http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2408865/posts
Above is another thread on a similar subject and I will copy and paste my same post as it is applicable here as well.
“Consider the 20-gauge shotgun
http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/ayoob120.html
Home defense is of prime importance and no permits needed and it is light enough that women or older children can use it I would go for a pump because the unmistakable noise alone will likely cause a home invader to be in a hurry to get out of dodge if only to change his undies. Rifles or pistols are great but they all take time and practice to learn how to shoot well. A shotgun is a point and shoot even if you totally miss it makes enough noise to rouse the deepest sleeper. For easy learning find a shooting club with a laser shotgun simulator. My 12 yr old daughter hit 19 of 25 on her first round and thats simulated clays not a man sized target. No noise or recoil but the simulator builds the confidence. Then move on to some range shooting to get the noise and recoil part down.”
I heard Dan Rather say that very thing . It was a crock even back then . Maybe just a recording with verses of dobermans and a chorus of 870s racking ./sarc