I quit keeping a loaded auto in the house after I bought a Colt Officers off my brother. He kept a loaded magazine in the gun and the other 2 loaded for years. When I bought the gun off him, it jammed all the time. As soon as I replaced his old factory mags with new factory mags, the gun never jammed om me again. I guess the magazine springs can get weak from being loaded for years at a time. For this reason, I keep a S&W .357 by the bed. I was later told that if you keep the magazines only half full, the springs will last longer. Since I am a pretty good shot, I'll stick with the wheel gun for home defense. A shotgun is still the ultimate HD weapon but then again, if it's a pump or auto, still have the spring issue. Perhaps a side by side shotgun would be best.