After looking over how to properly set up each firearm for home defense — rifle, shotgun, and pistol — the time comes when you must make a decision as to which suits your needs. It isn’t a problem to own all three. Or at least two — the handgun that is carried on the person during the day becomes a home defense handgun when you enter the home.
You may have a dedicated home defense firearm as well, and it should be a long gun. Before rounding up my opinion, I set one of my researchers on a path to study several personal defense situations that took place during the past few years. I was looking for the average number of shots fired during a home invasion.
I discovered disturbing trends. The world has changed somewhat and not for the better since I was actively investigating such things. I think that fear of incarceration is at an all-time low. Sure, felons still get time and long sentences — eventually. However, many of them are not jailed for the first offense and many are awaiting trial for a half-dozen crimes before they finally kill someone.
In my early years in law enforcement, a criminal might bail out of an offense but a second arrest soon after resulted in the original bail being revoked and the offender being held until his or her trial date. This is no longer a rule.
Let’s look at some of the information gathered during a few weeks research. While a relatively small sample, I think that the facts uncovered give us a meaningful overview of the present situation in armed invasions. I did not research burglaries when no one was home, and I did not research street crime. The crimes were home invasions or attempted burglaries of an occupied dwelling. An unfortunate realization is that there are a lot of misses recorded. We all need to practice more often.
Home Invasions
Let’s look at some of my research. I have looked over my indexed interviews and came up with trends that are strong enough to invite opinions and even conclusions. The information is disturbing and perplexing, until you put it all together. I was at a disjuncture at the professional level of some of the criminals compared to the general craziness of others. Drugs, greed, stupidity, and macho crap certainly play a role.
My previous conjectures regarding armed instructions are valid, but there are new trends. Previously, the party “peaked” as we used to say from about 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. As outlined on the November 21, 2023, Inside Edition, supper time invasions are more common. I should note in both incidents (captured on video surveillance), the homeowner confronted the armed trespassers with a handgun. Shots were fired in one instance.
I did my own research in this area, and it seems the trend is solid. Why take a chance on confronting a homeowner? Some takeover robbers seem to like the thrill, which makes them dangerous and stupid. When you are at home, it is easier to gain entrance than breaking into the home.
If you are at gunpoint, you will give up your hiding places. At one time in my career, the state had a charge called “midnight robbery” which applied at any hour if the home broken into was inhabited. The penalty was less severe for this common law offense. We need to enforce these laws more seriously.
I went to a reliable source, the Department of Justice. About 25 percent of home invasions take place during daylight hours. I was surprised to learn than the single item most reported stolen, and the single commodity exhibiting the greatest loss, was jewelry.
About 1.5 times the value of firearms, as an example. Perhaps the old fashioned jewelry box is no longer a good idea. I have interviewed a few people with a demonstrably emotional condition following a robbery.
I took several weeks to study these events and the number of shots fired when gunfire occurred. Some of the action began outside the home. In 15 cases, I was able to nail down solid information. I confirmed the actions that occurred.
I am aware that some writers like to enhance reality to the moment and imagine a worst case scenario at the slightest threat. A worst case scenario of five terrorist at McDonald’s just isn’t present. But it is common for a band of two to three to attack a home. All you need is a few well directed shots. I won’t endorse tactics as outdated as a double knit sweat shop, but fast reaction, the standard response drill, and marksmanship are what will count.
If they are coming in the door, and you play Cyrano at the breech, you have a very good position. As it turns out, the average number of shots is low and about half hit the threat. A couple of incidents skewed the average. In one case, an assailant in what was really a domestic situation fired 40 rounds into a dwelling and wounded his mother and a minor child.
In another incident, a fool fired 30 rounds out his window and completely missed. That was fortunate, as the object of his fear was an innocent workman. Five seems to be an average number of shots fired, although there were a number with only two shots fired, and those defensive encounters were successful.
There is a lot of non-reporting when shots are fired, and no hits are observed (if anything is constant in the past 30 years). In short, successful defense doesn’t require a huge number of shots — when you hit what you are shooting at. If you are not certain of hitting, you probably should not fire. The inescapable conclusion is that you must get training and practice until you have mastered the firearm.
The average number of shots should not dissuade us from choosing a firearm with a generous magazine capacity. Likewise, neither should capacity be placed over practical accuracy and hit probability. Let’s wrap up the firearms that will serve well in a defensive situation.
Revolvers
Revolvers offer simplicity, reliability, and easy handling. Limp wristing a revolver will not cause a malfunction. While a revolver is often touted as a beginner’s gun, revolvers are often praised by very experienced shooters.
A revolver may be kept in storage and come up firring indefinitely. The generous grip of a short-barrel revolver allows a firm hold, while a gun-grabbing assailant will not have much leverage to wrest the piece away from your hand. These things do happen.
