Yup, that is my current defense setup. I put a Surefire fore-end grip flashlight, a side saddle shell carrier and a Wilson combat sling on mine. Out of all of the shotguns I own (and have owned) this one patterns the best. My home defense ammo is the Federal tactical 00 Buck, which is a great round. I have played with this thing alot, and I can get off three shots in a little over a second very accurately. Most people choose the 870 because of the options available for it, or (in my opinion) they choose whatever their favorite gun writer says is the hot item. In all honesty, I do love 870s, but the 1300 Defender is just as good and better in some aspects.