When something goes bump in the night, what’s your move? Are you grabbing the trusty 12-gauge, racking your AR, or reaching for the pistol in the nightstand?
It’s a question every responsible gun owner wrestles with at some point: What’s the best firearm for home defense? The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—but let’s break it down in plain English.
Why the Gun Choice Matters
Your home is your castle. And if danger ever comes through your door, you want to be ready to defend it—and your family—with confidence. But the “best” tool depends on your living situation, training, and what you’re comfortable running under stress.
Two seasoned shooters from Vortex Nation recently put this debate to the test in their latest video, above, with drywall, ballistic gel, and some high-tempo drills. Here’s what we learned—and how you can apply it.
The Case for Each Weapon Platform
Shotgun: King of Close Quarters
The 12-gauge is a devastating tool at close range. Loaded with buckshot or even a slug, it delivers incredible stopping power. And with a pump-action like the Mossberg 590, you’ve got flexibility to load everything from birdshot to slugs.
In testing, buckshot put multiple projectiles on target simultaneously, creating an enormous wound cavity in ballistic gel. Even low-recoil birdshot—usually dismissed in defensive talk—showed surprising effectiveness within a home-defense distance.
Pros:
✔ Massive stopping power
✔ Versatile ammo options
✔ Great intimidation factor
Cons:
✖ Can be unwieldy in tight hallways
✖ Overpenetration risk with slugs or heavy buckshot
✖ Slower reloads under pressure
Pistol: Quick, Light, and Nimble
The handgun shines for maneuverability and one-handed use. Whether it’s keeping a hand free for dialing 911, guiding kids to safety, or opening doors, a pistol gives you options.
During the Vortex course, the shooter with a 9mm was able to engage targets effectively—even with a moving threat. Using modern defensive ammo like Hornady Critical Duty, the 9mm showed textbook penetration and expansion in gel testing.
Pros:
✔ Compact and easy to store securely
✔ Can be run with one hand
✔ Faster follow-up shots
Cons:
✖ Requires excellent shot placement under stress
✖ Smaller projectiles mean less energy transfer
✖ Lower capacity than some carbines
Rifle/Carbine: The Modern Defender
AR-15 rifles deserve repeated mention, as they offer excellent accuracy, higher capacity, and are highly controllable—especially with a red dot.
But overpenetration becomes a big concern. Even lightweight .223/5.56 rounds can zip through drywall and into the next room, which is something every home defender needs to consider.
Pros:
✔ High accuracy and capacity
✔ Low recoil with .223/5.56
✔ Excellent in trained hands
Cons:
✖ Overpenetration in close quarters
✖ Longer length makes them harder to maneuver indoors
Overpenetration: The Elephant in the Room
Every round, from birdshot to 9mm, has the potential to go through drywall. Testing revealed even light buckshot and pistol rounds zipped through walls and into the gel block beyond.
That’s why situational awareness and proper target identification are critical. Know where your family members are and what’s behind your target.
So…Which One Wins?
Here’s the kicker: there’s no “perfect” choice.
✔ If you’ve got tight hallways and young kids, a pistol you can lock up but bring into action fast might be the way to go.
✔ If you live alone in a house and want raw stopping power, the shotgun is hard to beat.
✔ If you’re highly trained and want maximum control and capacity, the carbine might make sense.
The best home-defense firearm is the one you’re trained on, can deploy confidently, and can use effectively in your living environment.
Live Inventory Price Checker
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JTS Shotgun M12AK 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun, 18.7" Barrel, Black - M12AKT2 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 554.99 $ 499.99 |
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JTS Shotgun M12AK 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun, 18.7" Barrel, Black - M12AKT2 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 649.99 $ 499.00 |
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Jts Shotgun (xisico Usa) M12ar Semi-Auto 12 Gauge 18.70 3" 5+1 M12ARB1" | Ammunition Depot | $ 349.99 |
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JTS Shotguns SS410 Single Shot .410 Gauge 28" Break Action/Single Shot, Black | Palmetto State Armory | $ 188.99 $ 170.99 |
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Takeaways for Responsible Gun Owners
- Train, train, train. Tools don’t save lives—training does.
