We all want to have the best weapon for home defense.ย We all deserve to be protected.
Some people prefer shotguns to handguns and rifles as a home defense weapon.
We have compiled a list that includes some of our favorites tactical shotguns, both pump-action and semi-auto, for home defense.
What We found out when we tested the Best Home Defense Tactical Shotguns
Each model listed has been extensively tested at the range, during competitions, and in classes.
In a six-month period, each shotgun has been fired at leastย 1,000 rounds.ย The majority of shotguns have higher round counts and more years of use.
Tests have included long-range shooting and the use of different types ammunition to test reliability.
We evaluated each gun on the basis of its loading, feeding, capacity, features and performance in a home or tactical defense environment.
Our entire team at Pew Pew Tactical was involved in the selection of the best tactical shotguns to use for home security.ย Our team has experience in law enforcement, the military, competitions, instructing and recreational shooting.
Best Tactical Home Defense Shotguns
1.ย Mossberg 590A1: Best Pump-Action
Mossberg 500 is so popular that it has a large pool of upgrades available, including barrels which are easy to swap.
What if you wanted a gun even more durable, and specifically designed forย tacticalย andย combatuse?
Enter theย Mossberg Mossberg 590A1.
The Mossberg 590A1 was designed to be a US Military firearm. It is a reliable combat shotgun.ย Upgrades include thicker receivers, thicker barrels, metal trigger guards, and durable parkerized finishes.
Mossberg offers a variety of configurations for the 590A1 that include different features such as ghost rings, bead sights, night sights, collapsible or fixed stocks, andย capacity of up to 9 rounds.
If you want, you can mount a bayonet on it.
No matter what features you select, you will get the most durable combat pump-action shotgun ever created.
2.ย Remington 870 tactical – Best beginner shotgun
There is always something to be said about the classic hardwood pump and stock.
Combining the classicย Remington 870ย with this design, you have a design which has stood the test of the time.
The Remington 870 has a barrel of 18.5 inches for greater maneuverability in close quarters. It also offers a 6+1 capacity.ย The front rifle sight is included, but I’d recommend adding an adjustable rear sight.
The design of this rifle is so popular and well-known that it has a wide range of accessories available.ย There are many different types of sights saddles and lighting options. Scope mounts with a red-dot can also be purchased.
The barrel can be swapped with any 870 barrel, without modification.ย You can finish it off with aย slingย and you have a pump-action home defense shotgun.ย See all of the options available in ourย best upgrades for the Remington 850.
3.ย Benelli M4 -Best Combat Shotgun
To be honest, you could include any Benelli in this list. However, theย M4ย is the king of combat shotsguns.
Benelli was contacted by the U.S. Marine Corps when they needed a semi auto shotgun.ย Benelli created their first gas cannon, the M4.
Dual pistons are used to provide a highly reliable system for short-stroke pistons.
If you’re looking to add optics, lights and other accessories, this shotgun is better than Benelli inertia gun.ย Gas guns don’t mind the weight. Inertia weapons are fussy about it.ย Load them up and let loose.ย Benelli M4 seems to like every load that I have ever run through it.
Even light buckshot loads are available with reduced recoil.ย It only coughed on ultra-light skeet ammo loaded at 950 feet per seconds.
The M4 is also highly customizable.ย The M4 is a shotgun that has a loyal following and a decent aftermarket.ย It is a soft shotgun and boringly reliable.
You will have to pay a lot for the best.ย The price of this gun and its accessories isย not cheap.
4.ย Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol – Best Modern Tactical Shotgun
We tried one there and later got one for extensive testing, which we coveredstrong> a href=”https://www.pewpewtactical.com/beretta-a300-ultima-patrol/”>in our review/a>/strong>.ย After a short test, we got one to do extensive testing. We covered in our review .
Weย liked it.ย Beretta has kept the Ultima Patrol’s price as low as possible (sometimes even under $1,000).
The ergonomics are excellent, with grip textures that are aggressive where needed.ย The controls are large, the magazine tube has been extended and the front is optimized for accessories.ย ,it and red dot capability is also available.
If you were to have to pay extra for these features after purchasing, like you would with an M4, it could be a costly proposition.ย The A300 Ultima Patrol comes ready to go right out of the package.
The Beretta 1301 may not have the rotating bolt head, or the B Link gas system that is found on the 1301, but its performance was solid.ย We experienced no malfunctions during testing with a wide range of ammunition.
The accuracy of the rounds was excellent.ย The gas system was well-suited to reducing recoil.
The A300 Ultima Patrol is a fantastic option because of all these features and the affordable price.
5.ย Beretta 1301 Tactical – Best Semi-Auto
Beretta is the leader in fine combat shotguns.ย Both Stoeger and Benelli, who produce fantastic firearms, are owned by Beretta.
