Like some have said, I don't think that any of us knows exactly what we'd do in a situation like that unless you HAVE been there. But, I've go over this in my mind many times, trying to come with some sort of plan. If after I told him plainly to leave or be shot, he keeps coming, he's shot!! My first firearm for defense is a 12ga SXS with barrels cut at 18 1/2 inches. The first shot should put his butt back to the bottom of the steps and, should he live through that one, I'll have another round to keep him at bay until the law shows up. The last thing that I would want to do is take a life, but if its my family or him, he's in serious trouble.