Hi Brea and welcome. Have both and they are equally reliable. Just store each with the bolt locked back and you will have no issues even with light loads. The bullpup is definitely more compact and easier to maneuver for home defense without sacrificing capacity or barrel length for velocity. The one to pick is the one that best serves how you will be using it. Cheers, stay safe and enjoy!

DP-12

The DP-12 is your only choice. Robust build and utmost integrity for home defense. The DP-12's dual-barrel, two-shot-per-trigger-pull design is unique. Get it and you’ll never look back!

The DP-12 shotgun is generally considered more reliable for both its robust build and pump-action design, while the reliability of a bullpup shotgun with a 10-round magazine can vary depending on the specific model. The DP-12's design is known for its durability and has a reputation for being a reliable firearm for home defense. Pump-action bullpups like the M&P 12 are also very reliable, but the DP-12's dual-barrel, two-shot-per-trigger-pull design is unique and may be less prone to user error during transitions between magazines compared to some other bullpup designs.