What shotgun works best for home defense?

[Alan]

I’ve been thinking about getting a shotgun for home defense and could use some insights. I’m debating between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge. I know the 12ga packs a bigger punch, but I’ve heard the 20ga has less recoil, which might be better for tight spots in the house. What do you all think?

I’m also curious about what to look for in barrel length and stock design. What features really matter when you need to defend your home? Any brands or models that have worked well for you? I’m after something that’s reliable and straightforward.

And on the training side, how important is it? I’ve shot a few shotguns but nothing extensive. What kind of practice or drills should I consider to really be prepared?

 

[Skipper]

I was in the same situation and chose a 12-gauge pump for home defense, it packs more punch, but I practice often to handle the recoil. I went with a simple 18–20" barrel and standard stock. Training is crucial....short-range drills, target transitions, and practicing reloads in tight spaces really helped me feel prepared

 

[RazorRoam6]

Get a light on it before anything else. Being able to ID a target in the dark matters more than gauge choice.

 

[king_merlin]

I went with a 12-gauge Mossberg for home defense, short barrel and plain stock. It's simple, reliable, and does the job. Training made the biggest difference though, running drills at the range gave me real confidence.

 

[Shiloh]

This is just my opinion but inside the house the shorter the barrel the better. Remember you’ll be swinging it. Lamps TVs might get in the way. Also hall ways. Think about one of the “not a shotgun” options.

 

[Bobby Bailey]

20ga. would be my choice, in whatever brand one believes is reliable. No need for a short barrel or light, I know my house.
Any hunting shotgun works fine without worrying about a "home defense" model. Those models are just so you'll buy a new one.

 

[HillbillyBiker]

Many good points have been brought up, the only thing I would add is being very familiar with your shotgun, in other words, be able to feel it in the dark, and be able to load it. For years, I kept an Ithaca 37 12 ga by my bed, I got it in a trade, and the barrel was swelled. I cut it back to 20". It loaded and ejected out the bottom. I lean towards pumps myself, but any Remington 870, Mossberg 500, even the Maverick would fit the bill. I learned to appreciate the top tang safety on the Mossberg in the military, but again, it all boils down to familiarity. Number 4 buckshot is a good dense load, depending on the type of house you live in, and 00 seems to be good anti personel medicine. Just one of my kinks, but I always paint the follower orange, and I like the butt cuff with 5 extra shells in the loop, just for peace of mind.