The 12-gauge-chambered shotgun or shotshell-firing gun are the de facto cartridge favorites for home self defense, but there are a few other chamberings that can do the job as well.
Herewith, then, we list the Top 10 Sub-Gauge Defense Shotguns, meaning, specifically 20 gauges and .410 bore firearms since there are no 16-gauge or 28-gauge shotguns available that we’re aware of.
The prices listed are current retail prices.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Public Defender offers versatility along with good accuracy. It had good balance for such an awkward-looking revolver. The Public Defender is versatile, being able to fire .410 shells and 45 LC cartridges. If you are looking for a large-bore revolver for concealed carry, the Taurus may be too large for average-size concealed-carry-license holders. It does make sense for vehicle and nightstand use. Action Type, double action revolver. Overall Length, 7.6 in. Barrel Length, 2.0 in. Overall Height, 4.6 in. Maximum Width, 1.5 in. Weight Unloaded, 27.0 oz. Weight Loaded, 29.7-30.1 oz. (depending on load). Capacity, 5.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B+
The Mossberg is a true youth model with a short stock and a 12-inch length of pull. The distance between the buttstock recoil pad and trigger face is ideal for most youths and some adults. The shotgun was smooth enough as far as the action. The forend had wobble in it, and we did not like the action-bars’ attachment to the forend. The Mossberg Youth Model has several advantages, including light weight. It tips the scale at only 5.25 pounds. The rib features dual sighting posts, which the other shotguns lack. A trade-off is that recoil is the greatest of the shotguns tested. With most field loads, this recoil isn’t noticeable. For home defense, the Mossberg is a fast-handling piece for the whole family. Action Type, pump. Chamber Size, 3.0 in. Overall Length, 37.5 in. Capacity, 5+1. Weight Unloaded, 5.25 lbs. Barrel Length, 22.0 in.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
If you want a packable, powerful self-defense gun that nearly everyone in the family can handle, we think the .410 Mossberg Cruiser is a bargain. One staffer got a .410 Cruiser for his wife and has it loaded with 2.5-inch 000 shells. It delivers three .36-caliber pellets at 1200 fps, yet recoil is relatively mild. Another friend of the magazine bought a .410 cruiser for his 79-year-old mother. Just check to make sure the ammo you’re depending on cycles smoothly in the Cruiser, and we think you’ll see the gun is light enough, easy enough, and simple enough to operate for nearly anyone. Barrel Length, 18.5 in. Weight, 5.5 lbs. Capacity, 6.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The popular work horse of tactical shotguns lived up to its reputation. Good trigger, good handling and good patterning performance combined for its good ranking. We were pleased with the very solid basic functioning, comfort and handling of this pump — it does its predecessors proud. Trigger touch off and patterning performance were both very good. About the only downside we could find was slightly higher felt recoil from the heavy loads. Action Type, Pump. Chamber Size, 3 in. Overall Length, 36.75 to 39.75 in. Adjustable. Capacity, 7+1. Weight (Unloaded), 7 lbs. Barrel Length, 18 in.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A-
The Remington had advantages out of the box. These included ideal weight and a smooth action and trigger. When we compared the Remington 870 20-gauge Youth Model to the other shotguns, however, the Remington did not dominate. As an example, the other shotguns each have a magazine capacity of four shells. When you already have a limited magazine capacity and you are keeping the piece at home ready with the magazine loaded but not the chamber, this may be important. The Remington shotgun is not drilled and tapped for a red dot or shotgun scope. This was somewhat overshadowed by the Remington’s performance on the firing range. This was the smoothest shotgun tested and one that ran combat drills very smoothly indeed. We would purchase the Remington for home defense. Action Type, Pump, dual extractors, twin action bars. Chamber Size, 3.0 in. Overall Length, 40.5 in. Capacity, 4+1. Weight Unloaded, 6.2 lbs. Barrel Length, 21.0 in.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
We much preferred the shot patterns from the double-action S&W Governor revolver over a Judge’s performance. If we had serious uses for a 410-caliber handgun, we’d get the Governor. The Smith has six chambers instead of five, and that might be significant for some folks. The bigger cylinder does make for a bulkier handgun, though. Width, 1.75 in. Overall Length, 8.5 in. Overall Height, 5.5 in. Weight, 29.9 oz. Capacity, 6. Barrel Length, 2.75 in.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Axe is well made with a smooth-operating lever. Recoil was minimal due to the weight. Shooting it two handed was easy especially with the large brass front bead. This gun is a blast to shoot and offers both limited defense use and dispatching varmints in the hen house. Action Type, Lever, hammer-fire. Overall Length, 26.4 in. Barrel Length/Twist Rate, 15.1 in.; smooth bore, Full choke tube. Overall Height, 7.9 in. Weight Unloaded, 5.7 lbs. Weight Loaded, 5.8 lbs.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
This Shockwave was easy to handle and offered little recoil. Loaded with one of the specialty 410 defense loads, this would make a good home-defense choice. The .410 bore was smaller and lighter, yet with specialty loads, we’d feel comfortable using it in a self-defense weapon. If you or someone in your household is recoil shy, the .410 bore is an excellent choice. Action Type, Pump. Chamber Size, 3.0 in. Overall Length, 26.37 in. Capacity, 5+1 (2.5-in. shells), 4+1 (3-in. shells). Weight Unloaded, 4.24 lbs. Weight Loaded, 5.04 lbs. Barrel Length, 14.0 in.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A (MARCH 2019)
The Shockwave in 20 gauge substantially reduces felt recoil, which all users appreciated. We liked the strapped forend, which offered good grip security. Mossberg 500 or 590 users will easily adapt to this one. The 20-gauge Shockwave offered a lot of firepower with less recoil than a 12 gauge. It was accurate and effective. For a short-range home-defense weapon without jarring recoil, this is an option to consider. Action Type, Pump. Chamber Size, 3.0 in. Overall Length, 26.37 in. Capacity, 5+1 (2.75-in. shells), 4+1 (3-in. shells). Weight Unloaded, 4.95 lbs. Weight Loaded, 5.75 lbs. Barrel Length, 14.375 in.
GUN TESTS GRADE: A
The Mossberg 505 Youth is an overlooked gem. Another version of the shotgun has an adjustable synthetic stock with inserts at $406, but we liked the wood stock supplied with our shotgun. The fit wasn’t bad for most raters, and the pump action with the EZ Reach forearm is very fast. The rib, dual beads, and choke tubes were pluses. When capacity, reliability, and versatility are considered, the Mossberg is a winner. Action Type, pump, 3-in. chamber. Overall Length, 37.5 in. Overall Height, 5.0 in. Capacity, 5. Weight Unloaded, 5.25 lbs. Weight Loaded, 6.0 lbs. Barrel, 20 in., blued steel, ventilated rib.
