Best Home Defense Firearms Series Part 2: Tactical Shotguns

Home Defense Firearms 2: Shotguns

Continuing forward in our series on the best guns for home defense, we’re moving on to another major category in home defense. For those looking to defend themselves and their families against intruders, tactical shotguns and home defense shotguns are a great fit! Shotguns are one of the best home defense firearms due to the benefits they provide. Want to get a home defense shotgun this New Year but not sure where to start? Look no further than GrabAGun to provide you with the best shotguns for sale this New Year! 

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of shotguns for home defense and see some of our picks for the best home defense shotguns!

Our Top Home Defense Shotguns

Shotguns prove to be a great option for home defense for several reasons. First, they provide high stopping power in a home defense situation, with buckshot easily hitting an intruder at close range and ending the situation. Second, the penetration offered by buckshot also offers a great balance for home defense, easily incapacitating an intruder without penetrating the interior of the house too deeply. The spread of the shot also allows the shooter some margin of error while still taking down a target with accuracy. Third, a semi-automatic shotgun or pump shotgun provides higher capacity and allows the user to fire several shots in quick succession, which is essential in a home defense situation.

However, there’s still the question of which one to buy. Many popular brands manufacture guns for home defense, such as Remington shotguns, Mossberg shotguns, Beretta shotguns, and Winchester shotguns. To help make the decision easier, we’re going to share our choices for some of the best shotguns for home defense. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, we’re going to cover some of the most popular home defense shotguns for sale we have available here at GrabAGun

Remington 870 Express Tactical 12 Gauge

Remington 870 Express Tactical 12 Gauge

The Remington 870 Express Tactical is a great pump-action shotgun for home defense! The best-selling shotgun in history with over 11 million manufactured, the Remington 870 family of shotguns demonstrates strength, durability, smooth bind-free action, and sleek classical lines. People often buy the 870 for its reliability and durability in every shooting situation. The 870 Express Tactical can be used for sport or hunting but is primarily designed to excel in the area of home defense. The gun features a short and maneuverable 18.5-inch barrel, a durable synthetic stock, a bead front sight, and a six-round capacity. All of these qualities and features come together to produce one of the best tactical shotguns ever made.

Remington 870 Express Tactical 12 GA Specs

Caliber: 12 GaugeChamber: 3”Barrel Length: 18.5”
Capacity: 6-RoundsSights: Bead Front SightReceiver Finish: Matte Black Steel
Action: Pump-ActionChokes: CWeight: 7.5 lbs
GAG SKU: GAG_REMR25077

Remington 870 Express Tactical 20 Gauge

Remington 870 Express Tactica 20 Gauge

Like the look of the Remington 870 12 gauge above but need something a little lighter with less recoil? Then look no further than our next top pick, the Remington 870 Express 20 gauge! Though some sources say you need a 12 gauge for home defense, a 20 gauge shotgun still provides plenty of stopping power while also delivering reduced recoil. The Remington 870 Express 20 gauge does exactly that, delivering the same durable quality and home defense capabilities of the 870 Express 12 gauge while firing a smaller 20 gauge shell and weighing approximately 1.5 lbs lighter when unloaded. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a home defense shotgun, as well as smaller shooters and those that need a lighter gun with less recoil.

Remington 870 Express Tactical 20 GA Specs

Caliber: 20 GaugeChamber: 3”Barrel Length: 18.5”
Capacity: 6-RoundsSights: Bead Front SightReceiver Finish: Matte Blued
Action: Pump-ActionChokes: CWeight: 6 lbs
GAG SKU: GAG_138756

Mossberg 930 SPX

Mossberg 930 SPX

Another great home defense shotgun is the Mossberg 930 SPX, which has a reputation as a rugged and dependable autoloader that demonstrates first-rate performance in home defense applications. A pistol grip shotgun, the 930 SPX is highly maneuverable and easily controlled in a defense situation. Features of the gun include a dual gas-vent system, an ambidextrous safety, drilled and tapped receiver, a quick-empty magazine release button for easy unloading, and an adjustable drop at comb with a stock drop spacer system. Built for speed, the Mossberg 930 SPX is a tactical shotgun created for situations where every second counts. The 930 SPX also features a ghost ring rear & fiber optic front sights, cylinder bore, and matte finish. Everything comes together to give you a great tactical shotgun you can count on!

