I keep a new mosquito near me and I think 10 varmint rounds into a perp could be very effective as well. Shotgun gets first lick though.
If they really wake me from my slumber, Gumby 23 wakes up.
I would not dismiss a 22 but in the middle of slumber in the dark ye old shotgun rules.
Just identify your fear before pull the trigger.
Gumby 23?
A 38 revolver is fine if that is what she is comfortable with. She can load one or two shot shells if she want to get his attention without killing him.
In the news today was just such a scenario where a lady shot a perp 6 times hitting him in the face and neck 5 times with a 38. I’m surprised the guy lived but so far he is. One really lucky bad guy.