First off, if someone breaks in my house at that hour they get what is comming to them. They are there for a reason, and not a one of them is good. Im a fond believer that you say "I got a gun", then shoot. Like my old man always told us as kids (he was a cop),"never shot a person you do not intend to kill". I think that sums it up. If you shot to injure the law suits will be double. If they are dead, it simply an investigation. If the decision is made to shot, you shot to kill. I use to travel a lot. I have always told my wife to shot to kill. I fear she might start picking shots and piss a druged up intruder off and get her and the kids killed in the process.

You mentioned that if the person was small, should that effect your choice. I say no. Im 6'4, over 200lbs and was an NCAA all American athlete, if they are small and keep coming, I wouldnt risk injury or the chance of losing my gun. He would have to die.