7 Best Handgun for Home Defense Reviews of 2023 | The Ultimate Lineup

Taking the top spot as the best gun for home defense is the renowned Beretta 92FS. This robust wonder is ideal for protecting your loved ones, although it’s pretty big. As such, you’ll want to acclimate yourself with it of you aren’t used to firing guns of its size. 

Shooting the 92FS is a dream. It’s incredibly stable, it’s accurate, and it feels really satisfying. It comes with both a safety and decocker, so you will need to determine if this setup works for you before investing in the gun.

You won’t find a rail system that lets you add attachments, but that’s no big whoop. The sights work remarkably well as it is, so it’s not like you need to add anything else to what is already a great shooter.

Thanks to its ambidextrous design, the 92FS is a handgun that caters to both right-handed and left-handed individuals, ensuring a comfortable shooting experience for all.

The thoughtfully positioned safety and magazine release further enhance its ease of use, allowing for convenient handling. When it comes to home defense, precision shooting is paramount, and the 92FS delivers exactly that. During testing, I found no difficulty in locating and hitting my targets, while follow-up shots were executed with ease.

With an impressive round count of 130,000, the 92FS has proven its durability, requiring only a few preemptive part replacements throughout the years. Its exceptional accuracy and grip make it a formidable option for sniping, comparable to the smoothness of a Ferrari.

Praised by many, the Beretta 92 is widely regarded as one of the smoothest and most beloved handguns ever created. Even after 25 years and countless other purchases, it remains my personal favorite, embodying the epitome of perfection in firearms.

Still, if you can comfortably and safely manage the 92FS, this is one of the best home defense pistol options that your hard-earned money can buy. I found the weight and balance of the gun to be really nice, too.

It feels great in the hands, giving you a well-rounded shooting experience with every shot fired. A big part of this is thanks to minimal recoil. I barely noticed any, giving me greater comfort and control at all times.

The build quality is your typical top-notch Beretta. You never have to worry about this weapon failing you in action. It delivers consistently accurate shooting – a big deal when you’re talking about protecting your home. 

In what is quite possibly the best handgun for home defense, the Beretta 92FS is sure to provide for your needs.

With the way things are looking out there, not everyone can afford to invest in a higher-priced weapon. 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t get the best guns for home defense. That’s right, you can still protect yourself and your loved ones without spending a fortune.

Introducing the Ruger LCP II - the ultimate solution for those on a tight budget in search of a reliable home defense handgun. With its compact and lightweight design, this pistol sets itself apart from the rest.

Handling the LCP II is a breeze, and firing it is even easier. You'll effortlessly find your target and shoot with precision. The positive reviews speak for themselves, with users praising its size and functionality.

Its slim profile makes it ideal for those who prefer a more concealable option or don't want the hassle of carrying a larger gun. Whether it's serving as a backup to another firearm or functioning as a primary concealed carry weapon, the LCP II delivers.

Users have reported smooth shooting experiences, even at distances exceeding 30 yards, with no malfunctions. Personal modifications such as painting the sights have proven beneficial in enhancing shooting accuracy. Don't overlook the value this handgun offers - it's a game-changer for those seeking a cost-effective yet dependable home defense option.

I like that the magazine carries 7 rounds of .380 caliber rounds. This is a nice number that should provide you with plenty of ammunition in the event of a break-in. 

While it’s true that there isn’t anything fancy about this pistol, it delivers the goods where it matters the most. It’s very comfortable to shoot, it feels nice in your hands, and it comes at an affordable price.

If you need to protect yourself but don’t want to spend a whole lot, this is the best gun for home protection on a budget.

If you’re looking to kick things up a notch in the home defense department, the Bren 2 is just the gun for your needs. This robust entry is the best home defense gun among semi-auto weapons.

It's a bit on the heavy side, weighing over 5 and a half pounds, but given its design, this weight is to be expected. In my estimation, the gun benefits from its heft. The Bren 2 offers a reliable and robust shooting experience, thanks to its AR-style construction. The fiber-reinforced polymer finish ensures a handgun that is built to last.

