There are alot of variables involved. Probably the most important variable is personal experience. I am a point shooter, so I have a 44 Magnum with 240 grain cast bullets that are loaded down. If your are in my house, I will shoot from the hip, and you will go down fast. Period!! However I am very experienced at this. I WOULD NOT recommend this type of shooting to anyone who is not qualified to do so. And the most important part is that there are NO other friendly's in my house. If I had friendly's in my house then I would NOT use this weapon.

Paul mentioned long range, and past ten yards. IMO that scenario does not apply-we are in a home, and ten yards is a long way in a home. However he is correct about the stigmatism of shotgun's. Most people who are afraid of them have never shot them. I can assure you that any person can use a 20 gauge 870 pump, with a shorter barrel, and light loads. They just have to get over being afraid of the gun. Some people can get over it, and some people can not.

I do not like 22 pistol's, but it may be the only choice for some people. Some people are just afraid of anything else.

In summary it depends on your shooting abilty, and who else is in the house. Friend or foe. If there are no friendly's, then by all means load her up hot, and take em out. Just be sure it is not a friend you take out. Just for fun some time take a sheet of drywall to the range and watch what kind of hole buckshot will make. Then remember your son may be on the other side of the wall. Any shot fired in the air from any type weapon is going to be a major deterrent. Just make sure all user's are totally familar with your weapon of choice. Tom.