What’s the best gun for home defense right now?

I’m trying to figure out the best firearm for home defense. I was considering a shotgun or rifle, but with the current rifle restrictions, it’s hard to find one that’s legal. I’ve been thinking about a pistol caliber carbine, but I’m not sure which ones are still allowed. Any suggestions?

I’d always go with an AR, but given the options now, a Glock 19 with a light and an RMR would be my choice.

Jensen said:
I’d always go with an AR, but given the options now, a Glock 19 with a light and an RMR would be my choice.

Agreed, 5.56 out of a 16-inch barrel in a lightweight rifle is the best for home defense, but we have to work with what we’ve got for now.

M1 Garand.

Rory said:
M1 Garand.

Are you talking about the Springfield Armory versions? They look pretty good.

Scout said:

Rory said:
M1 Garand.

Are you talking about the Springfield Armory versions? They look pretty good.

The Springfield ones are nice, but I think they’re referring to the originals used in WWII through Vietnam. Those would be legal and are a piece of history too.

@Ash
Shockwaves are great for home defense if you train with them. Use mini-shells for practice to get the hang of the recoil. If you set it up with a red dot and practice proper techniques, it can be very effective.

Kit said:
:beer:

Firearm forums can be wild. This thread has surprisingly solid advice. I once got downvoted to oblivion in another forum just for mentioning over-penetration concerns. It felt like everyone attacking me was 15 years old.

Shockwave or Tac-14 with buckshot.

If you care about your hearing, I’d avoid firing a shotgun or AR indoors without ear protection. For home defense, a full-size or compact 9mm handgun with a rail-mounted light is a better choice. Examples: Glock 17/19, Sig P320, or CZ P-10. The light is critical for identifying targets.

Use hollow-point ammunition like Federal HST 147-grain—it’s subsonic, so it doesn’t break the sound barrier and will save your ears while still being highly effective. Always test your ammo at the range to ensure your gun functions properly with it.

For rural areas, go with a shotgun. For urban settings, a handgun is more practical. Handguns are easier to maneuver in tight spaces and often hold more rounds than a shotgun. Look into models like the Glock, Walther PDP, or Springfield Echelon—all great options under $750. Whatever you choose, make sure to train with it. An untrained gun owner is more dangerous than no gun at all.

What about those Micro Roni kits? Are they any good? I was thinking about pairing one with a Glock for home defense.

Scout said:
What about those Micro Roni kits? Are they any good? I was thinking about pairing one with a Glock for home defense.

I have one for my Sig P320. They’re fun and make the gun more stable, but I still keep a Glock 19 by my bedside.

@Gray
Are Micro Ronis legal in Illinois?

Uma said:
@Gray
Are Micro Ronis legal in Illinois?

Not sure.

Gray said:

Uma said:
@Gray
Are Micro Ronis legal in Illinois?

Not sure.

Yes, I checked—they’re legal here.

Scout said:

Gray said:
Uma said:
@Gray
Are Micro Ronis legal in Illinois?

Not sure.

Yes, I checked—they’re legal here.

Just make sure you’re aware of the ATF brace ruling. If you add a stock, it becomes an SBR and requires proper paperwork.

Mini-14 is your best bet.

Zander said:
Mini-14 is your best bet.

Is the Mini-14 still legal?

Harlow said:

Zander said:
Mini-14 is your best bet.

Is the Mini-14 still legal?

Yes.