Shotguns have long been a top choice for home defense, offering immense stopping power in close quarters. However, traditional models can be large and unwieldy, making them less practical for tight hallways, stairwells, and doorways. Fortunately, the market offers plenty of compact options that retain the devastating effectiveness of a shotgun while improving maneuverability. Here’s a look at nine excellent choices for those seeking a small yet powerful home defense shotgun.
1. KelTec KS7
The KelTec KS7 is a bullpup pump-action shotgun that packs a full-length 18.5-inch barrel into a compact 26.1-inch overall package. This design keeps the weapon short without sacrificing performance, making it one of the easiest shotguns to maneuver in close quarters. With a 7+1 capacity, it offers plenty of firepower while remaining lightweight at just under six pounds.
The KS7 features an integrated carry handle that doubles as a sighting system, allowing for quick target acquisition. M-LOK slots on the pump provide room for accessories like lights or lasers, making it an excellent home defense tool for those who want a compact but fully functional shotgun.
2. Remington TAC-14
Built on the legendary Model 870 platform, the Remington TAC-14 offers pump-action reliability in an ultra-compact form. Sporting a 14-inch barrel and a birdshead-style pistol grip, this shotgun has an overall length of just under 26.5 inches, making it easy to maneuver in confined spaces. The Magpul MOE forend provides excellent grip and control, while the 4+1 capacity ensures there’s enough firepower to handle a threat.
The TAC-14 is designed for close-range engagements, where its reduced size allows for quick target transitions without sacrificing the effectiveness of a 12-gauge shell. It’s an ideal option for those who prefer a no-frills, ultra-reliable shotgun for home protection.
3. Fabarm STF/12 Compact
The Fabarm STF/12 Compact is a high-end tactical shotgun designed with modularity in mind. Unlike most pump-action shotguns, it features a completely modular platform, allowing for different barrel lengths, stock options, and rail configurations. Available with barrels as short as 11 inches, it remains highly maneuverable while still offering excellent recoil control.
The ghost ring sight system and monolithic Picatinny rail make it easy to mount optics or accessories, ensuring adaptability for different defense scenarios. Weighing just over 8 pounds, the forward weight distribution helps with stability and accuracy, making follow-up shots easier to control. While it was designed with law enforcement in mind, the STF/12 is a fantastic option for home defenders who want a reliable and customizable shotgun.
4. Mossberg 590 Nightstick
The Mossberg 590 Nightstick brings classic aesthetics to modern firepower, offering a pump-action shotgun with old-school wood furniture. With a 14-inch barrel, birdshead grip, and a compact 26.5-inch overall length, it balances maneuverability with effective stopping power. The deeply grooved wooden forend provides a secure grip, while a leather strap helps control recoil and prevent the support hand from slipping forward.
Its 5+1 capacity ensures enough ammunition to handle multiple threats, while the brass bead front sight allows for fast target acquisition. The Nightstick is a great option for those who appreciate traditional styling but want a compact and powerful home defense shotgun.
5. Kalashnikov USA Khaos
The Kalashnikov USA Khaos is a semi-automatic shotgun based on the legendary AK platform, offering the firepower of a magazine-fed shotgun in a compact, reliable design. With a 13-inch barrel and an overall length of just over 27 inches, it remains highly maneuverable while delivering rapid follow-up shots.
The M-LOK handguard provides ample space for mounting accessories, and its compatibility with Saiga-pattern magazines allows for extended firepower options, including drum magazines. Unlike traditional pump-action shotguns, the Chaos eliminates the need to manually cycle each round, making it one of the fastest-firing options for home defense. Its AK-style gas system ensures reliability, even with a variety of ammunition types.
6. Rossi Brawler
For those looking for an ultra-budget-friendly home defense option, the Rossi Brawler provides an interesting alternative. This single-shot, break-action pistol fires both .45 Colt cartridges and .410 shotgun shells, offering versatility in a small package. While it only holds one round at a time, its simplicity and reliability make it a viable choice for those who don’t mind reloading after each shot.
The polymer grip and short forend are heavily textured for a secure hold, and the integrated Picatinny rail allows for mounting optics. Though not as fast as a pump or semi-auto shotgun, the Brawler is a rugged, straightforward option for those seeking an affordable and easy-to-use home defense firearm.
7. Remington V3 TAC-13
The Remington V3 TAC-13 brings semi-automatic performance to the compact shotgun category, offering a gas-operated system that cycles both light and heavy loads effortlessly. Its 13-inch barrel and overall length of 26.5 inches make it easy to handle, while the built-in hand strap on the forend provides added control. With a 5+1 capacity, it delivers sufficient firepower without excessive bulk.
The self-regulating gas system reduces recoil, making it easier to fire quickly and accurately. Additionally, the ventilated rib and fiber optic front sight enhance target acquisition, while the synthetic furniture keeps the weight manageable. This shotgun is an excellent choice for those who want a high-performance, semi-auto option for home defense.
8. Serbu Super Shorty
One of the smallest shotguns ever produced, the Serbu Super Shorty is an ultra-compact firearm that delivers serious power in a tiny package. Based on either the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870, this shotgun features a 6.5-inch barrel and a foldable foregrip for added control. With an overall length of just 16.5 inches, it is one of the most concealable shotguns available.
The downside is its limited capacity of just 2+1 rounds, but its extreme portability makes it a great choice for those who need a highly maneuverable firearm. Recoil can be punishing due to its size, but for those seeking a pocket-sized powerhouse, the Super Shorty is hard to beat.
9. Taurus Judge Home Defender
Technically a revolver, the Taurus Judge Home Defender earns its place on this list due to its ability to fire .410 shotgun shells. Unlike the standard Judge models, this version features a longer 13-inch barrel, improving accuracy and delivering tighter shot patterns. The five-round cylinder offers fast follow-up shots, and the extended polymer forend provides better control. A built-in Picatinny rail allows for the addition of optics, lights, or lasers, making it a versatile home defense option.
While not as powerful as a 12-gauge shotgun, the Judge Home Defender provides a manageable recoil and simple operation, making it ideal for less experienced shooters looking for a compact yet effective home defense firearm.
Choosing the Right Compact Shotgun for You
When selecting a home defense shotgun, it’s essential to consider factors like maneuverability, capacity, and ease of use. While semi-automatic options offer faster follow-up shots, pump-action shotguns provide unparalleled reliability.
Bullpup designs save space without sacrificing barrel length, while compact revolvers like the Judge Home Defender offer an alternative for those seeking something different. No matter which option you choose, these nine compact shotguns prove that size doesn’t always determine stopping power. Finding the right one for your home defense needs can make all the difference in protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.