Know the laws for your particular state, county and municipality. Get proper training using the method you have chosen. If you are using a firearm, what firearm can YOU use best under stress and have good hits? Then the next step is selecting the proper ammo for that firearm in the circumstances it may be used - paying attention to possible over penetration.

IMO, the shotgun can be a very good choice. With any firearm, proper training, ammo and practice are key.

There are situations where _________ (fill in the blank) firearm type may not be the best choice. Each firearm type has their own advantages and disadvantages over other firearm types. A shotgun CAN be used very effectively in a home defense situation. Again, proper training, ammo and practice are key. The shotgun was used a lot in Vietnam by the U.S. military to clear enemy tunnels.

I will protect the lives of others and myself. Even when a person is in the right, having to shoot a person to protect yourself or others is not something you should want to experience or look to do. See what you can do to reduce the chance of perps choosing your place or neighborhood. Do you and your neighbors call in suspicious activity? Do you know your neighbors?