[greyhawke54]

The shotgun is a prob the best choice for a home defense weapon for several reasons.

1. The the are very intimidating to the intruder. Often times you saying you are armed and racking the action is enough to scare away any intruders. Also the hole at the end of the barrel is huge when looking at from the business end. Intimidation should be a big factor in a home defense weapon. You really don't want to kill someone. Scaring them off is enough.

2. If the situation does come to firing the weapon. A shotgun has a wide pattern and is more likely to result in a hit especially in confined environments like in a house. Also the shot blast is more likely to be stopped by walls and house materials. Meaning much less of a chance of a stray projectile going through walls and injuring people in neighboring houses.

3. A shotgun is a large implement and can be used as a club as well. When all else fails it can become an effective clubbing device.

Cons.

1. Because of their length shotguns can be more cumbersome and unwieldy than a handgun.

2. The larger shot pattern does mean that not all of your projectiles will be absorbed by said intruder.

One of the best pieces of advice offered on here was to go to a range and try several different weapons to see what you personally feel comfortable with.

I would say that you might be as far ahead getting a dog. They have been proven to be a good deterent to buglars and other criminal elements. They are also a lot less responsiblity. Remember deadly force should only be considered as a last resort if you feel you or your families lives to be in danger. You do not want the killing of another human life on your concience. In addition to the legal headaches that can result from having to perform such an act.

Of note some States require that to use deadly force you have to announce that you are armed and lock yourself in a room, and the intruder has to be trying to get to you for self defense to be considered. That is an extreme, but it does still exist.

Sorry got a little long.