Mossberg 930 SPX Specs

Caliber: 12 GaugeChamber: 3”Barrel Length: 18.5”
Capacity: 7-RoundsSights: Front Fiber Optic, Rear Ghost RingReceiver Finish: Matte Blue
Action: Semi-AutoChokes: Fixed Cylinder BoreWeight: 7.25 lbs
GAG SKU: GAG_MS85370

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical

The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical is another great tactical shotgun for defense purposes. Built to be durable and low-maintenance, the gun’s gas system allows for up to 1500 rounds between cleanings. The 940 Pro Tactical includes many corrosion-resistant internal parts and also comes with an enlarged/beveled loading port, elongated elevator, and an anodized follower for consistently smooth operation. The gun is built to fit your needs and features an adjustable stock with 1.75″ of LOP flexibility, a barrel clamp with M-LOK mounting slots, and a front fiber optic sight to help keep you on target. This Mossberg tactical shotgun has a threaded barrel for use with the Accu-Choke interchangeable choke system and comes with a removable cylinder tube installed. With all of these great features, the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical could be the best fit for you!

Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical Specs

Caliber: 12 GaugeChamber: 3”Barrel Length: 18.5”
Capacity: 7-RoundsSights: Fiber Optic Front SightReceiver Finish: Matte Blued
Action: Semi-AutoChokes: Cylinder Bore ChokeWeight: 7.5 lbs
GAG SKU: GAG_85152-145571

Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 Gauge

Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 Gauge

Another 20 gauge on our list, the Mossberg 590 Shockwave is a great shotgun for anyone looking to buy with home defense in mind! The 590 Shockwave is light and highly maneuverable in tight spaces, featuring the bird’s head pistol grip, a 14.375-inch barrel, and an unloaded weight of 4.95 lbs that keeps its profile low. The 20 gauge caliber also makes it easier to operate because of less recoil, making it an excellent choice for smaller shooters. The internal functions of the Shockwave feature dual extractors, positive steel-to-steel lockup, twin action bars, ambidextrous safety, and an anti-jam elevator to ensure smooth operation. A convenient clean-out tube magazine cap, front bead sight, and a ‘corn cob’ strapped forend finish the list of features from the Mossberg Shockwave, making it a serious tactical shotgun for home defense.

Mossberg 590 Shockwave 20 GA Specs

Caliber: 20 GaugeChamber: 3”Barrel Length: 14.375”
Capacity: 6-RoundsSights: Bead Front SightReceiver Finish: Matte Blued
Action: Pump-ActionChokes: Cylinder BoreWeight: 4.95 lbs
GAG SKU: GAG_LS-50657

Beretta 1301 Tactical

Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun

The Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun is a durable choice from another one of our top manufacturers. The 1301 Tactical is a semi-automatic shotgun designed for law enforcement and home defense. It’s engineered to be the most reliable and easy-to-use modern tactical shotgun. The compact size of the Beretta 1301 makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Features of the gun include an oversized charging handle, a large textured bolt release, a secure checkered fore-end and stock, and a reversible safety button. The Beretta also boasts an adjustable stock for the length of pull, a ghost-ring rear sight with an interchangeable front sight, and an interchangeable choke system. Included is an OptimaBore, HP Improved Cylinder. The receiver is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum with a 1913 Picatinny rail, making it easy to add optics to the shotgun. The Beretta 1301 Tactical is a durable choice that will always perform well.

Beretta 1301 Tactical Specs

Caliber: 12 GaugeChamber: 3”Barrel Length: 18.5”
Capacity: 7-RoundsSights: Ghost Ring Rear Sight, Interchangeable Front SightReceiver Finish: Black Anodized Finish
Action: Semi-AutoChokes: IC
GAG SKU: GAG_J131TT18C-139777

Winchester SXP Extreme Defender

Winchester SXP Extreme Defender shotgun

Another excellent tactical shotgun, the Winchester SXP Extreme Defender is a great heavy-duty, pump-action shotgun for tactical and home defense encounters. This 12 gauge shotgun offers features like the gun’s pistol grip stock, padded cheek riser, ghost ring sights, excellent heat shield, and door-breacher choke tube. The SXP Extreme Defender from Winchester is also quick for situations that require speed, boasting a fast rotary bolt system and smooth action that allows easier pumping and faster follow-up shots. With all the adjustable features, this is a great pump action shotgun that you can rely on in every situation, both at the range and in the home.

