What’s your top pick for home defense weapons?

Hi everyone,

If you could pick your top three weapons for home defense, what would they be? I haven’t put much thought into this before, but I’d rather have something and not need it than need it and not have it. My best friend suggested a Remington pump-action shotgun, but I’ve also heard that handguns might not be as ideal in stressful situations due to accuracy issues.

If you had some time to prepare—like someone is trying to kick down your door and you don’t need to grab something immediately—what would you recommend?

I’m willing to spend up to $2000 because protecting my home and future family is worth it. I’ve seen budget options, but I want to prioritize quality and reliability.

What do you think? Would an AR-15, shotgun, or something else be the way to go? Also, any advice on what to look for in a gun shop or range would be great.

Cannon, musket, and a triangle bayonet—classic choices.

Quill said:
Cannon, musket, and a triangle bayonet—classic choices.

Tally ho, my friends.

Ezri said:

Quill said:
Cannon, musket, and a triangle bayonet—classic choices.

Tally ho, my friends.

Exactly how the founding fathers imagined it.

Ezri said:

Quill said:
Cannon, musket, and a triangle bayonet—classic choices.

Tally ho, my friends.

Divvy up the spoils!

Quill said:
Cannon, musket, and a triangle bayonet—classic choices.

You’re such a troublemaker!

Zahari said:

Quill said:
Cannon, musket, and a triangle bayonet—classic choices.

You’re such a troublemaker!

I actually love scallions.

Quill said:
Cannon, musket, and a triangle bayonet—classic choices.

I’d raise you a box full of ninja stars.

Quill said:
Cannon, musket, and a triangle bayonet—classic choices.

I’m more of a broadsword or poleaxe kind of person.

Quill said:
Cannon, musket, and a triangle bayonet—classic choices.

Someone has to say it…

Own a musket for home defense, just like the founding fathers intended. Four intruders break in. ‘What the devil?’ as I grab my powdered wig and Kentucky rifle. I blow a golf ball-sized hole in the first man, killing him instantly. Draw my pistol, miss the second guy because it’s smoothbore, and accidentally hit the neighbor’s dog. Resort to the cannon on the stairs loaded with grapeshot—‘Tally ho, lads!’—and shred two of them. The last guy bleeds out waiting for the police because triangular bayonet wounds can’t be stitched. Just like the founding fathers wanted.

Quill said:
Cannon, musket, and a triangle bayonet—classic choices.

What in tarnation!

Figure out what type of gun fits your needs before diving into specific models.

Willing to budget up to $2000

Spend wisely. Divide your budget between the gun, accessories, ammo, and proper training. A $500 gun with good ammo and training is better than a $2000 gun with no practice.

Shotguns are powerful but can be harder to handle in tight spaces. AR-15s are great all-rounders, and pistols are convenient but take more skill under stress. Think about your layout and what you’d feel comfortable using.

@Hayes
Own a lever-action for home defense because that’s what John Wayne would’ve done. Four federales break in—‘Holy smokes!’ as I grab my 10-gallon hat and Winchester. The first guy gets a golf ball-sized hole blown in him. I miss the second guy entirely with my Colt Navy, accidentally shooting a neighbor’s pet coyote. I turn to my Gatling gun and let it rip, while ricochets spook every horse nearby. Finally, I take my rattlesnake-poisoned Bowie knife and finish off the last guy. Just like John Wayne would have.

@Hayes
I’d much rather spend money on good training. Someone once told me, ‘I’d rather have a $3 tree in a $100 hole than the other way around.’ The same applies here.

People always ask this. Here’s the simple list:

  1. AR-15
  2. AR-15
  3. AR-15
  4. AR-15
  5. AR-15
  6. AR-15
  7. AR-15
  8. Handgun
  9. Handgun
  10. Handgun
  11. Shotgun.

Handguns are fast and mobile, while shotguns offer massive stopping power. They’re great complements to each other.

For example, if you get a knock at the door, a concealed handgun is discreet and non-threatening. If someone is breaking in, a shotgun in a defensive position can end things quickly. Both have their place.

AR-15 is the most versatile. Glock 19 is solid for carry and home defense. Shotguns like the Mossberg 590 are classics for a reason. It all comes down to what you’re comfortable training with.

Shotguns are overrated for home defense. They’re heavy, have limited capacity, and are harder to use under stress. I’d go with an AR and a Glock any day.

Thorne said:
Shotguns are overrated for home defense. They’re heavy, have limited capacity, and are harder to use under stress. I’d go with an AR and a Glock any day.

Is it the length or capacity you don’t like? You can’t argue with their lethality at close range.

I like handguns for situations where you might need to hold something behind your back while opening the door. They’re just more practical for everyday situations.