Best Budget Home Defense Guns Under $500 (2026)
The 8 best home defense guns under 500 dollars in 2026. Handguns, shotguns, and PCCs that protect your home without emptying your wallet.
Handguns
Our handgun guides cover everything from compact carry pistols to full-size duty handguns. We focus on real-world use, shootability, reliability, and value, with up-to-date pricing to help you choose the right handgun or pistol for how you actually shoot and carry.
Best Guns for Home Defense in California (2026)
The 8 best home defense guns legal in California in 2026. Roster-compliant handguns, featureless rifles, and compliant shotguns.
Canik Mete MC9 vs Sig P365: Budget Contender vs the King (2026)
Canik MC9 vs Sig P365 compared. The $400 budget contender takes on the micro compact king on trigger, capacity, size, and concealment.
Concealed Carry for Women: Practical Guns, Holsters, and Wardrobe Solutions (2026)
Women are the fastest-growing segment of gun owners, and concealed carry for women comes with unique challenges. This guide covers the best carry guns for smaller hands, holster options that work with women’s clothing, wardrobe solutions, and training resources.
Ruger SP101 Review (2026): 500 Round Test of the Toughest Carry Revolver
The Ruger SP101 is built like a tank and handles .357 Magnum in a carry-sized package. We put 500 rounds through the 2.25-inch model and tested it for concealed carry. Full review with live pricing.
Ruger Security-9 Review (2026): 500 Round Test of Ruger’s Budget 9mm
The Ruger Security-9 brings Ruger reliability to the budget 9mm market at around 300 dollars. We put 500 rounds through it and tested it for home defense and range duty. Full review with live pricing.
Best Concealed Carry Gun for Left-Handers (2026)
The best concealed carry guns for left-handed shooters all feature ambidextrous controls. We tested 8 top picks with reversible mag releases, ambi slide stops, and southpaw-friendly designs.
Home Defense for Seniors (2026): Easy-to-Use Guns and Plans
The best home defense guns and plans for seniors — easy-rack S&W M&P EZ, simple-action Ruger LCR revolver, 20-gauge Mossberg Shockwave, biometric safes and integrated medical alert + home security for older adults.
S&W M&P 9 M2.0 Full-Size Review (2026): 500 Round Test of the Duty-Grade 9mm
The Smith and Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Full-Size is a duty-grade 17+1 capacity 9mm that rivals the Glock 17 at a lower price. We put 500 rounds through it. Full review with live pricing.