Anti-gun groups will tell you that firearms are seldom used successfully for self-defense purposes. However, the facts printed in small newspapers and posted on news sites throughout the country tell a different story. In fact, gun owners in the United States continue to cite self-defense far more than other factors, including hunting and sport shooting, as a major reason they own a gun. A whopping 72% of U.S. gun owners say protection is a major reason they own a gun. So, it is important to understand what to look for when choosing a home-defense handgun.
Choosing a Home-Defense Handgun
That 72% far surpasses the shares of gun owners who cite other reasons. And while a sizable majority of gun owners (71%) say they enjoy having a gun, an even larger share (81%) say they feel safer owning a gun.
Because of that, gun companies introduce new handguns each year with the express purpose of home defense. Let’s take a look at some things you should consider if you’re planning to buy your first—or even just your latest—home-defense handgun.
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First Considerations
The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you prefer a semi-auto pistol or a revolver. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and these days, semi-autos are much more common. Revolvers are basically bombproof and are nearly guaranteed to shoot every time you pull the trigger. However, modern semi-autos are also quite reliable and typically have a much larger capacity.
Picking the Right Caliber for Home Defense
Guns for home defense must have enough power to incapacitate an attacker or home invader. Consequently, most experts recommend semi-auto pistols chambered in 9mm and larger, and revolvers in .357 Mag/.38 Special and above. Get the largest caliber you can shoot accurately and handle the recoil well. There’s no use being undergunned in a gunfight in your own home.
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Considering all Authorized Users
Do, however, consider who else in the household might need to use the gun. Your spouse might use the gun and isn’t as strong as you or as accustomed to heavy recoil. So, you might want to consider dropping down to a little less powerful chambering. Better yet, get a home-defense gun for you and another for her. That way, you’ll both have one that fits your personal needs.
What is the Right Size for Home Defense?
While not as important for a home-defense gun as a carry gun, size is still a factor to consider. In this case, size mainly refers to how the gun fits in your hand. A good fit is important to good marksmanship.
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Regarding physical size, you can use a larger home-defense gun with higher ammo capacity when storing it in a safe, bedside drawer, or other place than when you are going to carry the firearm. However, if you believe you might carry the gun occasionally, a smaller gun is always better for that task.
Keeping it Within Budget
As much as I hate to admit it, budgetis always a consideration when purchasing a firearm of any kind. Just because this is a gun you plan to stake your life on doesn’t mean you have an extra $2k lying around to spend. You can find home-defense handguns from about $300 to over $3,000, with quality guns existing in each price range.
Decide on your budget first, then explore only home-defense handguns within your budget. With a little diligence, you’ll be able to find a good one at a reasonable price.
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Some New Models
Fortunately for those looking for a home-defense handgun, many companies make guns that are great for the job. Many even introduce brand-new models every year. Let’s take a quick look at three home-defense handguns that are new for 2025—two semi-autos and one revolver.
Springfield Echelon Comp
Built around a robust stainless steel chassis, the Springfield Echelon Comp 9mm handgun features an integral compensator with a single port on the hammer-forged slide and barrel, reducing muzzle rise for faster, more accurate follow-up shots.
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The revolutionary optics mounting system offers unparalleled adaptability with today’s most respected red-dot sights. Additionally, fully ambidextrous controls and interchangeable backstraps accommodate a broad range of shooters. Barrel length is 4.5 inches, overall length is 8 inches, and the unloaded weight is 23.9 ounces.
S&W M&P9 M2.0 Metal
The full-size S&W M&P9 M2.0 Metal would make a welcome addition to any nightstand or other place where home-defense pistols are kept. The lightweight, rigid metal frame provides an extraordinary foundation for higher performance. Yet since the pistol is built on the M&P platform, it is compatible with all M2.0 magazines, slides, holsters, and palm swells.
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Features include an optimal 18-degree grip angle for natural point of aim, four interchangeable palm swell grip inserts for optimal hand fit and trigger reach, a textured polymer front strap, a wide slide stop, and a reversible magazine release.
Charter Arms Mag Pug Revolver
The Charter Arms Mag Pug Revolver combines a quality revolver with two cylinders—one 9mm, the other .357 Magnum. This gives revolver lovers the best of both worlds. Featuring a stainless steel frame and a backpacker walnut wood grip, this revolver’s cylinder has a capacity of five rounds. Barrel length is 4.2 inches.
Cylinders can be easily swapped in less than a minute by removing a single screw with a small, slotted screwdriver. Built on Charter Arms’ medium-sized frame, the revolver has a ported, full underlug barrel to help dampen recoil.
