7 of the Best Defense Pistol Grip Shotguns

A pistol grip shotgun is as practical as it is functional when it comes to keeping intruders off your property and defending yourself. The question is, which one should you buy?

In this article, you will find:

• Break-Action Pistol Grip Shotguns
• Pump Action Shotguns

7 Functional Defense Pistol Grip Shotgun to Invest in Now

Break-Action Pistol Grip Shotguns

1. Stevens 555 Over-Under

You will love the Stevens 555 if you are looking for a home-defense shotgun that doubles as a hunting and clay sports rifle. The Over-Under boasts five different calibers for you to choose the power level that best fits your needs.

Not to mention chrome-lined and fore-end carbon steel barrels and a Turkish Walnut stock.

Though the shotgun has two 28-inch barrels, it is easily portable due to its low weight owing to its aluminum receiver.

Pros

• Tang-mounted safety
• Multi-purpose
• Affordable for an Over-Under
• It has a single trigger for simplicity

Cons

• Limited capacity
• Lacks the handiness of a short-barrel break action

2. Cimarron 1883 Double Barrel

With an 18-inch barrel, this handy coach gun is easy to wield in tight spaces and around corners, making it ideal for self-defense. Moreover, the simplicity of the Cimarron 1883 Double Barrel's mild recoil, coupled with the break-action, makes this piece a reasonable choice for small-statured shooters.

As far as aesthetics go, the Cimarron 1883 is a sight to behold with its checkered pattern on finely figured and polished furniture. As a result, you'll equally enjoy taking it to the range for some outdoor fun or Cowboy-action.

Pros

• Straightforward operation
• Lowered recoil owing to the .410 shells

Cons

• Limited capacity
• Limited payload

3. CZ Sharp Tail Coach Shotgun

Most sporting guns feature an automatic safety reset for every time you chamber rounds. However, the CZ Sharp Tail comes with manual safety and a single selectable trigger. Consequently, the safety can't go on or off without you allowing it.

Moreover, the CZ Sharp Tail boasts two 20-inch barrels with each sized to cylinder bore, making it perfect for home-defense. The shotgun has a refined checkered appearance with a Turkish Walnut stock and beavertail-shaped fore-end in addition to functionality.

Tip: You can choose your preferred pattern with ammo selection.

Pros

Though practical, the CZ Sharp Tail also has a sharp look.

Cons

• Limited capacity
• Pricey cosmetic upgrades

RELATED: These Hunting Shotguns Are The Best Bang For Your Buck

Pump Action Shotguns

4. Armscor VRPA40 Pump Pistol Grip Shotgun

Box magazine-fed shotguns have easy and fast reloading – a handy aspect when preparing for life-or-death situations. Dropping and swapping the mag will get you up and ready again in seconds.

Additionally, about two-thirds of the 20-inch barrel is covered in a heat shield, with the end capped off with a fiber optic bead, which you can quickly locate even in low-light conditions. In case you prefer mounting your optic, note that the receiver flaunts an adjustable rear sight and a Picatinny rail.

Pros

• Magazine-fed
• Affordable

Cons

A little heavy for a pump-action shotgun

5. Mossberg Model 500 Tactical Tri-Rail Forend

Count yourself lucky if you have shot a Mossberg 500 for recreation because then you're used to the tang-mounted safety. And you can therefore shoot it as swift as any semiautomatic.

With a 20-inch barrel, full-size stock, and a bead sight, the Tactical Tri-Rail Forend is the Mossberg Model 500 what you want for your home defense. It can hold eight 2¾-inch shells and also comes with an extended magazine and a flashlight rail.

Pros

• Supremely reliable
• It has a forearm rail that allows you to mount a flashlight

Cons

It has a slick stock

6. Stoeger P3000 Freedom Series Supreme

This 12-gauge P3000 Freedom Series Supreme is every homeowner's dream. Thanks to its folding stock, it has a small footprint, which makes for effortless storage.

You can also easily navigate your narrow residential hallways before flipping open the adjustable six-position buttstock for extra support.

The adjustable cheek rest takes the guesswork out of creating a proper cheek weld by providing a custom fit in various situations. Additionally, the extended magazine tube can hold up to seven rounds, hence a total capacity of eight.

As far as targeting goes, the ghost ring sights facilitate rapid target acquisition. They also make shooting with slugs and buckshot simpler even in longer ranges. The P3000 Freedom Series Supreme also features a Pic rail for you can add your preferred optic.

Pros

• It has an ergonomic folding stock
• Has ghost ring sights

Cons

It has a modern design that may not be appealing to traditionalists

7. Charles Daly 301 Pump-Action Tactical Shotgun

Pistol grip shotguns are easy to hold one-handed while surveilling with the other hand or maneuvering in small spaces. Luckily, the Charles Daly's 301 Pump-Action Tactical Shotgun has both an adjustable buttstock and a pistol grip for versatile home defense ergonomics, not to mention an 18.5-inch barrel.

The large fiber optic bead allows an easy to find front sight. With the Picatinny rail on the receiver, you can effortlessly add a red dot.

Though the 301 comes with an improved cylinder and full chokes, you can always change them if you prefer aftermarket tubes as the barrel uses Benelli Mobil Choke threads.

Pros

• It has an adjustable pistol grip stock.
• Affordable

Cons

Lacks a rail for a flashlight and other accessories.

Watch this video as Survival Gear present on top 10 best shotgun for home defense 2020:
There you go. With any piece from this list, you can rest assured that you are more than equipped to defend your household and ultimately yourself from anyone and anything that may pose a threat. Keep in mind your physical strength and stature when getting yourself one of these.

Which other pistol grip shotguns have you found effective for home defense? Let us know in the comment section below!

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