Shotguns for Home Defense: Complete Guide to Pros, Cons, Loads, and Training
If you’re researching the best shotgun for home defense, you’ve probably seen a lot of conflicting advice. Some say the shotgun is king. Others insist modern carbines or handguns are better. The truth? A well-chosen and well-trained shotgun is still one of the most devastating tools you can have for defending your home.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shotguns for home defense—including the pros, cons, ammo choices, accessories, and training considerations—so you can decide if it’s the right platform for your situation.
Why Shotguns Are Still Relevant
At close ranges typical inside a home (3–15 yards), the shotgun delivers overwhelming terminal performance. With quality buckshot, one trigger pull can equal the impact of multiple handgun rounds. That stopping power—combined with modern accessories and loads—makes the defensive shotgun as relevant as ever.
The Pros of Shotguns for Home Defense
Fight-Stopping Power
With 00 buckshot, each shell carries 8 or 9 .33-caliber projectiles. That’s a fight-stopping payload in a single shot. Slugs provide rifle-like precision if needed.Ammo Versatility
You can select reduced-recoil buck for faster follow-ups, #1 buck for a balance of spread and penetration, or slugs for barrier penetration and longer shots.Reliability
Pump-action models like the Mossberg 590 and Remington 870 are famously rugged. Semiauto options like the Beretta 1301 and Benelli M4 combine speed with reliability.Accessory-Friendly
Modern shotguns accept weapon lights, red dots, and side saddles, turning them into serious defensive systems.Cost-Effective
Compared to ARs, defensive shotguns remain budget-friendly. Ammo is widely available and relatively affordable.
The Cons of Shotguns for Home Defense
Limited Capacity
Most defensive shotguns hold 4–7 rounds, far less than a carbine or even some pistols. Reloading is slow and requires practice.Heavy Recoil
Poor mounting technique leads to bruising and slower follow-ups. A 20-gauge offers less recoil but slightly reduced effectiveness.Training Intensive
Reloading, topping off, and select-slug drills all take commitment. Shotguns are not truly “point and shoot”—aiming is mandatory.Overpenetration Risk
Buckshot and slugs easily pass through drywall and multiple interior walls. Birdshot may seem safer but lacks penetration to stop a determined attacker.Handling Indoors
A long barrel can make movement through hallways awkward. Accessories must be chosen carefully to avoid snagging.
Ammo Choices: What Works and What Doesn’t
Forget Hollywood myths. At typical indoor distances, patterns are tight—often fist-sized. That means you must aim.
00 Buck (8 or 9 pellets): The gold standard. Devastating close-range stopping power.
#1 Buck: Smaller pellets, higher count, excellent penetration-to-spread balance.
Slugs: Great for precision or barriers but pose a high overpenetration risk.
Reduced Recoil Loads: Softer shooting, faster follow-ups, and still lethal at home distances.
Birdshot: Effective only at near-contact distance. Not reliable for defense.
Pro Tip: Pattern your chosen load at 3, 7, 10, and 15 yards. Every shotgun and load combination performs differently.
Must-Have Accessories for Defensive Shotguns
Skip the gimmicks. Focus on function.
Weapon Light – Target ID is non-negotiable. A quality light on the forend is critical.
Red Dot Sight – Speeds up aiming, especially under stress and in low light.
Side Saddle or Velcro Shell Cards – Keeps reloads on the gun. Organize buckshot forward and slugs rearward for tactile selection.
Short Stock – A 12.5–13.5" length of pull makes the shotgun faster and more controllable.
Training Priorities: Building Real Skill
Shotguns demand more training than most handguns or rifles. Focus on these fundamentals:
Mount & First Shot – Smooth, fast, accurate mounting is everything.
Pattern Testing – Know exactly how your load performs in your house.
Reloading Skills – Topping off and port-loading keep the gun alive.
Select-Slug Drill – Learn to swap buckshot for slugs when precision matters.
Light Activation – Practice identifying and engaging targets in low light.
A good routine:
Dry practice: 5 minutes, 2–3 times a week.
Live fire: Monthly, 25–40 shells with your actual defensive load.
Who Should Choose a Shotgun?
Ideal for:
Homeowners with typical indoor distances under 15 yards.
Defenders willing to invest in training and practice.
Those who value decisive close-range stopping power.
Less Ideal for:
Users sensitive to recoil.
Homes where thin walls and neighbors make overpenetration a major concern.
Defenders who want higher capacity and faster reloads.
Final Thoughts
The shotgun is not a magic wand. It doesn’t excuse poor aim or lack of training. But in the hands of someone who trains, with the right load and accessories, it’s still one of the most devastating home-defense tools ever made.
Set it up with a good light, pattern your ammo, shorten the stock, and train regularly. Do that, and the defensive shotgun earns its place as a serious contender for protecting your home and family.