Right now, I have a safe full of beautiful and expensive rifles and handguns. But… there's a shotgun that's sitting near the bed.
For what ?
Because, by pulling the trigger, it delivers the most devastating payload possible from a controllable, shoulder-fired firearm.
When it comes to home defense, we all want the most effective weapon possible. Our families, our lives, and our homes deserve that protection.
But that's not the only reason.
Throughout this article, we will discover what a tactical hunting rifle is and its advantages/disadvantages .
And of course… our favorites in all price ranges.
BEST TACTICAL HUNTING RIFLES FOR HOME DEFENSE
With all of this in mind, let's examine the best tactical rifles available on the market today…
1. Mossberg 500 series
If you want one of the oldest combat and police rifles, the Mossberg 500 is for you.
One of the "Big 2" in the world of shotguns... the Mossberg 500 is one of our favorites .
The big difference with the Remington 870 (the "other" popular pump-action shotgun) is that its safety is located above the frame and is accessible with your thumb.
But…
Need something built on the 500 receiver but more reinforced for combat and tactical use ?
Enter the Mossberg 590A1 .
Mossberg built a wide variety of different configurations for the 590A1.
This includes Ghost ring sights or night sights, fixed or folding stocks, and capacities of up to nine rounds .
Regardless of the features you choose, you get one of the best combat shotguns ever designed.
Designed for the rigors of military life, the Mossberg 590A1 is a robust combat rifle. From its finish to its thick-walled barrel, the 590A1 is a tank.
Here are the statistics for the 590A1:
- Action: Pump action
- Capacity: 8+1 12ga, but other models exist
- Barrel length: 20 in
- Overall length: 41 in
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Sites: Ghost Ring
And all those we photographed experienced satisfactory drawing action that improves with more use… so keep drawing!
You can even mount a bayonet on it if it makes your boat float. As a shotgun, it can handle everything from powerful magnum loads to lighter, low-recoil rounds and even less lethal types of ammunition.
2. Remington 870
You can always say something about a classic hardwood stock and pump.
Combined with the classic Remington 870 platform , you get a design that has stood the test of time.
The Remington 870 offers a 6+1 magazine capacity and an 18.5-inch barrel for close-quarters handling. It comes with a front rifle sight, so I would definitely suggest adding a nice adjustable rear sight.
The main difference with the Mossberg 500 above is that its safety is a button near the trigger.
The 870 design is so well-known and popular that there are tons of different accessories available.
This includes many different models of aiming mounts, lighting options, and even scope mounts for a red dot sight.
Here are the general statistics:
- Action: Pump action
- Capacity: 6+1 12ga
- Barrel length: 18.5 inches
- Overall length: 39 in
- Weight: 7.5 pounds
- Sites: Pearl before
You can also swap the barrel for any other 870 barrel without modification. Add a sturdy sling and you have a perfect shotgun for home defense.
If you had to choose just one upgrade, we highly recommend the Streamlight TL-Racker . Not only does it look great, but the integrated flashlight adds a lot of tactical and practical utility.
The TL-Racker design also makes the shotgun easier to store, a major advantage in high-stress situations. Otherwise, it's another Workhouse pump-action shotgun with an excellent reputation.
3. Benelli M4
To be honest, you could put any Benelli on this list, but the M4 might be the king of combat rifles.
When the United States Marine Corps needed a semi-automatic shotgun, they turned to Benelli . And Benelli designed its first gas-operated pistol, the M4.
The internal self-regulating gas system, or ARGO, provides an extremely reliable short-stroke piston system using double pistons to ensure reliability.
This shotgun surpasses Benelli's inertia-driven pistols if you want to attach optics, lights, etc. Inertia-driven pistols are sensitive to weight, and adding weight can affect the pistol's reliability.
Gas pistols don't care! Load them and go for it. The Benelli M4, in particular, seems to like just about every load I've thrown at it.
From low-recoil tactical loads to even light buckshot. The only ammunition I've made it cough was ultralight skeet loads fired at 950 feet per second.
Not to mention that the M4 also allows for a good degree of customization. It's a hunting rifle with a cult following and a decent little secondary market. It's smooth to shoot, boring, and reliable.
If you want the best, be prepared to pay for it. This gun and its accessories are far from cheap .
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 5+1 or 7+1 12ga
- Barrel length: 18.5 inches
- Overall length: 40 in
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
- Sites: Ghost Ring
4. Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol
The latest entry from Italian shotgun giant Beretta, the A300 Ultima Patrol, was announced at the SHOT Show 2023.
In short, we loved it . The Ultima Patrol has many modern tactical shotgun features that would normally cost a shooter a lot of money, but Beretta has kept it around (sometimes less than) $1,000.
The ergonomics are solid, with aggressive grip textures where you need them. The controls are nice and large, the front is optimized for accessories, the magazine tube is extended , and it's compatible with red dot sights.
