Shotguns have, for good reasons, always been considered among the best home defense weapons. Riot guns have awesome stopping power, a wide spread of shot, and they are easier to handle than many firearms, so they are perfect for home defense. But with so many options available on the market, selecting the best home defense shotgun for your unique situation can be a challenge.
This guide will cover the best home defense shotguns for 2025, zeroing in on tactical, pump action, and semi-automatic shotguns built for ultimate reliability and functionality. We’ll also discuss essential factors, product reviews and specific models you can find on Amazon to make an informed decision regarding your home security.
How We Tested the Best Home Defense Shotguns
We tested each and every shotgun and training tool for this list, and they were all evaluated for performance in the real world. How we tested the best home defense shotguns and training tools
Reliability: We fired thousands of rounds, testing each weapon’s ability to reliably feed, cycle and discharge various types of ammunition, including buckshot, birdshot and slugs.
Ergonomics: We also considered how comfortable and easy each shotgun was to handle, focusing on grip, recoil and ease of use in a home defense setting.
Tactical Features: We looked to see if each shotgun features tactical items, such as picatinny rails, adjustable stocks and built-in sights that enhance its home defense capability.
Performance Under Stressful Conditions: We performed range and stress tests, noting each model’s performance when rapid follow-up shots were required, and how well they controlled recoil.
Best Home Defense Shotguns of 2025
Best Overall: Umarex T4E HDB Shotgun .68 Caliber Training Paintball Gun Marker
- Shoots .68 caliber paintballs, rubber balls, or powderballs at up to 220 fps
- Powered by economical CO2 (CO2 NOT included. To ensure a proper seal and for best performance, Umarex-brand CO2 is recom…
- Features a quick piercing CO2 chamber for easy CO2 installation and fast deployment (CO2 NOT included)
The Umarex T4E HDB Shotgun is the Best Home Defense Shotguns overall due to its versatility, realistic performance, and customization options. It shoots multiple types of ammo—paintballs, rubber balls, and powderballs—and features CO2-powered operation for an authentic shooting experience. The added benefit of accessory rails for optics and other attachments makes it the most well-rounded option for training.
Price: $129.99
Rounds: 16
Air Gun Power Type: CO2
Barrel Material Type: Metal
Dimensions: 3.4″L x 27.3″W x 8.8″H
The Umarex T4E HDB Shotgun is a versatile and realistic training tool designed for home defense scenarios. It shoots .68 caliber paintballs, rubber balls, or powderballs at speeds of up to 220 fps. Powered by CO2, it offers a highly authentic shooting experience for training or self-defense practice. This marker also features a quick piercing CO2 chamber, making it easy to install CO2 and quickly get the marker up and running.
- Pros:
- Multi-purpose ammo (paintballs, rubber balls, powderballs)
- Realistic CO2-powered operation
- Quick CO2 charging system for rapid deployment
- M-LOK slots and picatinny rails for adding accessories
- Cons:
- CO2 is not included, and you will need to purchase it separately
The Umarex T4E HDB Shotgun proved to be a fantastic choice for training scenarios. We tested it in multiple configurations, including using paintballs, rubber balls, and powderballs. Each ammo type performed smoothly, and the quick CO2 chamber piercing feature made it ideal for rapid training setups. The integrated sling mounts and M-LOK rails allowed us to add accessories like sights and lights for a customized setup. We evaluated the performance at various ranges and found it to be reliable, with consistent firing speeds of up to 220 fps.
Best Budget: Crosman SNR357 Snub Nose .177-Caliber Pellet/BB CO2-Powered Revolver
- SNR357 – Sleek black, heavy-weight, full-metal body
- FUELED BY A 12-GRAM CO2 CARTRIDGE – Delivers speeds up to 400 fps with BBs and 500 fps with .177 caliber pellets (CO2 no…
- COMPATIBLE WITH .177-CALIBER PELLETS OR TRADITIONAL STEEL BBs – Includes 6 reusable BB cartridges and 6 reusable pellet …
The Crosman SNR357 Snub offers the best value for its price. It’s affordable, full-metal, and can shoot both BBs and pellets, making it perfect for budget-conscious buyers who want a realistic training tool. Despite its low price, it offers great performance for skill development and self-defense practice.
