When I took the course for my CC several years ago....The last evening the officer had written on the board 12 GAUGE....He then proceeded to tell us that when he entered a house for a drug bust his .45 was on his hip and his 12 gauge was in his hands...

As has been pointed out, you need to give some consideration as to where and how it should be stored, and what type shot is in the chamber....

FWIW....I use one of my 12 gauges when getting ready for deer season...When cutting shooting lanes...High brass #6s in a full or modified choke will cut through a limb 3 inches in diameter from 20 feet...