What shotgun works best for home defense?

[Alan]

I’ve been looking into getting a shotgun for home defense and could use some input. I’m debating between a 12-gauge and a 20-gauge. I know 12ga packs a punch, but I’ve also heard the 20ga is a bit easier to handle in tight spaces due to less recoil. Does anyone have thoughts on which is better for indoors?

What are the key features I should prioritize, like barrel length or stock setup? I want something straightforward that I can rely on. Also, any brands or models you’ve had good experiences with would be helpful.

Lastly, how critical is training? I've shot shotguns before, but not extensively. What kind of practice should I be aiming for to feel ready?

 

[WAYNO]

Both gauges will do well for home defense, but 12 ga is my preference. If for no other reason, there's a better choice and availability of loads.
And if a 12 ga seems a little stout, there are lower-recoil loads available from multiple ammo companies.
18" is the minimum barrel length, and that length works well for home defense. I always suggest a screw-in choke model. Even at 18", the different chokes will allow some versatility of use. My 18" has iron sights, and does double duty. It's the best home defense shotgun ever, and I've also shot many impromptu grouse with it. I've hunted greenway deer where a shotgun is a requirement. This shotgun shoots slugs very well and very accurately.
My model choice is always a Remington 870, either a Wingmaster or Express.

Training? As with everything, practice and familiarity are extremely necessary. Shotguns are not always magic. They actually do require training and practice on pointing and/or aiming. Shooting a pattern board at different distances is a real eye opener about performance.
Stocks? That's a purely personal matter. Since my shotguns might perform double duty, a conventional stock is necessary for me. Some folks prefer mall-ninja stocks and they are the best choice for folks that prefer them.

 

[Deleted member 22]

I think @WAYNO gave a pretty good answer to guide you along. I have a shotgun in the corner and it's a 12ga. Living situations are going to be different so, you will need to take that into consideration. For example, I live in a small one-bedroom mobile home and am surrounded on all sides by others. Walls are going to be thin so, I don't want to be shooting through them with slugs or 00 buck. Mine is loaded with a game shot. I would probably never grab it first since my EDC is by my bedside.

If a 12ga was all you had already and didn't want to spend funds to by another shotgun, you could always use the short shells with adapter. I've used them in the past and they work pretty well. Below is my RIA M5 12ga with 18" barrel that resides in a corner.

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

For me, I have tight spaces and corners in my house. I have been looking at something like a Mossberg Shockwave. You can’t fire it from the shoulder as it has no stock. It has a birds head grip. The barrel is 14 inches. Pump action, and it isn’t an NFA item.

 

[Deleted member 51]

Legal short barreled semi-auto for me...

 

[Deleted member 22]

I also keep this H&R Pardner 12ga. loaded, but usually it is in the safe since the other one pulls duty most often. It has a +2 extension and is cerakoted bronze for the wetter weather.

 

[Rustybore]

I have kept an old law enforcement 870 wing master handy for years. The standard choke is open cylinder. I now keep #4 shot in it. At close range in the home i don't want to use #00 buck as I feel it isn't necessary. Longest shot in the house is 40 feet. I did get another barrel for it for hunting. Have had it fo thirty years, bot it in LGS for $140.

 

[MisterEd]

Both gauges will do well for home defense, but 12 ga is my preference. If for no other reason, there's a better choice and availability of loads.
And if a 12 ga seems a little stout, there are lower-recoil loads available from multiple ammo companies.

Ditto this. Also there are those 2 1/2" 12 Ga shells as well.

Obviously 18" is the 'obvious' best length for home defense but I would stick with a traditional stock.

A cut down, or pistol grip shotgun might seem easier to handle but they are much more difficult to control when firing.

I once had a cut down pistol grip Mossberg 500 and it was a PITA to shoot controllably. I know this as I use to shoot it often and couple times took it out jack rabbit hunting.

The pistol grip is long gone and it now has a conventional buttstock on it!

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

I did get a Maverick 88 from BiMart for $199.00. It is a 20 inch barrel and holds u 2 3/4 shells in the mag. This will be used in the safe room, when they break through the door. 9 pellet 00 buck. Since I am gonna have to replace the carpet, what’s a little plaster and paint?