The Best Guns for Protecting Your Homestead
When you’re living the homestead life, having the right firearms around isn’t just about defense—it’s about being ready for whatever might roll up your driveway, wander into your barn, or threaten your animals. You don’t need a safe full of guns, but a few well-chosen tools can go a long way toward keeping your place secure. Here are 12 that actually make sense for real-life homestead protection.
Mossberg 500 12-Gauge Pump
The Mossberg 500 is a reliable workhorse. It handles buckshot, slugs, or birdshot without fuss and is easy to clean. It’s built tough, and you’ll find one behind plenty of ranch doors for good reason.
You can mount a light or side saddle on it if you want, but even straight out of the box, it gets the job done.
Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II (.223/5.56)
This AR-15 variant is a great balance of price and reliability. It’s accurate, lightweight, and easy to maintain—even if you’re not a “gun guy.”
Whether you’re dealing with predators or just want peace of mind, it’s a solid rifle that won’t break the bank.
Glock 19 (Gen 5 or MOS)
The Glock 19 is still the go-to for a lot of folks because it’s simple, reliable, and easy to shoot well. The Gen 5 model has a better trigger and no finger grooves, which most folks prefer.
Throw a light or red dot on the MOS version if you want to modernize it a little. Either way, it just runs.
Marlin 336 (in .30-30)
The Marlin 336 is a classic for a reason. It’s handy, quick to shoulder, and plenty accurate for typical homestead ranges.
The .30-30 hits hard enough for medium game or defense without excessive recoil, and the lever action makes for fast follow-ups.
Ruger 10/22 (.22 LR)
No list is complete without the 10/22. It’s a must-have for pest control, small game, and training younger or new shooters.
Parts are everywhere, mags are cheap, and it just works. You can keep one by the back door and not think twice.
Ruger GP100 (.357 Magnum)
The GP100 is built like a tank. It’s a six-shot revolver that can handle full-house .357 loads without a problem, and it’s still comfortable with lighter .38 Specials.
If you want something that’s always ready to go, no matter how long it sits, this is the one.
PSA AR-V 9mm Pistol
Palmetto State Armory’s AR-V gives you a compact AR-style pistol in 9mm that takes Scorpion mags. It’s a good setup if you want something maneuverable for close quarters or outbuildings.
Easy to suppress, easy to shoot, and you won’t need hearing protection to run it in a barn.
Mossberg Shockwave
This compact 12-gauge looks like it came out of a movie, but it’s made for real-life use. At close range, it’s brutally effective.
Just be aware—without a stock, it takes a little practice to control. But for something you can stash and grab quickly, it’s solid.
Zastava ZPAP M70 (AK-47 Style)
The ZPAP M70 is a quality-built AK that’s accurate, tough, and reliable. It handles 7.62×39 like a champ and will chew through steel-case ammo without blinking.
If you want a battle rifle that’s easy to run and maintain, this one won’t let you down.
Ruger American Rifle (.30-06)
Ruger’s American line is accurate and affordable. Chambered in .30-06, it’ll handle anything you need to stop on the property—from hogs to larger predators.
Add a decent scope and you’re ready for hunting season and home protection in one rifle.
Sig Sauer P365
The P365 changed the game for small carry guns. It’s tiny but holds 10 to 15 rounds depending on the mag. Perfect for when you’re working in lightweight clothes or don’t want a full-size pistol on your hip.
It’s accurate, reliable, and surprisingly shootable for its size.
Ruger PC Carbine (9mm)
The Ruger PC Carbine is handy, especially if you’re already running a Ruger or Glock 9mm pistol—it takes both kinds of mags with a simple swap.
It’s soft-shooting, accurate, and makes a great choice for folks who want a long gun but prefer pistol calibers.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
