When it comes to home-defense handguns, go big or go home. Wait, you're already home? Let's go straight to the guns.
My father's main reason for carrying a concealed weapon is "I'm too old to fight." At least, that's what he likes to tell people when they ask him about it.
Funny enough, he says the same thing about why he keeps an AR-15 in his bedroom. If it comes down to it in the middle of the night, he just wants to point and shoot and know that's good enough. The whole idea of home defense handguns just doesn't do the trick for him.
However, it works for many gun owners around the country. Here are some great options for sidearm home defense weapons in different calibers and styles. Many of these same firearms are also trusted by police officers, soldiers and the FBI. If it will work for military and law enforcement, it will work as a home defense gun you can rely should you ever have to use it.
10. Ruger SP101: $549.99
When it comes to home-defense handguns, you want stopping power. A .357 does that and a little more. And, particularly for home defense when you don't have to be as concerned about portability, a hammerless revolver is a great choice so that you never have to worry about the extra step of using the hammer or clearing a jam. (There are still some great semi-autos on this list, though, so stick around).
9. S&W Governor: $769.99
Got somebody creeping through your house? Well, how would knowing you have a handgun that allows you to shoot a .45 Colt or .410 shot shell make you feel? How about knowing you have six of those options to send that guy's way at a high speed?
8. Glock 19: $539.99
Sometimes, easier is just better. A Glock 19 is a weapon that fires 9mm rounds highly effectively and efficiently. Some may argue that a 9mm is too small of a round for home defense. However, what you may loose in immediate stopping power, you gain in accuracy. This is also an excellent choice for concealed carry. It falls between the full-size Glock 17 and some of the smaller striker-fired firearms Glock makes. The 15-round magazine capacity should give all the firepower one needs in a home invasion and aftermarket upgrades are plentiful for this semi-automatic platform. These pistols feature white dot rear and front sights, a safe-action trigger safety system, and additional backstraps to adjust the fit to each shooter's hand.
7. Beretta M9A1: $678.00
Beretta is a name synonymous with handguns. For one of the best self-defense handguns, you found a good one right here. Again, chambered in 9mm, but don't let that hold you back. The military started issuing these as carry weapon back in the 80s. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for you, too.
6. Colt Close Quarter Battle Pistol (CQBP): $1,300+
Just like M9A1, the Colt 1911 frame has been the standard issue weapon of choice for the Marines since back in WW1. I'd feel rather confident this .45 ACP could handle about anything that goes bump in the night. The Colt CQBP will get it done.
5. Glock 41 Gen4: $635.00
You are in good hands with this polymer weapon. Chambered again in .45 ACP, this has the stopping power to handle most situations. It also has the reliability you can trust. Glock just flat out makes good guns. A little large to be a carry pistol, it is a good choice for home defense situations of your loved ones. Especially for those who feel 9mm ammo is not going to be enough firepower.
4. Sig Sauer P226 MK-25: $1,099,99
So far we have the Army and the Marines, now how about a double/single action service weapon carried by the Navy Seals? If you want a gun you know you can trust when it's all or nothing, the Sig Sauer P226 Mk25 is going to get the job done. It has a 4.4-inch barrel, SIGLITE night sights, and an M1913 accessory rail. Knowing this is 9mm and that it holds 15 hollow points plus one in the chamber, they better pick the next house. This one has excellent ergonomics and gets high marks for its crisp trigger pull. No wonder it has become so popular for home protection.
3. Ruger GP100: $729.99
Reliability and stopping power. Those tend to be the top requested factors when deciding on some of the best home-defense handguns on the planet. That is where the Ruger GP100 shines. This .357 Magnum can put it down. The simplicity of a revolver takes the thinking out of the situation as well, making it a solid option for a first time personal defense gun buyer.
2. Smith & Wesson 629 in .44 Magnum: $829.99
It should come as no surprise that a .44 Mag revolver is the No. 2 weapon for home defense handguns. If you wake up in the middle of the night thinking somebody is in your home, you want an easy to use hand cannon that can drop a bear in one shot. This is that.
1. Taurus Raging Judge Magnum Revolver: $869.99
Okay, now we are talking. The simple ammo options for this gun is what makes it a must. You can put a .454 round in your first shot to either drop the bad guy, or give them a heart attack. Each follow up shot can be .410 shot shells to send the rest running. This bedside hand cannon is what you need if you are just simply too old or too tired to fight.
