Total Impact Guns stocks self defense firearms for every situation, from slim carry pistols to home defense shotguns, all backed by our price-match guarantee and nationwide shipping to your local FFL. Browse the self defense guns below, and if you don't see the exact model you want, we can usually get it for you.
FMK Firearms
FMK Firearms
Armscor
FMK Firearms
FMK Firearms
Springfield
Springfield
Hi-Point Firearms
A good self defense gun is one you can shoot well, carry or store the way you need to, and trust to work every time. The right type depends on whether you're carrying it in public, defending your home, or covering both. Each type trades off size, capacity, and ease of use, so a lot of people end up owning more than one over time.
| Type | Best for | Why people pick it |
|---|---|---|
| Concealed carry handguns | Everyday carry in public | Small, light, easy to hide under a shirt |
| Full-size handguns | Home defense, range, open carry | Easier to shoot well, holds more rounds |
| Home defense shotguns | Defending the house | Simple to use, serious stopping power up close |
| Defensive rifles / carbines | Home defense, property | High capacity, easy to aim, great for larger spaces |
| Revolvers | Simple carry or nightstand gun | Dead simple to operate, very reliable |
Most folks start with a handgun because it covers the most ground, and it's easy to carry and keep close. If your main goal is carrying every day, look at our best concealed carry gun picks. If you want a dedicated gun for the house, a home defense shotgun is hard to beat for the money. You can test-fire models on our indoor range before you commit, so you're picking based on how a gun actually feels in your hands.
The best self defense gun for you comes down to how you'll use it, how it fits your hands, and how often you'll train with it. Before you buy, work through these five things:
The easiest way to settle it is to put a few in your hands. Our team will walk you through the options at the shop, and you can rent and shoot models on our range before you decide.
The best self defense gun is the one that fits you and the job you need it for, but a handful of models stay popular because they just work. For carry and home defense alike, shooters lean on models like the Glock 19, SIG Sauer P365, and Smith & Wesson M&P9, all known for going bang every time and being easy to find parts and holsters for.
Our self defense lineup covers the brands people ask for most:
If you have your eye on a model we don't have in stock, just ask, since we can usually source it for you.
Most self defense handguns sell for $300 to $700, with premium or optics-ready pistols running $800 to $1,200 or more. A solid home defense shotgun typically runs $400 to $700, and defensive rifles usually start around $600. You're paying for fit, finish, sights, and features, not just the type of gun.
Total Impact backs every firearm with a price-match guarantee. If you find the same self defense gun for less somewhere else, we'll match it, so you can shop with us without second-guessing the price.
Buying a self defense gun online is simple, and federal law just requires that the firearm ship to a licensed dealer for pickup, not straight to your door. Here's how it works with us:
You must be at least 18 to buy a long gun like a shotgun or rifle. We handle FFL transfers both in and out, so we can ship your gun to a dealer near you or receive one you bought elsewhere. Picking up at our shop is usually the fastest and easiest route.
The best gun for self defense is the one that fits you, that you can shoot well, and that suits how you'll use it. For most people that's a 9mm handgun for everyday carry, while a shotgun or rifle is a strong choice for defending the home. There's no single best answer, since carry, home defense, and budget all factor in.
The best gun for concealed carry self defense is a slim, light handgun you can hide comfortably and still shoot accurately, like a compact or micro 9mm. Models like the SIG P365 and Glock 43X are popular because they hide under a t-shirt while still holding plenty of rounds.
The best self defense gun for women is one that fits her hands and is easy to operate, not necessarily the smallest gun on the shelf. A compact 9mm with a comfortable grip is often the sweet spot, since it manages recoil well and is easy to shoot accurately. The best way to find the right fit is to handle and test-fire a few, which you can do on our range.
Yes, 9mm is one of the most trusted self defense calibers and is carried by the majority of U.S. police departments. Modern 9mm hollow-point loads expand reliably and stop threats, while the light recoil helps you put rounds on target fast. It's the most popular starting point for self defense.
A handgun is easier to keep close and maneuver indoors, while a shotgun delivers more stopping power up close and is simple to use. Many people keep a handgun for carry and add a shotgun for the house. The right pick depends on your home layout and who else may need to use it.
Most self defense handguns cost between $300 and $700, with premium pistols at $800 to $1,200 or more. Home defense shotguns typically run $400 to $700. Total Impact price-matches any competitor, so you always pay the best price.
Whether you're buying your first carry gun, setting up a home defense plan, or adding to the safe, Total Impact has the self defense firearms, the price-match guarantee, and the range to help you choose with confidence. Browse the lineup above, and reach out if you want a model we can source for you.
