I’m trying to decide between getting a pistol or a shotgun as my first firearm for home defense. The shotgun could also be useful for hunting, but the pistol would be more versatile for concealed carry and personal defense in other situations.
For context, I live in a semi-secluded house in a wooded area. My neighbors are several hundred feet away and down a hill. No kids yet, but planning to start a family within the next year.
One concern: one of my neighbor’s sons has a history of violence—he’s been in trouble for shooting and stabbing incidents, and often fires his guns at random times. That’s added to my motivation to make sure I’m prepared.
Looking specifically at the Mossberg 500 vs. the Shield Plus. Would love to hear your thoughts and what you chose for your first home defense firearm.
Jai said:
What weapon system are you the most familiar with?
After some practice, I’m much more accurate with a long gun. I can hit targets up to 70 yards with a rifle, but with a pistol, I’m limited to 10–15 yards.
I went with a pistol first because it’s easier to keep on hand wherever you are in the house. It’s also more precise for launching a single projectile at a time.
Mika said:
I went with a pistol first because it’s easier to keep on hand wherever you are in the house. It’s also more precise for launching a single projectile at a time.
Shotguns can be just as precise with the right load, choke, and distance. Plus, you get to launch multiple projectiles (like nine .32 caliber rounds) at once, which can be more effective in a high-stress situation.
Mika said:
I went with a pistol first because it’s easier to keep on hand wherever you are in the house. It’s also more precise for launching a single projectile at a time.
The best gun is the one you can actually access in a crisis. A pistol can stay near your bed (in a quick-access safe if you have kids) or even on your person. A shotgun in a closet is great, but you won’t always have time to reach it.
I bought a Maverick 88 and a Beretta M9 at the same time. It’s just my wife and me, so my plan is to point the shotgun at the bedroom door and wait for help to arrive.
The pistol is easier for my wife to handle, so we keep it on her side of the bed.
I’d start with a pistol, especially if you’re planning to get a carry license. Take a training class to build your skills, even if you don’t plan to carry regularly. A shotgun can come later if you want a dedicated home defense option.
Whatever you decide, make sure to get proper training and practice regularly. Owning a firearm isn’t enough—you need to be comfortable using it under stress.
Shotguns can be tricky under stress. If you’re new to firearms, I’d go with a pistol first. They’re easier to maneuver and reload in tight spaces, and you can always have one hand free.
Wylie said:
Shotguns can be tricky under stress. If you’re new to firearms, I’d go with a pistol first. They’re easier to maneuver and reload in tight spaces, and you can always have one hand free.
Semi-auto shotguns might be worth looking into—they’re easier to handle than pumps and don’t require as much muscle memory for cycling the action.
If this is your first firearm, I’d recommend starting with a pistol. It’s easier to train with and can be carried if needed. A shotgun is great for home defense, but it’s likely to stay locked up most of the time. A pistol you can have on you or keep in a quick-access safe.
I started with a Maverick 88 because it was affordable ($250) and reliable. I also have a pistol and an AR-15 for other scenarios, but for home defense, I prefer the shotgun.
Keep in mind: if you use your gun in self-defense, the police will take it as evidence, and you might not get it back for a long time. That’s another reason I prefer a less expensive shotgun for this purpose.