Home invasions are on the rise, and as more people become aware of the risks posed by home break-ins, there is an increased demand for solutions to protect people from these crimes.
To safeguard your loved ones and property, you must have reliable and effective means of repelling intruders.
There are several steps that you could take to defend your family.
However, one of your best options is equipping yourself with a reliable handgun.
Some may argue against owning a handgun for home defense, but it could be the difference between life and death due to long response times.
Below are the 8 Best Handguns for Home Defense For 2022.
Each of these guns has been carefully chosen for its reliability, efficiency, and ease of use.
Table of Contents
#1. PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol With Extreme Carry Cuts & Night Sights
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.9”
- Overall Length: 7.15”
- Capacity: 15-Round
- Weight: 22.4 oz
The PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol With Extreme Carry Cuts & Night Sights is an affordable polymer-framed pistol that is perfect for concealed carry and home defense.
It is perfect for those who want a durable firearm with plenty of features that will provide an excellent shooting experience.
With an ergonomic grip with an aggressive texture, a polymer frame, and extreme carry cuts, it has a compact snag-free design that is comfortable to shoot.
Its Truglo Tritium Night Sights make aiming down your sights in any lighting condition a breeze.
The polymer frame and the stainless steel hardware with a DLC coating provide enhanced durability and will ensure your weapon will last.
With a 15-round capacity, you will have plenty of ammo to incapacitate any intruder.
It also comes with a flat-faced trigger that provides a smooth and crisp trigger pull for enhanced control and accuracy.
If you are looking for an ergonomic handgun with the power and capacity to take down any target, the PSA Dagger Compact 9mm Pistol With Extreme Carry Cuts & Night Sights is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Glock G19 Gen 5 9mm Pistol
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 4.02”
- Overall Length: 7.28”
- Capacity: 15-Round
- Weight: 23.63 oz
Next up on our list of the best handguns for home defense is one of the most popular pistols in the world: Glock 19.
The Glock G19 Gen 5 9mm Pistol is a highly reliable firearm that is ideal for home defense, concealed carry, and the range.
With a 4.02” Glock Marksman Barrel that is chambered in 9mm, it will provide pinpoint accuracy built to last.
The Gen5 has a sleeker frame for enhanced versatility, and it comes with several other prominent features that will take your experience to the next level.
It features an enlarged floor plate, a flared magwell to allow easier magazine swaps, and a custom grip where you can interchange the backstrap to get the best fit for any shooter.
With ambidextrous slide stop levers and a reversible magazine catch, it is perfect for left or right-handed shooters.
It has a fifteen-round capacity and comes with three magazines out of the box, providing you with plenty of ammunition for any situation.
If you want one of the most reliable 9mm handguns on the market that you can depend on in any home-defense scenario, the Glock G19 Gen 5 9mm Pistol is the perfect pick.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield M2.0 9mm Pistol W/ CT Laserguard Pro Green Laser/Light Combo
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.1”
- Overall Length: 6.1”
- Capacity: 7-Round, 8-Round
- Weight: 22 oz
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield M2.0 9mm Pistol W/ CT Laserguard Pro Green Laser/Light Combo is an excellent option for shooters who want a high-quality pistol paired with one of the best lasers on the market.
Everything about the S&W M&P Shield M2.0 is made to be lightweight and compact, making it an excellent choice for your nightstand or as a concealed carry.
Pairing the ultra-lightweight 22-ounce design with an aggressive grip texture makes this an excellent weapon for tight spaces.
They built this weapon to last with a heavy-duty polymer frame and stainless steel hardware.
For enhanced longevity, the stainless steel hardware comes with S&W’s Armornite finish, which protects it against corrosion and scratches.
To get the most accuracy possible out of such a compact pistol, S&W gave this handgun a lighter trigger pull, their standard white dot sights, and a Crimson Trace Laserguard Pro Green Laser/ Light Combo.
In the heat of the moment, it may be challenging to keep your target on point, but the laser combo allows you to acquire and keep your target.
Additionally, it is backed by the Smith & Wesson lifetime service policy.
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield M2.0 9mm Pistol W/ CT Laserguard Pro Green Laser/Light Combo is the logical choice if you want a compact and lightweight handgun with a laser/light combo for enhanced home defense capabilities.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. Sig Sauer P365 9mm Pistol W/ Xray3 Day/Night Sights
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3.1”
- Overall Length: 5.8”
- Capacity: 10-Round, 12-Round
- Weight: 17.8 oz
A relatively new comer to the market, the Sig P365 is easily one of the best handguns for home defense for multiple reasons.
The Sig Sauer P365 9mm Pistol W/ Xray3 Day/Night Sights is an excellent firearm with all the features you would desire for home defense.
It comes with a Xray3 day/night sights that will provide you with faster target acquisition and enhanced accuracy in all lighting conditions.
It has a black polymer grip that comes with an integrated magwell to provide enhanced comfort while shooting.
With Sig’s signature trigger, you will have improved control with a crisp trigger pull you can rely on.
The P365 is perfect for concealed carry or home defense with its compact 5.8” overall length and 17.8-ounce design.
It also comes with a flush-fit ten-round magazine for enhanced concealment or a twelve-round extended magazine for a better grip.
If you are looking for an excellent handgun with excellent day/night sights, the Sig Sauer P365 9mm Pistol W/ Xray3 Day/Night Sights is a perfect choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. Glock 23 Gen 5 FS .40 S&W Pistol
- Caliber: .40 S&W
- Barrel Length: 4.02”
- Overall Length: 6.85”
- Capacity: 12-Round
- Weight: 21.16 oz
The Glock 23 Gen 5 FS .40 S&W Pistol is similar to the G19 on this list, with a higher caliber round to deliver more power.
