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Home Defense Weapons and Tactics: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted by Mandu Moses on Mar 7th 2025

Do you know that almost 60% of rape and 38% of assault cases occur during home invasions? Also, according to Forbes Home, over a million home burglaries occur annually in the US. What does this say about home security?

Your home is a vulnerable place that can experience break-ins any time of the day. That means, besides installing security devices and heavy-duty doors, you need to have a home-defense plan to protect yourself during a home invasion.

The biggest challenge is to acquire the best weapon and defensive skills to fight burglars. That is especially true with the evolving crime strategies that make detecting and protecting your home against intruders impossible.

Luckily, this article discusses the best home defense weapons to have in your store and equips you with the right self-defense tactics, regardless of your combat skills.

Best Home Defense Weapons

Home defense weapons provide proactive protection against unexpected threats you may face at your home. These essential tools also offer a quick and safe way to stop an attack or exit the threat as quickly as possible. You can choose from lethal or non-lethal weapons depending on the degree of the threat. However, always remember the effectiveness of the weapons depends on how comfortable you can handle them.

Lethal Home Defense Weapons

Pistols, shotguns, and rifles have always been the best weapons to protect your home against invasion. That is because these firearms are always ready to discharge shots and stop the enemy in a defense scenario. The only problem is that each category provides different pros and cons that make it challenging to get one weapon that can fit all security needs.

Therefore, when choosing your lethal home defense weapon, you might want to know the features of the weapon to determine if it is the best choice for your home protection. That is why we have simplified your search by categorizing the best lethal home defense weapons as follows:

Shotguns

If you want the best home-defense gun that sends a lot of ammunition downrange, go for shotguns. These weapons are easy to aim and load and affordable, making them must-have security tools to store in your home at all times.

Despite their effectiveness, shotguns have various downsides that make them challenging to use. These include:

  • Some shotguns are heavy and have long barrels, which makes them challenging to use in close-range scenarios.
  • They have limited capacity, with some pump-action shotguns holding only six rounds
Best Tactical Shotguns for Home Defense

Mossberg 590A1

Key Features

  • This pump-action shotgun features a Ghost ring sight, fixed or collapsible stock, and a capacity of up to 9 rounds.
  • The barrel length of 20 inches and 7 lb. weight makes it easy to use.
  • It has the lightest and reduced recoil ammunition and works well with less-lethal ammo types.
  • It can handle some of the powerful magnum loads.

MSRP: $699.99

Remington 870

Credit: Kevin Brine

Key Features

  • The classic hardwood stock and pump make the Remington 870 one of the long-lasting shotguns for long-term protection.
  • The 6+1 capacity provides enough rounds for security
  • The 18.5-inch barrel allows maneuverability inside close quarters.
  • The front bead sight allows you to add another rear sight for a clear enemy acquisition.
  • The popularity of the guns allows it to fit different accessories and after-market upgrades such as the Streamlight TL-Racker.

MSRP: $499.99

Benelli M4

Key Features

  • This semi-automatic shotgun allows for a good degree of customization, making it a reliable piece for your home.
  • You can buy the 5+1 or 7+1 12ga capacity option depending on your budget.
  • The 18.5-inches barrel makes the gun lighter and easy to use around close quarters.

MSRP: $1,999.00

Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol

  • The Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol is the latest in the Beretta product line. It offers excellent grip textures and control and an optimized front end for mounting accessories.
  • This semi-automatic shotgun has a 7+1 12ga capacity, making it a great home protection option.
  • It features a fiber optic front and ghost ring rear.
  • The 19.1-inch barrel and 7.1 lb. weight allow for easy maneuverability.

MSRP: $1,149.00

Handguns

Handguns are shorter and lighter than shotguns, making them easy to carry and maneuver around the tight corners of your home. They also have higher capacity and reload speed, which allows you to act fast against home invasion. Most handguns have rails that make it easy to install flashlights and sights.

Handguns such as pistols and revolvers are the best to take down home invaders from any angle. They also allow you to signal your family members or call with one hand. However, they also have various limitations, such as:

  • Their small size gives less sight radius, making it harder to aim accurately. That means you need proper grip and training to take down enemies from any distance.
  • Some handguns, such as automatics, have more failures, and you need to practice with more failure drills to get the best shot.
  • Compared to larger firearms such as shotguns, some handguns have lower stopping power and hence may prove ineffective in neutralizing a threat.

