shotgun

Best Home-Defense Shotguns (2026)

Updated 6/14/2026

A shotgun remains one of the most effective home-defense tools available — if you pick the right one and train with it. Here are our picks across budgets, from the value-king pump to the do-it-all semi-auto.

Best value

Mossberg 500

Reliable, cheap, and runs any load. The pump that has guarded more homes than any other.

★★★★★5 / 5

Best overall

Benelli M4

If money is no object, the M4 gives you pump-grade reliability with semi-auto speed.

★★★★★5 / 5

One Account. All Six Platforms.

The Complete Platform

Create one free account and it works across every site — ask questions, check values, verify serials, list, transfer, and store your collection. Sign in once, use all six.

01 — Ask

Ask Anything. Get Real Answers.

The community Q&A hub for gun owners. Ask questions, get expert answers & find ranges, stores & FFL dealers near you. Free.

Ask The Community →

02 — Price

What’s My Gun Worth?

Free private sale estimates. Know your value before you list, trade, or transfer.

Value My Gun →

03 — Clear

Prove It’s Not Stolen

Run your serial number against private stolen gun registries. GunClear Certificate proves it’s clean. $10.

Check Serial # →

04 — Share

List Your Gun Free

Free to list. In-state private sales. Background-checked transfers for $50 when your buyer is found.

List My Gun →

05 — Transfer

Transfer It Legally

Background check, official bill of sale & lifetime digital records. Legal in most states. Flat $50 — no surprises.

Transfer a Gun →

06 — Vault

Your Guns. Your Legacy.

Secure records, photos, history & succession planning for every firearm you own. Protect your collection. Free to start.

Open My Vault →

The complete platform for gun owners.