Best Home-Defense Handgun
Caliber, capacity, lights, and why a full-size or compact pistol is often the right home-defense tool — community answers.
The Quick Take
For a dedicated home-defense handgun you don't have the concealment constraints of carry, so you can choose a larger, easier-to-shoot pistol — a full-size or compact 9mm like a Glock 17/19, M&P, or P320. More size means more capacity, a longer sight radius, and softer recoil, all of which help under stress.
The single most important addition is a weapon-mounted light: you must positively identify a target before you ever consider pressing the trigger. Add a red dot if you like, store it securely but accessibly, and train. The questions below cover caliber, capacity, lights, and handgun-vs-long-gun tradeoffs for defending a home.
