Pretty much anyone in the Law Enforcement or Military field are going to agree a shotgun with the right ammo is a far superior weapon to any pistol. And a 410 pistol in my opinion is the most worthless thing you could have in your hand in that situation. You might be better off throwing the gun at them if it's heavy. Unless you get invaded by squirrels, and then you better hope they are not big ones.

I did some testing a few years ago with a couple of shotguns, different chokes and loads. I was trying to find out how well regular shot would work compared to buckshot at close ranges. The one thing I found out is that the choke you use makes a big difference. The difference between a modified choke and turkey choke at ranges from 10 ft to 10 yards was VERY impressive. I tried shot from target #8 loads up to #4 magnum turkey loads. I won't go into detail, I have a detailed outline on another site I will try and dig up if I can. But all said and done my home defense load is a #4 turkey load with a super full choke. I live in a trailer court. If I live in a bigger house or in the country small buckshot would be my choice.

Sawed off shotguns and cylinder bore chokes might sound cool but take my word for it, a tighter choke performs much better with shot at these distances. And from what I have seen on static targets and different types of game smaller shot like 7 and 8 just doesn't penetrate well enough unless you are at point blank range, especially with a more open choke. Makes an impressive looking wound, but doesn't do any real damage internally. And if the person is wearing heavy clothing or a leather coat bird shot with a modified choke at beyond 10 yards may not even hurt them, other than superficial wounds.

And slugs are way overkill in the penetration department unless you are in a very rural area or expect to shoot through barriers, like a car door or large piece of furniture.

And when I was talking about not having an "evil" looking gun I am not talking about what the police think, but more along along the lines if it happens to go to trial. Most likely your other guns won't be an issue, but the one you used to kill or injure (bad idea) someone with will be evidence in the trial. And along those lines, remember a dead guy can't testify against you in court.

I took an urban defense class many years ago when I lived in California. The three main things they talked about were like I mentioned about not modifying a weapon. Second, shoot to kill and make it look like you were truly in fear for your or your loved ones lives. Don't go walking through the house clearing it like a swat member (unless you are a trained person in this field), or shoot to wound someone then call the police. Two big reasons are that like I said, injured people can sue the crap out of you. Yes, even if they broke into your house. And second it makes it look like you had too much control over the situation. I know that sounds dumb, but a lawyer explained to us how it would play out in a court room. You are better off emptying the gun into the guy than you would be shooting him once and waiting to see what happened.

And the third thing is you have to know the law where you live. In a lot of states and cities you can't just get a gun and shoot someone that comes in your house or yard. In many places you have to prove they were a real threat to your life. In almost all places they HAVE to be IN your home. Shooting someone on your porch will most likely turn out bad for you, even if they were armed. I have a cousin that went to prison for shooting someone in his front yard, and the other guy was armed as well. Crappy law, but the law none the less. And some places you have to tell the intruder to leave and tell them you have a weapon before you shoot them. Of course it's your word against his, and if he's dead that makes it a bit easier. Remember, dead people don't testify.

In most cases they do not suggest you go looking for the person. You retreat to a safe room, yours or the kids bedroom, then call the police and let the intruder know you are armed (or not) and that you have called the police. Then wait for them to come to you. It's easier to defend a position then it is to go searching for a target. In a lot of states and cities they just don't feel your tv is worth a life, even that of a criminal.

This would really depend on the size of your house and how things unfolded though.

And these are only things I was told in a class more than 15 years ago, maybe 20 and my opinions. I am not an officer nor have I ever shot anyone. I have talked to many that have though.

Paul