Choosing the right firearm for self-defense and emergencies is a critical decision. Many factors come into play when selecting a weapon that can provide protection and peace of mind during uncertain times. From handguns to shotguns and rifles, numerous options are available to suit different needs and preferences.
I compiled this list of the 21 top-rated firearms that can serve as reliable tools for self-defense and survival scenarios. Each weapon has been selected for its effectiveness, dependability, and suitability for various crisis situations. Whether facing natural disasters or social unrest, having a trustworthy firearm can be an important part of emergency preparedness.
Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a popular compact 9mm pistol. It’s well-liked by police and regular gun owners. This gun holds 16 bullets in total. It’s small enough to hide but big enough to shoot well. The Glock 19 is light due to its plastic frame. It’s also simple, which helps it work even in challenging situations. Many people own this gun, so parts and extras are easy to find.
Mossberg 500: A Reliable Self-Defense Shotgun
The Mossberg 500 is a pump-action shotgun known for its reliability and versatility. It features a 12-gauge chamber and holds 6 shells total. The compact 18.5-inch barrel makes it easy to move around in tight spaces.
This shotgun’s straightforward mechanics mean fewer parts could break when you need it most. Its proven track record makes it a popular choice for home protection.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
The M&P Shield is a small 9mm gun that fits well in hidden spots. Its bigger magazine can hold up to 8 bullets, and the gun’s thin shape makes it easy to keep out of sight.
This pistol feels good in your hand and shoots straight. Even though it’s small, you can aim it well. The gun is rugged and works when you need it. Many people carry it every day or keep it for times of trouble.
AR-15 Rifle
The AR-15 rifle is a popular choice for home defense. This semi-automatic firearm uses .223 or 5.56mm ammo. It has low recoil and good accuracy. Most AR-15s hold 30 rounds in a standard magazine.
Many people like AR-15s because they can easily add accessories and the gun’s parts are quick to replace if needed.
Ruger GP100
The Ruger GP100 is a sturdy .357 Magnum revolver that packs a punch. This six-shooter can also fire .38 Special rounds, giving shooters flexibility. Its tough stainless steel body fights off rust, perfect for rough conditions. The gun sports both double-action and single-action firing, plus adjustable sights for better aim. These features make the GP100 a solid choice for various shooting needs.
Remington 870
The Remington 870 stands out as a top-notch pump-action shotgun. It’s famous for working smoothly and not letting users down. This gun comes in 12 gauge and can hold six shells total. Its barrel is 18.5 inches long.
The 870 is tough, thanks to its steel parts. Many people own this gun, so extra parts are easy to find. It can use different types of shells, from small birdshot to big slugs, making it good for many uses.
Sig Sauer P365
The Sig Sauer P365 is a compact 9mm handgun that stands out in the concealed carry world. It holds 10 rounds in a flush magazine, with 12-round extended options available. Though small, it feels good in the hand and shoots well. The P365 comes with night sights, making it useful when light is low. Its size makes it easy to hide, while still being dependable for daily carry or emergencies.
AK-47 Rifle
The AK-47 is a powerful and dependable rifle. It fires 7.62x39mm rounds, packing more punch than some other options at close and medium ranges. The gun holds 30 bullets and keeps working even when dirty or damaged. Its tough build and easy upkeep make it good for long-term use. The simple design lets users fix problems quickly. This rifle works well in many harsh environments.
Smith & Wesson Model 642
The Smith & Wesson Model 642 is a compact .38 Special revolver. It has a 5-round capacity and a smooth, snag-free design with no external hammer. The gun’s frame is made of lightweight aluminum, making it easy to carry concealed. Its basic controls and dependable performance make it a solid pick for personal protection. The 642 is well-suited for those who want a simple, reliable self-defense weapon.
Kel-Tec KSG
The Kel-Tec KSG is a unique pump-action shotgun with a compact design. It packs a punch with its 14+1 round capacity of 12 gauge shells stored in two separate tube magazines. The bullpup layout makes it easy to move around in small spaces. Users can quickly switch between ammo types, giving them more options in different situations. This shotgun combines high firepower with smart engineering for improved handling.