What is Handgun Stopping Power?

Handgun stopping power refers to the ability of a handgun bullet to incapacitate or stop a threat effectively. In home defense, understanding stopping power is crucial for choosing the right firearm and ammunition to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.

Key Factors Influencing Stopping Power
  • Bullet Caliber

Larger Calibers: Handguns with larger calibers (e.g., .45 ACP, .44 Magnum) generally offer more stopping power due to their increased mass and larger diameter, which can cause more significant damage to an intruder.

Smaller Calibers: Smaller calibers (e.g., 9mm, .380 ACP) are often preferred for their higher velocity and greater penetration. They are easier to handle and effective with proper shot placement.

  • Bullet Design

Hollow Point Bullets: Ideal for home defense, these bullets expand upon impact, causing greater tissue damage and increasing stopping power while minimizing the risk of over-penetration, which can endanger others in the home.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Bullets: Typically used for target practice, FMJ bullets do not expand and tend to over-penetrate, which is generally less desirable in a home defense scenario.

  • Velocity

Higher velocity bullets can create more significant wound channels, enhancing stopping power. However, excessively high velocity can lead to over-penetration, posing a risk to others in the household.

  • Shot Placement

The effectiveness of a bullet heavily depends on where it hits the target. Shots to vital areas (e.g., head, heart, spine) are more likely to stop a threat quickly compared to shots to non-vital areas (e.g., limbs).

  • Energy Transfer

The kinetic energy a bullet transfers to the target upon impact is crucial. Higher energy transfer typically results in more effective stopping power, ensuring the threat is neutralized quickly.

  • Penetration and Expansion

Balancing penetration and expansion is essential. A bullet must penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs but also expand sufficiently to cause significant damage without exiting the target and endangering others.

Considerations for Home Defense

The concept of stopping power is often debated among firearm enthusiasts, law enforcement, and researchers. No single caliber or bullet type is universally acknowledged as the best, and opinions vary on the importance of bullet speed, size, and energy. The debate often centers around the balance between penetration and expansion and the trade-offs between bullet designs and calibers.

Practical Implications for Home Defense
  • Handgun Selection: For home defense, many prefer handguns chambered in 9mm due to their balance of stopping power, capacity, and manageable recoil. Other popular choices include .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
  • Ammunition Choice: Hollow-point bullets are highly recommended for home defense. They are designed to expand upon impact, providing greater stopping power and reducing the risk of over-penetration.
  • Training and Practice: Regular training and practice with your chosen home defense handgun and ammunition are essential. Familiarity with your firearm and proficiency in accurate shot placement is critical for effective home defense.
Best home defense handguns
Glock 19 Gen 5

Key Features

  • This semi-automatic 9mm polymer pistol is the ultra-reliable choice for the range, nightstand, and concealed carry.
  • The 4-inch barrel, 15-round magazine, and fixed sights make the pistol great for self-defense and family protection.
  • It allows for easy installation of aftermarket accessories.

MSRP: $799.99

Smith and Wesson Model 686+

  • The revolver holds 6+1 rounds, enough for standard protection.
  • It can shoot both .38 Special and the powerful .357 Magnum rounds.
  • The 4-inch barrel makes it easy to control and shoot in close quarters.
  • The factory rubber grips and finger groover fit the hand properly, ensuring smooth firing.

MSRP: $979.00

Walther PDP

Key Features

  • Walther PDP is another 9mm pistol with an exceptionally reliable striker-fired trigger system and ergonomics.
  • It comes with a ready red dot sight installed.
  • You can get a full-size with a 4.5-inch barrel or a compact size with a 4-inch barrel.

MSRP: 1599.00

Heckler & Koch VP9

Key Features

  • HK's VP9 is a great alternative for the Glock 19 Gen 5 with its polymer frame.
  • It is a 9mm pistol with a striker-fired trigger system and a 4.09-inch barrel for enhanced accuracy.
  • It comes with various backstraps and interchangeable side panels to help you choose the best combination that works for you.

