I also have a .38 special for this purpose, also a .22 Mag, that my wife shoots very well. We don't have kids, and I imagine that a short barreled 12 gauge loaded with small shot, would be just the ticket to motivate a would be assailant to leave the premises expeditiously. Just trying to picture what would be the most intimidating weapon to have stuffed in your face, and I think a lady sporting an itchy trigger finger and a short barreled shotgun, would probably be right up there. The small shot will more than do the trick at inside the home ranges, and hopefully it will not pass through walls and continue on further.