With the Glock 23s compact 6.85” overall length, it still can pack a twelve-round capacity and comes with three magazines that make it perfect to handle any situation.
It features ambidextrous controls such as an ambidextrous slide stop, making it perfect for left and right-handed shooters.
With a flared magwell, it will provide smoother reloads to re-engage your target quickly.
To have the most control possible, the Glock 23 has an aggressive grip with interchangeable backstraps to get the perfect fit.
It also features a 4.02” GLOCK Marksman Barrel with advanced rifling and enhanced chamber specs to deliver pinpoint accuracy.
If you are looking for one of the most reliable .40 S&W handguns on the market, you can not go wrong with the Glock 23 Gen 5 FS .40 S&W Pistol.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. FN FNX-45 Tactical .45 ACP Pistol 5.3”
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Barrel Length: 5.3”
- Overall Length: 8.6”
- Capacity: 15-Round
- Weight: 33.33 oz
The FN FNX-45 Tactical .45 ACP Pistol 5.3” is perfect for those who want a customizable military-grade firearm out of the box.
It features an impressive 5.3” cold hammer forged barrel that is threaded, which allows you to install compensators or sound suppression attachments.
This is an excellent feature for home defense because it can save your hearing and will help you maintain situational awareness.
It is chambered in .45 ACP and is perfect for someone who wants a heavier round that will not penetrate their walls and hit unintended targets.
It comes with combat sights and mounting bases if you wish to install a red dot or another optic.
With an impressive fifteen-round capacity and included two magazines, you will have plenty of ammunition to take down any target.
The FN FNX-45 is perfect for left or right-handed shooters with complete ambidextrous controls.
It also comes with four interchangeable backstraps and a natural grip angle, which enhances your control by providing a natural grip.
If you’re looking for one of the best handguns for home defense, the FN FNX-45 Tactical .45 ACP Pistol 5.3” is a must-buy.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#7. Springfield 1911 Emissary 4.25” .45 ACP Pistol
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Barrel Length: 4.25”
- Overall Length: 7.75”
- Capacity: 8-Round
- Weight: 38.5 oz
If you want a big power handgun that is absolutely beautiful, the Springfield 1911 Emissary 4.25” .45 ACP Pistol is the perfect option.
It has a legendary 1911 design with modern features that will provide you with an excellent shooting experience.
It also happens to be one of the best handguns for home defense.
With a 4.25” forged stainless steel Bull Barrel, it will provide on-point accuracy with enhanced longevity.
Springfield Armory equipped it with Thin Line G10 VZ Grips with grenade-pattern checkering for a thin aggressive grip that looks beautiful.
It has an eight-round capacity and comes with two magazines, which is plenty for any home defense scenario.
With a tactical rack u-notch rear sight and a Tritium front sight, you will have easy target acquisition in any lighting condition.
The Springfield 1911 Emissary 4.25” .45 ACP Pistol is an excellent option for anyone looking for an aesthetically pleasing firearm that can deliver high performance.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. Glock 20 Gen4 10mm Pistol
- Caliber: 10mm
- Barrel Length: 4.6”
- Overall Length: 8.03”
- Capacity: 15-Round
- Weight: 30.71 oz
The Glock 20 Gen4 10mm Pistol is a high-performance firearm that is strong enough to take down a charging bear.
It has an impressive fifteen-round capacity for 10mm ammunition and is perfect for concealed carry, home defense, or a backup weapon while hunting.
It has two interchangeable backstraps to give you the perfect grip and features an aggressive rough textured frame to enhance control and comfort.
With a dual recoil spring assembly, the firearm will have less felt recoil and improved longevity.
If you want a power firearm that comes with the reliability that Glock is known for, purchase the Glock 20 Gen4 10mm Pistol today.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
Things to Consider When Looking For The Best Handgun For Home Defense
When purchasing a handgun, you may want to consider a few options to ensure that you are getting the best fit.
Things to consider would include the caliber of the handgun, its capacity, size, cost, and features.
Caliber
With larger rounds, you will have more stopping power; with smaller rounds, you will have increased penetration.
This is because of the weight of the bullet.
A 9mm round will have more muzzle velocity than a 10mm one and will travel faster, providing deeper impact penetration.
However, a 10mm will create a larger hole on impact.
Ammunition
Regardless of the caliber, not all ammunition is equal when it comes to home defense.
With home defense rounds, you are looking for a heavier weighted bullet designed to incapacitate a target and not have too much penetration where you can injure a neighbor or loved one.
An excellent option is the Federal 9mm 147GR Personal Defense HST Ammunition, which is available at: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
Size
Size is an important factor when you’re on the hunt for the best handguns for home defense.
Larger barrels and slides will provide a better sight radius but add bulk and weight, which may become uncomfortable for an all-day wear.
Shawn Ryan from Vigilance Elite talks about this in great detail in the Youtube video below:
Features
Based on your budget and preferences, you may desire different features on your handgun.
The combos on the list are excellent options for those who want an all-in-one kit, but many handguns could have upgraded accessories, sights, and grips after purchase.
References
Best Cartridge for Self-Defense
See Also
12 Best Handguns For Beginners
12 Best 9mm Pistols For Concealed Carry & Home Defense
10 Best Concealed Carry Revolvers
26 Best Concealed Carry Holsters
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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