Most people if they ever do have to shoot someone can't hit accurately with a pistol. You may be able to cut the bullseye out when you are practicing but if you have to shoot a person it is a different story. People get excited and the adreneline starts pumping and it is hard for people to shoot. That is where a shotgun works better. The best case is to not have to shoot at all and when you look down the barrel of a shotgun you think twice about arguing with the person. I keep #2 shot in mine it has more pellets than buckshot so you have a better chance of hitting them and it will still stop them in their tracks. I've seen a guy get shot 3 times in the gut with a .38 and get up and run off. He was dumped off at a hospital later that night and died the next day. Though if the guy that shot himwould of had a shotgun the guy never would of made it away.