MSRP: $959.00

Rifles

Rifles are probably the best home defense weapons, especially when dealing with several invaders. That is because these firearms hold the highest capacity of rounds, mostly above 30 rounds, ideal for home defense purposes. They are also easy to shoot since they offer more contact points to the body for enhanced control.

You can also work with tons of different ammunition loads when using rifles. Whether you want cheap rounds used for training or the .223 and 5.56 calibers for soft shooting, rifles will have you covered. However, always remember that, like any other gun, rifles also have their limitations, including:

  • They are pricey, although mainly depending on what you are looking for.
  • You’ll want proper training to handle tactical rifles, especially due to their weight.
  • The longer barrel length makes them cumbersome when shooting in very tight corners.
Best rifles for home defense
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7

Key Features

  • The rifle features a 32-round magazine that allows you to ditch a couple of rounds if you are concerned about spring tension on fully loaded mags.
  • It is ideal for night shoots with its flash reduction technology.
  • Works well with 5.56 NATO calibers.
  • It has a fixed set of DD iron sights that do not get in the way even with the optic mounted.
  • It also features a free-float handguard and a softer-shooting mid-length gas system.

MSRP: $2,161.00

Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport III

Key Features

  • The M&P 15 Sport III is a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO.
  • It features a 16-inch barrel and a mid-length gas system, which is known for its balance between recoil reduction and reliability.
  • The M&P 15 Sport III has a lightweight M-LOK handguard for mounting accessories like lights, grips, or sights.
  • It has a black finish and an adjustable stock.

MSRP: $839.00

Palmetto State Armory Sabre

Key Features

  • This semi-automatic rifle features billet upper, lower, and ambidextrous controls, ideal for occasional left-handed shooters.
  • Works well with .223 Wylde calibers.
  • Comes with a 30+1 round magazine.

MSRP: $849.99

Non-lethal Home Defense Weapons

Sometimes, lethal force may not be necessary or legal when executing your home defense plan. In a situation where an imminent threat to life is not intended, you may want to use non-lethal weapons that are easy to use and less dangerous.

Non-lethal weapons are available in different designs and price ranges. You can choose cheap options if you are working on a budget or expensive but effective weapons that offer ultimate peace of mind. However, whichever route you take, always remember to get what you can use easily and comfortably in times of danger.

That said, here are the best non-lethal weapons that you should consider getting:

Tactical Flashlights

Tactical flashlights are among the most underrated defense tools you should have in your home. Most tactical flashlights have high brightness levels and different strobe or flashing settings that provide more than 200 lumens as opposed to the standard 100-lumen flashlights. These settings offer an intelligent way to inhibit the vision of an intruder. They also have jagged edges that you can use to strike the attacker directly.

Tactical flashlights are made from high-quality materials that make them weather-resistant. That makes them suitable to use in any condition and situation you face. Some of the best tactical flashlights for home defense include:

Tactical Pens

Tactical pens may look like writing pens but have stainless steel tips that can break glass or hit intruders to inflict physical damage. Some are made from precision-machined aluminum and filled with ink to allow you to write in outdoor conditions. Their shape and size make them easy to conceal and take the attacker by surprise.

Some tactical pens also have DNA collecting tubes that allow you to collect the DNA of the invader and use it for identification. Some of the best tactical pens include:

Tactical and Pocket Knives

A tactical or pocket knife is one weapon that can be useful in any situation. Small tactical knives are ideal for concealed carry, and you can use them anywhere you face danger. On the contrary, if you want a knife that you can use only in your house, you can go for larger knives that you can hide conveniently.

Unlike other easy-to-use weapons, knives require some training to take on an intruder effectively. That is because a slight miss can lead to a lot of damage to your hands and fail to send away the attacker. Also, pulling the knife can cause the assailant to act fast and aggressively to defend themselves. Therefore, before buying a tactical knife, always learn how to use it first.

Some of the best tactical and pocket knives include:

Stun Guns

Stun guns deliver a powerful shock to an attacker within seconds, making them powerless. Some stun guns work on direct contact, while others offer shooting prongs. Since they are legal in most states without significant restrictions, you can use them to defend yourself and your family against assaults.

You can sleep comfortably with a stun gun on your bedside or a nightstand table. That is because most have safety switches that prevent accidental deployment and only become active when you need them. These devices are also easy to use since they do not require any extensive training. Whether you go for knuckle, baton, mini, or a traditional stun gun, you will always be at peace with your protection.