Within 20 miles of my home, a pastor was attacked in his home by a burglar. The adversary grabbed this elderly gentleman’s gun hand. The pastor fired once and dropped the assailant, but his gun jammed after the first shot due to four hands struggling for control.
The revolver offers a smooth, rolling, trigger action allowing the average shooter to ‘combat’ flinch. I like revolvers, although I very seldom carry one as primary during the day. (Save for the magnums on the trail.) I also carry a revolver as backup.
As expert shooter Jerry Brickhouse says, “The revolver isn’t something you can leave in a drawer and then grab it and shoot. You must practice.” A four-inch barrel revolver is a joy to fire and use, and offers a good balance in a home defense situation. A four-inch barrel .357 Magnum loaded with .38 Special +P ammunition is a solid choice for defense for the occasional shooter. However, that occasional shooter should make the occasion at least quarterly.
9mm Self-Loaders
A 9mm semi-automatic pistol is perhaps the most popular carry gun in America. The balance of power and a fast follow-up hit is respectable. The pistol you carry during the day is the handgun that will be at home ready. If it is a good quality 9mm handgun, you have a formidable firearm. Choose well, and you may use the same pistol for carry, home defense, and some forms of competition.
1911 handguns
I carry a 1911 often. It is my favorite pistol, and the type I fire best. When I am carrying the pistol concealed, I need only draw the gun, take the safety off, and fire. There is no firearm faster to an accurate first shot hit than a 1911. Home ready demands the pistol be at ready — hammer down on a loaded chamber. You will have to cock the hammer to fire. Those very experienced with the 1911 find this not to be a detriment.
I would think this through carefully. That said, I often keep a 1911 nearby as I rest. Admittedly, I have carried that handgun during the day outside the home.
Long Guns
The shotgun has the most formidable wound ballistics. When the shot used is buckshot, you can anchor an assailant with a single center hit. It doesn’t much matter which brand or buckshot size in the home — all are effective.
At longer range, Hornady Critical Defense and Federal Flite Wad have desirable, cohesive patterns. At the distance of a shot inside the home, pattern size and spread does not really matter. The pattern will be tight.
The shotgun handles by feel and has a good natural point. A shotgun with a ‘real’ stock and 18 to 20-inch barrel is among the best choices for personal defense.
Rifles
The 9mm carbine is a decent choice for personal defense and perhaps the best choice for most homeowners. Easy to shoot well, and firing an easily obtainable cartridge, a 9mm carbine may be fired much more accurately (by the average shooter) than any handgun. The next step up is America’s rifle, the AR-15.
Other similar types, such as the Ruger Mini-14 and KelTec SU16 are also well suited to personal defense. The .223 cartridge is highly unlikely to over-penetrate, when JSP loads are used. That is the key to safety, hit your target.
A .223 bullet is highly frangible and offers excellent wound potential. A fast follow-up shot is simple enough and the rifle offers low recoil with high hit potential.
Conclusion
Whichever type you choose for home defense, get training, practice often, and carefully consider your emergency plan. If the piece isn’t on your person or in your control zone, be certain it is in a gun safe.
Which gun or guns do you recommend for home defense? Share your answer in the Comment section.
When the gun is not in your direct control be certain you lock it away in a safe. This is the Hornady Rapid safe. A four-inch barrel revolver is a good choice for home defense for many reasons. 
Two cases in the air and back on target with a Glock 9mm. 
Hornady Critical Defense is an excellent choice in every caliber and in rifles and shotguns as well as pistols. This Windicator revolver is among the best buys in the revolver world. The author has enjoyed good results with his. The author’s Les Baer 1911 handguns do a wonderful job defending the home. This Tokarev shotgun is affordable and very useful. 
Load Hornady buckshot in your chosen shotgun and relax! The AR-15 rifle is famously friendly to all shooters. This is a first class defensive set up with Aimpoint sight. Use cover and concealment, and practice movement inside the home. 
There are alternatives to the AR rifle. This is the Ruger PC carbine in 5.7x28mm. It is an easy shooting and accurate carbine. 
Ruger’s sturdy and reliable AR-15 rifle is among the best buys in a modern rifle. A very AR-15-like carbine, the Springfield Saint 9mm is a first-class home defender. 
The Colt Government Model Competition at home ready, hammer down on a loaded chamber. KelTec’s folding SU16 .223 is a fine choice for defense use. 
A set of XS tritium sights are a fine addition to any shotgun. 
A pump-action shotgun such as this Mossberg 500 is as good as it gets for home defense. 
Springfield offers the Saint in a 9mm model. Reliable, accurate, and with first-class ergonomics this is a good choice for home defense. That’s a lot of flash and blast in a short barrel .357 Magnum. Be certain you understand the pros and cons of each caliber. 