The Beretta 1301, while not theย king combat shotgunย like the M4, is competing for the title.
The Beretta 1301 is powered by aย systemย which uses what Beretta refers to as the BLINK. This system integrates a cross tube gas system.
Beretta claims that it cycles 36% quicker than any other semiautomatic shotgun.ย This gun is a machine. I cannot verify that claim but can confirm that it cycles faster than any other semi-auto shotgun.
The 1301 Tactical is a low-recoiling, fast-cycling gun that has minimal muzzle rising.ย It is able to spit out plastic and lead hulls quickly, giving you excellent control of the gun.
Beretta has included a clever stock that allows the shooter to adjust their stock’s length.
The gun can be easily adapted to the LOP of any shooter.ย The 1301 is a popular gun, much like the M4. There are many upgrades that can be purchased.
It’s unlikely that you’ll need to do much. However, you can make the gun more ergonomic and easier to accessorize.
Honorable Mentions
Mossberg 940 Tactic
Mossberg’s OG 500/590 model has graced the list, but they are also a contender in the semi-auto world.
Although we were happy with theย Tacticalย 930, it wasn’t for everyone.ย Mossberg went to the drawing boards and created the 940 PRO Tactical.
The results are stunning.ย The 940 Pro Tactical comes with a 7+1 gas system and a competitive capacity, so there’s no need to upgrade.
Newer versions come with a Holosun-507k, which is also red dot-capable.ย It is also clean and goes straight to receiver, without Picatinny Rail.
It is possible to co-witness the front sight fiber optic and the red dot while maintaining your cheek weld.
Mossberg Maverick 8
We know.ย Mossberg is on the list once again.ย What can we say about this?ย They like their shotguns…
Maverick 88 is a budget-friendly option.
The Maverick 88 shotgun is manufactured by Mossberg. It is, in all but name, the same as their 500-series shotguns.
The Maverick 500 and the Mossberg 500 are essentially the same except for the fact that the Maverick 500’s safety is located at the front, not the top.
Most people would not be able tell the difference between a Maverick and a Mossberg 500 if you blindfolded them and let them fire both.
This reduces the cost dramatically.ย If you shop around, a Maverick 88 is available forย about $200.
It’s almost a 500 so it can fit all of the upgrades.ย We installed a recoil-reducing, folding Fab Defense buttstock as well as aย side saddle.
The 18.5-inch model has a capacity of 5+1 and is compatible with most standard Mossberg barrels.ย The 20-inch model has a longer barrel and a 7+1 capacity. However, you’re stuck with the barrel length that comes with this model.
Also, we have aย review that covers all 88.
Semi-Automatic or Pump-Action?
Only two types of shotguns are relevant for home defense: the semi-auto and the pumps.ย Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Although I have a few semi-autos, most of my shotguns use pump-actions.
Why?ย Pump-actions are reliable and unbeatable.
These can be used with any ammunition.ย The manual cycling action also allows for super-light recoiling loads to be absorbed.
The price of this style is also quite reasonable.
Pump-action shotguns are hard to ruin.ย Even the most basic ones work well.
You can find high-end pumps like the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 Series for as little as $350.
They are prone to human error.ย Short strokes can cause jams and racking the pumps fast and hard takes a bit of extra training.
They also fire slower than the majority of semi-autos.ย Semi-autos have a higher firing rate, and can be used for rapid follow-up shots.
The gas-operated or inertia operated guns are faster and have a much lighter recoil compared to pump action. Their simpler manual makes them easier to use in the heat of battle.
Semi-auto shotguns are more expensive, particularly good semi-autos.ย A half-decent semi-autoย costs twiceย what a good pump gun does.
A premium grade like the Benelli Series will sell for well over $1000.
Semi-autos are more picky about the ammo they accept, so make sure you check that your gun is compatible with your favorite brand.ย If your semi-auto is able to handle reduced recoil, you will have a soft-shooting shotgun.
Check out ourย guide to home defense shotgunsย for a detailed analysis of the features to look for and how to setup one.
Final Thoughts
A tactical shotgun is the ultimate weapon that can be used by a person who uses their shoulder.
Remember that you must train with the weapon to make it effective.ย The shotgun will only be as good as its user.
What shottie have you ended up with?ย Comment below and let us know!ย You need some gun food to go with your new scattergun.ย You can find the best shotgun ammo for home defense, hunting, and plinking.ย Our article on Home Defense Shotgun Upgrades is a great resource.
Latest Updates
Mossberg 500/590 was replaced by Mossberg 590A1 on May 10, 2024.ย Each product has been given supplemental data and we have added additional information on how each shotgun was tested and selected.