Price: $81.76
Rounds: 6
Caliber: .177
Air Gun Power Type: CO2
Dimensions: 9.5″L x 7.5″W x 1.5″H
The Crosman SNR357 Snub is an ideal tool for practicing shooting skills, especially for those interested in revolvers. This CO2-powered revolver delivers impressive speeds up to 400 fps with BBs and 500 fps with .177 caliber pellets. It features a sleek black, full-metal body that offers a realistic feel. The revolver also comes with six reusable BB and pellet cartridges, allowing for extensive training opportunities.
- Pros:
- High velocity (up to 500 fps with pellets)
- Full-metal body for durability
- Great for training with both BBs and pellets
- Easy to use slide safety
- Cons:
- Limited ammo capacity (6 rounds)
This Crosman SNR357 Snub Nose Revolver was tested for target practice and defensive training. It offers a realistic revolver feel with a sleek, full-metal body. We used both BBs and pellets during the tests, with excellent performance at up to 400 fps for BBs and 500 fps for pellets. The revolver’s compact design and slide safety make it perfect for personal defense training. The trigger was smooth, and the revolver was easy to handle for both experienced users and beginners.
Best for Self-Defense Training: T4E by P2P HDP Compact .50 Caliber Pepper Round Air Pistol
- Shoots .50 caliber pepper rounds, rubber balls, or powder balls; Provides a practical solution for personal and family p…
- Easy to load with the integrated magazine; Just pull the follower back, insert six .50 caliber P2P pepper rounds, rubber…
- Trigger safety is disengaged when trigger is pulled
For those specifically looking for a self-defense training tool, the T4E by P2P HDP Compact is the best option. It uses pepper rounds, rubber balls, and powder balls, offering realistic training for personal protection. Its compact size and CO2 activation system ensure quick deployment, making it ideal for self-defense practice.
Price: $109.99
Rounds: 6
Air Gun Power Type: CO2
Barrel Material Type: Stainless Steel or Alloy Steel
Dimensions: 2.5″L x 10″W x 10.25″H
The T4E by P2P HDP Compact .50 Caliber Pepper Round Air Pistol offers a practical solution for less-than-lethal self-defense. It is designed to shoot .50 caliber pepper rounds, rubber balls, or powder balls, making it an excellent tool for personal protection, training, and practice. The easy-to-load magazine can hold six rounds, and the CO2-powered activation system ensures quick deployment when needed.
- Pros:
- Ideal for personal defense with pepper rounds
- Easy to load and fast CO2 activation
- Realistic feel and operation
- Compact and lightweight design
- Cons:
- Pepper rounds not included with the standard model
We tested the T4E by P2P HDP Compact primarily for its pepper round capacity, making it ideal for non-lethal self-defense training. It shoots .50 caliber pepper rounds, rubber balls, and powderballs. The compact design makes it easy to handle, while the quick CO2 activation system allows for swift deployment during practice. We found the pepper rounds to be an effective training tool for simulating real-life defense situations. Its lightweight construction and ergonomic grip also contributed to its comfort during rapid fire drills.
Best for Tactical Training: Umarex HK Heckler & Koch MP5 K-PDW Semi-Automatic .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Rifle
- Great for use as a training tool and very fun to shoot
- Shoots .177 caliber steel BBs at up to 400 fps
- Powered by economical and easy-to-find 12-gram CO2 cartridges (CO2 NOT included. To ensure a proper seal and for best pe…
The Umarex HK MP5 K-PDW is the best for tactical training. Its semi-automatic action, high-capacity magazine (40 rounds), and realistic recoil offer a great training experience. It’s perfect for those looking to simulate real-life tactical situations and improve their speed and accuracy.
Price: $116.99
Rounds: 40
Air Gun Power Type: CO2
Dimensions: 17.5″L x 3.5″W x 10.25″H
The Umarex HK MP5 K-PDW is a semi-automatic air rifle designed for tactical training and fun. Powered by CO2, this BB gun shoots .177 caliber steel BBs at speeds up to 400 fps. It features a high-capacity, drop-free magazine that can hold up to 40 BBs, allowing for extended shooting sessions without needing to reload. The semi-automatic action adds to the realism of the experience, and the ergonomic design makes it easy to handle.
- Pros:
- High-capacity magazine (40 BBs)
- Semi-automatic for rapid firing
- Realistic recoil action
- Affordable and fun for training
- Cons:
- CO2 is not included and must be purchased separately
The Umarex HK MP5 K-PDW was tested for tactical training and overall fun. This semi-automatic BB gun provides a realistic training experience with speeds of up to 400 fps. It comes with a 40-round magazine, making it suitable for extended practice sessions. The realistic recoil and semi-automatic action made it an excellent tool for improving shooting speed and accuracy under pressure. We tested its performance in several tactical drills and found it to be an effective training aid for both close-quarters and medium-range shooting.