Personally, I absolutely love it. With its compact size, and the addition of an SBA3 brace with a folding adapter, it becomes a solid backpack gun. I think I might just keep it. In terms of magazines, when I first got mine, it didn't handle PMags well.

However, after running it extensively, it now works great with my GI mags, Lancers, and PMags. Out of all the rifles I've owned or shot, I love my Bren 2 the most. It's truly an amazing rifle.

Additionally, one reason I appreciate aluminum USGI mags is that they tend to work in any rifle you put them in. While PMags are also great, some guns simply don't function well with them for various reasons.

Another advantage the Bren has over the SCAR is its non-reciprocating charging handle, which eliminates the risk of injuring your thumb if you run a weak hand on the receiver.

And to that point, be prepared to drop a sizable sum of money on the Bren 2. It’s the most expensive gun reviewed here. But it’s also the most robust, so that’s to be expected.

I really enjoyed my time with the Bren 2. It’s a beefy shooter, no doubt about it. But that’s what makes it such an attractive buy. The AR platform goes a long way in providing you with some serious firepower.

If you are a beginner and looking for your first gun, this probably isn’t it. You should have a respectable amount of experience before investing in this weapon. It took me a while to get acclimated to it, as I am used to firing smaller pistols and the like.

But I’m pleased to report that once I got used to it, I had a really great time firing the Bren 2. It’s well-made, solid, sturdy, and it delivers consistently accurate shooting.

As the best revolver for home defense, the Smith & Wesson 69 Combat Magnum Double-Action Revolver is sure to leave your intruders tucking tail and retreating.

This is an intimidating weapon, to say the least. It’s big, well-crafted, and powerful. In short, it’s everything you would expect from top rated 44 mag revolvers. 

Thanks to the legendary L-frame design, you’re getting a handgun that is both tough and durable. This design choice goes a long way in providing you with a long-lasting and well-made weapon.

The 5-round cylinder is a bit limited in ammo compared to other entries. But since we’re talking about a .44 Magnum, you aren’t likely to have to fire more than a couple of rounds, at most.

The price for the best home defense revolver is reasonable too; it's not exactly budget-friendly, but it's respectable when you consider the incredible build quality that you're investing in.

I bought a Smith Sixty-Nine when they first came out, and while I'm not eager to shoot full house loads, a Cowboy-type load in the mag case provides great accuracy and easy cleanup, making it something you could shoot all day.

It's a beautiful revolver, and for my first .44 Mag, I was torn between the 69 and the 629 Classic with the 5" barrel and full underlug. The fact that it's single action with scope rings included is a major plus, and I've had a blast dropping steel plates at 100 yards with it.

In comparison to other options, it's very pleasant to shoot and just as accurate. Overall, it's a highly accurate, smooth-shooting, and aesthetically pleasing firearm. What a great gun!

Smith & Wesson makes back-to-back appearances, this time with the M&P Bodyguard 380. The design and construction of this handgun are very similar to the Ruger LCP II. The Bodyguard is even around the same price.

I love shooting this handgun because it consistently delivers precision performance. Not only is it accurate in its shooting capabilities, but it also allows for easy follow-up shots on target.

The Bodyguard excels at helping you reacquire your target, thanks to its excellent ergonomics. It feels comfortable to hold and shoot, making it an ideal choice for a pocket pistol. While it may not be intended for a gunfight, it serves its purpose well.

Personally, I purchased this gun as a backup option to my holster gun, which is why the Bodyguard made more sense to me. Surprisingly, I ended up falling in love with it too, as did my girlfriend, whom I bought it for.

It's a great choice for carrying during the summertime when you want to dress light or engage in physical activities without the bulkiness of a larger handgun. Despite its small size, it fits well even in larger hands, and the slide operates smoothly.

