeed be a group of people. A 20 ga with 4-5 shots would be my last choice. I would take slugs over bird shot in a 20 ga.. Also 4-5 shots might not be enough.
I’ve seen many people survive 20 ga bird shot including head shots.
A big man cooked on dope could easily take most shots from a 20 ga and keep coming forward unless its a great shot.
There’s really no overkill so to speak with weapons regarding defending your life or family.
I may go opposite of overkill and grab my 10/22 takedown with banana clip, laser, and red dot. I’ll send 25 rounds down range in seconds with pinpoint accuracy. I’m talking 50 yards out no problem imagine 10 yards.
Yet I may grab my S&W Air weight with Buffalo Bore wadcutters. Whatever is closest.
One gun is no go for me. I live alone. You need the weapons loaded and in your main areas.
I got my .38 sitting on my side table next to my favorite chair with 3 speed loaders. They go everywhere with my. I take a dump or shower they are with me.
My Beretta 380 is my car gun, and you carry a car gun in your cup holder dummies.
My S&W 629 stainless classic (long barrel) is in the room I’d escape to if need be with 4 speed loaders black talons. I also keep my .308 there.
My 10/22 moves from the family room to the bedroom daily.
My M4 is close by only to be utilized if the intruder is worthy of its use lol.

 

[Tabby]

Well if you’re a mind reader or fortune teller don’t give up your day job. My M4 holds 7-8 shells. I disagree with everything you’ve said with all due respect.
A home invasion may indeed be a group of people. A 20 ga with 4-5 shots would be my last choice. I would take slugs over bird shot in a 20 ga.. Also 4-5 shots might not be enough.
I’ve seen many people survive 20 ga bird shot including head shots.
A big man cooked on dope could easily take most shots from a 20 ga and keep coming forward unless its a great shot.
There’s really no overkill so to speak with weapons regarding defending your life or family.
I may go opposite of overkill and grab my 10/22 takedown with banana clip, laser, and red dot. I’ll send 25 rounds down range in seconds with pinpoint accuracy. I’m talking 50 yards out no problem imagine 10 yards.
Yet I may grab my S&W Air weight with Buffalo Bore wadcutters. Whatever is closest.
One gun is no go for me. I live alone. You need the weapons loaded and in your main areas.
I got my .38 sitting on my side table next to my favorite chair with 3 speed loaders. They go everywhere with my. I take a dump or shower they are with me.
My Beretta 380 is my car gun, and you carry a car gun in your cup holder dummies.
My S&W 629 stainless classic (long barrel) is in the room I’d escape to if need be with 4 speed loaders black talons. I also keep my .308 there.
My 10/22 moves from the family room to the bedroom daily.
My M4 is close by only to be utilized if the intruder is worthy of its use lol.

It seems that you have a well thought out defense plan for your personal home. If it works for you, then there is no further need for comment, at least from me.