"Buy a shotgun," Joe Biden famously advised when discussing home defense. Thanks to the shotgun's dependability, formidable stopping power, and ease of use at close range, the platform remains one of the most trusted options available. But which models are most ideal for defense situations?

The Auto-5 (top) and Browning Superposed (bottom.) Two classic shotgun models.

Numerous factors should be considered when selecting the best home defense shotgun, including reliability, weight, balance, grip, barrel length, and ease of use. We'll examine some of the most popular pump and semi automatic shotgun models and compare how each option measures up.

Examples of each model featured here can be found in upcoming Rock Island Auction Company auction events, where hundreds of new guns are offered every few weeks.

A Benelli M4 shotgun, one of the best modern home defense models.

Pump or Semi Auto?

There's nothing wrong with a classic double gun for home defense. Since the 19th century, the side-by-side has served in countless security roles, from protecting stagecoaches to jewelry stores. But sometimes you want more than two shots in a high stress situation and there are no shortage of reliable pumps and semi auto platforms available.

The over/under and side-by-side are fine sporting options, but higher capacity is essential in defense scenarios.

Pump action shotguns are reliable, affordable, and can handle a wide range of ammunition types. Capacity varies by model, but some of the most popular pump shotguns hold five shells in the magazine plus one in the chamber.

When selecting the best home defense shotgun, speed is a major factor. Modern semi automatic options offer faster shooting and in many cases reduced recoil compared to pumps. However, semi automatic shotguns typically come at a higher price point and can be less reliable with low-powered or specialty loads, as their cycling depends on a gas or recoil-operated action.

The SPAS 12 is an example of a shotgun that can be operated as a pump action or as a semi automatic.

Finding the Right Gauge

Whole articles have been written about the best gauges and loads for home defense shotguns. 12 gauge provides stopping power paired with a vast range of ammunition options. For new shooters and anyone else concerned with recoil, 20 gauge offers a reduced kick while still delivering reasonable stopping power.

16 gauge has made a modest comeback in recent years, but the the cost of ammunition can be notably higher and the variety of loads available can be more limited compared to 12 gauge or 20 gauge. 10 gauge shotguns are heavy, require more costly ammunition, and can be difficult to find, making them more suited for the blind than home defense.

The bore size of a 10 gauge Purdey & Sons self-opening sidelock shotgun, at right, compared to the smaller 12 gauge Holland & Holland Royal Hammerless ejector sidelock shotgun, at left.

When selecting the best home defense shotgun loads, 9 pellets of 00 buckshot is a widely recommended choice, delivering ample power and a tight pattern at close range. Ammunition performance will vary based on barrel length and shotgun model. We'll take a look at the latter in depth and highlight some popular home defense options.

Mossberg 500

Any list of best home defense shotguns should include the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870, the world's number 1 and number 2 bestselling shotgun models in history.

Mossberg proudly boasts that the 500 is "the most versatile shotgun platform available on the market." Since its release in 1961, the Mossberg 500 and its popular iterations like the Mossberg 590 have been tried-and-true defense options for millions of homeowners, storekeepers, soldiers, and security personal. This pump action classic is easy to operate, durable, and enjoys broad aftermarket support.

The Mossberg 500, a popular candidate on any countdown of best home defense shotgun models.

Remington 870

Remington and its Model 870 are right up there with Mossberg in production numbers, with over 11 million 870s manufactured to date and over 12 million for the Mossberg 500. Introduced in 1950, Remington's famous pump is as timeless as it is reliable, with a thriving parts market thanks to the gun's popularity.

Variants like the Remington 870 Tactical offer a platform tailored to home defense use. With its greater capacity, compact stock, and 18 1/2 inch barrel, the Tactical submodel emerged as a favored choice for law enforcement option and has seen military service as well. For a smooth 12 gauge action, you can't go wrong with Remington's classic scattergun.

"Big Green" gets a nod as one of the best home defense shotgun platforms.

Ithaca 37

Introduced in 1937, this pump action classic from Ithaca saw limited military action in WW2 and became a standard trench gun during the Vietnam War. For decades, the Model 37 was a common sight in law enforcement armories, though some of the weapon's appeal was lost when Ithaca added a disconnect and in turn removed the model's "slam fire" capabilities.

In 2008, Ithaca Gun Company released a new incarnation of its classic pump in the form of the M37 Defense shotgun. Though the platform enjoys far less aftermarket support the the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870, the M37 offers a robust, ergonomic design with a crisp trigger pull that's specifically geared for the home defense market.