A 9mm automatic offers excellent speed and control. This Wilson Combat Beretta is loaded with a 20-round magazine for home defense use. That is a good ammunition reserve. 
A medium-frame Ruger revolver with a mid-length barrel is ideal for home defense. 
Ruger’s SP101 is a rugged reliable double action revolver. 
The gun you carry every day just may be the best home defender.
Roy
Across the board in all calibers]
Hornady Critical Defense or Critical Duty or Hornady Black
Once you have more experience you may choose a certain load in the rifle and another in the pistol – until this Critical Defense works in all applications. 115 grain 9mm Critical Defense, .223 rifle Critical Defense, 12 gauge Critical Defense
Bob
I prefer my AR w/ 62 grain Underwood Controlled Chaos.The AR has the Red Dot and the front handle is a 500 lumen light with a great laser. More chance of missing with my 9mm w/laser and I practice with it 2-3 times a week with it with laser bullets. Also a lot of dessert in Las Vegas so it makes it easier to get in practice with my AR, my 9mm w/Underwood Platinum Extreme Defender 90 grain as EDC and the Shockwave and its ported 14” barrel. It’s got Federal low recoil LE 8 pellet buckshot with the Streamlight racker with a 1000 lumen light and the laser saddle to boot. I keep another Maverick 88 in another part of the home. So from what I’ve heard they come with more than just one or two nowadays and I like my chances best if I have to use one I choose the AR. Hopefully none of us will ever have to be in the position of defending our homes! Peace
What is a good home defense load for pistols? Rifles?
I find it funny how everyone on here is telling I have this or that instead of telling what you carry what you have TRY FAFO dont ask dont tell then IF it pops off and you take care of business you can reply SURPRISE !
It’s always nice to read another ”best gun for home defense…
My EDC is a Rock Island 1911 .45. It is a proven platform and one I have extensively trained with. It stays cocked and locked beside my bed 24/7 when it isn’t on my hip. I’ve also been known to carry a Ruger ECP in 9mm as a back up sidearm. For “home defense”, I’ve recently purchased a Smith and Wesson FPC in 9mm, as well and with a Sig reddot – it seems fairly accurate to fifty yards, so it’s more than adequate for home use. I had a problem several years back with a “salesman” who refused to leave my property, so I keep a Mossberg JIC with rubber buckshot by the front door for the next idiot who thinks he can trespass whenever he likes. I don’t call 911 – my neighbors do, though. 🙂
Glock 23 is my EDC and becomes my home defense gun, also have an AR 15 in a shelve above my bed that is made to conceale the AR and needs a magnet key to open it up, if more is needed the wife has a Remington v3 tactical in a gun shelve on her side of the bed, and we have a few more gun shelves around the house, we keep the magnet keys for the shelves on us at all times.
Best Home Defense firearm – Must first consider the person using the firearm. While as an “Older Shooter”, racking a 1911 slide takes some effort, but I don’t have children within the home to consider, and so could leave it “Cocked & Locked”. Recoil (and noise level) of a 12gauge is also a problem. As important as the firearm used, also need to consider using a light. A bright light, shined in the face of the varmint, can be almost as effective as a firearm. Simply put, a firearm is one part of an effective home defense plan. If there are children within the home, then home defense plans can change almost weekly. Add Pets???
Food for thought…..Revolver
I personally found that the Taurus Home Defender makes a powerful home defense weapon.
Five rounds of 4.10/45 at one’s calling will make another back down.
With a thirteen inch barrel the rounds do make the fps quota stated by the manufacturer.
I would also suggest putting on a streamlight combo of a laser and weapon light in one unit.
This should be mounted in the scope position, 1000 lumens and a red dot so you know what your up against.
The taurus home defender is a new weapon on the market, and it do have Merrit
C.J.
I’ve become partial to 9mm striker pistols in my middle age as well as the world we live in nowadays. They’re easy to use and fire, reliable, hold a lot of shots as well as safe to keep loaded with a manual thumb safety supplementing the trigger safety. Pair one with good top shelf hollow point ammo and it makes for a formidable weapon.
I have a Tokarev marine 12g at my bedside loaded with safety on. I also have a Taurus 44Mag 4″ revolver on my end table. I have practiced with both but would likely pick up the 12g 1st in a home break-in.
I have a Taurus 66, 7-shot, .357 magnum. I also keep it loaded with Barnes hollow points. I feel totally secure at home and conceal carry with the holster. I recommend to always practice to get a feel for the recoil and possible reload.
I have a Taurus 66, 7-shot, .357 magnum. I also keep it loaded with Barnes hollow points. I feel totally secure at home and conceal carry with the holster. I recommend to always practice to get a feel for the recoil and possible reload.
I’m with Keith H on this. 1911, cocked and locked with one up the pipe. 230 JHP Gold Dot, or Golden Saber, or the Federal Law Enforcement.
