Few weapons bring the fight-stopping capability like a good defensive shotgun. In this realm, we are given countless options to choose from. To help guide you on your boom stick journey, we have chosen six of the most popular and successful defensive shotguns and tested them. In the end, we will decide just which one will win the coveted Ballistics Best Defensive Shotgun for 2025.
Evaluators Of Ballistic’s Best Defensive Shotguns
Before we dive into the battle, let’s talk about the process. First, I gathered a team of evaluators. They included my son Ranon, who also writes for Athlon; his close friend and fellow gun nerd, Mario; and me. In total, we have almost 70 years of shooting experience between us. This would offer a spectrum of views on the guns. Next up was the logistical tap dance of getting guns and ammo. Hornady was kind enough to step up and provide all the ammo for testing.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
The testing process was pretty simple. Each category covered something that people in the defensive shotgun market look for. The scale ranged from 0 to 5, with the opening point at 3. That means every gun came in as a three and gained or lost points as the evaluation went on. Evaluators could assign any point value they felt was appropriate. Once we had all the guns and ammo in hand, a date was set, and we were on our way. Let’s take a look at this year’s contenders in alphabetical order.
Ballistic’s Best Defensive Shotguns
Beretta 1301 Tactical C
With a legacy built on precision engineering and relentless innovation, the Beretta 1301 Tactical C Shotgun emerges as the natural successor, setting new standards for excellence in tactical shotguns. It boasts an upgraded forend with aggressive knurling for a firm grip and three M-Lok sections for easy attachment. A new semi-flat tactical-style trigger offers a crisp break with minimal reset, and a new Pro-Lifter allows effortless reloading. The power of the B-LINK gas system, combined with the precision of the rotating bolt, ensures you fast, reliable, and smart cycling. Whether you are a professional operator, a dedicated competitor, or a home defender, this shotgun delivers the performance you need. Choose from a range of colors, including Black, FDE, OD Green, or Gray, in a 7+1 and 5+1 capacity.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
- Highest Evaluators Score: 34
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 32
- Highest Average Category Score: Recoil 4.00
- Lowest Average Category Score: Price 3.67
Total Score: 33.02
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Benelli M4 EXT
The Benelli M4 has been a long-time powerhouse in the shotgun world. Now Benelli has improved this classic. The new M4 EXT delivers more capacity with a 7+1 loadout, more control with a 5-position telescoping stock, and more speed with an oversized bolt release made for gloved hands and high-stress reloads. Finished in H2O, FDE, or Multicam Black and powered by Benelli’s proven ARGO gas system, the M4 EXT is the trusted platform—now fully loaded.
- Highest Evaluators Score: 30
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 28
- Highest Average Category Score: Aesthetics 4.33
- Lowest Average Category Score: Price 2.00
Total Score: 28.99
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX
Mossberg has taken their popular 940 Pro Tactical to the next level. From their innovative forend/heat shield combination, to the added shotshell carrier, to built-in fiber optic ghost ring sights, and new adapters to allow even more direct optic mounting choices, they’ve loaded the 940 Pro Tactical – SPX series with the functional, high-end features shooters are looking for in a tactical autoloader. From the clean-running gas vent system and adjustable-length of-pull stock with QD ports, to oversized ergonomic safety and bolt release, the SPX is a solid shotgun.
Editor’s Note: Check out the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical SPX Rotten Gun Reviews here.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
- Highest Evaluators Score: 32
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 30
- Highest Average Category Score: Reloading 3.67
- Lowest Average Category Score: Sights 3.00
Total Score: 30.66
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
Savage Renegauge Security
The American-made Savage Renegauge will change the way you think about semi-automatic shotguns. Renegauge can handle the hottest high-brass and the mildest low-recoil shells with the same dependability. The patented D.R.I.V. (Dual Regulating Inline Valve) gas system ensures excess gas vents before it drives the bolt, resulting in consistent ejection, less felt recoil, and a lightning-fast cyclic rate for dependably fast split times. Renegauge has been designed to fit almost any shooter. Everything from the length of pull to the comb height and drop at the heel can be adjusted to fit.
Editor’s Note: Check out the Savage Renegauge Security Rotten Gun Reviews here.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
- Highest Evaluators Score: 30
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 29
- Highest Average Category Score: Recoil 3.67
- Lowest Average Category Score: Price 2.67
Total Score: 29.33
SYM-TAC Signature Model Vang Comp 870
The SYM-TAC Signature Model Vang Comp 870 is a custom Remington 870 shotgun built for enhanced accuracy and recoil management, featuring Vang Comp Systems’ signature barrel modifications, ports, and smooth action. It includes a Vang Comp ported barrel for reduced muzzle rise and tighter patterns, an upgraded Vang Comp +1 magazine extension, Magpul furniture, and Wilson Combat ghost ring sights. This model is designed for high-performance home defense, delivering tighter shot patterns and a flatter shooting experience than a standard shotgun.
Advertisement — Continue Reading Below
- Highest Evaluators Score: 31
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 30
- Highest Average Category Score: Trigger 3.67
- Lowest Average Category Score: Recoil 3.00
Total Score: 30.34
Winchester Super X Pump Marine Defender
The Super X Pump Marine Defender is built to resist the roughest weather on your boat, at your cabin, or in your camp. Whether it’s multi-gun competition or protecting your home and family, the Marine Defender is a perfect choice. Its inertia-assisted action, six-shell total ammo capacity, durable composite stock, and ribbed forearm give you an edge against any odds. Winchester has made this gun feature-rich. It has a matte hard-chrome plating on the barrel, magazine tube, slide arms, and other components for ultimate protection against wear and the elements. The Rotary bolt with four massive lugs provides strength and solid lockup. They also included an Inflex technology recoil pad that directs felt recoil downward and away from your cheek, reducing flinch and fatigue. In the end, the Super X Pump Marine Defender is what you expect from Winchester.
- Highest Evaluators Score: 26
- Lowest Evaluators Score: 24
- Highest Average Category Score: Recoil 3.00
- Lowest Average Category Score: Sights 2.00
Total Score: 25.00
Real Testing
While I tend to categorize the testing process as work, it was honestly enjoyable. The ability to have some of the finest defensive shotguns under the sun at my fingertips was exciting. The testing was thorough, with each evaluator independently running the gun as they saw fit for the application. From controlled pairs to long strings of fire, the guns saw it all. I personally ran fighting drills, such as emergency reloads and transitions to slug operations. All of these were to test these shotguns as they would be used in the real world.
The Winner
I was happy to say that none of the shotguns in our lineup faltered in any way. Each had its strengths and minor shortcomings. In the end, however, a winner had to be chosen. Once the last shell hit the ground, I gathered the score sheets and headed back to the office. After crunching the numbers, one shotgun clearly stood out in almost every category. The winner of the Ballistics Best Defensive Shotgun for 2025 is the Beretta 1301 Tactical C. While every shotgun performed well, the Beretta stood at the top.
Closing Thoughts
As I always say. I have a deep respect for all the companies that provide guns for testing. It takes a confident brand to step into the ring like this without knowing what the outcome may be. This shows a deep confidence in the gun companies provided. In the end, we would recommend any of these shotguns to new and experienced shooters alike, and are honored to have had the chance to test them all.
Specifications
Ballistic’s Best 2025 Defensive Shotguns Scoring
WHY OUR ARTICLES/REVIEWS DO NOT HAVE AFFILIATE LINKS
Affiliate links create a financial incentive for writers to promote certain products, which can lead to biased recommendations. This blurs the line between genuine advice and marketing, reducing trust in the content.