Winchester SXP Extreme Defender Specs

Caliber: 12 GaugeChamber: 3”Barrel Length: 18”
Capacity: 5-RoundsSights: Ghost Ring Rear Sight, Blade Front SightReceiver Finish: Flat Dark Earth
Action: Pump-ActionChokes: CWeight: 7 lbs
GAG SKU: GAG_LS-512410395

Shotguns For Sale at GrabAGun

If you want to get one of the tactical shotguns on our list or want to find another shotgun, make sure to go to GrabAGun.com today for guns for sale! Whether you are looking for a Mossberg 590 Shockwave for sale, a Remington 870 for sale, or any other guns, GrabAGun has everything you need to protect your home. In addition to shotguns, we have home defense rifles, shotguns, and ammo in all of the best self-defense calibers for shotguns. This includes 12ga ammo for sale and 20ga ammo for sale.

If you missed it, be sure to check out the best home defense handguns by reading Part 1 of this series! Additionally, make sure you check out part three of our Best Home Defense Firearms of 2023 series to learn about the best home defense rifles!

—Matthew Cornell

Fall Turkey Hunting Essentials

The tradition of turkey hunting began only in the fall season initially. During the first half of the 20th century, very few states even offered spring hunting seasons due to the limited turkey population. Though In time a rise in turkey populations made the spring hunt more popular and widely available, fall turkey hunting remains a cherished tradition. 

As many as 44 states offer fall turkey hunting, giving shooters a second chance to bag that prized bird as well as an opportunity to experience the time-honored fall hunt. Whether you’re a veteran of turkey hunting or a newcomer, there are several factors to consider. So before you head out, check out our list of fall turkey hunting essentials to be fully prepared.

Get all your hunting essentials online from GrabAGun. We’ve got Winchester, Mossberg, and Remington shotguns along with 12 gauge ammo and archery supplies. Get the best turkey hunting shotguns from GrabAGun today!

Turkey Hunting Shotgun

Fall vs Spring Turkey Habits

Fall turkey hunting is its own unique sport. Many tactics and gear that you’d normally use in the spring won’t necessarily work in the fall. For example, scouting is key to finding turkeys in this season. Unlike spring turkey hunting, fall hunters must rely less on sounds, scratching, or flapping wings.

Fall Turkey Habits: 

  • Hens and Jakes tend to flock together in search of food like hickory nuts, beetles and bugs, corn and grains, grass, and acorns
  • Toms tend to be loners, keeping to themselves while searching for food
  • Fall flocks wander over a wide area and sometimes will not return to the same spot for many days. The typical range for a fall flock is between 250 and 400 acres 

Spring Turkey Habits: 

  • Toms turn into lovers instead of loners. They are notably vocal and will strut more. 
  • Jakes and Toms will flock together and a pecking order within the group will be established. 
  • Every Tom and Jake are in competition to capture the attention of a hen, so decoys are a great tool for hunters. 
  • Turkeys typically visit the same roosting, strutting, and feeding areas each day.

Choose Your Weapon

There are countless methods hunters use to take down their game. Each has benefits and drawbacks, and some are more apt for beginners than others. When choosing your weapon, consider your hunting style, terrain, experience level, and price range.

Archery

Using a bow for fall turkey hunting is, typically, not for beginners because it can be challenging. However, bow hunting is incredibly exhilarating and rewarding. Fall and winter bow hunting seasons for wild turkeys are often long and generous in many states, which means you’ll get ample opportunity to land your prized bird.

Turkey Hunting Tips for Fall Bow Hunting:

  • Make sure you are comfortable shooting your bow from a seated position; most turkey hunts happen on the ground. 
  • If you are positioned in a blind, ensure that you have enough room to draw back your bow. If you can’t comfortably sit and draw back your bow, consider reducing your draw weight. 
  • Compound bows are a great, safe option for beginners. Compound bows are faster and more forgiving while you’re figuring out form. 
  • Consider all your broadhead options. Some are designed for aiming at a turkey’s neck and head, while others are designed for the turkey’s vitals in the body. In order to ethically take down your turkey, do your research and pick the broadhead that best fits your needs.