- Consider a quality light. Most bad things happen in the dark.
- Secure your firearm. Keep it out of unauthorized hands, but accessible under stress.
- Think through your layout. Walk your home and plan your movements now—not during an emergency.
At the end of the day, what matters most isn’t the caliber or platform—it’s you. Pick the tool that works for your situation, and practice until running it becomes second nature.
What’s your choice for home defense—and why? Let us know in the comments below.
I have a shotgun and a 9mm for those times that require intervention. None needed so far thank God!
Type of fabrication of house comes into play also. Stick and stucco, 8 x 8 x 16 masonry, adobe slump block, brick etc. Almost nothing goes through adobe slump block. Almost anything goes through sticks and stucco. You might be surprised to know how little a 556 round will actually go through drywall and 2×4’s, especially the lighter bullets. Going against common “recommendations”, bird shot at close range is lethal and will not over penetrate the target. 7 1/2 to #4 duck works well within the range of most living rooms or hallways. That leaves the innocent party behind the… Read more »
Silly boys. Trick bait thesis. We’re AMERICANS!!! There is no “one best” choice….one’s personal competency sets, physical limitations to be factored. Pistol, shotgun, rifle are not mutually exclusive options. There should be “and” rather than “or” between all three options, One should have all three at their disposal/selection as a scenario evolves, possible malfunction encountered. One can move between weapons. First move would be grab the pistol. Pistols are for fighting one’s way to their long guns. As situational threat awareness evolves, one establishes their safe room defense envelope, inside structure, maybe bring shotgun into play….a Mossberg Shockwave magazine model… Read more »
The farther you are away from a city, town or village the less likely you will need to defend your home. Distance is one’s first defense. And that will impact your choice of weaps. And, also, the type of weapon that will serve you best depend upon your opponents. The enemy always has a vote.
Great article that provides a lot to ponder. I do have to ask if you are selling the carbine short. I agree that .556 may be too much penetration for home defense, however, the pistol caliber carbines may solve that issue. While you can’t argue with the ability to use a handgun one handed, some PCC’s can be shot effectively one handed if needed. It would be great to see a part 2 of this video showing how a PCC would compare to the handgun and shotgun.
Yada yada yada Let me solve this for everybody: Do you, yes you… no, next to.. yeah you! Do you have a shotgun or carbine on you RIGHT NOW? Not dambetcha it’s cocked locked and ready to rock in the bedroom or on the wall or whatever, I mean can you put your hand to it this instant? Okay, do you have it on you when you’re cooking, mowing the front lawn or taking a dump? Well alrighty then. Side note, I was bemused to see Mr. Vortex lose his dot and have to spend a couple seconds finding it… Read more »
In my not so humble opinion, ANY reliable, run-of-the-mill firearm (don’t be silly and suggest a .50 BMG) that you’re competent with is SO MUCH better than bare hands for home defense that further debate means getting bogged down in generally unimportant details. My ideal would be a short, suppressed SMG -a theoretical possibility here in TX – but financial realities intrude. So a braced PDW is my current choice; like any reasonable person, I hope I never have to use it. If because of your circumstances you’re going to use a pistol, shotgun, or modern sporting rifle, just be… Read more »
IMOA, the weapon of choice should be the one you are most comfortable handling and most proficient shooting. You also have to take into consideration each weapon pros/ cons what it takes to clear corners and cover the threat without exposing oneself. Conduct dry runs with a clear and safe weapon day and night to determine best option.
dont know what shotgun they are talking about slow reloads ts12 16 rounds ready to go if you need more than that you need a strategic retreat even with a fast reload
I’ll stick with an AR15 carbine, with a light, scope, sling and loaded with Lake City M855.