But if you want something for a home defense type role, think about a pump-action 12 gauge. The 12 gauge is widely considered to be the most effective tool for this job. Even after you have taken your time and carefully selected a handgun and received training, you still may prefer the shotgun when something goes"bump" in the night.


How often is the distinct sound of a pump shotgun enough to scare an intruder off. There is no other sound like it. As a child I heard that sound once in the middle of the night, right before the dogs went nuts. We never found out who was in our house, but our dogs did their job. One came home pretty bloody and a bit sore. A good dog can be a extra line of defense, it can buy you a few seconds if someone is hell bent on really causing harm.