Turkey Hunting Shotguns

The shotgun is by far the most popular choice for turkey hunting. However, not just any shotgun will do. In fact, many manufacturers now specifically design turkey shotguns for sale, which include unique features that are specifically compatible with turkey hunting such as:

  • A short barrel
  • A tight choke
  • The ability to shoot heavy loads
  • Sling swivels
  • A matte or camo finish

Additional considerations for your hunting shotgun should include weight. If you are hiking or tracking, you will want a platform that is lightweight. A 12 gauge shotgun such as the Remington 870 12 gauge, is traditionally the preferable option. GrabAGun offers an extensive line of turkey hunting shotguns which includes Winchester, Mossberg, and Remington shotguns.

Remington 870 Express

The Remington 870 Express is the ultimate pump-action shotgun delivering high performance, reliability, and consistency. The Remington 870 12 gauge comes with a 3.5 inch chamber and 28 inch barrel. This Remington 870 shotgun features a synthetic stock, HiViz Fiber optic front sights, a Rem choke, a Realtree Max-5 finish, and a 3 round capacity. With a foundation of strength, silky-smooth bind-free action, and sleek classical lines; this Remington shotgun is a staple platform to add to your turkey hunting shotgun collection. Get the Remington 870 for sale and 12 gauge ammo online from GrabAGun today!

Remington 870 Express

Remington 870 Express
Model: Remington 870 ExpressAction: PumpBarrel Length: 28″
Capacity: 3+1Chamber: 3.5″Gauge: 12 Gauge
Stock Finish: Realtree Max-5Stock Material: SyntheticHand: Right
Sights: HiViz Fiber Optic FrontChoke Configuration: Rem ChokeReceiver Material: Steel

Check out one of the newer Remington 870 12 Gauge Shotguns, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster at https://grabagun.com/remington-870-field-12-gauge-28-barrel-4-rounds-3-chamber-walnut.html.

The 870 Fieldmaster was also featured in our recent blog post entitled Waterfowl Hunting Shotgun and Ammo Essentials. Go to https://blog.grabagun.com/2022/10/waterfowl-hunting-shotgun-and-ammo-essentials to read more.

Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter

Keep it stealthy with the Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter. It comes chambered in 12 gauge with a 3.5 inch chamber and 24 inch barrel. The Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter features a synthetic stock, a black chrome bolt for faster cycling, a cross bolt safety, one Invector-Plus X-Full Turkey choke tube, and a 4 round capacity. The adjustable TruGlo sights make aiming easy and the aluminum receiver is drilled and tapped to accept optics. Its mossy oak obsession camo finish will submerge you into nature and guarantee a successful hunt.

Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter

Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter
Model: Winchester SXP Turkey HunterAction: PumpGauge: 12 Gauge
Barrel Length: 24″Chamber: 3.5″Capacity: 4+1
Barrel Description: Back-Bored Vent RibOAL: 45″Hand: Right
Sights: Adjustable TruGlo Fiber Optic Front & RearSize: Full SizeChoke Configuration: Invector-Plus
Chokes Included: XF TurkeyDrop: 1 5 / 8″ @ Comb & 2″ @ HeelSafety: Crossbolt
Receiver Material: AluminumTrigger: Drop-OutStock Finish: Mossy Oak Obsession

Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl

The Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl offers a reliable and durable semi-auto shotgun. Chambered in 12 gauge with a 3 inch chamber and 28 inch barrel, this shotgun features a true timber prairie synthetic stock, a tang safety, and a 4 round capacity. The Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl includes HiViz CompSight fiber optic sights, an extended X-Factor ported choke, and a streamlined forend with signature texturing for a secure grip. Get the best hunting shotguns for sale online from GrabAGun today!

Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl

Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl
Model: Mossberg 940 Pro WaterfowlAction: Semi-AutoGauge: 12 Gauge
Barrel Length: 28″Capacity: 4+1Chamber: 3″
OAL: 48.75″Hand: RightSights: HiViz Comp Sight Fiber Optic
Choke Configuration: BrileyChokes Included: X-Factor PortedReceiver Material: Steel
Safety: TangReceiver Finish: Patriot Brown CerakoteStock Finish: TrueTimber Prairie

Tungsten vs Lead Ammo

There are a few things to consider when choosing ammo for fall turkey hunting. For example, a heavy load may not be a necessity in the fall season as it would be in the spring season, since fall turkey’s tend to be smaller and more fragile. Other things to look for include the length, price range, and shot size. The most popular turkey hunting loads are lead and tungsten-based. Find the best type of ammo for sale at GrabAGun that fits your needs!

