If there is a home defense gun better than the pump shotgun, I haven’t found it. That distinct sound stops nearly any would-be invader in their tracks. It’s science.
Home Defense Pump Guns
Unfortunately, at my house, I can’t afford a shotgun just for home defense and another to hunt with. In my search, I found a handful of pump guns that can pull double duty with just a barrel switch.
Over the years, there have been some changes to even the most popular shotguns. However, if you decide to purchase a barrel, ensure it fits and headspaces on your shotgun.
Remington 870
Some 40 years ago, while I was in the service, I spent a year on an aircraft carrier. The Marines provided security for the ship and stood guard during the ship’s pay call. Though the armory had M-16s and racks of 1911s, the firearm of choice for pay call was the Remington 870. The 870 hasn’t changed much since then, other than the new address where it is produced.
According to Remington, more than 13 million units have been produced since its introduction in 1950. If it works, there is no need to change.
With its solid steel receiver, twin-action bars, and familiar 870 pointability, the 870 has never been one to shirk its responsibilities.
The new 870 Home Defense accepts any 2 ¾- and 3-inch 870 barrels without any modifications. However, it has had changes (the 870LW comes to mind) over the years, and not all barrels will fit every receiver. So, make sure to check compatibility before you purchase a new barrel.
The Mossberg 500 Pump Gun
Any tactical shotgunner is familiar with the Mossberg 500. First introduced in 1961, it has served its country in the US military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, not to mention the millions of sportsmen who carry one.
With a top-mounted ambidextrous safety, dual extractors, and twin action bars, the Mossberg 500 means business.
For my money, the 500 Combo Field/Security may be the best bang for the buck. You can shoot ducks in the morning with the 28-inch barrel and simply switch over to the 18 ½-inch barrel for home security.
It is worth noting that though the Mossberg 500 and 590 are similar, the barrels are not interchangeable.
Winchester SXP
Based on the Winchester 1200/1300, the SXP offers shooters many different configurations. I have been toting an SXP for turkey season this past year, and for the price, I must admit it is a legitimate contender. I am carrying the 24-inch barreled 3 ½-inch chambered model. It’s lightweight, but with the Inflex pad, the recoil is easily managed even with max turkey loads.
But for those shooters who want their cake and eat it too, look at the Winchester SXP Camp/Field Combo. Available in both 12-gauge and 20-gauge, the combo offers a 26- or 28-inch barrel. Likewise, an 18-inch Defender barrel is ready to handle whatever is thrown at it.
The receiver features the Speed Pump rotary bolt system for ultra-fast follow-up shots. Correspondingly, the field barrel offers Invector Plus tubes.
The magazine tube on the Camp /Field Combo holds five rounds in contrast to the standard SXP, which holds four. For this reason, a standard SXP barrel may not fit on the Camp/Field model.
Dickinson XX3B Combo Shotgun
For a budget-conscious entry, look at the XX3B. It is available in both wood and synthetic models. It also features a Picatinny mount on the top of the receiver and the bottom of the forearm to attach lasers or flashlights. The combo includes a 28- and an 18 ½-inch barrel, both of which feature a Mobil choke system.
Pump Rifles
Gone are the days of pump rifles chambered in handgun cartridges. The last one that comes to mind was the IMI Timber Wolf chambered in .357 and 44 Magnum. It ceased production in 1989.
Currently, the only pump rifles available are chambered for rimfire cartridges, which served our family well growing up with game on our table. It was quite capable of double duty from the squirrel woods to home defense.
Rifles like the Henry Pump Action Octagon rifle with a 20 ½-inch barrel chambered in .22 WMR produce more energy than some self-defense pistol cartridges, including a standard 380 ACP, and match many 9mm Luger personal defense rounds. However, the handgun cartridges do have the advantage of a larger diameter bullet.
Does this make the .22 WMR a home defense round? Not necessarily. However, the best cartridge for home defense is the one in hand when you need it most.