If my 1911 is loaded and I rely upon it for self defense whether I’m carrying it or it’s on my nightstand while I’m sleeping, I’m keeping it in Condition 1.
I understand the logic about being awakened and reaching for it and committing a ND but to remember which Condition the pistol is in is more dangerous in my opinion. I have always trained from Condition 1 and to remember to pull the hammer back in a time of sleepiness and stress is a recipe for me to forget to do it. I don’t even cock my hammer with my hand. I rack the slide instead every time. Cocking the hammer with my thumb is a foreign feeling.
I don’t want to point my pistol at the bad guy and press on the trigger and nothing happens….different strokes for different folks!
Good article!
I carry a .45 1911. I suspect most street scenarios take place at arms length, therefor hitting my target is not to difficult. At home, the distance may increase to 20 feet or more. With adrenilin and possibly being suddenly awakened, my aim is more questionable. My rifles are hunting guns and not suitable for self defense. My chice is a Remington 870 12 gauge pump gun. It has been modified with peep sights, 7 round capacity,a side saddle holding 6 rounds, a tactical light and an oversize saftey button. Loaded with double 00 buck shot I can hit reliably even without aiming. (The same gun has accounted for numerous white tails using slugs)
Above you said “And it should be a long gun” for home defense. Was that a typo? Im 70 and have been shooting since age 6. Ive shot everything. There are so many reasons why a long gun is a bad idea for an in home defensive weapon. Here are a few: 1. too hard to conceal. If you sleep hard and its within reach it could be taken. 2. Too easy to take form you without being able to get it pointed to the perp during a struggle for it. 3. BLAST–anyone around you will not hear again for a while or have permanent hearing damage. 4. Penetration—Except for certain shotgun loads, higher rifle calibers can go through assailants and into other people, into other homes, etc. 5. You are sure someone is in the home so you start searching. AHA! A body is around the doorway in the other room. What faster—pushing your pistol carrying hand around the corner or trying to get a long gun around and pointed that way? Etc Etc IMHO its bad advise to say the long gun is the best choice for indoor combat of any type.
I agree with most of your picks, but, I am curious that no striker fired pistols were in the mix. I love 1911 pistols, but I find the triggers too sensitive for me in the groggy, adrenalin filled, fear laced home defense situations. The inclusion of a Berretta 92 style double/single action is a favorite of mine, but that being said, I have a Glock 20 with a light in the bed side drawer and carry a Glock 29 in most situations. My two cents worth.
1911 all the way , cocked and locked..
I personally like a 20 gauge pump shotgun. I have Winchester with a light on it. It is reliable and easy to handle and highly effective at 20 yards or less.
I loved this article – as I have thought for hours which gun to keep near the bed. I have taken quite a few defense classes for close quarters incidents which helps with peace of mind and preparation. Currently I have a Glock 30 (.45) which maybe too much gun for a gal – reading this article I might switch it out for my 1911 (which I love as much as the author).
Dont forget to mention insurance to cover you if there is an intruder – dont need to get sued by some crazy!
I have done a lot of research and so I have two guns I use: The Windicator 357 magnum and a HighPoint 40 cal carbine rifle. I have other weapons and I plan on getting a shotgun as well. Keep in mind that in today’s world there are two and four legged predators that we need to be prepared for. I trained in the Department of Defense and was a range instructor and a member of the NRA.
I have a 9mm M& P and a Kel Tech 223 Bullpup. The 223 is shorter than the 9 mm held at arms length. Fit with a 30 round mag and a red dot it is formidable. I am honest that the likelihood of a first shot takedown is much higher with the 223. A shoulder mounted weapon is just much easier to control under stress particularly when homeowners seldom practice close encounters under stress. And if the encounter turns lenghty, 30 rounds provides a lot of backup.
Right now my EDC is a Glock G30 (.45 acp) It, like you say, becomes my home defense gun as soon as I get home. I am looking to supplement it with an AR15. I am having trouble deciding on which caliber to choose. I have narrowed it down to two choices. 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout sub-sonic,
Keith
Thanks for reading!
I also carry the 1911 cocked and locked and ready to rock
At home ready it is hammer down
Bob
I agree with you assessment of home defense guns, the only difference is that I also prefer the 1911 45acp but I carry it cocked and locked which I have done since I carried one in the military about 40 years ago, so when I draw it my thumb naturally fall on the safety disengaging it on the draw and when it comes level I fire and I hit what I shooting at.
I agree with you assessment of home defense guns, the only difference is that I also prefer the 1911 45acp but I carry it cocked and locked which I have done since I carried one in the military about 40 years ago, so when I draw it my thumb naturally fall on the safety disengaging it on the draw and when it comes level I fire and I hit what I shooting at.