Best magazine-fed semi-auto shotgun for home defense?

Thinking about getting a mag-fed semi-auto shotgun for home defense. Any recommendations?

I’d go with an AR instead, but if you really want a shotgun, there are some solid options.

Olin said:
I’d go with an AR instead, but if you really want a shotgun, there are some solid options.

Wouldn’t 5.56 over-penetrate through walls though?

Mossberg 500. Reliable and easy to use.

Remington 870. Can’t go wrong with it.

Benelli M4 all day.

If you’re really set on a shotgun, go with a pump-action. A Benelli Supernova is a great option. If you want semi-auto, the M4 is solid, but it’s expensive. For home defense, an AR-15 with a suppressor is a way better option—no ear protection needed in a panic situation.

If you must go mag-fed, know that most of them have reliability issues. The Genesis Gen-12 is the only one worth considering, but it’s $3K.

Not the best idea.

Chen said:
Not the best idea.

Why not?

Edit: Wanted a real answer.

Teo said:

Chen said:
Not the best idea.

Why not?

Edit: Wanted a real answer.

Good ones are crazy expensive (think $3K+), and shotguns aren’t designed to store shells in mags long-term.

If you really want a defensive shotgun, look at the Beretta 1301T or A300 Patrol. But honestly, an AR-15 is a much better choice.

Shotguns do have some benefits—insane stopping power and fewer legal headaches in certain places—but they have more recoil, lower capacity, are harder to use, and require a lot of practice. Plus, you have to pattern your ammo, which means sticking to one type that may be tough to find.

@Chen
Didn’t even think about mag compression. Good info, thanks!

Mossberg 930. Solid choice for a semi-auto.

The Genesis Gen-12 is the only reliable mag-fed semi-auto, but it’s $3K.

Saiga-12 and VEPR-12 are possible options, but they can be hit-or-miss and usually need work. If you don’t want to deal with that, stick to a traditional tube-fed shotgun like an 870 Police or Mossberg 590.

If you want semi-auto, go with a Mossberg 940 Tactical or Beretta A300 Patrol. If you have the budget, the Beretta 1301 or Benelli M4 are top-tier.

But really… just get an AR-15 and call it a day.

Check this out: https://youtu.be/WZj5RegN0N8?si=iGar_Tgr82pXK4Jv

Around here, a buttstock and front grip legally turn a pistol into a rifle.

Don’t forget about electronic hearing protection. Firing any gun indoors—shotgun, AR, pistol—without it will wreck your hearing permanently.

Look into whether shotgun shells hold up over time in magazines. Some people say they do fine, others say they deform. Worth researching.

If you want something reliable, stick to tube-fed options. Mossberg, Beretta, or Benelli are solid choices. Or just go with an AR-15.

I’ll never get rid of my Benelli M1014. Hands down the best combat shotgun. I also have a UTS-15 and a KSG, both of which are great. Any of these will serve you well.

This is what you want: AA12 Sledgehammer Shotgun Available for Civilian Sale | RECOIL

Mag-fed shotguns are gimmicky. If you look at what law enforcement and the military use, it’s tube-fed shotguns that have stood the test of time.

If you really want a semi-auto, get one with good aftermarket support, like a Mossberg 940 or Beretta A300 with a tube extension.