Many homeowners face the handgun vs. shotgun debate when considering a firearm for residential defense. Each weapon offers advantages and drawbacks that should be carefully weighed against your living situation and protection needs. We’ll break down both options to help you figure out what works best for your home defense.
Handguns for Home Defense
According to Pew Research, about 25% of U.S. households have at least one gun, with almost three-quarters of gun owners citing personal protection as the main reason for having these weapons at home. The numbers show that 72% of gun owners have a handgun or pistol, compared to 54% with a shotgun. Millions of Americans choose handguns as the best home defense gun option for numerous reasons.

Pros—Maneuverability and One-Hand Use
The compact size of a handgun is well-suited for residential settings:
Easier maneuverability through doorways, around corners, and in tighter spaces (like hallways and stairwells)
Effective one-hand operation, leaving the other hand free for phone use, opening and closing doors, shielding family members, operating a flashlight, or for defensive purposes.
Quicker to bring to bear from a secured storage location.
Pros—Lower Risk of Overpenetration
When combined with the proper ammunition, a handgun can reduce the risk of wall penetration, a crucial consideration in a residential setting.
While hollow point bullets can still penetrate a wall, their mushrooming effect upon impact reduces velocity compared to a full metal jacket round.
Bullets designed specifically for self-defense (like Hornady Critical Defense) are engineered to maximize impact expansion while reducing overpenetration.
Compared to a long gun, a handgun’s lower velocity reduces the risk of overpenetration.
Cons—Requires Precision Under Stress
Any handgun vs. shotgun for home defense debate needs to consider shortcomings. Handgun limitations include:
Smaller sight radius can impact accurate aiming
Accurate targeting is critical for maximum threat neutralization
Accuracy is affected by diminished motor skills due to stress
Targeting is more challenging in a low-light situation
Cons—Limited Stopping Power vs. Long Guns
Compared to a shotgun, handguns generally provide less immediate stopping:
Reduced projectile velocity
Smaller wound area (due to smaller caliber rounds) may not be immediately incapacitating
Threat neutralization may require several well-placed shots
Shot placement and ammunition type are more critical versus shotgun-fired buckshot or slug
Shotguns for Home Defense
Shotguns present a formidable best home defense gun option thanks to their strong intimidation and muzzle velocity.

Pros—High Stopping Power
Few weapons match the close-range capability of a shotgun:
12-gauge or 20-gauge transfers substantial energy
A buckshot load can create multiple wound channels
Potential intimidation factor, especially when chambering a load
May require fewer shots to neutralize a threat
Pros—Less Aim Precision Needed?
While some may think that shotguns don’t require aiming, the truth is somewhat different.
At typical home defense distances (5-7 yards), shotgun spread is minimal (approximately 1-2 inches per yard with most defensive loads)
While accuracy is still required, the multiple-projectile nature of buckshot provides a slight margin of error
Even a partial hit with buckshot can deliver significant stopping power
Tight pattern density means more pellets hit vital areas at once
Better suited for shooters who struggle with handgun accuracy
Cons—Heavy Recoil and Slow Follow-up Shots
Compared to a handgun, a shotgun can be unwieldy. Factors involve:
Recoil management can be challenging, especially for smaller-statured individuals.
Follow-up shots require more time than a semi-automatic handgun (particularly with a pump-action model).
Less ammunition capability (usually four to eight rounds).
Cons—Size and Two-Hand Operation
Any conversation on shotgun or pistol home defense pros and cons has to address form factor. A shotgun’s limitations include:
The challenges of maneuvering in tight spaces
Requires two-handed operation for maximum effectiveness
Increased weight leads to greater fatigue over extended periods
Overall bulkiness that makes for access difficulties
More vulnerable to interference from an assailant in close quarters
Other Factors to Consider
Asking, “What firearm is best for home defense?” should also involve looking at elements of your environment and experience.
Home Layout and Inhabitants
Your living situation can influence the choice of weapon:
Small spaces and multiple corners are better suited to a handgun.
Long, wide hallways and open floor plans favor shotguns.
A multi-story home may require different approaches for different areas.
Proximity to neighboring homes brings overpenetration concerns into consideration.
Some family members may be more capable with one weapon than another due to size and strength.
Proximity to neighbors affects overpenetration concerns.
Different body types may handle handguns or shotguns with different levels of comfort and control.
Training and Comfort Level
A firearm is only as effective as the person pulling the trigger. Remember that a well-aimed handgun is better than a poorly handled shotgun, or vice versa. Keep in mind:
Always choose a gun based on your ability to confidently use it under stress.
Regardless of the platform, regular training with it is mandatory (this can also minimize the fear of recoil).
Select a firearm that’s matched with your physical ability.
Accessories and Ammunition
While no platform is perfect, modern technology can minimize disadvantages:
Handgun laser sights can improve accuracy under stress
Weapon-mounted lights can enhance targeting in low-light situations
Red dot sights are beneficial for quicker target acquisition with a shotgun.
Overpenetration risks can be reduced by using specialized ammunition.
Recoil-reducing stocks can make shotguns more suitable for smaller users.
Finding Your Ideal Home Defense Firearm
Consider a Combination
A layered approach to firearms and home defense may be an ideal solution. This involves having a readily accessible handgun and a shotgun available as secondary firepower as the situation demands. Of course, such an arrangement won’t work for everyone, but it’s well-suited for family members with different capabilities and proficiency levels. This dual-weapon setup provides tactical flexibility, especially in a fluctuating crisis, but it requires additional training and secure storage.
The Best Choice is What You Can Use Effectively
Ultimately, the best home defense gun involves what works for you. You’ll want to start with a firearm you can handle confidently, especially during a critical, stressful situation. Part of the decision-making process involves your home’s layout (tight spaces are better suited to handguns) and physical limitations. Take other family members’ abilities into account if there’s a possibility they may be handling a gun during a crisis. If overpenetration is a potential issue, then supplement your home defense firearm strategy with appropriate ammunition. Above all, make an effort to practice regularly with whatever you choose. Make range time a habit—especially if you’ll need to find an outdoor spot for shotgun practice and rehearse accessing the weapons so you’re ready to defend your family at a moment’s notice.
Consider the advantages of adding a handgun laser sight. These devices help with targeting when using standard iron sights might not be possible or in low-light conditions. There’s also the deterrence factor that comes with aiming a laser dot at an intruder. Explore your options at the ArmaLaser store, where you’ll find custom-fit units for numerous popular handgun models, including Beretta, Bersa, Colt, Glock, HK, KAHR, Kel-Tec, Kimber, Ruger, SCCY, Sig Sauer, Springfield, Smith & Wesson, and others. Customer support is available online or at (800) 680-5020.
Explore the ArmaLaser blog for insightful articles on vital topics for gun owners and enthusiasts. Learn about concealed carry, laser sight myths, self-defense strategies, and more.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational purposes only and is based on correct firearm handling and lawful use. This information is not a substitute for proper training.