[TexasRedeye]

If you can handle it a 12 gage shotgun with 00 buckshot.

00 buckshot is a macho suggestion and in a home defense weapon is a disaster waiting to happen to the homeowner, not the perp. In a house clearing operation, a load of #6 or #7 1/2 and will cut a man in half at 15 feet. The chances of this devastating shot penetrating a wall and injuring or killing a neighbor or loved one is minimized. Also, for a slightly built female with minimal self defense skills and for accessibility and ease of use and lethality, a Taurus Judge loaded with .410 defensive ball shot is a good suggestion.

[mylife]

I have a great Saiga 410 that I would sell.

it was gonna be my boat gun but dumbass laws make it cost prohibitive for me to make it a side folder.
Even as a full long arm I would never sneer at it.

Ladies handle it well with 3” 00 buck

[Vigilantcitizen]

I got #4 buck in mine...but I aint scared of #7 either.

[ColdSteelTalon]

Its a matter of training. I have a lady friend who is 4'11 and is 95 pounds wringing wet and she can handle a 12 gauge just fine. My rule of thumb is get as much gun as you can handle. Proper training is a must and I recommended such in private e-mail.

To your point of over penetration you might be right there might be a better choice regarding shot in certain situations. but good old 00 Buck works every time. :)

Regards.