Example:

Kubatons

A Kubatons is a small pen-like weapon developed in the 1960s. It is typically made from a strong metal or plastic and has a pointed end that delivers an effective pressure point to the attacker. Since it is not easily recognized as a weapon, you can use it to deliver an unexpected blow to the assailant.

The small size of Kubatons makes them easy to conceal and use when attacked. These devices are common among law enforcement units that use them as painful locks to control unruly people.

Pepper Spray

Pepper spray works by releasing Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) which causes the enemy's eye veins and mucus membranes to swell, causing intense discomfort and immobility. This gives you a chance to attack, disarm the enemy, and call for help. Also, since they are mostly small in size, pepper sprays are easy to handle and do not require any level of expertise.

Pepper sprays are legal in most states. However, some states restrict how and where you can use them. Therefore, before buying any pepper spray for home defense, check your local laws to determine if you can use it.

Some of the best pepper sprays you can buy include:

Home Defense Tactics

There is a lot more that goes into securing your home than loading your gun and pulling a trigger. Besides buying the best weapon of your choice, sometimes getting the much-desired security depends on your defense plan and how you use your weapon. That is why we have crafted some of the workable tactics you can employ to protect your family and home.

  • Fencing your Home and using Lockable Gates

Fences and lockable gates help you control and monitor whoever enters your property. You can build a 6”-8” tall wall around your home to keep off introducers. You can also cut down trees and bushes around the gate and channel all the vehicles and individuals to where you can easily control their activities.

  • Reinforcing all Exterior Doors

Almost 85% of break-ins happen through doors, making them the most vulnerable access points to your home. Reinforcing your exterior doors makes it difficult for invaders to kick them down. Always use the best reinforcement products that make your door virtually impenetrable.

  • Using Simple and Cheap Alarm Systems

You don't need expensive alarm systems to stay away from dangers. Sometimes, simple and cheap systems can go a long way in saving your life. Some of the low-cost alarm hacks include:

  1. Activating a CCTV system automatically calls your phone when the door is pushed or a doorbell is pressed. This allows you to hear and see whoever is entering your home.
  2. Suspending aluminum cans with rocks at different heights of the fence. These cans can move and make noise when someone tries to climb over the fence.
  3. Mounting battery-powered mini windows and door alarms on any entry point. These alarms are activated when someone opens the window or door and help keep you alert.

  • Using Exterior and Interior Mirrors to Help You See Blind Spots

Blind spots can hide individuals who do not want to reveal themselves when breaking in. You can easily overcome the challenge by installing exterior 4–6-inch convex mirrors on the corners or outside windows. You can also use 90-, 180-, or 360-degree interior mirrors to view small rooms, L-shaped hallways, T intersections, and areas requiring 4-way visibility. Remember to mount these mirrors higher than average since most people do not look up when walking.

  • Using Panic or Safe Rooms

Panic or safe rooms are the best hiding places, making it appear like no one is home. They are also harder to break into, making them ideal for hiding your family during a home invasion. You can use kitchen islands, closets, or floor trap doors as entrances to the panic room.

  • Keeping Pets as an Early Warning

Pets such as dogs, geese, turkeys, roosters, and Guinea hens can be an early warning sign when a stranger enters your compound. Whether you live in the city or the country, keeping these pets prepares you to face any danger that comes into your home. For instance, most introducers cannot take on trained dogs unless they have guns to shoot them.

  • Training your Family on How to Handle, Shoot, and Maintain any Home Defense Weapon

Accurate shooting is an excellent skill that comes in handy during a life-threatening situation. During your off-duty time, you can take your family to shooting ranges and teach them how to handle guns and other defense weapons. Also, together, you can learn more about gun safety and maintenance tips, which can help you take on enemies at any time.

The Bottom Line

Keeping your home safe from thieves and assaults does not have to cost a fortune. All you need is a comprehensive defense plan that includes all the necessary methods and weapons favorable to all family members. That is why you should consider including some of the lethal and non-lethal weapons discussed above in your home defense system.

Securing your home for the first time can be a tricky task. However, with time, you will learn all the secrets you need to protect your valuables and family, including building safe rooms, installing security mirrors, and reinforcing all exterior doors.



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