shotgun

Best Home-Defense Shotguns (2026)

Updated 6/14/2026

A shotgun remains one of the most effective home-defense tools available — if you pick the right one and train with it. Here are our picks across budgets, from the value-king pump to the do-it-all semi-auto.

Best value

Mossberg 500

Reliable, cheap, and runs any load. The pump that has guarded more homes than any other.

★★★★★5 / 5

Best overall

Benelli M4

If money is no object, the M4 gives you pump-grade reliability with semi-auto speed.

★★★★★5 / 5