The shotgun is arguably the original defensive firearm, with a history going back hundreds of years, and the unmatchable close range power of a scattergun means it'll be a great choice for at least the foreseeable future.
The venerable pump-action shotgun continues to be a popular choice for people wanting a defensive shotgun, but the always-improving reliability and lighter recoil of a semi-automatic gun are making a compelling case to choose them for home defense.
Beretta | A300 Ultima Patrol
Building upon the reliable A300 platform, the new defensive model sports a host of features to make it easier to operate in a home-security role. Oversize controls, an extended 7-round mag tube, multiple accessory-mounting points and a shortened stock make it ideal as a semi-automatic home defender.
▶Enlarged loading port
▶Ghost-ring rear sight
▶M-Lok fore-end
▶Custom M-Lok barrel clamp
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 19.1 inches
Overall Length: 38 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 2 ounces
MSRP: $1,099
(301) 283-2191 beretta.com
KelTec | KSG410
KelTec’s KSG family gets a .410-bore addition. Offering 10-round capacity (five rounds per tube), the smallest KSG is also the lightest, tipping the scales at a scant 5.4 pounds—so it’s suitable as a trainer, plinker or hiking companion.
▶Available in black or FDE
▶Carry handle
▶Fiber-optic front sight
▶Ambidextrous slide release
Specifications
Gauge: .410 Bore
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 26.1 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 6 ounces
MSRP: $495
(800) 515-9983 keltecweapons.com
Mossberg | 590S Optic Ready
Able to fire 1.75-, 2.75- and 3-inch shotshells, the 590S Optic Ready offers ammunition flexibility. However, its most attention-grabbing feature is that it is pre-cut for an MRDS, allowing direct mounting of any red-dot with a Shield RMSc footprint. It is also offered with a 18.5-inch barrel in addition to the 20-inch tube.
▶Redesigned elevator
▶Tang-mounted safety
▶Optics-cut cover plate
▶Cleanout magazine tube
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 41 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 4 ounces
MSRP: $704
(203) 230-5300 mossberg.com
Mossberg | 940 Pro Tactical/Holosun Combo
The highly touted 940 Pro Tactical semi-automatic shotgun pre-cut for an MRDS with a Shield RMSc footprint is now available with the excellent Holosun 407K already installed. Built with corrosion-resistant internals and an action that permits 1,500 rounds between cleanings, the 940 Pro Tactical is a combat shotgun enhanced with competition-derived features.
▶Adjustable LOP stock
▶Oversize controls
▶Accu-Choke-compatible barrel
▶Enlarged loading port
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 37 inches
Weight: 7 pounds, 8 ounces
MSRP: $1,333
(203) 230-5300 mossberg.com
Stoeger | M3000 Defense Freedom Series
Using Stoeger’s proven inertia-driven, semi-automatic action, the M3000 boasts practical features that make it an ideal candidate for home defense, and with an MRSP of $619, it won’t put a hurting on your wallet, either.
▶Oversize fire controls
▶Chrome-lined feed ramp
▶Black synthetic stock and fore-end
▶Picatinny railed receiver
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
Overall Length: 40.8 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP: $619
(800) 264-4962 stoegerindustries.com
Winchester | SXP Woodland Defender
The trusty SXP has a rugged new finish thanks to Perma-Cote FDE on its barrel and receiver. Dual action bars and a strong rotary bolt enhance this pump-action’s reliability. It is also available in 20 gauge.
▶Brass bead plus TruGlo fiber-optic front sight
▶Inflex Technology recoil pad
▶Chrome-plated chamber and bore
▶Accepts Invector-Plus chokes
Specifications
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Barrel Length: 18 inches
Overall Length: 38.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 4 ounces
MSRP: $429
(800) 333-3288 winchesterguns.com