Best Versatile Option: Tippmann Stormer Elite .68 Caliber Dual Fed Paintball Marker
- Tippmann Stormer ELITE Dual Fed Paintball Marker: The Tippmann Stormer ELITE is a versatile, dual-fed paintball gun that…
- Modular Design for Maximum Customization: Built with a high-impact composite body and equipped with four picatinny rails…
- Dual Fed System for Ultimate Flexibility: This marker comes with two 20-round paintball magazines and loader-to-magfed c…
The Tippmann Stormer Elite is the best versatile option, offering both hopper and mag-fed configurations. With customizable features, adjustable FPS, and a high-performance barrel, it excels in a wide range of training scenarios, from home defense to tactical drills. Its modular design allows you to set it up according to your training needs.
Price: $187.99
Rounds: 20
Air Gun Power Type: Pneumatic
Dimensions: 18.5″L x 14.5″W x 7.5″H
The Tippmann Stormer Elite is a versatile, dual-fed paintball gun that provides a tactical training experience for home defense or combat simulation. The Stormer Elite lets you switch between hopper-fed and mag-fed configurations, providing maximum flexibility for different game styles. It also features an adjustable FPS (250-325 FPS) for better accuracy and range control. Its modular design allows for full customization with picatinny rails for mounting additional accessories such as sights, grips, or flashlights.
- Pros:
- Dual-fed system for flexibility (hopper or mag-fed)
- Modular design for easy customization
- High-performance barrel for enhanced accuracy
- Adjustable FPS for different play scenarios
- Cons:
- Larger and heavier than some other models
TheTippmann Stormer Elite was the most versatile training tool in our tests. This dual-fed paintball marker offers the option to switch between hopper and mag-fed configurations. During testing, it delivered excellent performance with an adjustable FPS ranging from 250 to 325 fps. We tested it in different tactical drills, including rapid-fire and longer-range shooting. The customizable nature of the marker, with its picatinny rails and adjustable barrel, made it ideal for different training scenarios, including home defense simulations.
What is the best home defense training tool?
The Umarex T4E HDB Shotgun is the best overall home defense training tool due to its versatility, realistic performance, and ability to use multiple types of ammunition such as paintballs, rubber balls, and powderballs. It also features CO2-powered operation and customization options for a personalized training experience.
What is the best budget-friendly option?
The Crosman SNR357 Snub Nose is the best budget option. It offers great value for its price, with a full-metal body and the ability to shoot both BBs and pellets. It’s perfect for those who want a realistic training tool without breaking the bank.
Can I use these tools for self-defense training?
Yes, several of these tools, especially the T4E by P2P HDP Compact .50 Caliber Pepper Round Air Pistol, are designed specifically for self-defense training. They use pepper rounds, rubber balls, or powder balls, making them suitable for practicing personal defense scenarios.
Are these tools safe to use?
Yes, all of the tools listed are non-lethal and are designed for safe training. However, they should always be used in a controlled environment, and safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear (e.g., goggles), should be followed when using any type of airgun or paintball marker.
Do these products come with CO2 cartridges?
No, CO2 cartridges are generally not included with these training tools. You will need to purchase CO2 separately. It’s recommended to use Umarex-brand CO2 for optimal performance.
Are these tools suitable for beginners?
Yes, most of these tools are beginner-friendly. The Crosman SNR357 Snub Nose and T4E by P2P HDP Compact are particularly suitable for beginners due to their simple operation and compact design. However, we recommend starting with some basic training to get comfortable with handling these tools.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Home Defense Shotguns for 2025
First-time gun owners and the experienced shooter alike need a home defense shotgun suited to their specific needs and preferences. The Mossberg 590A1, Benelli M4, and Remington 870 Tactical shotguns are some of the most popular options, thanks to their reliability, ease of use, and tactical components. For the budget-wise shooters, the Mossberg Maverick 88 is fantastic value for money, and the Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol makes a great premium semi-automatic option.
If you want to go even more cost effective and are on a small budge, the Umarex T4E HDB Shotgun and the Crosman SNR357 help you practice training your skills without the dangerous consequences of an accident.
The right shotgun for peace of mind in your home is the shotgun you can afford and comfortably use with confidence. Make sure to train, practice safe handling and spend some money on accessories that boost the performance of your firearm.
