Individuals who are serious about defending themselves, their homes and their families in these perilous times ought to have — at the least — a home-defense shotgun.So that we are all on the same page, for me a home-defense shotgun is a multi-shot firearm with an 18-inch barrel that is capable of being fired off the shoulder. Pistol-grip-only models should be avoided. Multi-shot capacity means a minimum of two rounds (with a maximum of six rounds) on tap. Four rounds would be ideal, as that will keep the shotgun legal in most jurisdictions. However, following these specifications doesn’t necessarily mean that the shotgun should be your primary home-defense arm. The role it plays depends on … location, location, location!

Not Great For Inside Jobs

It’s important to keep in mind that a shotgun of 12-, 20- or .410-gauge, even when loaded with a light target load, has the ability to punch through modern multi- or single-family homes and endanger others. Further, long guns are not easily wielded inside a home. This is why I rely on and strongly recommend handguns for interior home defense.A shotgun, however, could come in handy for the exterior defense of a rural property against marauding animals or people. In this situation, it becomes the primary weapon, backed up by a handgun. It is devastating at ranges of 15 yards and in most any load. Collateral damage will be limited — as long as you don’t use slugs.The home-defense shotgun can be the primary weapon during natural disasters or defending your property in case of emergency or evacuation. It is also an important home-defense option to pack on vacation in an automobile or RV. Civil unrest has become a major concern across the U.S. A shotgun loaded with Lightfield Ammunition’s Less-Lethal Home Defense Load (backed by a handgun) could be just what is needed to turn back an unruly mob threatening bodily harm or property destruction.

Keep Your Pump Simple

But which type of shotgun works best for multi-role home defense? Hands down, the pump-action wins! It cycles reliably with any ammo, regardless of power level. Semi-autos might choke on an underpowered load or weak grip. And the sound produced by chambering a round in a pump shotgun stills says, “I mean business.”Keep the shotgun simple with bead or rifle sights — no optics. Don’t overload it with gizmos. It needs to be ready to rock — immediately — even after long-term storage. Don’t overlook the 20-gauge chambering. It delivers a serious punch with less recoil than a 12-gauge. The .410 is also an option for the recoil-sensitive.Finally, pick a reliable, well-known brand, like Remington or Mossberg. If you can’t afford one, go with a less expensive model from a brand with a good warranty. Then practice, practice, practice like your life depends on it, because someday it just might.

Welcome to our new Home Defense series! Check back every Sunday for tips about the best gear and tactics for defending your castle. And what’s the first thing every good home-defense plan needs? A good home-defense gun.

Location, Location, Location

When choosing your home-defense gun, remember the old real-estate adage: “Location, location, location.” Where you live will determine which type of firearm and caliber is apt to work best. If you live in a multi-family unit — with shared walls, floor or roof — your own personal safety is not the only concern. You must also consider the safety of your neighbors and the gunfire you could unintentionally be sending in their direction. While you certainly have the right to defend your home against intruders, you also have the responsibility to not injure your neighbors.For example, choosing a .44 Magnum revolver loaded with full-power ammo shows a reckless disregard for the neighbors. Any reasonable person should know that even with perfect shot placement, a full-power .44 Magnum round will penetrate through the target and continue into whatever lies beyond. You don’t need a .44 Magnum to stop a threat — especially when surrounded by innocent bystanders. Choice of caliber and bullet type are critical in terms of safeguarding yourself and your neighbors.

Wide-Open Spaces

What about a long gun? I will be discussing this option in more detail in the future, but let’s quickly touch on the basics. With shotguns and rifles, space can become a concern, as neither is ideal for maneuvering in tight areas. A shotgun can make a great option. The “spray” of pellets makes a miss less likely. And a rifle, though over-penetration is again a concern, makes for great defense in more rural areas, where four-legged threats can often be a consideration.I live on a ¾-acre lot in a solidly built 1955 ranch home. There are neighbors on either side of my house (about 40 feet away) in equally substantive homes. There are woods directly behind my home and across the street. Even with a reduced risk of striking an innocent party because of my location, my usual home-defense gun is a five- or six-shot .38 Special revolver or a 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with hollow-point ammunition. Both are reasonable choices given the circumstances.Carefully consider your location, risks and potential situation when purchasing your home-defense gun.