Picture this: It’s the middle of the night, shadows lurking everywhere, and the only thing standing between your family and a potential intruder is a well-chosen firearm. The sight of these powerful weapons alone can scare off any would-be intruder, making them think twice before stepping foot into your home.
From the booming blast of a shotgun to the pinpoint accuracy of a handgun, these 22 firearms aren’t just tools—they are guardians, ensuring your home stays safe and secure.
Colt 1911
The Colt 1911 is a classic American semi-automatic pistol, famous for its powerful .45 ACP cartridge and accuracy. Its durable design and stopping power make it a favorite for home defense. While it requires more maintenance, its crisp trigger pull and historical significance have a loyal following.
FN Herstal FNS-9
The FN Herstal FNS-9 is a striker-fired semi-automatic pistol with a reputation for reliability and accuracy. It features a polymer frame, ambidextrous controls, and a crisp trigger pull. The FNS-9’s ergonomic design and manageable recoil make it a solid choice for home defense.
Mossberg 500/590
The Mossberg 500/590 series are reliable, pump-action shotguns perfect for home defense. The 590 model stands out with its robust design and larger capacity. Easy to use, the sound of racking this shotgun is enough to intimidate any intruder. With various ammunition types available, you can choose the best load for your needs.
Remington 870
The Remington 870 is another classic pump-action shotgun with a long history in the military and law enforcement. Known for its sturdy build and dependability, the 870 is simple to operate—crucial during stressful situations. It’s highly customizable with many accessories and is incredibly effective at close range.
Smith & Wesson Model 686
The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a robust double-action revolver, chambered in .357 Magnum, known for its accuracy and stopping power. Its stainless steel construction makes it durable and corrosion-resistant. The 686 offers excellent handling and a smooth trigger pull, making it a reliable option for those who prefer revolvers for home defense.
Springfield Armory XD-S
The XD-S series by Springfield Armory offers a slim, single-stack design, ideal for those wanting a compact yet powerful semi-automatic pistol for home defense. Known for its ergonomic design and safety features, it’s available in several calibers, offering ease of use and concealability.
Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a popular semi-automatic pistol, valued for its reliability and ease of use. It’s compact yet comfortable to handle, with a good magazine capacity. Its simple design means fewer parts to worry about, and its widespread popularity ensures plenty of accessories and parts. This pistol is great for close-quarters defense.
Winchester SXP
The Winchester SXP is a pump-action shotgun known for its speed and reliability. Dubbed the “speed pump,” it features a rotary bolt and inertia-assisted action for rapid cycling. Its rugged construction and affordable price make it a popular choice for home defense. The SXP is versatile, with options for various barrel lengths and finishes to suit different preferences.
Benelli M4
The Benelli M4 is a semi-automatic shotgun known for its reliability, durability, and performance. Used by military and law enforcement, it features an auto-regulating gas-operated system that reduces recoil and improves accuracy. The M4’s rapid follow-up shots and ease of use make it an excellent home defense option.
Sig Sauer P320
The Sig Sauer P320 is a modular semi-automatic pistol with excellent ergonomics and a smooth trigger pull. Its modularity allows for customization in grip size, barrel length, and caliber, making it versatile for home defense. Its reliability and performance are highlighted by its use in the U.S. military as the M17/18.
Kel-Tec Sub-2000
The Kel-Tec Sub-2000 is a foldable, semi-automatic carbine that can chamber popular handgun calibers like 9mm and .40 S&W. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store and deploy. The Sub-2000 offers the advantage of using the same magazines as your handgun, providing convenience and versatility for home defense.
Ruger GP100
The Ruger GP100 is a robust, double-action revolver known for its durability and ease of maintenance. Its heavy frame helps absorb recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot high-power rounds. Available in various barrel lengths, it’s a dependable choice for those who prefer revolvers for home defense.
Taurus Judge
The Taurus Judge is a revolver capable of firing both .410 shotgun shells and .45 Colt cartridges, offering versatility in home defense. Its ability to shoot shotgun shells provides a significant spread at close range, effectively stopping an intruder. This unique feature makes it a popular, albeit unconventional, choice.
AR-15
The AR-15 is a versatile, semi-automatic rifle known for its accuracy and reliability. Despite some controversy, its ability to be customized for different needs makes it a top choice for those wanting a precise defensive firearm. Mastering it requires training, but its capabilities make it worth the effort.
Kel-Tec KSG
The Kel-Tec KSG is a compact, pump-action shotgun with a unique dual-magazine design, offering a high capacity of shells. This allows for two types of ammunition, such as buckshot and less-lethal options, ready to switch between as needed. Its innovative design and maneuverability make it a popular choice for home defense.
Beretta 92FS
The Beretta 92FS is a well-known semi-automatic pistol used by the U.S. military and law enforcement worldwide. It boasts high capacity, reliability in various conditions, and superior accuracy. Its open slide design helps prevent jams and allows for easy clearing of misfires. The double-action trigger adds an extra layer of safety.
Walther PPQ
The Walther PPQ is a semi-automatic pistol noted for its superior ergonomics, quick trigger reset, and accuracy. With a smooth trigger pull and comfortable grip, it is easy to shoot accurately under stress. Available in various calibers and sizes, the PPQ is reliable and popular among those seeking a high-quality defensive pistol.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
The M&P Shield is a compact semi-automatic pistol with a slim profile, making it easy to handle in tight spaces. It offers reliability, accuracy, and a comfortable grip with a trigger safety mechanism. It’s a popular choice for those needing a balance between concealability and firepower.
HK VP9
The HK VP9 is a striker-fired semi-automatic pistol praised for its ergonomics, reliability, and features like customizable grip panels and a crisp trigger pull. Designed with safety in mind, it includes multiple safety features and offers balanced accuracy, making it a top choice for precise home defense.
FN Five-seveN
The FN Five-seveN is a semi-automatic pistol known for its lightweight design and unique 5.7x28mm cartridge, offering high velocity and low recoil. Its large magazine capacity and ability to penetrate soft body armor make it an effective choice for home defense, appreciated for its precision and capacity.
Marlin 1894C
The Marlin 1894C is a lever-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special, providing a blend of power and precision. Its compact size and ease of use make it suitable for home defense scenarios. The lever-action mechanism is simple and reliable, and its tubular magazine allows for quick follow-up shots.
CZ 75
The CZ 75 is a semi-automatic pistol celebrated for its ergonomic design, accuracy, and reliability. Its slide-in-frame design enhances recoil management and accuracy. Highly customizable, the CZ 75 is a versatile choice for home defense, known for its durability and performance in various conditions.
Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years
Choosing the “best” hunting rifle is a pretty personal thing. We all have different opinions and preferences on what we like to hunt with. But still, over the last 50 years, there have been some remarkable weapons. Over the past half-century, the evolution of hunting rifles has seen so many innovations, catering to a wide range of needs from the casual deer hunter to the adventurous big-game enthusiast. What’s your favorite hunting rifle? Which weapons deserve a spot on this list?
- Read More: Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years
14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges
With almost 16 million hunters in the United States, and with such a huge range of game to hunt, the right rifle and the best cartridge is critical. We have some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, with animals ranging from tiny squirrels to gigantic moose. The cornerstone of a successful hunt lies in the hunter’s skill and knowledge but also in the choice of ammunition. The right cartridge can make all the difference, offering the power needed for a clean, humane kill without compromising the quality of the game.
- Read More: 14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges
38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons
This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation? None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
