Protecting your home and family is one of the most important responsibilities you have. While nobody wants to face a home invasion or armed confrontation, being prepared can make a decisive difference in how you respond under pressure. Choosing the right firearm for home defense is part of that preparation, and understanding how different platforms perform helps you make an informed choice.

For most households, the three most common home-defense options are a pistol, an AR-15, and a shotgun. Each has strengths and limitations depending on the shooter’s experience, comfort level, and physical ability. The goal here is to give you a clear, realistic look at what these firearms can do—not from a cinematic perspective, but from practical use in real-world situations. Whether you're a new firearm owner or someone who wants to understand their options better, this overview breaks down how these platforms compare when used for home defense.

Accuracy

Accuracy is often the first point of comparison. Pistols require more skill to shoot well, especially under stress. Even at close distances, newer shooters frequently struggle to land accurate hits when firing quickly. A pistol’s short sight radius and the need for strong grip fundamentals make this platform harder to master without consistent practice.

The AR-15 offers a noticeable advantage in accuracy. With two-handed operation, greater stability, and a longer sight radius, shooters typically find it easier to keep rounds on target. Magazine capacity also allows for more controlled follow-up shots. Shotguns, while powerful, still require you to aim. The spread of shot is roughly one inch per yard—meaning at five yards, you're looking at about a five-inch pattern, not the entire hallway. At close range, a properly aimed shotgun offers very effective target engagement.

Recoil Management

Recoil plays a major role in how well you can control your firearm during a high-stress encounter. The AR-15 excels here thanks to its low recoil impulse, allowing quicker follow-up shots and better overall control. Pistols fall in the middle, with recoil varying based on caliber, firearm size, and shooter technique.

The shotgun, however, produces the most recoil. A 12-gauge round delivers significant force, and for shooters with less experience, this can slow down follow-up shots or disrupt accuracy. While recoil doesn’t make a shotgun ineffective, it does require practice to manage well, especially during rapid defensive scenarios.

Ammunition Capacity

Capacity is a straightforward comparison. AR-15 magazines commonly hold around 30 rounds, giving you more sustained capability before needing to reload. Pistols typically carry 10–15 rounds depending on the model, which is sufficient but not as robust as a rifle platform.

Shotguns generally hold the least—often 4 to 6 rounds. While each shell delivers significant stopping power, the lower capacity and slower reload time are important factors for home-defense planning. For anyone wanting to explore firearm options firsthand, Metro Pawn & Gun carries a wide selection of firearms for personal defense.

Mitigating Over-Penetration

Understanding how rounds behave inside a home is essential. Many pistol rounds can penetrate multiple walls, creating risks for people in adjacent rooms. Even hollow points, while designed for controlled expansion, may still travel farther than desired in close quarters.

The AR-15’s lightweight, high-velocity projectile tends to break apart on impact, reducing the likelihood of passing through numerous barriers. This characteristic makes it a more contained option in many indoor environments. Shotgun performance varies widely by load. Birdshot may not penetrate deeply enough to stop a threat, while slugs can travel through nearly every wall in the house. Selecting proper defensive ammunition is critical regardless of platform.

Handling Ease

Pistols are smaller, lighter, and easier to maneuver. Shooters with a smaller frame or lower upper-body strength may find pistols more manageable than larger firearms. Their compact size also makes storage and quick access simpler.

AR-15 rifles and shotguns require more space to operate and more strength to handle effectively. However, with proper training, many shooters find the stability and control of a two-handed platform to be an advantage. For guidance on choosing the right firearm for your build and comfort level, visit Metro Pawn & Gun’s buy, sell & trade page or speak with our in-store firearm specialists.

Stopping Power

How well a firearm stops a threat depends on projectile performance and placement. Pistols, while effective, can require more precise targeting, especially if the shot does not disrupt a vital area. Many law enforcement incidents show that determined individuals can continue advancing after non-critical pistol wounds.

The AR-15 ranks higher here due to the significant tissue disruption created by its projectile. Even hits outside vital areas can produce incapacitating results. The shotgun sits at the top of the stopping-power scale. A 12-gauge round delivers massive force and can neutralize a threat quickly—even without perfect shot placement. This makes the shotgun one of the most effective close-range defensive tools available.

Which Firearm Comes Out on Top?

When weighing accuracy, recoil, ammunition capacity, penetration concerns, handling, and stopping power, the AR-15 often strikes the best balance for most home-defense scenarios. But firearms are never a one-size-fits-all solution. Experience level, physical comfort, layout of your home, and ammunition choice all influence what is “best” for your situation.

If you want to compare platforms in person or have questions about defensive options, the team at Metro Pawn & Gun is here to help. Explore our current inventory of firearms, or contact us for individual guidance. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned gun owner, we’re here to support you with knowledge, responsible options, and a great selection of home-defense firearms.