Short answer: there’s no single “best” home-defense weapon — the right choice depends on your household (kids or not), your legal jurisdiction, your comfort and training level, and whether you want lethal or non-lethal options. Below I’ll give a practical, safety-first breakdown so you can pick what fits you.

1) Best first layer: prevention and deterrence (start here)

Most burglaries and home invasions are stopped before violence happens. Invest in:

• Good exterior doors and deadbolts, quality windows/locks.
• Exterior lighting, motion lights, and visible cameras.
• An alarm system and neighborhood watch contact.
• A family plan: escape routes, safe room, emergency numbers.
  These reduce the chance you’ll ever need to use a weapon.

2) Non-lethal options (best for households with kids, rentals, or those who want lower risk)

• Pepper spray/OC spray — inexpensive, easy to carry, immediate incapacitation at close range.
• Stun gun / Taser — effective at short range; requires aiming and close contact for stun guns; Tasers have cartridges and a limited range.
• Baton / heavy flashlight / baseball bat — simple, no legal ownership limits in many areas, but require physical contact and training.
  Non-lethal options reduce the risk of fatal outcomes and legal exposure, but are less reliable against a determined or drug-impaired intruder.

3) Firearms (effective but highest responsibility)

If you choose a firearm, training, secure storage, and knowing local law are critical. Common choices and tradeoffs:

• Shotgun (pump-action 12 gauge) — pros: very effective at close range, large shot spread can make aiming less precise; cons: heavy recoil, large size (harder to maneuver in tight spaces), loud inside the house. Many experts consider a shotgun a strong home-defense choice for those trained to use it.
• Handgun (9mm pistol is the common recommendation) — pros: compact, easier to store and maneuver, modern 9mm pistols have manageable recoil and good capacity; cons: requires accurate shot placement, handgun retention and safe handling training are essential.
• Carbine / rifle (e.g., .223/5.56) — pros: good sighting and control; cons: overpenetration risk through walls in residential neighborhoods can endanger others.

Important firearm safety & legal points:

• Take professional, hands-on training (safe handling, shooting under stress, judgement).
• Store locked (gun safe/lockbox) and unloaded with ammunition stored separately if children or unauthorized people are in the home.
• Practice with your chosen gun regularly at a range.
• Know your state’s laws about self-defense, “castle doctrine,” and use-of-force. Legal consequences can be severe even if you believe you were justified.

4) Practical recommendation (balanced)

For many adults who decide a firearm is appropriate: a 9mm handgun for accessibility and ease of use, or a pump-action 12ga shotgun if recoil and size aren’t an issue — but only if you commit to training, safe storage, and learning the legal limits. If you prefer to avoid lethal force, invest in high-quality pepper spray, a medical-grade tactical flashlight, and a home security system.

5) Checklist before you decide

• Are there children/teens in the house? (if yes → favor non-lethal or very secure firearm storage & training)
• Are you willing to get certified training and practice regularly?
• Do you know your local laws on self-defense and firearms?
• Can you secure the weapon so only authorized adults can access it?