I used to think that the sound of a pump being racked would scare anyone away. And, maybe usually will. It certainly would scare me. But not every city raised punk knows just what that sound REALLY is. Do a test from another room on anybody that has never heard the sound. I think you might be surprised.

In the heat of the moment I like the idea of a semi auto. I don't like the idea having to remember to pump it again or maybe short pumping it.

12 ga, # 4 or buck and all the shells it will hold.

I would just like to throw my opinion into the ring and I am surprised that no one mentioned the Winchester PDX-1 Defense Ammo, do some YouTube searches to see the effective range and shot patterns. The slug matched with the 00 buckshot is devastating. I currently employ two shotguns for home defense because I love options. I recently purchased a Benelli M4, added the 7 rd tube, collapsible stock, and tactical rail for a light, 8 rds of PDX-1 ammunition and it is a show stopper. The second one is the Stoeger Escort, 18.5" barrel, over/under and tactical rail for a light. I was taught many years ago that a light is a must because if you shoot someone that you failed to identify then you will be in a whole mess of hot water. Also a bright light will tear up an intruder's senses like no buddies business. Again these are just opinions and like I said options are nice, if I deploy a shotgun you can bet that I will tuck my .45 in my tightie whities for back up.

All good points made as far as the tool to use, but mostly useless if you fail to train you may fail to succeed if that time comes...you have to be intimately familiar with your weapon of choice when the wolf comes through your door. I like the light suggestion so either attach it or train with the light. Most intruders are dope driven and dont consider the consequences of thier actions as you and I. Some will flee when confronted but some can only see your property as thiers to use to trade for thier next hit. I hope that none of us will be put in a home defense position but failing to train and prepare for such a moment could be a critical mistake. Just food for thought. And always call 911 when situation allows help will be on the way...

I think the sound of a pump action could get you killed.

I would rather have my browning auto 5 with one in the
chamber, four in the magazine. I can and have shot it from the
hip with deadly effect. ( nothing on two legs , yet )

I don't trust the no stock pistol grip pump actions
because I have not fired them for effect enough.

I would rather have something in my hands that I have fired
thousands of rounds with, than the best " tactical "
black plastic piece.

If I were going to rely on a specialty piece, I would
not trust it until I had run a case of ammo thru it . Not
just buy it, load it and set it by the bed.

good luck -- hope we never have to test our theories


MO

So many things come to mind, but I must keep them to myself.

That part was meant as a joke, I always picture the old man from Billy Madison running outside with tightie whities screaming to call the Fire Dept because of the bag of poo...lol

I have to add also that I agree with the guys that already have the gun loaded, I never, ever want to have to shoot someone in the house, but my feelings are that if they are already in the house then they made the decision for me, so the only sound I want them to hear at that point is the sound the gun makes when it goes off. It is a hard stance, but if they are already in the house, I have no choice.

home defense shotgun, goes boom, leaves a wide pattern of buckshot, if you need to, a second shot and maybe a shot from a .45 or so point blank to the head, make sure they dont sue you. dead men dont file law suits against you.

Pistol grip Remmington defender with deuce magnums. They wont be dead they will be in two pieces.

They could have used you at the Alamo home of the first Texas home invasion.

Whatever you and the other potential users are comfortable with. However, keop it loaded and on safe. That is my personal opinion because when I first wake up, I am less than 100 percent. My practice has shown, the first thng I do is, relese the safety and place my trigger finger staight and above the trigger guard. I have handguns available but my primary is an 870 with 18.5 barrel with 8 rounds in and four more in the speed stock.

I actually had a CHL instructor tell me that if you ever have to USE it on someone, KILL THEM. You want the only story to be YOUR story: the truth.

As for the original question, if it goes bang when you pull the trigger and you can hold it with one hand and open a door quietly with the other, you have what's necessary. I have a H&R single 12 with an 18 1/8" barrel (1/8 extra to allow for picky LEO tape measure) and my AR with a 235 lumen solid/strobe, laser, and 30 rds of 62gr HPs...

My CHL instructor said the same thing, also a couple of LEO's that I know have echoed that same message. It is ridiculous that our country is full of so many people that if you shoot someone that breaks into your house then they can sue you and actually win. They only win because you stopped the intruder before they hurt you or your family. Shooting them is Crime Prevention at its finest in my opinion!!