Lead

Turkey hunting with lead ammunition is a hugely popular choice. This shotgun ammo has a proven track record of consistency and power. It is the traditional choice for many turkey hunting loads, and thanks to modern innovation, many lead loads are more effective than ever.

Tungsten

An increasingly popular shotgun ammo choice is Tungsten. Not only is it much denser and heavier than lead, but it also penetrates deeper and maintains a sturdy shape. Thanks to tungsten’s heavier pellets, these loads carry more energy further downrange. The result is the take down of turkeys at greater distances and with greater stopping power.

Fall Turkey Hunting Essentials at GrabAGun

Fall turkey hunting is, for many hunters, an undiscovered gem. It is equally challenging and rewarding, as well as relaxing and adrenaline-filled. With fall rolling in, now is the perfect time to experience this classic hunt for yourself. While prepping your gear, remember that GrabAGun has the best gun deals online for all your turkey hunting needs. So whether you choose archery or a turkey hunting shotgun, you can find what you need. Get the best Mossberg, Winchester, and Remington shotguns for sale online. GrabAGun is the best place to find deals for all your hunting gear, so you can go into the wilderness prepped and ready.

—Melissa Quist

Edited By: Nina Manzanares

Winchester SXP Shotguns

Winchester firearms have seen a resurgence in recent years — in particular, the Winchester SXP. After several years of focusing on ammunition, the company returned its focus to shotguns and rifles, and marksmen everywhere were more than happy with Winchester’s decision.

Available in several varieties, the Winchester Super X Pump (SXP) offers a list of features not commonly associated with the Winchester name. Still these popular pump-action shotguns feature the typical Winchester craftsmanship for which the firearms manufacturer is known. Let’s take a look at some of the features that stand out on this model if you’re shopping firearms for sale and trying to narrow down your list.

5 Reasons to Buy Winchester SXP shotguns

Synthetic Pistol Grip

Anyone familiar with Winchester would know that a synthetic pistol grip is not a typical feature from a brand that typically focuses on hunting weapons. Granted, not all of the SXP models feature this attribute; the ones that do, like the Super X Pump Long Beard, are geared towards more defensive-oriented shooters. On all models, there are textured gripping surfaces to prevent the weapon from easily slipping in your hands.

Shotgun Durability

What good is a weapon that cannot withstand the rigors of the hunt or the range? Not much, which is why Winchester packed all of their SXP shotguns with solid components to keep your weapon working at optimal performance. Four large lugs offer support to the rotary bolt. A hard chrome-plated chamber and bore make the SXP ultra-resistant to corrosion and extended use.

On the Winchester SXP Breakup Country, shooters will find the alloy receiver drilled and tapped with black chrome protection on the bolt to increase both its life and the lives of components used with it.

Superior Shotgun Recoil Pad

Whether you are firing the 12 gauge or the 20 gauge version of this weapon, you are going to experience plenty of kick. Winchester tries to mitigate this as much as possible with their inflex technology recoil pad. Found on all of the SXP models, it helps nullify the intensity of the recoil while directing the felt recoil downwards.

Easy-to-maneuver safety

Many hunters have found certain gun safeties to be unnecessarily complicated. For home defense, the ability to easily and quickly disengage the safety could mean the difference between life and death. Winchester’s crossbolt safety allows for a quick transition to ready-to-fire. Most people agree that the safety can be easily operated while wearing gloves.

Exceptional Price Value

With these great features under the Winchester brand, you might be wondering how much this will set you back. Though price should not be the number one factor, you want to be sure you are getting the value you are paying for the firearm. The WINCHESTER SXP EXTREME DEFENDER, for example, can be found at around $407.00. There are various pricing tiers available depending on the model, finish and gauge you want, but the SXP series can generally be found between $350-$550 for most versions. Most people agree that Winchester has outdone themselves with all of the features in the SXP series and how much they are being sold for.

These are just a few of the reasons to consider buying Winchester’s latest Super X Pump models. They come with most of the traditional make-up of previous Winchesters, but with some modern upgrades and twists you might not expect to find but will be glad you did. If you are looking for semi-automatic shotguns for sale, or are just in the mood to upgrade any of your existing models to the latest version, the SXP series from Winchester is a great place to start looking.

Winchester Shotguns at GrabAGun

Get Winchester SXP Shotguns for sale online from GrabAGun today! Shop semi auto shotguns, pump shotguns, and side by side shotguns.