Beretta 92FS
The Beretta 92FS is a popular 9mm handgun known for its dependability and precision. This full-size pistol has a 15+1 round capacity and a unique open-slide design that helps prevent jams. Its all-metal build makes it tough and long-lasting. The smooth trigger action lets shooters aim more easily. Many police and military units have used this gun for years, showing it can be trusted in tough situations.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is a versatile .22 LR rifle that offers unique benefits. Its light weight and low recoil make it easy to handle for shooters of all skill levels. The rifle is known for its reliability and accuracy, making it a solid choice for small game hunting or pest control.
While not typically a first choice for self-defense, the 10/22’s ease of use and low noise profile can be advantageous in certain situations.
The Judge: A Versatile Revolver
The Judge is a unique handgun made by Taurus. It can shoot two types of bullets: .45 Colt rounds and .410 shotgun shells. This gives it many uses. The gun holds 5 shots and comes in different sizes. Its ability to use shotgun shells makes it good for close-up defense. The .45 Colt rounds can hit targets farther away. Many people like this gun for home defense and outdoor use. Its mix of features makes it stand out from other revolvers.
FN Five-seveN
The FN Five-seveN is a special handgun that uses 5.7x28mm bullets. These bullets move very fast and fly in a straight line. The gun can hold 20 bullets plus one in the chamber. It’s big but light because it’s made of plastic-like materials. When fired, it doesn’t kick much, so it’s easy to shoot many times quickly. This makes it good for protecting yourself in different situations.
Mossberg Shockwave
The Mossberg Shockwave packs a punch in a small frame. This 12 gauge firearm has a short 14-inch barrel and unique grip. It’s smaller than regular shotguns but more powerful than handguns. The pump-action design is easy to use when stressed. It holds 6 shells total.
Key features:
- 12 gauge
- 14-inch barrel
- Bird’s head grip
- 5+1 capacity
- Pump-action
Its compact size makes it a good choice for home protection or keeping in a vehicle.
Springfield XD
The Springfield XD is a versatile handgun made from polymer. It comes in different sizes and calibers to suit various needs. The 9mm full-size model can hold 17 rounds total. Safety features include grip and trigger safeties. Many people like the XD for carrying hidden or protecting their homes. Its comfortable grip and solid build make it a good choice for different uses.
Henry AR-7 Survival Rifle
The Henry AR-7 is a compact .22 LR rifle built for survival situations. Its key feature is the ability to break down and store inside its own stock. This design makes it very easy to carry. The rifle is light and can float if it falls in water. It stays dry when stored. The AR-7 holds 8 rounds and can be put together fast. While not the best choice for protection, it works well for hunting small animals in emergencies.
Walther PPQ
The Walther PPQ is a 9mm handgun with a polymer frame. It has a great trigger and fits comfortably in the hand. The gun holds 15 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber.
Key features:
- Easy to use for left or right-handed shooters
- Fast to aim and shoot
- Low recoil for quick follow-up shots
These traits make the PPQ work well for self-defense. It’s also accurate and dependable.
Marlin 336 Rifle
The Marlin 336 is a tough, compact lever-action rifle. It packs a punch with its .30-30 Winchester rounds. The gun holds 7 bullets total – 6 in the tube and 1 in the chamber. Its short barrel makes it easy to use in tight spots.
The 336 has a simple design with few parts. This means it’s less likely to break down. The lever action lets shooters fire quickly if needed. This rifle works well for protecting yourself or hunting deer-sized animals.
Chiappa Rhino
The Chiappa Rhino stands out among revolvers. Its barrel sits at the bottom of the cylinder, not the top. This change cuts down on muzzle rise and kick when fired. The gun comes in different sizes and can use .357 Magnum rounds. It holds 6 bullets at a time.
Shooters can fire the Rhino quickly and hit targets more easily. The gun’s body is made of aluminum to keep it light but strong.
Steyr AUG
The Steyr AUG is a compact rifle that packs a punch. Its bullpup design puts the action behind the trigger, making it shorter than typical rifles. This setup works well in tight spaces.
The AUG fires 5.56mm rounds from a 30-round magazine. It has a built-in sight for fast aiming. The gas system keeps it running smoothly, even in tough conditions.
While its layout is different, the AUG shines in close-range use. Users may need time to adjust to its unique feel.
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.