I don’t think he was denigrating small caliber firearms. Just pointing out that if you’re in a close quarters encounter with one or more thugs (i.e. home defense) a short barrelled shotgun is the ultimate weapon for many reasons. For example, a Mossberg 930SPX with 18 inch barrel loaded with 2 3/4 No. 1 buck shot could be handled easily and accurately by your wife, GA girl or anyone. I guarantee you one shot from this weapon versus the 22 mag would make a world of difference when your life in on the line. You don’t have to be an expert marksman with this weapon to put a lot of holes in someone in an instant.
It seems best to have a "life preserver"(nod to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)ready without calling attention to oneself.
For this reason I don't regale co-workers with tales of my shooting prowess or firearms "collection" lest they become concerned since mere discussion of firearms is deemed an indicator of someone likely to commit workplace violence.
A fellow had his truck impounded by police following discovery of a visible long gun in it while parked locked in the company lot.Whole thing instigated by false claim of family member he was suicidal .Half a dozen cops in several cars swarmed around locked truck as it were a major crime scene. Almost lost his job ,but due to "no gun" signs location on INNER fence of property he was warned ,as was everyone ,that going forward no weapons allowed on any part of company property, not just the secured ares inside the fence..Violation will result in job termination for first offense.This took place in Ohio.Of course this is how anti-gunners effectively stop legal carry because if you can't have a firearm in your vehicle wherever it may have to be parked then you can't have it with you at all.I heard that Indiana has new law that prohibits parking lot owners from taking action based solely on firearm locked in a vehicle.Best if firearm not visible to passerby;the back window gunrack has become a rarity today,but I remember they were common here 30 years ago.