These enhanced features would be very expensive if you had to add them after purchase, as you might have to do for an M4. No, the A300 Ultima Patrol is ready to go, right out of the box.
This Beretta may lack the rotating bolt head and the B-Link gas system found in the 1301, but its performance characteristics were solid. During testing, we encountered no malfunctions with a variety of ammunition.
We fired rounds as fast as we could pull the trigger, and the accuracy was excellent. Recoil dampening between the gas system and the stock was good.
All these features, combined with the price, make the A300 Ultima Patrol an excellent option.
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 7+1 12ga
- Barrel length: 19.1 inches
- Overall length: 38 in
- Weight: 7.1 pounds
- Aiming sites: fiber optic at the front, ghost ring at the rear
5. Beretta 1301
Beretta has cornered the market on high-quality combat rifles. Owning both Benelli and Stoeger, they produce fantastic firearms.
While the M4 might be the king of combat rifles , the Beretta 1301 is fighting for the crown.
The Beretta 1301 operates using a gas-powered system that utilizes what Beretta calls the BLINK, which incorporates a cross-tube gas system.
Beretta claims it cycles 36% faster than any other semi-automatic shotgun. I can't verify that claim, but I can attest that this gun performs like a dream.
The 1301 Tactical offers a fast-cycling, low-recoil pistol with minimal muzzle rise. It quickly ejects lead and plastic shells, allowing for excellent pistol control and making rapid follow-up shots on target very easy.
Beretta thoughtfully includes a stock that allows shooters to shorten or lengthen the pull length of their stock.
This allows shooters of all sizes to easily adapt the pistol to their preferred LOP. Like the M4, the 1301 has a cult following, and numerous high-quality upgrades are available.
You probably won't need much, but you can improve the ergonomics of the gun and make it a little easier to accessorize.
Here are the statistics for 1301:
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 7+1 12ga
- Barrel length: 18.5 inches
- Overall length: 38 in
- Weight: 6.4 pounds
- Sites: Ghost Ring
*Honorable mention Mossberg 940
Mossberg has already honored this list with its OG 500/590 models. However, they definitely have strengths in the semi-automatic field.
Even though we were lucky with the 930 SPX Tactical , the pistol wasn't reliable for everyone. Mossberg went back to the drawing board and created the 940 Pro Tactical.
The results are impressive. With a 7+1 capacity and an improved gas system, the 940 Pro Tactical is competitive right out of the box, so you won't need to upgrade it.
Although it's compatible with red dot sights, newer versions even come equipped with a Holosun 507k. The mount is also clean, attaching directly to the receiver without the need for a Picatinny rail.
This means that a co-witness between the fiber optic front sight and the red dot is possible, and you can keep your normal cheek weld.
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 7+1 12ga
- Barrel length: 18.5 inches
- Total length: 37.5 inches
- Weight: 7.5 pounds
- Targeting sites: fiber optic facade
SEMI-AUTOMATIC OR PUMP-OPERATED?
In the home defense rifle, only two actions matter: pump-action and semi-automatic . Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
I've become a big fan of the semi-automatic design, but most of my shotguns are pump-action.
Why? The pumps offer unbeatable reliability.
They can operate with any type of ammunition. Not to mention that the manual cycling action allows it to handle ultra-light recoil charges.
This style also tends to be quite affordable.
It's difficult to damage a shotgun. Even the cheapest ones usually work without any problems.
High-end pump-action shotguns like the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 series can often be purchased for under $350.
The downside is that they leave room for human error. Short strokes can cause blockages, and rapid, intense pumping requires some extra practice.
There is also the fact that they generally fire more slowly than most semi-automatics.
Semi-automatic rifles offer a faster rate of fire and allow for quick follow-up shots.
These gas or inertia pistols fire quite rapidly and have much lighter recoil than pump-action pistols – the simpler weapon manual makes them more intuitive in the heat of the action.
Semi-automatic shotguns tend to be more expensive, especially good semi-automatic ones.
A halfway decent semi-automatic costs twice as much as a good pump-action pistol.
And a premium quality, like the Benelli series, enters the Gucci AR territory.
Semi-automatics tend to be more demanding in terms of ammunition, so you need to make sure the weapon works with your preferred brand.
But if your semi-automatic can handle reduced recoil loads, then you will have an ultra-smooth-firing shotgun.
OTHER OPTIONS
Nonconformist 88
How about another budget option… which is essentially a clone of the Mossberg 500?
The Maverick 88 is manufactured by Mossberg, and the main difference is that its safety is not at the top… but in front of the trigger.
And apart from that… if you blindfolded us and asked us to shoot at this or at a “real” Mossberg… we wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
This significantly reduces the price, and the 88 can be obtained for around $200 if you look around.
