The Best Gun for Home Defense (And Why) | What Is the Best Home Defense Gun?

This video analyzes the top six home defense calibers, identifying a critical flaw in each except for 9mm. It highlights that while calibers like .45 ACP offer stopping power, they suffer from low capacity and high recoil. The 9mm is presented as the most practical choice due to its balance of manageable recoil, sufficient capacity, and effective terminal ballistics with modern ammunition, making it suitable for a wider range of users and scenarios.

This guide synthesizes expert advice on selecting shotguns and ammunition for home defense. It covers the effectiveness of different shotgun types, emphasizes proper ammunition choices like #4 buckshot to mitigate over-penetration, and highlights the importance of training for operating firearms under stress. The information is presented with an informative, professional tone, drawing on the speaker's expertise as a former officer.

TheYankeeMarshal, an experienced firearms instructor, advises against using birdshot or buckshot for home defense in a townhouse. He emphasizes that self-defense ammunition should be chosen for its ability to stop a threat, not just injure it. Birdshot is deemed ineffective for stopping power, while buckshot poses significant over-penetration risks in confined spaces like townhouses. The instructor recommends focusing on handgun calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP for this scenario.

This video delves into the long-standing debate between .45 ACP and 9mm Luger, arguing for the .45 ACP's superior stopping power in specific scenarios like home defense. It contrasts their historical development, shooting dynamics, and terminal ballistics. While acknowledging the 9mm's advantages in capacity, cost, and recoil for concealed carry, the .45 ACP is presented as ideal for suppressed applications and situations demanding maximum impact.

This video from Kentucky Ballistics demonstrates a practical drywall penetration test for common 12-gauge shotgun home defense loads. Instructor Scott uses a Mossberg 500/590 shotgun to test #8 Birdshot, 00 Buckshot, and a 1oz Slug against a drywall setup backed by water jugs. The results clearly illustrate the varying over-penetration risks associated with each load type in a residential environment.

This video advocates for revolvers as a superior choice for home defense, particularly for new gun owners, due to their inherent simplicity and reliability. The instructor emphasizes that revolvers have fewer controls, reducing the cognitive load during a high-stress situation. While acknowledging capacity concerns, the speaker prioritizes guaranteed function over potentially higher capacity in semi-automatics. The .357 Magnum is recommended for its versatility, allowing the use of .38 Special and .38 Plus P rounds.

This guide, presented by experienced shooter CajunBoyJake, demonstrates the superior stopping power of a 12-gauge shotgun with #00 buckshot over a 9mm pistol for home defense scenarios. Through live-fire comparison, it highlights the significant difference in immediate incapacitation potential, advising viewers to prioritize shotguns for this role.

CajunBoyJake, a knowledgeable practitioner, advocates for a defensive home defense strategy prioritizing cover and communication over aggressive room clearing. He highlights that the practical reach difference between a shotgun and a handgun in a defensive posture is less significant than overall length suggests. The guide emphasizes securing a position, calling 911, and holding a choke point if movement is required.

This guide details the bump fire technique for semi-automatic rifles, as demonstrated by CajunBoyJake. It explains how to use recoil and finger tension to achieve rapid firing rates without full-auto conversion. The technique involves using a belt loop for consistent backward pressure while pushing the rifle forward, allowing the trigger to 'bump' against the finger with each recoil cycle. Proper safety and understanding of semi-automatic function are emphasized.

This video, presented by CajunBoyJake, directly compares the effectiveness of a 9mm handgun versus a 12 Gauge shotgun for home defense. Through live demonstrations using a Glock 17 and Winchester Super X 00 Buckshot on a simulated target, the video visually illustrates the significant terminal ballistics advantage of the shotgun, strongly advocating for its use in home defense scenarios over handguns.