The shotgun has long been the preferred weapon for home defense for a variety of reasons. First, the shotgun gives off a menacing and intimidating first impression simply due to its size and the loud noise that it makes when cocking it to prepare to shoot. Second, the shotgun has often been used throughout movies and books where the homeowner grabs their shotgun to defend themselves thus making it a part of pop culture. However, when considering purchasing a shotgun for home defense it is important to take into consideration the different types of shotguns available and what will best fit your needs.
Mossberg 500 Series
The Mossberg shotgun is a solid and dependable shotgun that has been around for years and trusted by both law enforcement and the military. The Mossberg has kept its spot at the top of the popularity list due to how easy it is to operate, and a large number of upgrades available such as different sights, stocks, and round capacities. Another feature of the Mossberg that many people like is that the safety is on top of the receiver so it can be easily and quickly turned on and off with the thumb. Mossberg is a great choice for both experienced and inexperienced gun owners.
Remington 870
The Remington is another very popular choice for a home defense shotgun, and it is pretty similar to the Mossberg in many ways. The main difference between a Remington shotgun and a Mossberg shotgun is the location of the safety. The Remington’s safety is a small button near the trigger instead of on top of the gun like the Mossberg. They are both pump-action shotguns, making them easy to operate and dependable in an emergency. Like the Mossberg, the Remington also has several options for upgrades that can turn it into a more powerful shotgun if that is what you are needing.
Winchester SXP Defender
The Winchester SXP Defender is another solid option for a home defense shotgun. The SXP stands for Super X Pump, which refers to what Winchester calls an inertia-assisted action and they claim it is one of the fastest and smoothest pump shotguns available on the market currently. The Winchester SXP Defender is affordable, fairly lightweight, and can hold six 12-gauge shotgun shells at once. Some gun-owners choose not to buy Winchester guns because they are manufactured overseas in Turkey, but it is still an excellent choice for home defense.
It is important to consider your specific gun experience and needs when purchasing any weapon, but especially when considering the weapon for home defense. All of the shotguns listed above are great home defense shotguns, choose the one the works best for you.