But since it's essentially a 500, it adapts to (almost) any upgrade. For ours, we fitted a nice Fab Defense recoil-reducing, folding stock and a side seat .
- Action: Pump action
- Capacity: 5+1 12ga
- Barrel length: 18.5 inches
- Total length: 39.5 inches
- Weight: 6.25 pounds
- Sites: Pearl before
Stoeger M3K Freedom
The Stoeger M3K Freedom is the tactical-sport derivative of the Stoeger 3000 series. This shotgun is ready to go right out of the box.
It's also one of the most reliable semi-automatic shotguns and is affordably priced. It does bend the rules a bit regarding length, as the Stoeger M3K has a 24-inch barrel.
It also includes an extended magazine tube with a capacity of 10+1, oversized controls, extended chokes and a fiber optic front sight.
Stoeger is a subsidiary of Benelli, and like the Benelli M2, the M3K has smooth action and excellent reliability, making it an outstanding choice for those looking to get into competitive 3-barrel competitions on a limited budget.
In addition, the M3K is drilled and tapped to accept scope mounts. It also features a large ejection port for fast reloads and clean, consistent ejection.
Here are the rest of the statistics on the Stoeger:
- Action : Semi-Automatic
- Capacity : 10+1 12ga
- Barrel length : 24 in
- Overall length : 48 in
- Weight : 7.3 pounds
- Tourist sites : Front of the red bar
KelTec KS7
Want to talk about unusual shotguns? Then take a look at the KelTec KS7. This bullpup shotgun is descended from the KSG and, in my opinion, is a better option for hunting shooters.
While the KSG is cool, it's heavy and complicated. The KS7 offers a simpler option with a single 7-turn tube.
This is more than sufficient for shotgun problems and allows for a simpler, lighter and cheaper shotgun.
I've used a KS7 extensively and I've never managed to break it down. That really surprised me!
This small, practical little guy gives a space-age look to a shotgun.
The KS7 offers you a 26.25-inch long shotgun with an 18.5-inch barrel – completely legal in OAL and barrel length.
Weighing less than 6 pounds, it's a very light and maneuverable shotgun.
Reloads are slow, like most bullpups, but it's fully ambidextrous and suitable for left-handed shooters. It feeds and ejects from the bottom so no brass will hit you in the face.
As I said, it's hard to mess up a pump-action shotgun. The unusual design also doesn't make it too difficult to mount lights, slings, and extra ammunition.
- Action : Pump
- Capacity : 7+1 12ga
- Barrel length : 18.5 inches
- Overall length : 26.25 in
- Weight : 5.9 pounds
- Sites : fiber optic bead
Armscor VR80
On the budget side of magazine-fed shotguns, we have the VR80 series from Armscor.
If you don't like the traditional setup of your shotgun and want to get into a magazine-fed shotgun , then there has never been a better time to get into magazine-fed shotguns.
The petrol-powered VR80 offers a magazine capacity of 5, 9, or a ridiculous 19 rounds.
It's designed after a modern AR-15 and comes with an AR-15 grip and stock compatibility. Armscor includes an M-LOK rail system, sights, an optics rail, and much more.
The VR80 provides extremely reliable power and handles a wide variety of loads without complaint.
This is my favorite in the VR series and offers a fast-cycling and easily controllable platform. Reloading is a bit more intuitive than a traditional shotgun and user-friendly for those more familiar with rifles than shotguns.
I'm a fan of the 9-round magazine – the perfect blend of capacity and size. With an adjustable AR stock, you can alternate the draw length.
While the M-LOK rail allows for easy attachment of lights, and obviously, the optical rail simplifies the installation of a red dot sight.
The VR80 mimics most of the features of AR-style rifles, including most of the controls. It's a bit heavy but packs a punch and offers the power of a shotgun with the handling of a carbine.
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Capacity: 5+1 12ga
- Barrel length: 20 in
- Weight: 8.3 pounds
- Tourist sites: Folding irons
WHAT IS A TACTICAL HUNTING RIFLE?
What differentiates a tactical shotgun from a regular shotgun?
However, there are certainly some different characteristics that make a shotgun tactical .
Canon 18 to 20 inches
These barrel lengths keep the weapon short and easy to handle when used inside buildings or even vehicles.
It should be noted that 18 inches is as short as you can legally use with a shotgun barrel without requiring a tax stamp or federal registration.
Pump-driven or semi-automatic operation
Shotguns are available in every imaginable flavor – this includes pump-action, semi-automatic, lever-action, bolt-action, and single and double-barreled shotguns.
Pump-action and semi-automatic actions are the only two practical for national defense. They are the fastest forms of operation for a shotgun. (We will discuss the difference between these two actions later in this article.)
A good collection of tourist sites
Most shotguns come with a single bead at the end of the barrel that acts as a sight.
These work for many applications, but if you want to get the most out of your shotgun, a front sight and front sight are important, or even a quality red dot sight .