From the jungles of Vietnam to the streets of LA, the Ithaca Model 37 has stood the test of time.

Winchester Model 12

The oldest entry on our list of best home defense shotguns, the Winchester Model 12 was marketed as the "Perfect Repeater" due to its smooth action and internal hammer. This innovative pump gun saw over 2 million manufactured by the time the model's primary production ended in 1964, with occasional special runs keeping the legend alive.

In terms of features and configuration, the Model 12 set the standard for its entire genre. Though more affordable competitors like the Remington Model 870 would eventually overshadow the Model 12 in sales, the gun's forged and machined design also meant it was made-to-last, and the famous Winchester still serves as a popular working gun today.

Generations of hunters, shooters, police officers, and soldiers fielded the Winchester Model 12.

Kel-Tec Bullpup Slide Actions

The classics are deservingly revered, but for a no-nonsense home defense shotgun, the Kel-Tec bullpup family deserves ample praise. Kel-Tec’s offerings are ideal for close combat use, providing good capacity without a mile long tube or an awkwardly hanging box mag, and the downward ejection make the platform friendly for left and right handed shooters, as well as anyone wanting to shoot around the left side of a barricade.

The KSG-NR and KS7 are two of the best home defense shotgun models offered by the company. The KSG-NR provides a capacity up to 15 rounds, while the KS7 is a lightweight and simple design for users concerned about recoil.

The Kel-Tec KS7 ranks as one of the best tactical shotgun options due to its lightweight, compact bullpup design.

Remington Model 11-87

In the 1987, Remington released the Model 11-87, declaring it, "the finest, most versatile 12-gauge autoloading shotgun ever made, by us, or anybody else." The company boasted about numerous upgrades that resulted in the model attaining a  "fifty percent increase in overall performance endurance."

The initial design was created for the sporting market, but variants like the Model 11-87 Police Magnum offer a shorter barrel with a 7+1 capacity. Like many other semi automatic shotgun designs, some users report cycling issues with cheaper birdshot loads, so make sure to feed it quality ammo for best results.

A Remington Model 11-87 Sportsman (top) and a Remington Model 11-87 Special Purpose model (bottom,) two variants of one of the best home defense shotgun platforms.

Beretta 1301

For semi automatic models, the Beretta 1301 Tactical is often cited as one of the best home defense shotgun options. Hitting the market in 2014, Beretta claimed the 1301 operated "36% faster" than competing autoloaders.

Statistics aside, the model is renowned for its speed, precision, rapid cycling, and low recoil and muzzle rise. The short barrel length and overall compact package gives the gun an edge in maneuverability as well. There are numerous options for upgrades and accessories, but even an out of the box 1301 is an exceptional tactical shotgun.

The Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun checks all the right boxes for a home defense standard.

Benelli M1 Super 90

Another formidable home defense shotgun, the Benelli M1 Super 90 is a great choice for those who favor a lightweight design with ample capacity. The model's inertia-driven operating system creates a somewhat sharper recoil compared to many of its gas-operated rivals and comes with a slight learning curve.

For more experienced shooters or those willing to put in the practice, the M1 Super 90 is a durable, reliable semi automatic shotgun that can shoot fast and handle a range of loads. The model has been discontinued, but examples can be regularly found in our RIAC On Time auctions.

The Benelli M1 Super 90 is an exceptional platform for tactical and home defense roles.

Benelli M4

With its reduced recoil, smooth cycling, and military pedigree, a strong case could be made for the Benelli M4 as the best home defense shotgun today. Compared to the M1 Super, the M4 is heavier, has a lower capacity, and is more expensive, but that extra cost results in a robust platform that's easy to maintain.

Benelli's first gas-powered firearm, the M4 was adopted by the United States Marine Corps in 1999 as the XM1014, and later officially designated the M1014. The model's excellent maneuverability, cycling speed, and adaptability have resulted in widespread use around the world in law enforcement and special forces roles, and it offers an exceptional option for homeowners as well.

One of the best tactical shotgun models as well as one of the most capable home defense options, the Benelli M4 scores high on our list.

Find the Best Home Defense Shotgun at Rock Island Auction Company

Whether it's a classic like the Remington 870 or a modern Kel-Tec bullpup, a pump or a semi auto, the best home defense shotgun is the model you can use most effectively for your scenario. With practice, regular maintenance, and quality ammunition, any of the models highlighted in this article will prove an effective security option, and you can find numerous examples of each platform throughout the year at Rock Island Auction Company.

Find the best home defense shotgun models for sale at Rock Island Auction Company.

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An SR-15 rifle, a powerful semi automatic home defense option.