Buddy of mine bought one .I shot it with the .410 and the .45 colt. JMHO but with a .410 shot shell I don't think it would suffice for a true self defense weapon except for the fact that the one getting shot would have to have a lot of work getting all of the little pellets out of them.The .410 buckshot which I think has 3 pellets would be a better choice.which brings us to the .45 colt round .If used for S/D this would be the way to go.250 grains of punkin ball hitting you will keep the perp down.I don't like to think this way but it is the only way I know .If I have to shoot somebody I want them To instantly stop being a threat to me and not be able to threaten me further.To meme this means basically death.I hope and beg that I never have to be put in this type of situation again ever in my life.But if it is me or them it is damn well going to be them..The judge is in my opinion a good boat or pack gun with a couple of .410s and a couple of .45s.The .410s will keep the snakes off of your ass and the .45s will keep the other critters at bay.