Sling supports
A scarf allows you to attach the weapon to your body.
This allows you to keep the weapon while using your hands for other tasks and makes it difficult for an attacker to disarm you.
Chambered in 12 or 20 gauge
The 12-gauge is the most common caliber for combat shotguns, especially semi-automatics. It's also the most powerful option, but it also makes the firearm larger, heavier, and produces more recoil.
Capacity of 4+1 minimum
The cartridges used by a shotgun are quite large, and most shotguns therefore have a limited capacity.
4+1 will settle most encounters, but you prefer to use something more like 7+1 to give yourself that extra edge.
A stock
Every combat rifle needs a stock. Shotguns with pistol grips only are fun, look cool, and are practical in certain situations.
However, a shoulder stock makes a shotgun much easier to handle, much easier to shoot accurately, and more comfortable.
WHAT CAN A SHOTGUN DO?
Why is a shotgun so effective?
First of all… versatility .
I can fire the widest variety of projectiles with a shotgun. I can take on anything, from parasites like opossums to two-legged vermin and even creatures as large as bears.
The shotgun has three main loads:
Bird shot
A charge filled with small pellets, ranging from dozens to hundreds depending on the particular charge used.
Designed for hunting birds, clay pigeons, and other small game. Not very effective for home defense.
Buckshot
A larger shot charge, the caliber of which generally varies from 0.24 inches (No. 4 Buckshot) to 0.36 inches (000 Buckshot).
The number of pellets varies depending on the load and caliber of the bullet used – perfect for average game and tactical applications.
The most common is 00 buckshot ("double aught"), which is equivalent to nine pellets of approximately 9 mm in diameter.
Slugs
Solid projectiles weighing approximately 1 ounce.
Often quite large, heavy, and powerful, they allow you to extend the effective range of your shotgun.
AMMUNITION OVERVIEW
A tactical shotgun is designed to end the threat.
Load it accordingly.
When we begin discussing the defensive use of a shotgun, we'll primarily focus on buckshot and slugs. Inside the home, buckshot is king. If you keep a shotgun as a truck or chest gun, you can fire slugs for longer-range engagements.
Federal FliteControl 00 Buckshot is my preferred self-defense bullet. But cheap buckshot like Sellier & Bellot works for training.
My chosen self-defense slugs are the Winchester PDX Defender segmentation slugs .
In an internal defense situation, you will be in close-quarters combat. CQC moves extremely fast and is extremely chaotic.
You want to end the fight as quickly as possible. The last thing you want is a prolonged gun battle in your home.
That's why the shotgun reigns supreme in close combat.
DRAWBACKS OF THE SHOTGUN + SOLUTIONS
However, a shotgun has certain inherent weaknesses. A hunter must recognize these weaknesses and train or equip themselves to overcome them.
Training is certainly the main way to overcome weaknesses.
Accessories also have their place on a hunting rifle.
Short range
A shotgun will always have a shorter range than a rifle.
These range estimates are based on actual combat distances, not the birds' hunting distances. Several other factors also contribute to discrepancies, such as the ammunition used and the presence or absence of a choke.
The use of buckshot is largely limited to approximately 25 to 35 meters.
Bird shot?
This depends heavily on the load you use. In general, the birdshot is not the best defensive choice.
It's designed for birds, which are significantly smaller than humans. I'd say 5 meters is the critical wounding distance for most bird shots.
Birdshot is like putting out a fire with a bucket of water. You can do it, but a fire truck works much better.
Even fully loaded, you're aiming for an effective range of 100 meters in a defensive encounter. Due to the inherently short range of a shotgun, you need to maximize your effectiveness.
To choke
On a home defense or tactical rifle, chokes are not necessary.
It is not for nothing that starters work best with loads designed for hunting and less so with modern tactical loads.
Modern loads like FliteControl do not work well with chokes beyond the standard cylinder bore choke.
In fact, you'll often see tactical loads open with a contracting choke. Modern, tightly patterned buckshot loads don't work well with your chosen load.
As always, structure your workload.
If your pattern looks strange or too open, check your starter.
Imagine my surprise when the FliteControl charge I chose spread extensively in my Benelli M4. I checked the choke and, for some reason, Benelli shipped it with an improved cylinder choke.
I added a cylinder bore starter, and boom, it actually tightened.
Maximize the range of your shotgun
As a hunting shooter, this means having a solid foundation in marksmanship .
This includes trigger pull, using sights, breath control, and transforming your body into a stable shooting platform. The old myth that you can't miss with a shotgun is just that—a myth.
Model your shotgun
This means trying a variety of loads and seeing which loads feel tightest on your shotgun.
When you model a shotgun, you learn how pellets hit at different distances. The old rule of thumb of one inch per meter isn't always accurate. Again, chokes and ammunition selection lead to many variations.
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