The only thing I’m not too keen on is the limited capacity. You get just 6 rounds to work with, so you need to reload often on the range. If you’re faced with an intruder in your home, hopefully, you won’t need to empty your magazine.

Fortunately, you get 2 mags with the pistol, so at least you’ll have a backup ready if the situation calls for it.

As a mainstay among police forces around the world, it’s little wonder why the Glock is such a well-respected and popular handgun. It’s always reliable and it delivers an exceptional shooting experience. 

The G40 makes use of 10mm caliber rounds. If you’re at all concerned for the safety of yourself or your family, you can count on the G40 to put to stop to anyone intruding in your home. 

Is this the best caliber for home defense? Well, the Glock G40 is typically used in hunting. So you know you’re investing in a handgun that will put down someone trying to harm your loved ones.

But what I really like about this Glock is its reasonable price. You’re not only getting a well-crafted pistol with accurate shooting capabilities, but you’re also getting it a great price. 

This is a pretty sizable pistol as it is. But Glock made the G40 with a polymer frame to help keep its weight down as best they could. I found it to be very well-balanced as a result, giving you a comfortable and reliable pistol.

And thanks to Glock’s proprietary Modular Optic System, you will have no trouble adding on attachments as you see fit. From sights to lasers, the choice is yours how you want to prepare your pistol for your home defense gun needs.  

I found the adjustable and fixed sights on the G40 to work perfectly well. But I certainly understand wanting to ensure that you have the upper hand in the event of an unfortunate break-in.

Homeowners with smaller hands may have some trouble with its larger grip, however. Those with large hands will likely find the G40 to be comfortable and easy to manage. But others may want to consider a different option.

With that being said, the backstrap can be customized to accommodate your preference. There’s the possibility that this will resolve your grip needs, so it’s certainly worth a look.

You can choose from 3 different sizes to ensure that you have a better chance of finding the perfect fit for your hands. 

As far as ammunition is concerned, you shouldn’t have much to worry about here. The G40’s magazines hold 15 rounds each. This is typically more than enough for a home defense pistol.

So, is the G40 the best weapon for home defense? Well, you will definitely be well-protected; there’s no denying that. The question is whether you need a weapon this powerful.

If you don’t like to take any chances and you live in an area that sees high crime – or the crime has suddenly spiked – this might be your best course of action. You can trust the G40 to protect your loved ones without breaking the bank.

The price is more than reasonable and the quality is excellent. It’s a great bargain that won’t let you down. I use a shoulder holster, making it very easy to carry and conceal. Personally, I love my Glock 40.

I have no plans to upgrade just to gain another inch, and I hope my girlfriend feels the same way. I had the opportunity to try this exact setup at a Glock range event over the weekend, and it was fantastic. I can confidently say that the Glock 40 with Underwood 10mm is supreme.

Last year, I took down a Missouri whitetail at 50 yards, and it only ran about 50 yards before expiring. If you've got that 10mm itch, I highly recommend the Glock 40 MOS.

As the best 9mm for home defense, the Sig P365 is a great option if you’re looking for a well-balanced pistol for protection. I really appreciate the slim design here, as it makes the P365 very easy to manage when carrying on your person.

I’m also a big fan of the X-Ray 3 sight system used on this handgun. Thanks to its unique fluorescent glow, it’s easier to find your target in a hurry. And when it comes to protecting your loved one in your home, this feature is an absolute must.

I found firing the Sig P365 to be tight and accurate, making it a reliable choice. Its easy handling and control are a big plus, allowing for quick and accurate aiming.

The lightweight design strikes the perfect balance, providing a highly-capable pistol that ensures the necessary protection for your home. With the P365 by your side, you can feel confident that your loved ones are well-protected.

While the magazine capacity is limited to 6 rounds, it's good to see Sig Sauer's innovative approach in designing this smaller firearm. Reviews from users further emphasize the P365's appeal, with many praising its size-mag capacity combination, accuracy, and ease of maintenance.

Overall, the Sig P365 is a game-changer in the world of concealed carry, offering both functionality and reliability.