What’s the best type of gun for home defense?

I’m looking for advice on which firearm is best for home defense.

Some background: I live in a constitutional carry state with my wife and our 4-month-old baby. We also have a Pitbull and a Cane Corso. Our house is an older 1940s build made mostly of wood and drywall, and it’s small—about one and a half bedrooms.

My wife and I are both on the shorter side: I’m 5’4 and 180 pounds, and she’s 4’11 and 165 pounds. What type of firearm would be practical and safe for us to defend our home?

Anything that shoots bullets! But seriously, it depends on your experience. Visit a range, try different firearms, and pick something you’re confident using. A full-size 9mm pistol is a great starting point. For home defense, a pump-action shotgun (12 or 20 gauge) with a short barrel is also solid. Remember to practice often!

Shotguns and ARs are easier to use under stress due to their accuracy and stability, but handguns are more convenient for accessibility and storage. If you choose a firearm, make sure to train regularly. The more you practice, the more prepared you’ll be in a high-stress situation.

It really depends on your house layout and comfort level. A shotgun or rifle is more stable but harder to maneuver in tight spaces. A handgun is more compact but requires more training to use effectively. Try simulating clearing your house with both to see what feels more practical for you.

I’d recommend a shotgun with buckshot. It’s forgiving if your aim isn’t perfect and less likely to penetrate walls than slugs. If you go with a handgun, use hollow-point rounds to minimize over-penetration. Whatever you pick, make sure to get comfortable with it at the range.

Don’t just rely on a gun. Reinforce your doors and entry points to buy yourself more time to react. Also, both you and your wife should learn how to handle the firearm safely.

AR-15s are versatile and effective, but 9mm pistols or pistol-caliber carbines are easier to handle for smaller frames. Whatever you choose, add a flashlight and practice regularly.

There’s no single ‘best’ option. Choose what you’re comfortable and confident using.

AR-15s are great for capacity and low recoil, but I personally use a 12-gauge shotgun with buckshot because of my home’s layout and the reduced risk of over-penetration. It really depends on your specific situation and comfort level.

Get a 9mm handgun, similar to what your local police use, and train with it extensively. Don’t forget to invest in a good alarm system and reinforce entry points. The best defense is preparation and practice.

For beginners, a 9mm pistol with a 4-5” barrel is a solid choice. Make sure to take a basic firearms course and practice often. Always follow gun safety rules.

Shotguns are excellent, but avoid birdshot—it’s ineffective for home defense. Stick to buckshot for stopping power.

Shotguns are the way to go for home defense. They’re effective and less likely to over-penetrate compared to rifles. Pair it with proper training, and you’ll be set.

Objectively, an AR-15 is the best choice, followed by a shotgun and then a pistol. However, for a family with kids, a handgun with a light might be the most practical due to its one-handed operation. Practice and training are key.

A 20-gauge shotgun might be a better fit for your wife due to the lighter recoil. If that’s still too much, consider a .410 as a last resort. Practice and common sense are critical.

Check out Aguila mini-shells for your shotgun—they reduce recoil and are great for home defense.

A 10.5” AR-style 9mm PCC is a great choice. It’s easy to use, works well with a light and red dot, and reduces over-penetration risk compared to rifles.

The Kel-Tec KSG410 pump-action shotgun is compact, easy to handle, and holds 14 rounds. Pair it with some quality ammo, and you’re good to go.