Why a handgun at the bedside
A long gun is easier to shoot well, and we cover shotguns and carbines elsewhere on this site. A handgun still has advantages at the bedside. It leaves a hand free to call for help, open doors or guide family members. It is easier to store in a small, fast-opening safe. It is also easier to keep control of in tight spaces.
What makes a good nightstand pistol
- Size. Carry guns are built to be small. A nightstand gun does not need to be, and a bigger grip and longer sight radius make it easier to shoot well under stress.
- Capacity. More rounds means fewer reloads. Check your state's magazine limits.
- A light rail. You need to identify before you shoot.
- Sights or an optic you can see in the dark. Night sights or a red dot help.
Four pistols to consider
Glock 17 Gen 5. The full-size standard in 9mm, with enormous holster, light and magazine support. It is simple, and many instructors know it well.
Glock 17 Gen 5
9mm · 17+1 · full-size
Canik Mete SFT. A high-capacity, optics-ready 9mm that ships with extras. The catalog listing shows 20+1, a speed loader and a holster.
Canik Mete SFT
9mm · 20+1 · optics-ready, extras included
Sig P365-XMACRO TACOPS. A compact that holds 17+1. It makes sense if the same gun does double duty for carry and the nightstand.
Sig P365-XMACRO TACOPS
9mm · 17+1 · carry and home
FN 510 Tactical. 10mm with a 22+1 listing. It is more powerful and more recoil than 9mm, so choose it only if you already shoot 10mm well.
FN 510 Tactical
10mm · 22+1 · threaded, optics-ready
The light is mandatory
A light lets you identify who is in your home. A weapon-mounted light means you point the muzzle at whatever you illuminate, so keep a handheld flashlight too and use it to search. For a full-size pistol, a rail light like the Streamlight TLR-1 is a common choice. Our weapon light comparison covers compact options for smaller guns.
Streamlight TLR-1
Rail-mounted weapon light, listed at 1,000 lumens
Ammunition
Use a proven defensive hollow point, and fire enough of it to confirm your pistol feeds it reliably. Our 9mm home-defense ammo guide covers load choice and what happens to rounds that miss.
Storage you can open in the dark
An unsecured gun on a nightstand is a risk to children, guests and anyone who breaks in while you are out. A quick-access safe with a biometric, keypad or mechanical lock you can open by touch keeps the gun secure and still fast. Practice opening it in the dark. Check your state's storage laws, since some require locked storage.
Put it together
- Choose a pistol you shoot well.
- Mount a light and practice turning it on with your firing grip.
- Load a proven hollow point and confirm reliability.
- Store it in a quick-access safe and practice opening it in the dark.
- Keep a phone and a handheld flashlight with it.
- Make a household plan: where everyone goes, who calls for help.
If you would rather have a long gun, compare our pistol-caliber carbine guide and other PCC options.
Frequently asked questions
Is a handgun or shotgun better for home defense?
Long guns are easier to shoot well. Handguns leave a hand free, store in smaller safes, and are easier to control in tight spaces. Many households keep both.
Should my nightstand gun have a light?
Yes. You must identify a person before shooting. Keep a handheld flashlight too, so you do not point the gun at everything you want to see.
Is it safe to keep a gun on the nightstand?
Only with secure storage. A quick-access safe keeps the gun away from children and unauthorized users while staying fast to open.
What caliber is best for a nightstand pistol?
9mm is the most common choice because it balances capacity, recoil and ammunition availability. Choose a caliber you shoot accurately.
Keep reading
HomeDefenseGuns earns a commission on some purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Availability and pricing change often — always confirm on the retailer's page. Firearms ship only to a licensed dealer (FFL); you are responsible for complying with all federal, state and local laws. Nothing here is legal advice. Get professional training before relying on any firearm for defense, and store firearms securely.